Beneath the Ice: A University Love Story

22 | Unveiling the Shadows

The next day, after classes, Freen went to Becky's apartment to talk with her dad. She entered alone, as she had told Becky she needed some private time with him.

She found him sitting on the couch, staring at a locket in his hands. Freen cleared her throat to get his attention. He immediately looked up, his expression sad but softening when he saw her.

"My princess," he said warmly, his voice filled with emotion. That was what he always called her when she was little. Freen felt a wave of warmth at his familiar tone. She missed him—so much. Slowly, she walked toward him.

"Dad," she called softly.

He stood up quickly, pulling her into a tight hug. Freen hugged him back just as tightly.

"My princess," he repeated, holding her close. After a moment, they broke the hug.

"My princess has grown into an adult," he said with a chuckle. Freen nodded, holding back her emotions. She didn't want to cry in front of him.

"How are you?" she asked.

"Now that I've seen you, I'm fine," he replied with a gentle smile. Freen nodded again.

"How's your mom?" he asked.

"She's fine," Freen answered.

He nodded thoughtfully. "I want to see her."

"She's out of town right now, but she'll be back tomorrow," Freen explained.

He nodded again. "How are you doing?" he asked, concern in his voice.

They continued talking for hours. Becky stood quietly at the door, listening to their conversation with a smile. It was the first time she'd seen Freen speak so sweetly to someone other than her.

Becky pulled out her phone and called someone. The person picked up on the first ring.

"Any updates?" Becky asked.

"I found out they're selling drugs at Heavens Club," Saint replied.

"When?" Becky inquired.

"Every weekend," he told her.

"And no one knows about it?" Becky asked, frowning.

"Becky, Wichai is careful. These drugs are designed to make people... you know, horny. And believe it or not, 60% of the buyers are women," Saint explained.

"Where did you find this out, Saint?" Becky asked.

"I hacked into his system for five minutes. I knew they wouldn't catch me, but I could only read some of the information. There's a lot, Becky—drug dealing, smuggling... and Freen's father was right," Saint said gravely.

"They kidnap women and sell them," he added.

Becky was shocked. "What?"

"Most of the porn videos circulating online come from his hotels. I matched the interiors. Seventy percent of his hotels have hidden cameras in the rooms. Some victims tried to report him, but he blackmailed them into silence," Saint explained. "And there's more."

"What?" Becky asked, her voice tense.

"Seng met with a private investigator today. That investigator... is my brother," Saint revealed. "When I got home, I found a file on my brother's desk. It was full of evidence against Wichai."

Becky's eyes widened. "What does Seng have to do with it?"

"Seng's father had something to do with the death of Seng's boyfriend," Saint said.