Seref Floran. A twenty-six-year-old Swedish native sat beside his colleague in a lavish underground office awaiting their next orders from their young boss. Opposite them, seated behind the glass minimalist desk and dressed in black streetwear, their boss, better known as the second young master throughout the organization was reading a prepared proposal before finalizing it as an official document.

"How are the results of their aptitude test?"

Eros Delacourde's accented voice cut through the silence, startling his assistants. 
"All three are above the ninety percentile. Patriarch Lucifer's candidate has been vetted by the Monetti and Vitalli families." Seref answered clearly and precisely, gaining his boss's approval with his swift response.

"Very well. The selection must be made by Mr. Alsworth in the presence of yourself, the assigned lawyer for this deal, and his own lawyer. In twenty-four hours you will personally visit him and explain things verbally. His state of mind isn't stable at the moment hence the given time frame. You will return three days later with this official proposal, reiterate to him that this depends on the future of his family and their wealth. He will be given three choices. We are to support whatever decision he makes, after all, it's his reputation, not ours. Keep a watch on the wife. Her pampered life is threatened. It won't be long till the other families visit them because of her son's influence over them. Are we clear on these instructions?"

"Yes, sir." The simultaneous responses were filled with confidence to do their best in the next two weeks.

"Onto the next subject. Contact Druex in New Mexico, and have him do the finishing blow, he has a four-day time frame. I expect Madam Han to be in this state in less than three days. There is a major possibility of the media catching up to what is about to happen, your job is to keep her name out of their bullshit. Can this be done?"

"Yes, Sir!"

Eros nodded his head in approval. Checking his phone, he received the notification he has been waiting for. 
"Have the jet on a two-hour standby. Mister Floran, I leave you in charge of his well-being for the next two weeks. In my absence, he's to be happy and unbothered. Any sign of distress from him, your living quality will be greatly affected." The tone Eros spoke in made the receiver concede and fear the consequences. The secretary along with every member of their faction knew how cherished young master Jaejin was. The young man was their boss's new path he was treading carefully on and it was their duty to make sure it all goes smoothly.

"You have my word, second prince. I have made contact with his assistant and modifications for the penthouse are on the way. The head of security has been ordered to select a permanent team for him and the main house has sent the personalized training regiment approved by the previous matriarch." Seref answered with great assurance which slightly relaxed Eros's tense shoulders. 

Jaejin tried to hide his state of discomfort when they parted ways still burned in his mind. He didn't want to leave him but it was best to get rid of the bothersome things in order to be by his side.

"Thank you for your hard work. I will take my leave now."

Seref and his colleague, Elan got to their feet and followed Eros at a respectable distance as they left the office. 
Hands tucked in the pockets of his hoodie, with two black steel batons strapped on his thighs, Eros carried the image of a hoodlum than a young CEO with thousands of employees under his command. He walked towards the elevator where two arm guards stood, waiting on his arrival. Upon seeing him, the doors were opened and he was escorted into the metal box with a cold expression on their face. Everyone knew what was about to happen.

Seraf and Elan waited until the elevator signaled its arrival on the floor below before releasing a breath of relief. 
"The young master's killing intent is getting rather potent these days. It's been a while since outside interferences annoyed the family," Elan commented. He did not pity the present prisoner awaiting his judgment.

"Everything that has been happening all comes back to one saying, 'careful of who you provoke.' The pampered young master downstairs will learn why to do so in a few minutes, "Seref countered with a sneer on his face. His loyalty to the seal was clear and their teachings and ideals were understood clearly by him.

 In this world, good and evil are merely mythical words for people to gain power over each other. Good can be interpreted as evil and evil can be seen as good, it all comes down to one's mindset and acceptance. The seal is proof of this. The public sees the mafia and cartel as filth to their happy-go-lucky living but who are the ones that control the shadows to give them that life? 

In order for politicians to access resources to stay afloat, who do they turn to?

 For the law to be on an equal or higher footing than the forces who wish to topple them over, where do they get the help? 
The neutral factions of the underworld like the seal supports them from the shadows but it must be silent. 
That's why it irks the people under the families when entitled young masters throws their little power against their bosses. 

They are literally biting the hands that feed them. 

In the case of Crein Alsworth, the kid did more than that. He defiled the outstretched hand the Delacourdes gave his family and sought to harm someone treasured by the overseer of his family. This is why his father was distraught at the moment, his son may be delivered as a corpse in a few hours or worse.... be left to live in fear till his last breath. 

