VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{31} His to protect

Chapter 31

"His to protect"

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

The VIP lounge was tucked away in the farthest corner of the club, accessible only by a private elevator guarded by burly security. Inside, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the chaos of the main floor. Dim, moody lighting illuminated plush leather couches, a sleek glass table laden with expensive liquor, and a haze of smoke that hung in the air like a heavy secret.

Mingyu sat at the head of the U-shaped seating arrangement, dressed in a tailored black suit that exuded power. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing the silver cross pendant hanging from his neck.

Minghao leaned casually beside him, swirling his drink in one hand while scanning the room with an expression of calm disinterest.

Jeonghan, with his angelic looks and sharp demeanor, lounged to Mingyu’s left, tapping a manicured finger on the table as if bored. Jun, Hoshi, and Vernon filled the remaining seats, each projecting an air of quiet menace.

Across from them sat a group of dealers gritty, rough-looking men dressed in leather jackets and tattoos, their nerves thinly veiled by cocky smirks.

One of the dealers, a stocky man with a scar running down his cheek, leaned forward, his voice gruff. “We’ve delivered every shipment on time, no questions asked. But this cut? It’s insulting. We deserve more for the risks we’re taking.”

Mingyu didn’t even look at him at first, his fingers drumming rhythmically on the table.

When he finally spoke, his voice was calm, but there was an edge of steel in his tone. “Risk is part of the job. If you’re not built for it, you shouldn’t be in this line of work.”

The dealer bristled, but before he could respond, Jeonghan leaned forward, his signature smirk sharp enough to cut glass.

“What Mingyu’s saying, in simpler terms, is that you’re being compensated generously for your limited skill set.”

The tension in the room thickened, but Hoshi chuckled, breaking it momentarily. “You’re not wrong, Jeonghan,” he said, tossing back his drink. “I mean, if they’re struggling with the work, maybe we should start looking for more competent partners.”

The dealer’s jaw tightened, and his partner, a wiry man with a snake tattoo on his neck, spoke up. “We’re not struggling. We’ve been running this game longer than you’ve been in it.”

Minghao raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “And yet you’re the ones sitting here begging for a bigger cut.”

A low murmur of approval passed between the Seventeen members, and Vernon leaned back in his seat, an amused smirk on his face. “If you’re so experienced, why do you need us? You know what they say if you can’t stand the heat…”