Dawn came and the news spread fast. Seungcheol and Jeonghan had gone to the hospital for Se Jong. Unfortunately, that’s where they’d meet SeungWon’s lifeless body as well.

 

Seungkwan was that one driving but he couldn’t compose himself as well. He looked bothered.

 

“Seungkwan. Have you seen Vernon?”

 

Seungkwan was surprised upon the question and said “He- he visited me last night, hyung. I-“

 

“Where is he?”

 

“He’s gone.”

 

“What?” asked Jeonghan. “What happened?”

 

“I am not sure, hyung. He wouldn’t tell me but- I think and I am afraid he-“ finding a word that he couldn’t even explain to himself properly.

 

“Speak!” ordered Seungcheol in anger which surprised the younger terribly.

 

“I think he came by the mansion that night.”

 

“Tell me the details, young man.” Demanded Seungcheol to Seungkwan.

 

“He’s got stains of blood on his shirt. Moreover, he’s shot.” Explained Seungkwan bravely. “I-I am sorry, boss.”

 

“Son of a !” murmured Seungcheol in anger.

 

Jeonghan suddenly remembered how Vernon went to see him the other that night. It was odd he thought but now Vernon’s actions was getting clearer.

 

Meanwhile Seungcheol was heard murmuring. “How can I not see this coming?”

 

“What?” asked Jeonghan.

 

“Vernon has the very motive to kill my father.”

 

“Seungcheol, we need to find him.”

 

“For sure. I will make him pay!” the older stressed.

 

“What motive are y-“remembering how Vernon briefly said how his family was killed. Although he did not have time to elaborate.

 

“He has the very right to put his grudge over my father but with my mom? I will not let him escape with this!” gritted his teeth in annoyance.

 

“Can you tell me what happened?” Jeonghan demanded.

 

“All I know is my father killed his family and clan. The reason is not so clear but I believe it was misunderstanding and I am sure that dad was the one who’s caused it.” Giving a heavy sigh after he tried to calm himself before he could see Se Jong.

 

HOSPITAL_

 

Minhyuk hasted when he saw Jeonghan and Seungcheol to make sure his identity would stay hidden for a while. He waited for news regarding his mother’s condition while trying to understand Vernon’s action.

 

For the meantime, while everybody was grieving, Jeonghan was the one to arrange SeungWon’s funeral. All their relatives, friends and business partners came. They were surprised with the tragedy SeungWon faced.

.

.

.

“SeungWon ssi is dead?” shouted Soon Young in surprise. “Who did it?”

 

“No idea.” Said Jihoon over the phone. “This is pretty unexpected, Soon Young. You have no protector now.”

 

“Seungcheol hyung would be the next.”

 

“He would never take that position.”

 

“I see.” quite problematic, Soon Young began thinking of his next move. That’s when he received a mysterious call.

 

“Hello there, Officer Yoon.” the man on the other line spoke.

 

Soon Young frowned with the unfamiliarity of the voice. It was cold yet y and thought he had never heard before. “May I know to whom am I speaking?”

 

“It’s Julia Kaverin. Seungcheol’s biological mother. We haven’t met yet but I need your assistance.”

 

The boy became surprised. “What can I do for you, Ms. Julia?”

 

“I know SeungWon is dead right now, honey and I was told to contact you if I need any help.”

 

“I am listening.” said Soon Young who was listening intently.

 

“I know about your whole family, Soon Young. Believe it or not, I received a message from the dead.” Stated Julia as if she was joking about it. “I will give you an address, meet me there. I want you to be discreet and no one should be able to follow you. Is that clear, my boy?”

 

“Understood.”

.

.

.

While Seungkwan was assigned to look for Vernon, Jeonghan on the other hand was currently answering every phone call they received from their relatives, friends and business partners for condolences.

 

This time, it was Congressman Kim Mingyu who’s calling “Jeonghan, we need to talk in private.”

 

“Now?”

 

“Yes. How is Seungcheol doing?”

 

Jeonghan sighed “He’s not good.”

 

“Of course, he will not be. I will pay you a visit in your house this afternoon.”

 

“And your spouse?”

 

“He’s headed to a meeting with the investors. I believe Seungcheol asked him to.”

 

“I see.”

 

Meeting at the Choi’s house, Mingyu showed himself to a different excuse, of course with Jeonghan’s guidance. “Hi! I would like to offer my help. I heard from EunWoo that you needed help.”

 

“Thank you for your offer, but we got it all handled.” Said Seungcheol knowing that Jeonghan had his magic on it already.

 

“Um… to be honest, I could use some hand.” Jeonghan said as an excuse, although, he would much appreciate it if he could really use some help.

