VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{2} The Betrayal

Chapter 2

The Betrayal

╔══ ≪ °❈° ≫ ══╗

The incident

The rain poured down in thick sheets, hammering against the windows of the dimly lit warehouse. Inside, the air was heavy with tension. Shadows danced across the cold, concrete floor as figures moved in and out of the darkness, their faces obscured.

In the center of the room, Jinwoo
Mingyu's father stood tall, his sharp eyes scanning the space. His presence, despite the graying hair and tired expression, commanded respect. He had built an empire out of nothing. But tonight, something felt off.

Alexander, his long-time friend and partner, stood just a few feet away, pacing slowly. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his long coat, and every step he took echoed ominously through the empty room.

"Jinwoo" Alexander began, his voice deceptively calm. "We've had a good run, haven't we?"

Jinwoo, feeling the weight in Alexander's words, turned to face him fully. His brow furrowed. "What's on your mind, Alex? What is this about? We didn't call this meeting for small talk."

Alexander paused, his back to Jihoon. He tilted his head slightly, as if considering his next words carefully. "You've always been the cautious one. The loyal one. But that's also been your weakness."

Jinwoo stiffened. "Weakness?"

Alexander turned, a cold smile playing on his lips. "You see, there's something I've come to realize. Loyalty means nothing in our world. Strength is everything. And you, my old friend, are getting... weak."

A deadly silence filled the room as Jinwoo's expression hardened. "What are you saying, Alexander?"

Alexander moved closer, his steps slow, deliberate. "I'm saying it's time for a change in leadership. You've held us back for too long, Jinwoo. You refuse to make the deals we need to expand. To evolve. And that makes you a liability."

Jinwoo's hand instinctively moved toward the gun tucked in his jacket. His eyes never left Alexander. "You're making a mistake, Alex."

Alexander's grin widened. "No, Jihoon. The mistake was trusting me."

Before Jinwoo could react, the warehouse doors slammed open. Armed men flooded in from every corner, their guns raised and aimed directly at him. Jinwoo's eyes widened in shock and betrayal.