                                                                             **********

In a room void of furniture or primary colors, Crein Alsworth has been demanding to speak to his father or someone in charge to set him free. His mind has yet to catch up about his current predicament. In his eyes, this was merely a tough love act from his father since his exploits were discovered. There was an inkling of fear but his arrogance snuffed it out, even after he was thrown into this room. His father will relent soon, possibly after his mother coerces him.

His screams bounced off the white walls and the pounding of his fists on the metal door echoed loudly in the room and in his head. The floor was also white, and no scuff marks were seen or footprints. The entire room was mind-provoking white.
 Crein wondered why he was locked in here. He calmed down and tried another angle to get himself free of this 'punishment.'

"Father, I'm sorry. I wish you let me explain everything I've done. Once I do, I'm sure you will understand why I did it all. If you're angry about my engagement with Sherida, please don't be. We love each other. With our families tied together, we can elevate our position in society." Crein spoke passionately in an apologetic and promise-filled tone. Any naive soul will believe his lies and set him free after his last word but it was all said in vain. 

This wasn't a scheme by his father. 

This was reality.

The loud buzz of the door is automatically unlocked sounded. Crein smiled victoriously and strutted towards the door. 
He waited for it to slide open, ready to step out, already thinking of ways to get rid of the incompetent people who betrayed him. 
The door slid to the right from his perspective only to reveal a striking young man with a smooth light brown complexion and vivid amber-colored eyes. Crein stepped back in surprise. He was confused as to why this man was standing in his way. 

"Where's my father? Did he send you here to escort me? Why are standing there like an idiot?" Crein fired off question after question with his head held high and his tone filling with disdain by the second. He looked over the young man's attire and sneered. 'A common thug.' That was his thought process at the moment. He couldn't believe his father placed him in the care of such vermin.
The man lazily eyed him in return and kept silent. The silence went on for three painstaking minutes.
Having enough of this man's impolite behavior, Crein stalked towards him, ready to push the man out of the way to gain his freedom. 
When he stepped within the man's personal space, he felt the wind knocked out of him. Crein wheezed as he tried to regain his breathing. A cry of pain escaped him when he doubled over and was about to fall to his knees but his movement was stopped. The closed fist has yet to move from his stomach. A shoulder was holding him up and the quiet breathing of his attacker filled the silent area.
The fist unfurled, and Crein could feel the man's fingers splayed against his stomach and then closed. There was a slight backward action of the arm before another force struck him once again. His body was sent back into the room a few steps away from the man. Crein had no way to balance himself due to the unseen attack, he fell onto the floor tumbling twice before he came to a stop. 

The slamming of the door and the lock being put in place were heard once more. 

Crein got to his knees, cradling his stomach, and met the man's gaze with anger and revenge in his eyes. The young man stepped closer to him. Though he wore army-inspired boots, Crein didn't hear his steps but he can clearly see the man walking towards him. How is that possible? His mind was conjuring too many questions.

"Do you know who I am?! I can make your life a living hell for what you've done. My father is Christopher Alsworth," Crein shouted with vehemence.

The young man stopped. Crein grinned gleefully. The power his family has over the low class was intoxicating. To him, the young man's action was the right thing to do if he wanted to survive in this world.

The man tilts his head to the side in an air of mockery, hidden with a look of curiosity.

"Do you know who I am?" the man asked softly. 

"Why the fuck will I waste my time to know every low-class runt in this state?" Crein cursed. 

"I see that Mr. Alsworth's failure is not due to his incompetence in disciplinary actions but your sense of superiority because of the few million in your family's bank account." Those words showed a hint of familiarity and displeasure.

"How dare you insult my father?!"

"You're quite loud for someone without power," the young man said mockingly.

Crein was livid. How dare some scrub insult his family and then mock him? He dashed towards the man, ready to strike him down but he was sent to the other side of the room with a splitting headache and blood-filled mouth. 
"Ah!" He didn't know which point of pain to clutch. His stomach and head ached immensely. He thought back to what happened. All he can remember was a flash of black. 

When Crein propelled his body forth using the strength of his legs, he was focused on simply punching the man and nothing else. He didn't see when the young man shifted his weight to the right and lashed out with his leg, kicking Crein in the head with the shifted weight which sent his unbalance body across the room. It was a quick and controlled movement that layman fighters will find hard to dodge.