 

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

 

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to disturb you.”

 

“He is just worried about you, Seungcheol. Let me help. As a friend.” interrupted Mingyu.

 

“Thank you, Mingyu. I appreciate it.” Seungcheol said while thinking of strategies on how to capture Vernon as soon as possible.

 

…

 

Alone in their living room, Mingyu made a few calls. Of course, he’s there to help but his main intentions was of another. “Jeonghan. I need to use the favor you offered me.” Asked Mingyu.

 

“Anything. Like what I said, it’s business.”

 

Mingyu was a little hesitant because it was not the right time and yet he thought there would be no other time better than this. “Since SeungWon is dead, I would like to take the opportunity to take over his position as the leader of the SeonBi organization.”

 

Jeonghan heard Mingyu and thought he asked quite fairly but there’s one big problem. “By the way congressman, just so you know, my identity is off the table now. My agent told me that the Ivanovs already knew about me.”

 

Mingyu was surprised “What? How about our deal? What do you want me to do now?”

 

“Don’t worry Mingyu. I can still make a deal. I just want things to go faster.”

 

“And, you mean in what way?”

 

“You see, I am quite in demand right now. My clock is ticking. It’s either a bullet on my head or to be served as a wife to another mad man… If I make you the new leader of SeonBi, I want your wife as a payment.”

 

Mingyu was torn.

 

“Think about it real quick. I’m giving you a way out without ruining your beautiful name, Mingyu. Eunwoo is charming, I know. But I assure you, he will go down soon. People are already all over checking on him.”

 

It was quite alarming for Mingyu. It became a bomb under his chest. “What do you know?”

 

“He’s a dangerous man. Even his colleagues marked him like a beast. You are my precious friend now, Mingyu. You deserve a better life.”

 

Acting like they’re both doing some chores, Mingyu said “I heard Vernon is missing.”

 

“Yeah. I need to find him before Seungcheol does.”

 

“You are in the middle of a chase all your life, Jeonghan. Aren’t you tired?”

 

“I am. But this is what life offered me. I have to live it for the people important to me. By the way, get ready because I will be opening more doors for you in exchange of EunWoo. I will introduce you to Jackson Wang. He and Jihoon will make sure you will win the senatorial race next election. That’s my way of saying thank you for doing great favors for me.”

 

“Sounds tempting. It’s fascinating how your enemies suddenly becomes your friend.”

 

“That’s my magic.” Jeonghan assured the other.

 

“Good doing business with you. I will make sure I’d cover you then. Be safe in whatever you are planning.”

 

Jeonghan smiled. “Thank you. You might want to eat first before really helping me.” he teased.

 

“You really seemed to be needing a lot of help.” Mingyu sighed and accepted Jeonghan’s offer.

 

“You sound so tempting, Jeonghan.” Smiled the taller man despite being torn between his goals or his one sided love.

.

.

.

A call just came up right after Jeonghan had shown Mingyu out. Seungcheol was the one to answer.

 

“Hyung. They’re coming for you.” a very unique voice Seungcheol hadn’t heard before. He seemed in haste.

 

“Who is this?” asked Seungcheol.

 

From the other side of the line, the supposedly younger male became startled. “Ah- I’m sorry. I think I got the wrong number.”

 

Seungcheol had this strong feeling that it has something to do with Jeonghan. “No. Continue to what you are saying. I believe you dialed the right number.”

 

“Perhaps you are Choi Seungcheol?”

 

“I am.”

 

“I am acquainted to Jeonghan hyung.”

 

“Your name.”

 

“I cannot just give you. Is he there?”

 

“Why can’t you tell me, young man? You can trust me.”

 

“We’d rather meet. Your body guard knows me. Where is he?”

 

Seungcheol knowing that he’s mentioning Vernon, he got a little furious. “What’s it with him? If you are also acquainted to that man, it means I couldn’t trust you as well.”

 

“What? That’s impossible. Look! I need to speak to Jeonghan hyung if you may. I need to warn him.”

 

“About what? You can rest assure that if this is about my Wife’s safety, I should be the first person to know.”

 

“Fine. But this news is not meant for you.”

 

“Go on. There’s nothing I can’t handle.”

 

“Xu is after Jeonghan hyung. I don’t know if it is related to the Ivanovs as well. I received an intel regarding it.”

 

“What?” gritted Seungcheol. “That is really trying to get Jeonghan from me.” he murmured.

 

“And watch out for the one they call ‘Sakura’ I can feel that he’s around you.”

 

“Meet me, young man.”

 

“I cannot right now. I’m currently on assignment. Please let your wife know.”

