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CH112 | DI
🕑 Added 2025-05-18 03:07:43 +0000 UTCMeanwhile, Jonathan’s mind was tangled with complicated thoughts.
Because his meeting with Ha Si-heon felt utterly surreal.
It wasn’t even Jonathan who initiated contact—it was the informant from the other side who approached first.
That alone would’ve made him feel wary…
But the person who appeared through the door was someone completely unexpected.
It was none other than the very person who had recently made headlines nationwide for sharply criticizing a white celebrity over racial discrimination issues.
‘Why is this person…!’
Though it felt unreal, Jonathan did his best to make sense of the situation.
At first, he wondered if Ha Si-heon might be a spy sent by Theranos.
Being a nationally famous figure with outstanding eloquence, he even entertained the absurd thought that Ha Si-heon might’ve been bribed.
However, as their conversation continued…
‘What is this now?’
His confusion only deepened.
That’s how shocking every word that came out of Ha Si-heon’s mouth was.
Convince the shareholders to abandon Theranos?
Force them to choose between money and honor?
How could something like that be possible?
Jonathan condensed and refined the chaos in his mind, then spoke.
“Forcing a choice… It might be theoretically possible, but creating such a situation in reality would be far from easy.”
Although he said it wouldn’t be easy, it was practically an impossible feat.
The Theranos board members were all individuals from the highest echelons of American society.
Forcing them to make a choice?
But Ha Si-heon shrugged indifferently.
“Nothing in this world comes easy. What matters is whether it’s possible. And this is definitely possible.”
“In what specific way…?”
At Jonathan’s curious question, Ha Si-heon replied with a slight smile.
“I’ll tell you once the deal is finalized. Speaking of which, I’d like to slightly modify the deal terms.”
The deal Ha Si-heon initially proposed was a simple information exchange.
Jonathan would provide information, and Ha Si-heon would share intel obtained from the board.
However, the demands had changed in the meantime.
In an even stranger direction.
“I’d like you to conduct your investigation much more actively and visibly.”
“What?”
“Theranos already knows you’ve been tracking them, right? In fact, intensify your investigation. I also want the board to know that the Wall Street Times is covering this case.”
At first, it seemed like an abrupt request.
But after thinking it over for a moment, Jonathan could vaguely grasp Ha Si-heon’s intention.
“You’re trying to divert attention.”
“Exactly.”
While Jonathan distracted with items 2 and 3, Ha Si-heon would dig into item 1—that was the strategy.
“If you honor this condition, I’ll explain my plan in detail.”
Jonathan fell into thought for a moment.
In fact, he had nothing to lose.
Since Theranos had already discovered him, he was going to continue the investigation anyway, even without Ha Si-heon’s involvement. All he had to do was be a bit more blatant about it.
Moreover, if he could hear the information Ha Si-heon had obtained from the board in return, it was a win-win situation.
And Ha Si-heon had made it clear that he’d only explain the plan if Jonathan agreed to the deal.
“Alright.”
As soon as Jonathan agreed, Ha Si-heon finally began to explain the plan.
In a calm, composed tone.
But the moment Jonathan heard it, he was overwhelmed by a shock that felt like a blow to the brain.
His mind went blank.
“What do you think?”
“…!”
Jonathan couldn’t respond.
Even when he tried to speak, the words were stuck in his throat and wouldn’t come out.
It was a plan he’d never even imagined.
But… it finally felt like all the puzzle pieces were falling into place.
“So that’s why you got involved personally.”
He now understood why Ha Si-heon was involved in the Theranos case of all things.
“And that’s why you needed me.”
He also realized why he was needed.
It was like… magic.
Usually, when you figure out a magic trick, the sense of mystery fades.
But understanding the full picture only sent chills down his spine.
“How did you come up with something like this…?”
The words slipped out unconsciously.
Hearing that, Ha Si-heon smiled as if it were the most natural thing in the world and replied.
“If it’s a game with no chance of winning, the best strategy is to overturn the board and start anew.”
“A game with no chance of winning…”
That’s exactly what the fight against Theranos was.