"Your display showed how your mother has been pampering you. Your family has a strict self-defense program for every child from the age of eight. You should have been taught to do so alongside social etiquette and relations, both local and international."

Crein spat a mouthful of blood, staining the white floor in the process. He frowned and rise unsteadily on his feet. How...? 

"How do I know about your family's internal affairs? I will leave that to your father."
The young man reached for the baton strapped to his leg and then threw it toward Crein. The sound of metal hitting the concrete was deafening to the ear.
"I'm here to give you a chance to fulfill the order you and your friends passed last night. The reason for this is that they failed. The four amateur pricks are currently detained. Sorry, three out of four. One didn't make it." His voice was cold and unbending. 

Crein tried to piece together what this man had in common with the fag he needed to dispose of."I don't know what you're talking about." He decided to play dumb, yet he still reached for the baton at his feet. He expected the man to have loose lips but he was once again fooled.

"Playing the role of an idiot will not get you the result you seek."

Crein sneered and rushed towards the young man who stood before him unarmed. 
Arm raised to bring the baton to strike his opponent's head, Crein was already swimming in pride thinking that he will return the damage that he was dealt. His arm came down with all the strength he mustered but it was stopped by another arm followed by a hard strike to his ribs.

'Impossible! What happened?' Disbelief mixed with pain was written on the Alsworth heir's face as he lay on the ground.

"Get up. If you had the audacity to pay for a kill order then you should have the mindset to do it yourself." 
The young man looked down at Crein who was now rolling on the floor groaning in pain. 
"Fuck You!"
Another kick was delivered to his stomach followed by a heavy stomp to his newly bruised ribs. This time he coughed up a bit of blood from that assault. He was grabbed by the hair and pulled to his feet. He swung to hit his attacker but it was stopped by another metal baton. 
The man slid his weapon against Crein's in an upward motion, holding it outward before bringing it down forcefully. 
A painful howl filled the room as the metal connected with Crein's kneecap. He began to wail on the floor, trying to reach for his knee but he was stopped when a heavy stomp landed on his fingers. His attacker placed his weight on that stomp until a distinct crack was heard. 
It didn't stop there.
Another stomp was dealt to his knee. Twice. 

The force behind each blow was doubled that of a single man. 

"Get up. You're wasting my time with your insignificant presence." This was said softly but Crein heard it through his painfilled cries. 

A sharp kick was dealt to his cracked ribs before once again he was grabbed by the hair. He couldn't stand upright but was forced to place weight on his busted knee. 
"I will give you some words of advice. You will repeat after me until I'm satisfied."

"WHY? What have I done to you? Please... Please let me go," he cried. 

His response was a swift punch to the face with a follow-up with one to the gut. The young man didn't answer his question. He knew it will never be answered.

"Repeat. I must look before I leap."

The metal baton connected to his arm. The force was too much to register.  He couldn't stay upright but with his head, in the grip of his attacker, he was forced to stay on his knees. Another strike connected with his arm, this time at his elbow. Crein screamed in agony, begging for the man to stop, his entire body was in unbearable pain, messing with his thinking. He forgot what he had to do. His eyes were red and overflowing with tears, his face battered and unsightly with tears, snot, and blood. His mind was in a mess as he try to figure out how this man was connected to that little bitch.

"FUCK!!!!" This time he heard the shattering of his kneecap after an unexpected blow. He fell to the floor not knowing what to do to ignore the pain.

"Repeat." The demand was void of any emotion.

"W-What... I... I can't remember," Crein wailed.

The young man sighed in annoyance. "I must look before I leap." He said the sentence once more while heavily stomping on Crein's crushed knee. The broken bones shifted with every stomp until they pierced the skin. Wails filled the air and the scent of blood was now becoming apparent.

"I... must look... please, I beg of you...." His pleading was cut off with a stomp to the gut. Crein coughed heavily with blood spilling out of his mouth and running down his chin. He cried at the injustice he was receiving. He believed he was wrongfully assaulted. 
A kick was dealt to his now broken ribs, he wheezed in pain. Crein can tell something more than a kick happened. 

He was right.

The kick was precisely made to break more of his ribs or to pierce his lung leaving him in a near-death situation. 

"I must.... look... before I ... leap."

WHACK!

The baton struck his other knee. Each following swing was swift and forceful. The sound of metal slicing through the air was heard. The force behind each strike was filled with fury and vengeance. In his mind, he can see his partner being hurt for an unknown reason, and that's why he opted to stay silent, repaying Crein Alsworth what he instigated. 