 

After hanging the phone, he immediately saw Jeonghan and talk. “There’s a message for you from a young man.”

 

“Seungkwan?”

 

“No. He’s a stranger to me but not to you and Vernon. He wouldn’t enclose his name. He told me to relay this message to you. The Xu is coming after you.” frowned Seungcheol.

 

Jeonghan was obviously became pale. “They knew already.” he gulped as he murmured.

 

“They set the war, so let it be.” said Seungcheol with glare on his eyes.

 

“Calm down, Seungcheol. You cannot let your feelings overcome you. Let me handle this.”

.

.

.

SEUNGWON’S WAKE_

 

SeokMin and Minghao met. “We are getting there.” whispered Minghao.

 

Minghao was obviously delighted and replied “I didn’t expect you work this fast. I am very impressed.”

 

“I guess, fate helped me. We got lucky, Mr. Xu.” SeokMin winked.

 

“Oh, please, call me Minghao. We’re buddies.”

 

“Current murders helped us with the progress.” since something was missing beside Minghao, he became intrigued. “By the way, I am not seeing your cold looking assistant everywhere.”

 

“Wonwoo?” he sighed “You mean Tristan Ivanov. I almost killed him.”

 

“He is?” SeokMin was truly surprised “What a surprise.”

 

“Indeed. It’s just really annoying I don’t have someone to tease anymore. it!”

 

“Easy now. At least Jeonghan is about to be yours.”

 

“Speaking of, I don’t see them here. Not even Vernon.”

 

“They need rest, so you know. There’s Officer Yoon if you need assistance in your inquiry… About Vernon, he’s a suspect on SeungWon’s death. Now… he’s nowhere to be found.”

 

“Oh dear. What a complicated family.”

 

That night, there was a special guest. She’s late and striking as always. She wore red.

 

“Oh my.” Minghao murmured quite stunned.

 

Julia went to grieve on SeungWon’s wake when she noticed Seungcheol and Jeonghan were not present but Soon Young, Jeonghan’s brother.

 

“Mr. Officer.” Greeted Julia.

 

“Ms. Kaverin.” greeted the other in return. “The couple is not here. They went home to rest.”

 

“I see. I will visit Se Jong later. Could you assist me?”

 

“For sure.”

.

.

.

Minhyuk stayed behind each scene. He was currently connected to his agent- Hong Joshua. “Any news about Vernon?”

 

“Nothing yet.” stated him.

 

FLASHBACK_

 

By the time SeokMin had plotted Joshua’s demise in the warehouse, he managed to dodge the bullet with Minhyuk’s help. At that time, Minhyuk was hiding behind the tapestry after noticing that somebody was approaching near the warehouse. He was supposed to wait for his agent or the keeper, any of the two, to meet as soon as he recovered.  That’s how Minhyuk and Joshua find each other. Ever since then, they were working together again.

 

END OF FLASHBACK_

 

“I regained contact with the Keeper again. We couldn’t meet.” Joshua added.

 

“Then you still don’t know each other by face? How come you never meet?”

 

“He’s stuck, Minhyuk. We cannot risk it.”

 

“I see.”

 

“You think Vernon did this?” asked Joshua pertaining to how they were both bothered by such conclusion.

 

“I don’t know.” Said Minhyuk with doubt. “I saw him that night but-“ still confused with who to believe. He knew Vernon wasn’t like that. Or in worst case scenario, he must have a very good reason. All Minhyuk wanted to assure now was his family and Jeonghan’s safety. If they happened to see Vernon, that’s the time he’d make a move.

 

“He could be dead now, Minhyuk… It felt like it his actions didn’t make sense.”

 

“I know he had the very reason to do this but I know him. There’s something off.”

 

“You mean what?”

 

“We owe him his family, Joshua. Dad took everything away from him. That’s the only valid reason I can think of.”

 

“Then why raise him?”

 

“Mom insisted. I have no say about that.”

 

“I see. I can continue the search for Vernon. How about you? What’s your plan?”

 

“I need to talk to SeokMin.” Stated Minhyuk.

 

“But-“

 

“This is the time, Joshua.”

 

“And Jeonghan? He might do something crazy. He’s got his hands full now, any minute could get him decide without even thinking. I picture he will go wild.”

 

Minhyuk smiled when he remembered their time together. “He’s actually the wildest person I’ve ever encountered. He knows what he’s doing. If he decides something bizarre, it is not for him.”

 

Joshua smirked.

.

.

.

The next morning “You ready to go to the tailor, hyung?” asked the chubby assistant right after visiting Jeonghan’s home.

 

Jeonghan, on the other hand, became surprised. He thought he had not have any appointments with Jun this week. