Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 26

Veins of power 

The afternoon sun bore down on Gimpo International Airport, where tension hung thick in the air. Guards lined the runway, their postures rigid as they prepared for the arrival of one of Korea's most feared and respected figures. The private jet touched down with a low roar, and every staff member within sight hurried to the runway, bowing deeply in synchronized submission.

The jet door opened with a soft hiss, and a man stepped out. He was in his late forties, his sharp suit tailored to perfection, every detail radiating wealth and power. His stride was calm yet commanding, exuding an aura that silenced even the faintest whisper. Daniel Park, the advisor and underboss of SVT, moved with an authority that demanded respect—or fear. The guards positioned nearby avoided his gaze, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads as he passed.

At the airport entrance stood Jun, casual as always, his hands resting loosely in his pockets. Unlike the guards, he didn't falter under the oppressive aura of Daniel Park. He inclined his head slightly as Daniel approached.

"Welcome back," Jun said, his tone measured, offering a brief nod and a light, indifferent hug.

"Where's Seungcheol?" Daniel asked, his tone sharp and clipped, not one for pleasantries.

"Business," Jun replied curtly, already turning to lead him toward the sleek black car waiting nearby.

Daniel followed in silence, his piercing gaze sweeping over the surroundings as they walked. When they reached the car, Daniel reached for the door, but Jun's voice cut through the quiet.

"The penthouse," Jun said without a trace of hesitation.

Daniel froze, his hand lingering on the door handle. He turned his head slowly, his expression darkening as his eyes narrowed at Jun.

"Who told you that?" Daniel's voice was low and cold, sharp enough to make anyone else flinch.

"Seungcheol," Jun replied with ease, moving to the other side of the car, his tone unbothered.

Daniel stared at him for a moment, his jaw tightening slightly. Without another word, he stepped into the car, the air inside growing as heavy as it was outside.

As the vehicle began its smooth journey to its destination, Daniel gazed out of the window, his fingers drumming lightly on his thigh. After a moment, he broke the silence, his voice calm yet laced with warning.

"Get Seungcheol to me this evening," he said firmly, his eyes fixed on the passing cityscape.

"Got it," Jun responded simply, his tone unaffected as he pulled out his phone, tapping out a message.

Daniel's gaze remained on the outside world, but his mind was far from the scenery. "This could complicate things," Jun muttered under his breath as he hit send, the tension in the car thick enough to cut with a knife.

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Later the afternoon 

The café exuded warmth, with the soft hum of chatter blending seamlessly with the hiss of the coffee machine. The late afternoon sun bathed everything in a golden glow. Wonwoo stepped inside, his sharp gaze sweeping the room, calm on the surface but with his mind meticulously analyzing every detail. This wasn't a casual visit, Viktor's team had been spotted nearby, and Sofia, Viktor's feared personal assistant, was on her way. Wonwoo had to ensure she suspected nothing about Jeonghan or the shop across the street.

Behind the counter, Mingyu worked with his usual mix of confidence and clumsiness. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing toned forearms, and his messy hair added to his charm. The moment he looked up and saw Wonwoo, he froze. His heart skipped a beat as he took in the tall man's sharp features, his glasses giving him an air of quiet sophistication.