"Again."

"I... must look.... 'fore... I leap."

WHACK! 

"I must ... look... please.. stop.."

WHACK! A loud crack was heard. Crein's second kneecap was broken. Through heavy-lidded eyes, he looked at the man standing above his broken body. He watched on helplessly as the now familiar booted feet came crashing down on his broken arm.

"I... look... be... fore... I.... please." His words were now mere whispers as his mind couldn't keep up with the pain. He looked at the man, hoping his pleading could be seen through his eyes but all he could see staring down at him was a disconnected soul.

Those eyes.

Those eyes looked more like a beast than a human even though it was a man before him. No remorse can be seen in those amber eyes. He was nothing but dirt to this man, something to be erased. Who was this man? What did he do?

"If you survive, your father shall enlighten you of your lack of intelligence. If you don't, tell the reaper you are the guest of a Delacourde."

The metal baton seem to have a mind of its own as the man held it high. It cut through the air with a violent swing. Crein's eyes widen in fear, before it came close to him he saw a smile that shook his soul. A fanged smile that only a devil can make. He tried to move but his body was useless. The baton was now in his sight.

A devil. That was Crein's last thought before his vision turned black.

Standing above the battered body of Crein Alsworth, Eros reverted to his expressionless demeanor.  He dropped his baton on the floor and strode out the now-opened door. His body was still tightly wound up and filled with unreleased anger. There wasn't much he could do. Killing five heirs in one night will bring unwanted people into his life and disappointment from his parents. He couldn't go overboard and justify it as revenge when Jaejin was perfectly safe. It's best to leave it up to fate.
"Check on him in an hour. If he survives, congratulate Mr. Alsworth." The instruction was given to the medic and guard standing outside the door. They responded with a firm nod of their head and set their alarm for an hour.

Eros entered the elevator and retrieved his phone when the doors closed. A message came in while he was dealing with Crein.
The content of the message made him genuinely smile. He set the photo he received as his wallpaper without hesitation. A great calm flowed through his body as he looked at the photo and the sender. 
 Jaejin sent him a selfie of him shirtless in bed with the sheet covering him from the waist below. From the outline of his body under the cotton sheet, Eros can see the absence of pajamas. The sleepy look on his face was more seductive than anything else.
 His sweet Jin was a tease. All his malicious thoughts towards Crein and his friends vanished. Jaejin was safe. He's alive. That's all that mattered.

Eros sent a simple text that meant a lot.

                                                                          'I'll be home soon.'

However Jaejin interprets that text, will be up to him.

                                                                                               *************

New Mexico

Min Hanjool knocked back the fifth glass of vodka in the darkness of his office. Slouched on his exorbitantly priced leather sofa, he looked nothing like his usual well-kempt noble image. His face was scruffy, his eyes mimicked an adult panda's, and his clothes were hanging off his now thin frame. Nothing was going as planned.
 All that he built was slowly crumbling.
What was left was the teetering company he has in the US. The Min family was in ruins in South Korea. Their image was sullied and continuously so as the authorities kept finding evidence of their dark deeds through their investigations. He knew that was bullshit. It was all because of that scum, Baek Chun. He made sure all his dealings were covered, even his secretary did his own coverage.
Hanjool has been trying to figure out what the trigger was. Since he gained his first success in the underworld, he made connections to keep his public identity secure while gaining more power. His alias was to be on the same level as that of Baek scum but his rise was forcibly stagnated.
Can it be that kid was bidding his time all along?
Hanjool frowned at his thought process. "If so, then why meddle with me now? He has nothing to gain. We may intrude on some of his territories but he never lashed out. What is it?" He scratched his head roughly to vent his frustration but it didn't help. It was all so confusing.

With his cousin and other family members now in police custody, the elders of the family were demanding that he return to Korea and clear his family name. Their investors were withdrawing at a fast pace, and the patronage of the public was withering which affected profit from every business, also, families they once had ties with now severed their binds. Hanjool didn't dare tell them he couldn't help them, he was the head of the family, and it was his responsibility. The riches they all loved to flaunt and spend came from his dark dealings. The financial group was above average and was only a facade in both countries.

He can start fresh if that trash accepted his proposal. Even that bitch has changed. They're both a waste as of now. His thoughts towards Jaejin and Eun-Kyung were turning malicious as the days passed. They were of no use hence their presence wasn't needed in his life. Grabbing his phone, he called the most recent number.

