VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{10} Beneath the surface

Chapter 10

"Beneath the surface"

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As Mingyu sped down the quiet streets, the sound of the engine humming beneath him, his mind was still clouded with thoughts of Alara. His fingers tightened on the steering wheel, the grip mirroring the intensity of his emotions.

His phone buzzed in the passenger seat, interrupting the steady rhythm of his thoughts. He glanced over, catching the name flashing on the screen Jeonghan.

His brows furrowed, irritation flashing across his features. He didn't need this right now. But Jeonghan wouldn't call unless it was something important. With a heavy sigh, he grabbed the phone and answered.

"Yeah, hyung?" Mingyu's voice was cold, clipped.

"Mingyu, you need to listen," Jeonghan's voice was unusually urgent, a far cry from his typical laid back tone.

"Things are getting complicated. Alexander's making moves again. We don't have as much time as we thought."

Mingyu's jaw clenched, his knuckles going white as he gripped the phone tighter. "What kind of moves?"

Jeonghan's pause on the other end of the line sent a ripple of unease through Mingyu. When Jeonghan spoke again, his voice was low, deliberate.

"He's setting up a meeting with some of the old allies. They're going to consolidate power, and when they do, you're going to be their first target. We thought we had more time, but Alexander's pushing harder than expected."

Mingyu's lips pressed into a thin line as anger boiled just beneath the surface. The name Alexander echoed in his mind, the same name that had haunted him for the past year.

The man who had stolen everything from him his father, his family's power and framed him for the murder.

"Let him push," Mingyu muttered, his voice laced with venom. "I'll break him before he gets the chance."

Jeonghan's voice hardened. "You can't be reckless. You've already been too visible, especially with tonight's stunt. Seungcheol told you to stay low, and you've done the exact opposite. If you keep going like this, you'll be giving Alexander exactly what he wants."

"Low profile?" Mingyu sneered, his gaze flickering to the rearview mirror, almost as if he could see the shadows of his past creeping closer. "I'm not hiding anymore, hyung. I've spent a year in the dark, waiting for the perfect moment. I'm done waiting."