This fraud scheme made it impossible to secure any ‘evidence.’ Theranos was hiding all the proof behind the shield of its monopolized technology.
Without evidence, they had to rely on witnesses, but Theranos’s high-priced lawyers were using all sorts of vicious tactics to threaten them.
Despite the immense pressure, only one person had decided to testify.
Another potential witness was torn, struggling with deep anxiety.
—They said not just me but even my parents would go bankrupt, asking if I could really handle it. But…
—I’m sorry. It’s not just me involved, so I’m conflicted. I haven’t made a decision yet…
Jonathan vividly recalled the tearful apology from the employee who had initially promised to testify.
Theranos’s lawyer was notorious for his ruthlessness, and he wasn’t holding back from issuing threats that matched his reputation.
Each time, Jonathan was plagued with deep guilt.
Witnesses were essential to uncover the truth, but… was it really right to demand such great sacrifices from decent people in the name of truth?
What if they were sued after exposing Theranos’s true face?
Theranos would undoubtedly demand an enormous settlement.
They were capable of that and more.
‘If only I were the one being threatened instead…’
Taking risks himself and burdening witnesses with them were entirely different matters.
Moreover, what if, despite the witnesses’ courageous efforts, the whole thing ended in failure?
What if Theranos’s half-hearted excuses worked again?
He couldn’t allow that to happen.
For the sake of the witnesses’ safety, the revelation had to be explosive enough to become a national issue and lead to an official investigation.
If it didn’t, and Theranos’s excuses drowned everything out, the lives of those brave witnesses would be trampled mercilessly.
That’s why he had to be even more thorough, create an even bigger impact, and prepare meticulously to ensure there was no room for failure.
But—
In this situation, where securing evidence was impossible and the witnesses were being intimidated…
How could they possibly obtain solid, irrefutable proof?
Success seemed like a distant dream.
Or so he thought.
At this moment, Ha Si-heon said—
“Wouldn’t this be enough to wrap things up within two months?”
He effortlessly suggested a shortcut.
Jonathan reviewed the method in his mind over and over.
But no matter how many times he thought about it…
‘If everything goes as planned…’
It was possible.
In just two months, they could find the breakthrough.
Moreover, this method guaranteed the nationwide impact Jonathan desperately wanted.
Once the story broke, it could trigger an investigation at a national level.
And most importantly—
It was a plan that wouldn’t harm any of the witnesses.
Struggling to hold on to his dazed thoughts, Jonathan listened as Ha Si-heon continued in a calm tone.
“The key is to move without being detected by Theranos. For that, we need a collaborator.”
Jonathan murmured with a faint smile.
“A magician’s assistant, you mean.”
“Assistant?”
“A magician’s assistant.”
Ha Si-heon was about to perform magic—a trick that would transform the stage in an instant.
And Jonathan’s role was to completely capture Theranos’s attention while the trick unfolded.
There was no one better suited for the task than Jonathan.
After all, he was the person Theranos was most wary of at the moment.
“What will you do?”
Ha Si-heon asked.
And Jonathan burst into laughter.
There was… no reason to refuse.
“Tell me exactly what I need to do.”
Ha Si-heon smiled softly and replied.
“I’m going on a business trip to California in a few days. I’d like you to join me as my assistant.”
***
Three days after meeting Jonathan,
I had been keeping busy.
It was all for the upcoming business trip to California.
The trip had two objectives.
One was to attend a gala event and make contact with board members.
The other was to inspect the due diligence site.
RP Solutions, David’s company, needed to complete a thorough due diligence process before finalizing its investment in Theranos.
Due diligence refers to an extensive, meticulous investigation conducted before confirming an investment.
It examines everything—from the company’s financial status, business model, and management’s capabilities to legal risks.
As part of that process, site visits are conducted.
This is to verify that the documents match reality, inspect physical assets, and assess actual operations.
The trip was conveniently scheduled for the day before the gala.
It was an opportunity to achieve both goals at once.
While preparing for the trip,
“Why do we need this many people?”
Pierce frowned as he reviewed the travel request I’d submitted.
Typically, six to twelve people are involved in on-site due diligence, but I had requested as many as fifteen.