"Brother Min! I was about to call you. We...."

"Get rid of them and make it tragic," Hanjool demanded without listening to what the other had to say.

On the other end of the call, Administrator Cho looked over his shoulder at his present visitors. Min Hanjool decided to work from home after the constant bombarding of the media. All public appearances were left to him. He was about to chase these unexpected visitors away when he received the call. A smile crept up on his face, a plan formulated in his mind the moment the disposal order was demanded. This will help their predicament at the moment. 
"Why don't you take a break from those pressing duties, brother Min, your in-laws are here to visit. How about a late lunch at La Titana in an hour?"

Hanjool heard the underlying message and smiled on the other end of the call. The annoyance of his in-laws' unexpected visit disappeared. They were lacking in money and cash cows just walked in. "Whatever you have in mind must be foolproof.  To regain a foothold, we will prioritize the US company. Sell the shares of the main branch and give them to those bloodsuckers to keep them quiet. I shall see you all in an hour," he returned. 
Ending the call, he left his office for the first time in days. Entering his room, he issued a strict order for one of the maids to prepare his clothing and a bath through the intercom. During his ten-minute relaxation in the sitting area, his mistress entered the room.

"What is it, Tammy?" he muttered in annoyance. 

Her steps didn't falter, flipping her hair over her shoulder, Tammy made her way over to him and sat on his lap. She ignored his sweaty and alcohol riddle scent and began her coquettish act. "We've missed you. Neil is distressed because he couldn't help you," she began.
Hanjool scoffed. He was aiming to forget that child's failure but she brought it up in such a stupid way. She wanted something and he knew what it was. He opted to stay silent to hear her plan. His hand moved along her bare thighs and under the short skirt she wore.

"I know he failed but can you blame him? Those two were never close and never formed a brotherly bond. That woman kept them apart. Besides that factor, from what our son relayed to me, your firstborn is currently involved with some questionable people," she continued. Hanjool frowned, this was new to him. The reports that came to him were simple at best. That trash was living like a bug. No social clique. No presence. A part-timer. Not even the slightest connection to a useful family. The best thing that ever happened to him was being in the scope of that heiress. That's done with, now that he embarrassed her with that homosexual crap.

"He's a spineless coward. How can he be involved with those types of people?"

Tammy shrugged with a concerned frown on her face. Inwardly, she was gleeful because this caught his attention. If she weaves her words and Neil's words together, they can elevate themselves. What Hanjool needed right now was a fresh start. Having those two in the picture will ruin that.
"Neil said it was these 'friends' who gave him money to pay off that awful money issue. On top of that, he had them assault him at their hangout or something. His friends were untouched because of their family name but he was disrespected. Honey, this is unacceptable. Neil is your son, his brother, why must he be treated like a waste? Am I, not your partner also? We are here for you, for this family yet we have been pushed away. Let us help you, darling."

"Hmmm, you're right..." His hand went higher under her skirt. Tammy moved her legs to give his hand more access to what she offered. His fingers brushed her bare lower lips, bringing a smile to his face. He pinched her clit harshly which resulted in a sharp gasp from her and a low moan. "It's possible Neil's situation was a favor on that trash's behalf. He doesn't have the guts to be ruthless," he continued. He slipped a finger between her folds while tugging at the loosely buttoned shirt over her heavy chest. 

"Maybe. That behavior isn't suited to our family image. You must do something, baby." Tammy moaned and widened her legs. Her breasts spilled from the tiny lace bra she wore and offered them to Hanjool's greedy mouth.

He attached his lips to her puckered nipple and added a second finger into her passage. "Don't worry. I will. You deserve a treat." Untying the band to his robe, he parted it to reveal his hardened cock for her to have. Without question, Tammy shifted her body, pulled her skirt up to her waist to reveal her soaked lower lips, and slid down his cock. Hanjool allowed her to lead because he knew this is all she had to offer along with a few half-baked plans. This time he will reward her immensely for her effort. What she suggested may help in whatever plan Cho has in mind for his wife's family.

This ought to be good.

**********

Before he left, Hanjool left his credit card with Tammy to treat herself along with their son, Neil. She knew of her position within the household and to be given his personal bank card, Tammy knew she did well. It won't be long before she gains the title of Madam. Being the favored mistress due to her bearing a son was an accomplishment but it didn't give her enough respect or privileges. Though Hanjool doesn't care for his legal wife and son, they are still respected and pampered befitting their position. 

Tammy clutched the card in her hand and made a beeline for her son's room. It was time to take things seriously. They will be the ones to clear any doubts about Hanjool's image. First, they have to make themselves known to the media. One look at Neil leaving the main house of the Min family in expensive clothing will have all the bloodhounds searching for a new story. She can even sell them a story to discredit that porcelain doll. The woman refuses to show herself while her husband suffers humiliation. "I will show you how to be there for your man. He will know who's perfect to be by his side and who loves him entirely," Tammy grumbled under her breath. 

It will be a field day for the reporters outside.

                                                                         ************

Administrator Cho sat opposite the Han family's current patriarch, the second son Han Choi and their unwed princess Han Iseul. She was in her late twenties, a member of a branch family who wish to be part of the family business. In a patriarchal society, and family, it hasn't been easy for the young woman. 
Cho took in her image and found many similarities she had with Eun-Kyung, her demeanor wasn't docile like the present wife but that can be fixed if he's able to place in his plans. This family owed the Min family, it's their right and honor to return the help given to them years ago.

"Is everything over with Brother Hanjool? It's getting rather late," Han Isuel asked politely. Her cousin sent her a glare for her unneeded question but covered it up with a serene look on his face. 

"The media in this country are a persistent bunch. Leaving his home to meet with you is already considered a challenge. He'll be here soon." Cho made sure to admonish them in light words which made them shift uncomfortably. Visiting unannounced was very impolite but it was a fault they had to make. The Min family is declining and they didn't want to experience the same fate as them. The elders came to a decision to go with a minor scar on their family name than a major one.

"She's a conservative woman with a stickler for punctuality, hence her question," Han Choi cleared up. Isuel rolled her eyes at her cousin's bootlicking. She never liked the Min family and objected albeit silently when they decided to marry off Eun-Kyung to their new family head. 

Cho saw this interaction and slightly frowned. 'Putting this woman in my plans will end up in disaster. She will be too much work. Headstrong women are the worst,' he complained inwardly. He quickly texted Hanjool the details of the plan and waited for the latter to arrive. 
It didn't take long, approximately fifteen minutes later, Min Hanjool was escorted to the private lounge. He was immaculately dressed in a patterned blazer, pressed casual pants and a thin inner shirt. His hair was neatly styled, with minute traces of his age shown. Hanjool gave them his signature charismatic smile when he entered. The Han relatives got to their feet and bowed in greeting. 

"Welcome, Brother Hanjool," they chorused.

"Thank you, Brother Choi and Sister Isuel. Your visit is a surprise, is what I should say but we both know the reason why your impromptu visit was made." Hanjool didn't stand on pretense, he didn't return their greeting nor looked at them when he spoke. He was never going to hide his displeasure with them. He signaled the waiting server and ordered a light meal for them all with an expensive bottle of wine. 
Isuel kept silent as she observed the man who took a seat opposite her. His smile held a lot of danger, she knew this meeting won't be in their favor. There was a great urgency to tell her cousin for them to leave things to fate and return home but she couldn't. The man beside her won't listen to her.

"It's the decision of the elders. We wish for a dissolution of the marital ties between our family. Eun-Kyung and her son's return to the family is all we will concede to. We will not use legal means for compensation, just for the ties to be severed." Han Choi held Min Hanjool's gaze. He didn't waver in his words, nor did he care about his older sister and nephew, this was for the best of their family name.

"Compensation. Now there's a word that has been resonating in my mind for years. My family is declining so you people who gained so much from my generosity, wish to cut off our affiliation like a diseased hand. I think I need to be compensated if you want to clear your name from our connection."

"I'm afraid, I do not understand, Brother Min. We want nothing from your family. The elders simply want this divorce. Nothing else," Han Choi pushed.

"I have no qualms in releasing that woman and her child but I must be paid for my ..... emotional damage." Hanjool gave a smug smile to the two. "There is no monetary entitlement for her anyway, did you forget the prenuptial agreement you and your father pushed her to sign after seeing that cheque?" he continued. 

Isuel's eyes widen in shock. She knew of the planned marriage but this sounds more like forced. 

"I accepted your pretty little maiden but who would have thought the Han family could be so slick to send her lover along?"

"Lover?! What are you talking about? You're leading to harsh insinuations, Brother Hanjool," Han Choi voiced. He was uneasy about what is to come.

