Chapter 17: The Sugar King’s Proposal

“You want me to work under you?”

Lee Jun-hyuk asked in return.

“Exactly. I acknowledge your abilities. Restoring three farms to normal operation in such a short time, and earning the trust of the workers—that’s no small feat.”

Escobar returned to his desk.

He pulled some documents from the drawer and placed them in front of Lee Jun-hyuk.

“This is the contract. Take a look.”

Lee Jun-hyuk picked up the papers.

Numbers caught his eye right from the first page.

An annual salary of fifty thousand dollars. The highest level of compensation across all of Cuba.

“You’ll continue running the farms as they are. But all the sugar produced must be sold exclusively through my company.”

“A monopoly contract, then.”

“You could put it that way. But it’s not a bad deal.”

Escobar pulled out a cigarette.

“Consider the distribution network I have. Not only the United States, but Europe as well. I guarantee top prices.”

It was an attractive offer.

Stable income, a reliable patron, and a massive distribution network.

But.

“What about the contract with the Morgan Company?”

“No need to worry about that.”

Escobar exhaled smoke.

“I’ll take care of it. They won’t be able to refuse my proposal.”

“Without their consent…”

“Lee Jun-hyuk.”

Escobar called his name.

His voice was cold.

“Don’t be naive. This isn’t a negotiation. I’m giving you an opportunity.”

“An opportunity…?”

“Yes, an opportunity. The only chance you have to survive.”

It was a threat.

Blatant and direct.

Lee Jun-hyuk set the documents down.

He looked Escobar straight in the eye.

“Give me some time.”

“Time?”

“Yes. I cannot make such an important decision immediately.”

Escobar’s eyes narrowed.

He looked displeased.

Clearly not used to being refused.

“How much time do you need?”

“One week is sufficient.”

“I’ll give you three days.”

“I need five days.”

A brief silence passed.

The look in Escobar’s eyes changed as he studied Lee Jun-hyuk.

There was more interest than anger.

“Fine. Five days.”

He pressed the bell.

The door opened and Leonardo entered.

“Escort him respectfully.”

“Understood.”

Lee Jun-hyuk stood.

He was about to leave when Escobar called again.

“Oh, and Lee Jun-hyuk.”

“Yes?”

“I heard you rejected the Governor-General’s proposal. A brave choice.”

…How did he know?

Lee Jun-hyuk hid his surprise and only nodded.

“But if you also reject me…”

Escobar raised his cigarette-holding hand.

“Then it won’t be bravery, but foolishness.”

That was the final warning.

Without any bold reply, Lee Jun-hyuk exited the office.

As he walked down the corridor, Leonardo spoke.

“To have gained five days—that’s impressive. Usually, they demand immediate answers.”

“Does that make it more dangerous?”

“Exactly.”

Leonardo shrugged.

“At least you have their attention. Whether that’s good or bad, I can’t say.”

Stepping outside, the sunlight was dazzling.

It was already past eight in the morning.

Havana’s streets bustled with people.

“Shall I escort you to the farm?”

“No, thank you. I’ll go alone.”

Lee Jun-hyuk declined.

He needed time to think.

Leonardo wore a surprised expression.

“It’s quite a distance from Havana to Santa Rosa.”

“I can rent a carriage.”

“Then… very well.”

Leonardo nodded respectfully.

“If you need anything, contact me anytime. I will return after five days.”

Lee Jun-hyuk stepped out of Escobar’s residence.

As he walked into the streets, the ordinary sounds of daily life reached his ears.

Merchants calling out, the rolling wheels of carriages, people laughing.

Yet his mind was troubled.

Escobar’s proposal.

A difficult condition to accept.

But once accepted, everything would be over.

He would lose Independence and become a mere cog in a vast machine.

That was not the future he wanted.

“I should contact Mr. Morgan first.”

He looked for a place to send a Telegram.

About ten minutes later, he found a post office.

“I want to send an urgent Telegram to New York.”

The clerk handed him a form.

Lee Jun-hyuk carefully composed the message.

He summarized Escobar’s proposal and the current situation.

As he turned to leave, a familiar face appeared.

“Mr. Lee?”

It was Zhen Hao.

Their surprise at meeting in such an unexpected place was evident.

“What brings you to Havana?”

“I’m here on my father’s business. And you, Mr. Lee?”

Lee Jun-hyuk lowered his voice, glancing around.

“Is there somewhere quiet we can talk?”

Zhen Hao nodded.

“There’s a small Chinese-style teahouse nearby.”

The two entered the modest establishment.

Sitting in a corner, Lee Jun-hyuk began.

“I just met with Escobar.”

Zhen Hao’s expression stiffened.

“The Sugar King? Glad you’re safe.”

“I received his offer. To come under his wing.”

“And?”

“I secured five days’ time.”

Zhen Hao took a sip of tea and fell into thought.

“A difficult choice. Turning Escobar into your enemy is dangerous.”

“I understand.”

“But if you accept, it’s over. The independent entrepreneur Lee Jun-hyuk disappears, becoming Escobar’s subordinate.”

An accurate assessment.

“Perhaps…”

Zhen Hao spoke cautiously.

“Are you considering a third way?”

“If there is one.”

“The Chinese Merchants’ Association might help. But that alone won’t be enough. Escobar is too powerful.”

Lee Jun-hyuk placed his cup down.

“Do you have any connections in the United States? Large investors or politicians?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Escobar is, after all, a businessman. What he fears isn’t competitors, but greater power.”

Zhen Hao’s eyes lit up.

“Are you referring to financiers in New York?”

“Including them, yes.”

“Interesting thought. But isn’t the time too short? Five days isn’t enough to forge those links.”

Lee Jun-hyuk smiled faintly.

“There is already one. James Morgan. Though retired, his influence remains.”