Finance, risk management, legal, technical advisors… I had mobilized experts from every field.
“It’s to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. As I mentioned, Theranos might be a fraudulent company.”
“……”
“If you think it’s unnecessary, feel free to adjust the personnel.”
Pierce narrowed his eyes slightly.
But after staring at me for a while, he eventually nodded.
* * *
Three days later,
I set out on the business trip with the fifteen-member due diligence team.
The group was so large we had to rent three vehicles.
To my surprise, there was a familiar face among those assigned to sit beside me.
It was none other than Liliana from the HR department.
She had helped me briefly when I first joined the company.
“It’s been a while.”
I greeted her with a smile, genuinely happy to see her.
However, her response was rather subtle.
“It has.”
She drew a line with an ambiguous smile.
It wasn’t until long after the car had departed that she cautiously spoke.
“By the way, why did you include HR in the due diligence team?”
Ah, right. I had requested that an HR specialist be part of the team this time.
It wasn’t common, but…
“Sometimes HR professionals participate in due diligence, don’t they? I thought it would be better to be thorough.”
My answer made Liliana’s expression even more complex.
“I didn’t expect you to be the one assigned, Liliana. What a coincidence.”
I had simply requested support from the HR team.
I’d sent documents specifying the kind of assistance needed, but I had no idea who would be dispatched.
Seeing a familiar face felt like a pleasant surprise, but Liliana responded gloomily.
“I’m here because I lost.”
“…What?”
“We drew lots, and whoever got the short stick had to come. I’m not lucky with these things…”
“The short stick…?”
Was going on a business trip with me some kind of punishment?
Before I could even point that out, Liliana looked at me with anxious eyes and asked,
“Please tell me you’re not planning to stir up trouble this time.”
“You make it sound like I’m always causing trouble.”
Suddenly, an awkward silence filled the car.
And it wasn’t just Liliana looking at me incredulously.
Everyone in the vehicle had their eyes fixed on me.
Their gazes were filled with suspicion and concern.
Liliana voiced what they were all thinking.
“Seriously, you’re not planning another stunt, are you?”
“Another stunt…?”
“You caused a nationwide uproar on live TV just a few weeks ago!”
I shrugged and replied,
“I was just a small spark. The ground was already soaked in gasoline—I just happened to drop the match.”
“That’s exactly the problem! Why are you playing with matches where there’s gasoline?!”
Liliana’s voice rose an octave.
But I defended myself, feeling wronged.
“It was work-related. It was all Epicura’s plan—I was just the spokesperson.”
“Don’t lie. Lenton already told me! You’re the one who suggested acquiring Double Crab House in the first place!”
‘Typical Dobby—can’t keep his mouth shut.’
Wall Street men really are weak when it comes to pretty faces.
“That’s an exaggeration.”
I tried to explain myself, but no one in the car seemed convinced.
Despite the tension, I found it amusing to see their worried faces, silently hoping for a peaceful trip.
‘This kind of reaction is refreshing.’
Since the Epicura incident, people’s reactions to me had been consistent.
They’d get excited, praise me, and welcome me warmly.
Negative reactions like this were rare.
‘It makes me even more excited.’
I chuckled to myself.
And about seven hours later,
After our flight, we stood in front of a familiar building.
Theranos’s Headquarters.
It had been about four months since I last visited.
“RP Solutions Due Diligence Team, right? Please follow me.”
Following the staff’s lead, we headed to the conference room.
Soon after, the door opened, and a group of Theranos representatives walked in.
But when the two people at the front met my gaze, they froze on the spot.
It was none other than Holmes and Sharma.
‘I guess they didn’t expect me.’
Well, they were probably informed about RP Solutions’ due diligence plans, but not the specific team members.
To them, my sudden appearance was completely unexpected.
Judging by their stiff expressions, they clearly remembered me.
Considering the Epicura incident and the media coverage, there was no way they wouldn’t recognize me.
Their faces, filled with even more shock and worry than the due diligence team earlier, were quite a sight to behold.
I smiled at them.
“It’s been a while.”
