Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 53

The Plan Unfolds

Ten days had passed since Jeonghan walked out of the house, leaving behind the quiet chaos that followed in his absence. Every corner of the sprawling mansion seemed to echo with the weight of his departure, but no one dared address the elephant in the room. Not while Choi Seungcheol sat at its heart, the cold center of an increasingly volatile storm.

For the past ten days, Seungcheol had been focused on one thing: dismantling Viktor Kwon piece by piece. This wasn't business. This was personal. Viktor had crossed a line the day he dragged Jeonghan into their world, and Seungcheol was determined to ensure he paid for it.

At the heart of it all, buried deep in a locked drawer of Seungcheol's office, was a small velvet box. Inside it lay a ring—a delicate, understated band that Seungcheol had bought months ago with Jeonghan in mind. It had never seen the light of day, and Seungcheol wasn't sure it ever would. But tonight, as he prepared for yet another move against Viktor, the weight of the ring felt heavier than ever.

The war with Viktor was no longer subtle. Seungcheol had begun targeting Viktor's most vital assets, hitting him where it hurt the most: his business network. Three major dealers had already defected or been eliminated, and tonight, Seungcheol was meeting with another one of Viktor's key players, Mr. Min. The man handled the distribution of weapons, drugs, and high-tech bulletproof vests—an essential pillar of Viktor's operations.

Seungcheol walked into the lavish meeting room of one of Mr. Min's many safehouses, his steps deliberate, his presence commanding. Jun and Wonwoo flanked him, their sharp eyes scanning every corner of the room as the faint scent of cigars and whiskey lingered in the air. Mr. Min sat behind a polished mahogany desk, his expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Mr. Choi," Min greeted, his voice smooth but cautious. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

Seungcheol took a seat across from him, leaning back with the kind of confidence that only came from knowing you held all the cards.

"I'm here to offer you a choice," Seungcheol began, his tone low and measured. "You've worked with Viktor for years, but he's no longer the safest option. He's crumbling. And when he falls, I'll make sure everyone associated with him burns with him—unless, of course, they're smart enough to jump ship."

Min's brows furrowed. "And you're suggesting I align myself with you instead?"

Seungcheol smiled faintly, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "I'm not suggesting. I'm offering you survival. I can give you better prices—five percent lower than what Viktor provides. I can guarantee protection, resources, and stability. Viktor can't."

Min hesitated, his fingers drumming against the desk. "And what makes you think I'd betray a man like Viktor? He doesn't take kindly to disloyalty."

"Neither do I," Seungcheol said, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "But the difference is, I win my wars. Viktor doesn't."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of Seungcheol's words settling over them like a shroud. Finally, Min leaned back, nodding slowly. "Fine. You have a deal. But if this goes south—"

"It won't," Seungcheol interrupted, standing up and adjusting his suit. "Welcome to the winning side, Mr. Min."

As Seungcheol exited the safehouse, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He answered without breaking stride.

"Talk," he commanded.

"Boss, it's done," Vernon reported. "The shipment Viktor sent is ours now. All of it—secured and stored in our warehouse. The boat? Burning in the central sea as we speak."