Zhen Hao nodded.

“We’ll also move on our side. My father has acquaintances in New York.”

The two stood.

“There’s no time to waste. We must hurry.”

“I will keep in touch.”

After parting with Zhen Hao, Lee Jun-hyuk rented a carriage and headed toward the farm.

Throughout the journey, his mind raced.

Five days.

A time frame that could change everything or lose everything.

2 PM.

He arrived at the farm.

From the entrance, a strange atmosphere was palpable.

Workers gathered in murmurs, the mood uneasy.

“Mr. Lee!”

Jose ran out.

His face showed relief, but also concern.

“Glad you’re safe. But…”

“What is it?”

“Someone from the Governor-General’s Office has come. They’re conducting a tax investigation.”

It was expected.

Just as Sanchez had warned.

The Governor-General’s Office was playing its first card.

“Where are they now?”

“In the office, going through the ledgers.”

Lee Jun-hyuk headed quickly to the office.

Inside, two officials who looked like government administrators were rifling through documents.

Carlos watched nervously from the side.

“What’s going on?”

As Lee Jun-hyuk entered, one official turned to him.

“Are you Lee Jun-hyuk?”

“Yes.”

“This is a routine tax inspection. Please cooperate.”

Though called routine, it was obviously a targeted investigation.

“How long will this take?”

“That depends. If there are no problems, it will be over soon.”

The official smiled meaningfully.

“If there are problems, it could take much longer.”

Lee Jun-hyuk kept calm.

Fortunately, the ledgers were clean.

Thanks to careful management by Jose and Carlos.

But they could still manufacture trouble.

“If you need any assistance, let me know.”

“No need. We’ll handle it ourselves.”

The officials continued their search.

Lee Jun-hyuk watched quietly.

He had no choice but to endure, as they could delay by asking for bribes.

An hour passed.

“What’s this?”

One official lifted a document.

“This is a worker roster. This is unusual. Why so many?”

“There’s a lot of work, so we increased employment.”

“Is that so? But…”

The official examined the list.

“Are these people verified? Any suspicious elements?”

The second card.

They were trying to accuse some of anti-American activism.

“All are honest farmhands.”

“That’s for the investigation to determine.”

The official put the list into a case.

“We’re taking this for identity checks.”

“Do you have the authority?”

“Of course.”

The official showed his badge.

“Special Investigator of the Governor-General’s Office. I have full authority.”

Lee Jun-hyuk clenched and unclenched his fists.

No rash moves here.

He had to retreat for now.

“Understood.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

The officials gave a mocking smile.

“Oh, and please refrain from new hiring until the investigation is over.”

“How long will that take?”

“That depends. Could be a month if quick, longer if not.”

They left with the case.

A heavy silence remained in the office.

“Mr. Lee,”

Carlos spoke worriedly.

“If this continues, the workers will be at risk. Someone will definitely be framed.”

“I know.”

Lee Jun-hyuk sat down.

Fatigue washed over him.

The meeting with Escobar, and now the pressure from the Governor-General’s Office.

He was trapped.

But giving up was impossible.

“Jose, call an Emergency Meeting.”

“Understood.”

“Call Miguel, Pablo, Ramon, and also Sanchez.”

“Sanchez too?”

Jose was surprised.

“Yes. He will be helpful.”

Thirty minutes later, the key figures gathered in the office.

Sanchez sat cautiously in the corner.

Still distant from others, but no one could ignore him when summoned by Lee Jun-hyuk.

“As you know, the Governor-General’s Office has begun moving.”

Lee Jun-hyuk began.

“They took the worker roster and are conducting identity checks.”

Miguel clenched his fists.

“Those bastards again!”

“Sanchez,”

Lee Jun-hyuk looked at him.

“How does the Governor-General’s Office usually frame people?”

Sanchez spoke hesitantly.

“They fabricate evidence. Secretly plant anti-American activist leaflets in homes or forge letters.”

“Then we have to prepare.”

“How?”

“Search every worker’s home. Look for suspicious items, and if found, remove them beforehand.”

Jose nodded.

“Good idea. But with over 200 people…”

“We must finish tonight.”

Lee Jun-hyuk said firmly.

“Even if we must mobilize everyone.”

“Do you know anyone inside the Governor-General’s Office?”

“A few, but…”

“Contact them. Find out if anyone can leak information.”

Sanchez’s eyes widened.

“You want to plant a Spy?”

“A dangerous task.”

“I know. But without information, we can’t fight.”

A moment of silence.

Sanchez nodded slowly.

“I’ll try. I owe a favor to someone.”

“Good. And one more thing.”

Lee Jun-hyuk looked around at everyone.

“In five days, we have to make an important decision. Until then, the farm must run normally.”

“What decision?”

Ramon asked.

Lee Jun-hyuk hesitated, then spoke.

“Escobar has made an offer. To join him.”

Shock spread.

The Sugar King Escobar.

His name alone made everyone tense.

“Will you accept?”

Jose asked cautiously.

“I haven’t decided yet.”

A lie.

His heart was already made up.

But there was no need to unsettle everyone.

“But I won’t abandon any of you. I promise.”

Miguel stood.

“We trust you, Mr. Lee. We’ll stand by you to the end.”

Others nodded.

Even Sanchez bowed his head slightly.

“Then let’s move. There’s no time to waste.”

Everyone dispersed.

Lee Jun-hyuk was left alone, staring out the window.

The sun was setting.

A red glow illuminated the sugarcane fields.

Five days.

Within that time, he had to create a miracle.

He swore to himself.

“No matter what, I must protect these people.”

Those who trusted and followed him.

For their sake, he could never give up.

Night deepened.

Torches moved across the farm.

People were searching workers’ homes.

Tomorrow, another battle awaited.

But first, they had to endure today.