Two days later and the issue wasn't yet resolved despite the press conference. In contrary, Forth was bashed even more and the Kongthanin shares were falling drastically. More and more investors were leaving them gradually and some employees even left their jobs to find other jobs because they were afraid that they might be forced to quit in the near future. For the Kongthanin, it meant sleepless nights and stressful meetings.

Forth was doing his best as promised and he was personally convincing the investors to put their trust on them. He kept moving constantly from one place to another to meet them and he was now preparing to depart to Japan to apologise and to convince the chairman to reconsider his decision.

As for Pha, despite all that was happening around him, he didn't forgot about Yo's birthday month. He kept ordering fresh black roses and little gifts to be delivered everyday. It seemed like his plan for Yo's great surprise must be put on hold but he was doing his best to at least spend some time with him. Even Yo's parents weren't pressuring him to return back home, they knew about the crisis and they were trying their best to not disturb him.

On top of all their troubles, a recent picture of Diane has been released, she appeared unkept with messy hair and big eye bags. This has touched the whole nation and everyone was sympathising with her. Women from all around were putting themselves into her shoes and were blaming the Kongthanin for her current situation. She was totally playing the victim card therefore Kongthanin's lawyer was forced to stepped in and dealt with her for spreading fake rumours and for trying to destroy their reputation.

Yet she hasn't learn her lesson, she went back crying to the media that the Kongthanin was trying to shut her mouth by slamming her with different lawsuit. A second press conference was scheduled that day and everyone held their breath as Forth took the stage and addressed the audience.

"I know that there are many accusations thrown my way and I want to clarify that I am not 'discarding' my wife like most of you has wrote about. Our marriage has come to a point where we can't continue and we have decided to separate. Unfortunately, she isn't ready to accept her various discretion behind my back and want to stay married to me. Like most of you know, I am a very honest and straightforward person therefore I won't accept a one sided marriage where my wife was forced to find love outside. It is obvious we are both unhappy about this and the most reasonable solution is a divorce."

As soon as he paused, a barricade of questions was thrown his way.

"Is it true that you are impotent?"

"Why was she seeking love outside?"

"Was it the lack of children that made her miserable?"

Forth lifted his hand and silenced them, "this is not because of a child. At first she wasn't ready and by the time she was ready, we were both miserable so I refused to bring a child in a loveless marriage. Please refrain from tarnishing the reputation of our company, the fault is entirely mine. I couldn't see how miserable and manipulative she was and now our company is suffering greatly. Our lawyer is already at work and she will be called in court for spreading fake news. No more questions, thank you for your presence here."

He left the stage and walked away stiffly ignoring all the questions thrown at his back. Yo linked his arm with Pha and stared in sadness as Forth disappeared from their sight, "do you think this will alleviate the scandal?"

"I doubt it, the public don't want to hear about Forth's side of the story and Diane has always been a model socialist so they will continue to support her."

"Don't worry P'Pha, just do like i told you and everything will be alright. Let the detectives do their jobs and anonymously publish all of her discretion. The public will realise in time that she was the unfaithful one and will lose their confidence on her."

Pha nodded and caressed his hand, "they are working on it baby but by the time they will find the evidences, our company will suffer more and we will either be forced to dismiss thousands of employees or sell our valuable shares."

Pha swallowed hard when he thought of the possible threat, all of their hard work and pride might be gone just like that. He wasn't worried about himself, they could start over again, especially with their experience. He was more worried about the people working for him, there were parents, elders and youngsters depending on them.

The matter has quiet down a bit after Forth has revealed the real truth behind his divorce, however without any solid proof their reputation was still damaged. Forth was preparing himself to travel to Japan but by their minimum response of his expected arrival, there wasn't much hope.

"P'Pha, how about I ask my father for help?"

Pha looked up from his laptop and frowned, "help?"

Yo nodded eagerly, "my father is currently the most powerful business in Thailand, i'm sure he can do something or give some ideas."

"No baby, if we can't get out of this then this means that we are not competent enough. I will never stood so low to ask my father-in-law's help in my business matters. I am an capable man and I am expected to pass over any crisis by myself. Why do you think P'Forth is not taking any help? Because it will be an insult to his ego that he couldn't resolved it by himself. He is doing this his way so let him be, only time will tell whether we are competent enough or not."

Yo bit his lips and stared at him as he went back to work. He should have known better than to suggest any help, after all the Kongthanin are proud men and to bring in another business man to resolve their issue would be to underestimate their capability. He could only stand by his side and offer his help whenever possible.

Nearing afternoon, he accompanied him to his 2nd board meeting but he was rapidly losing his patience when he saw how they were all blaming Forth.

Poor Forth hasn't slept for two days and it was showing on his face. His father tried to render order but it was getting out of control. Everyone was in panic mode and was fearing for the future. Yo stood up and shouted, "stop it everyone!"

They all got quiet and stared at him in disbelief. Pha stared daggers at anyone who dared to disregard his lover. Yo glanced at everyone and sighed.

"You know what the actual problem is? This is only a small matter and shouldn't have come to such an extent. The problem lies in your whole staff, board members, share holders and investors."

Pha leaned back on his chair and regarded him, "what do you mean?"

"You are too soft and easy-going with them. You should implement a policy that will make it nearly impossible for your investors, employees or any other to retreat and run. For example, the employees who want to quit should give at least a 1- month notice beforehand else they will have to pay a bond or a compensation except in extreme cases , this will frighten them and make them think twice before quitting. Thus, whenever a crisis will come, you can rest assure that your employees won't run away just like now and as for your investors, there should be a mutually signed agreement whereby they can't retreat at the last minute of a crisis...."

