Stigma Love's Algorithm [ A BTS x Reader Poly ]

Chapter 49: Proof, Power, and Payback ⚠️

"You heard his story. You knew what he went through."

Yi Jun cleared his throat, his voice losing its previous ease. "Mr. Kim, with all due respect-"

"Expound."

Yi Jun hesitated. "I... beg your pardon?"

Seokjin's expression didn't change. "Expound. On your knowledge of Mr. Kim Taehyung's case."

The silence stretched.
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.

Seokjin smirked, exhaling like he was almost disappointed. "Ah." He nodded, feigning understanding. "So you heard his story, and it wasn't enough?"

Yi Jun's throat bobbed as he swallowed.

Seokjin leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table.
His voice was still calm. Still polite.
But the weight of it crushed the air.

"Tell me, then. What makes a case worth it to you?"

Neither man spoke.

Seokjin tilted his head. "Was it the lack of documentation? Because, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe your firm handles fraud cases regularly."

Yi Jun licked his lips. "Yes, but-"

"Was it the witnesses?" Seokjin continued. "Because from my understanding, you didn't even attempt to contact them."

CEO Lim shifted in his seat. "Mr. Kim, I-"

"Or was it something else?" Seokjin mused.

Then, softer-dangerous.

"Was it simply because he wasn't worth your time?"

Yi Jun inhaled sharply, shaking his head. "That's not-"

Yi Jun hesitated, darting a glance at CEO Lim.

The older man shifted in his seat before speaking. "Mr. Kim, with all due respect, we handle cases based on legal viability. There are times when... circumstances simply do not align with the resources required."

Seokjin raised an eyebrow. "Resources?"

Yi Jun nodded quickly, trying to regain footing. "Yes, of course. Legal battles require substantial financial backing, proper documentation, reliable testimonies-"

He stopped himself.
Too late.

Seokjin smiled.
There it was.

The reason they hadn't taken the case.

Not because there wasn't enough evidence.
Not because it was unwinnable.
But because his abusers had more to offer.
Because they didn't see profit in his pain.

Seokjin tapped a single finger against the table-sharp, deliberate.
"So you didn't turn him away because his case was weak."

Silence.

"You turned him away because he wasn't wealthy enough to be worth your time."

Yi Jun opened his mouth. No words came out.

Because he knew.
Seokjin knew.
They all knew.

CEO Lim cleared his throat. "Mr. Kim, I believe we should-"

"Oh, please." Seokjin's voice was soft, but the amusement was gone. "By all means, enlighten me."

Lim hesitated.

Then-carefully-he spoke.
"If I may be frank, we assumed your visit was regarding... a different matter."

Seokjin's smirk widened. "Did you?"