"How nice. You're able to keep up the farce." Hanjool's false words were playing on Han Choi's mind. He was trying to figure out something that wasn't true at all.

"Brother.."

"I don't think such titles should be uttered at the moment. The one called Ji-hun touched that wasn't his, disrespecting me in the process by claiming to be a guard assigned by the Han family. Your family soiled my name with a whore. On top of that embarrassment, she dared to give birth to an abomination." Hanjool's silver tongue was working as he witnessed the humiliation and anger on Han Choi's face.
Administrator Cho hid his sly smile behind his hand as he kept up his cold facade. Hanjool made sure his words were coated with disgust but the anger was real. He was furious that nothing was working in his favor when it came to that woman and child. He lost control of them.

"A-abomination? Who... who is..." Isuel didn't want to say it out loud. Her mind was reeling, Hanjool's twisted words were now rooted in her mind when he mentioned Ji-hun. She knew of the love her cousin had for her childhood friend. No matter how they tried to hide it, to those who were observant will spot it a mile away. Now the mention of Jaejin being ... that, she lost all confidence of going home unscathed. The word abomination was used to describe those who went against tradition and the natural knowledge they were taught. 

"Does she have another child? Is that child even mine? My family never had such blight, I can't say for you. I've kept silent for years, it will be such a shame for the Han family to lose what they build over the years," Hanjool said those spiteful words clearly. Han Choi's face was red while Han Isuel become pale upon that new knowledge. The family will never accept Eun-Kyung and Jaejin with those labels on them- an adulterer and a homosexual. Their family was ruined. They must do something.

"How much?" 

Han Choi's question broke the uncomfortable silence. 

Hanjool smiled. "A smart man. Any other jilted husband will ask to be repaid for each year they have been tormented with unrest and embarrassment, but I'm not one of them." His black eyes became greedy, and that charismatic smile became smarmy. 

"Cut the crap Hanjool. You know what you just revealed is more detrimental to us than you..." Choi was ready to shift from this uncomfortable conversation. How can his sister embarrass them like this? 

"Oh really? That little prick already sullied my name in embarrassing a prominent heiress. He should be lucky that someone wanted him but he had to tell her that he's a fag, and now it's all over the internet. You should be thanking me for putting up with them," Hanjool groused. He was mindful of his voice being too loud. 

Han Choi was filled with worry. This can never leave this room. The elders will agree with what he's about to do next. This is for the honor of the Han family. 
"We will remove them from the family register and repay the five million US you invested in us."

"Make that seven million US and thirty percent of your company's shares. I think that's how much those two are worth along with my silence. Am I right, Administrator Cho?" His smile annoyed the Han relatives. They had no room to negotiate. 

"You're right, Brother Min. It has been tiring to keep things in the dark." Cho's words hit Choi's conscience heavily. 

"I'll have to speak with the family." Han Choi conceded. He knew what he had to do. Han Isuel suddenly felt sick to her stomach. Her cousin and son were mere numbers in their eyes, nothing more. After he receives that money, what will Min Hanjool do to them?

*************

"..... and that's all, madame."

"I see. The mistress is ready for a new title; my family is here for their own accord; my dear husband is plotting to kill me and now he decides to switch it up. I didn't realize my world is so entertaining."

In her mountain villa, Han Eun-Kyung is seated in her personal sitting area that's attached to her suite. The soft color palette of the room made it look majestic. The woman who sat in an elegant pose carried an air of nobility that made the young man before her, speak with respect and care.

The young man in the room is none other than Druex, one of Eros's closest friends and team leader. He decided to visit the madame to share with her the plans for the upcoming days. They will need her cooperation along with her bodyguard to execute the plans within three to four days. They now have to speed up since Hanjool is ready to stage a murder. 

"Can I ask you if my son is alright? That article. The media is truly unforgiving," she asked softly. Her head was low as she fiddled with the wedding band on her finger. She dreamed of this moment but it was a dream. Now the opportunity is right in front of her face.

"Young master Jaejin is in the safest place at the moment. No one will dare go after him," Druex said with the utmost sincerity in his voice.

Eun-Kyung smiled his way. 

"Good. Now it's my turn."

A gold diamond ring was placed on the table. It looked lonely and forsaken just like its previous owner. That ring tied her to the man she grew to hate over the years. He no longer had the power of her and her son. 

This is her freedom.