He went on and on about what was wrong in their system and how to remedy it. At last he took a deep breath and said, "there it is, apply all of these policies and next time a simple scandal won't your building to crumble."

There was complete silence and then the clapping started. Pha beamed proudly at him and tugged him down onto his lap. He started kissing him all over his face as Yo went red and tried to hide his face on his chest.

Mr Kongthanin cleared his voice loudly and said, "don't forget that you're still in a meeting Phana and as for you Wayo, thank you a lot for pointing out our lackings. We will definitely implement all that you said once we are stable again."

Yo acknowledged him shyly and turned to Forth who for the first time in three days was smiling. His heart lightened up considerably and even the rest of the members has started to see him in a different light. Whereby before they were ignoring him, now they couldn't held but agreed that he has a lot of potential.

The tension has lessened a little and they all found renewed energy to fight more. Pha and Yo walked hand in hand to their office while Forth went to his apartment to prepare for his departure the next day. All hopes were on him, if he succeeded then the investors would trust them again and might come back. They might even get new investors once word would be out that they received Japan support.

Mr Kongthanin was on his way to his office when he received an unexpected call.

"Come to my office."

"Not now. I don't have much time on my hand."

"That's why I'm telling you to come. I have a proposition for you."

The call got disconnected and he frowned at his phone. He was extremely busy but he wouldn't ignore the call because he knew that his friend wouldn't disturb him for meaningless things, especially in such a crucial time. He notified his secretary before going out in case someone would search for him, which was very likely. Thus, he was driving to another building and upon arrival he was escorted directly to Mr Panichayasawad's office.

"Ahh my friend, welcome. It has been so long since you stepped foot in here."

Code glanced around and sighed, "that's true but your office has remained the same except for this wall over there."

He pointed to a wall dedicated entirely to different picture frames. It was all photos of his family, especially of his two boys growing up at various stages and of their different achievements throughout the years.

"What can I say, I am proud of my boys and I am not afraid of showing it."

Code nodded and took a seat, "so why did you call me here?"

Mr Panichayasawad put a picture in front of him and Code's jerked in surprise, it was a picture of his friend laughing with the Japanese chairman that Forth was going to meet tomorrow.

"You know him?"

"Yes, you can say that we are friends. I did him a favor in the past and since then we have maintained our acquaintances."

Code looked at him straight in the eyes and asked coldly, "so why are you showing this to me?"

Mr Panichayasawad replied such as coldly, "one word from me and he will gladly invest in your company. This way your business will be saved and you can get on with your project. You know what this means right? You can expand your business more and make it stronger."

Code let out a harsh laugh, "I know you very well my friend, when it concerns your business you are ruthless so tell me directly what you want from me."

"That's why we are friends I think, you always saw through me. Very well, I want Phana."

Code shot up and shouted, "What!"

Mr Panichayasawad waved a hand and gestured for him to sit back, "calm down, I hasn't finished yet. You see, my son will never leave your company as long as Phana is there and we both know that your son has a very shrewd mind so I want him here working for me."

Code snorted, "so you want his business mind?"

"You said it yourself, I am ruthless in business and I have been thinking of this for quite some time now. If Phana really wants Wayo, then he must work for me as my son-in-law."

Code regarded him sceptically, "what makes you think that he will leave his business to come here? I'm sorry but I have to refuse, our company is in danger and I am not losing my son in term of a short favor."

"Don't be haste, think wisely. This is not temporary." Mr Panichayasawad smiled like a predator, "think of the benefits if it will become known that we are becoming relatives. I will declare my support to you in public and your company will become invincible with my name backing you up. Don't worry, I am not that heartless to take Pha away when you are in a crisis, however once everything will be settled, he will have to get ready to come here. I know Forth can handle alone, I have seen his work and it is very impressive.

So what do you say Code? One phone call and Japan is ready. The rumours will die eventually and your company will once again rise up to the top 10. And after everything will calm down, Pha will handled his work over and come here permanently."

Code remained silent for a long time, lost in thought. His pride was preventing him on taking the offer but somewhere deep inside he was relieved that they wouldn't have to worry so much in the future again. Adding to that, Forth would also be free, he wouldn't have a failing company on his shoulder along with his divorce. He may appeared heartless but he cared deeply for his children and he could see how much of a burden Forth was carrying right now.

"How are you planning on declaring your support?"

Mr Panichayasawad shrugged and suggested, "we can host their engagement and show the world that we are in good terms and soon going to be in-laws."

"What if they refuse? They are young, especially your boy. I'm not sure if he would want to get tied down so soon."

"We are not going to marry them off any time soon, I know that my son is young. But an engagement will assure the public and also my anxious heart. I'm not a fool, I can see clearly that your son has already taken advantage of my son so he has to take responsibility or else..."

Code stood up and they reached a deal by shaking hands, "this is not final. I will think about it and will let you know."

"Don't take too much time, every second is precious for your company."

Code left his office in a dilemma. He had his company on one side, his pride on the other and his son in front of him. Which one would he choose? He thought hard all the way back and entered his office still in a daze. He exhaled deeply when he saw the new report that has been kept on his table, the shares price has decreased even further. Reaching a decision he reached over and made a call, "come to my office right now."

Pha entered without knocking after a grueling five minutes, "what is it this time? If it's about the shares then yes I saw it."

"It's not that..... it's something else."

Pha regarded him strangely, his father was unusually nervous, "then what is it?"

His father took a deep breath and said in a deadpanned voice straight to his face,

"Start preparing for your engagement with Yo."

Author's note:

Yes, I'm bombarding you all with updates because this is double update week. Stay tuned for more this weekend.

Regards,