exile 2 - the sequel

from exile 1:

- "Sir," Mr. Park said, his voice tight with fear. "It's Park. I'm on the island." He swallowed hard, the silence on the other end more threatening than any shout. "Sir... he's gone. Taehyung-ssi... he's not here."

The silence stretched, so profound and cold it felt like the air had been sucked from the room. When the voice on the other end finally spoke, it was not loud, but it carried the quiet, absolute fury of a tectonic plate shifting.

"Find him."

The line went dead. -

- Before Jeongguk could form a word-a denial, an explanation, anything-she turned her dazzling attention back to him, seamlessly cutting Taehyung out of the conversation. She linked her arm through Jeongguk's, the gesture as natural as breathing.

"My father is expecting us for dinner tomorrow to discuss the merger finalizations," she said, her voice sweet but laced with unshakable authority. "He's so pleased we're finally aligning our families." She squeezed his arm, her possessiveness a tangible force in the room. "It's so good to have you back where you belong." -