Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 39

Exposed Threads

The tension in the mansion had become suffocating. Each passing day seemed to amplify the pressure, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface. Shadows stretched long in the dimly lit corridors, the flickering light from the chandeliers casting distorted shapes against the walls. Outside, the wind howled and slammed against the windows, mirroring the unease that had settled thick in the air.

Seungcheol stepped out of Jeonghan's room, his expression carefully guarded, though the slight downturn of his mouth betrayed the turmoil within. Jeonghan's silence weighed heavily on him, carving a permanent ache in his chest. Yet there was no time to dwell on personal emotions. The sharp voice of Jun cut through the quiet hall, summoning him to the meeting room.

When Seungcheol entered, all eyes turned to him. The room was dim, the air heavy with the seriousness of the moment. The members sat around the polished oak table, their expressions a mixture of confusion and unease. Wonwoo's sharp, calculating gaze lingered on the center of the table, where a small hard drive rested ominously. Hoshi leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping a rhythm against the armrest, though his tense jaw betrayed his irritation. Vernon sat quietly in the corner, his head slightly bowed as if lost in thought, while Dino fidgeted with the sleeve of his jacket, his nervous energy filling the space.

Seungcheol's voice broke the silence, steady and commanding. "What's this about, Jun?"

Jun's eyes, cold and focused, flicked to Seungcheol as he gestured toward the hard drive. His voice was clipped and precise. "Yesterday, one of Viktor's men—someone working at the Dragon's warehouse—slipped past our surveillance. I caught him before he got far, and he's no longer a problem."

Jun paused for effect, his words heavy with implication. He stepped closer to the table, placing the hard drive down with a loud clink. "But our men found this on him."

Seungcheol's eyes narrowed as he regarded the object. His tone was icy, his words deliberate. "And what's on it?"

Jun exhaled slowly, his gaze scanning the room. "I inspected it. The drive contains personal information... but not about us. At least, not directly."

Wonwoo leaned forward, his expression unreadable but his tone sharp. "What do you mean, not directly? Be clear, Jun."

Jun straightened, his jaw tightening. "It contains detailed files on people associated with us, but not involved in our operations. Specifically, it has data on Jeonghan, Minghao—"

Vernon's sharp voice cut through. "Your ex-boyfriend?"

Jun shot him a withering glare, his teeth grinding audibly. "Yes, my ex-boyfriend." His words were laced with restrained irritation, but he quickly regained his composure. "Strangely, it doesn't stop there. The drive also includes information on the lovers and spouses of other groups—BTS, Stray Kids, TXT."

The room fell silent, the weight of Jun's words sinking in. Dino, ever curious, broke the silence. "And you're sure it's not Viktor?"

Jun's lips thinned, his frustration evident. "This isn't Viktor. He already knows everything—he doesn't need to waste time gathering information he already has. Besides, this data includes people Viktor wouldn't care about. No, this is someone else."

Seungcheol, his fingers drumming on the table, interjected with quiet authority. "Jun's right. Viktor isn't the type to play these games. Whoever this is, they're looking for leverage."

Jun nodded grimly and added, "There's more. The files also include two of Jeonghan's friends—Lee Jihoon and Boo Seungkwan."

Vernon's head snapped up at the mention of Seungkwan, his usually calm demeanor faltering. A chill ran down his spine as his mind raced. "Why him?" he murmured under his breath, his voice almost inaudible.