Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 69

A Storm Looms

time skip (5 days later)

The golden morning light filtered through the hospital room as Jeonghan folded his clothes, his movements slow but deliberate. The soft hum of activity around him was a strange comfort after days of silence and clinical stillness. Across the room, Dino and Seungkwan were locked in an increasingly absurd debate over who folded clothes better.

"You can't just roll them and call it folding, Dino!" Seungkwan exclaimed, holding up a shirt with exaggerated disdain.

Dino bristled, grabbing another garment and brandishing it like a flag. "Oh yeah? Well, at least my shirts don't have creases so sharp they could cut someone, Mr. Perfect Lines!"

The squabble drew a chuckle from Jeonghan, his expression softening as he looked to Seungcheol, who stood by the door. Arms crossed and brow furrowed, Seungcheol observed the scene with a mix of amusement and exasperation. He had that protective air about him, a quiet strength that was as reassuring as it was commanding.

The lighthearted moment was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. A guard stepped in, bowing slightly to Seungcheol. "Sir, Sofia has arrived and requests an audience."

The room stilled at the name. Sofia's reputation preceded her-intelligent, poised, and unflinchingly loyal to Viktor in life. Now, with his passing, her presence carried an almost ominous weight.

Seungcheol's jaw tightened briefly before he nodded. "Let her in."

Moments later, Sofia entered, her heels clicking softly against the floor. She was elegance personified, dressed in a tailored white blazer and pencil skirt that accentuated her sharp features and commanding presence. Her dark hair was pulled into a sleek bun, and her piercing eyes surveyed the room with a calculated calm.

"Good morning," she began, her voice smooth yet laced with authority. "I apologize for the late and unannounced visit. Circumstances have been... challenging."

Seungcheol stepped forward, his tone measured but firm. "Sofia, what brings you here?"

Her lips curved into a faint smile. "I come bearing a delivery from Viktor's estate. There were pressing international matters that delayed me, but I wanted to ensure his wishes were fulfilled today."

Her gaze shifted to Jeonghan, who stood near the bed, momentarily taken aback by her attention. "And you must be Mr. Yoon Jeonghan. How are you feeling?"

Jeonghan hesitated before replying softly, "I'm better now. Thank you."

Before Jeonghan could say more, Seungcheol interjected, his protective instincts kicking in. "He's recovering well. What delivery are you referring to?"

Sofia chuckled lightly, as if amused by Seungcheol's vigilance. "Always so quick to the point, Mr. Choi. But first..." She stepped closer to Jeonghan, pulling a sealed envelope and a small set of keys from her bag. Placing them gently on the table beside him, she explained, "This is for you. Viktor instructed me to deliver it once you woke. It's a property-five acres on the outskirts of Seoul. He called it his garden, his sanctuary. There's also a letter he wrote for you."

Jeonghan's hand trembled slightly as he reached for the envelope. "Why would he leave this to me?"

Sofia's gaze softened, her voice losing some of its formality. "Because he believed you would understand its value, that you'd know what to do with it. Those were his words."

The weight of her statement hung heavy in the air. Seungcheol's sharp gaze lingered on the envelope before returning to Sofia. "Is that all you came for?"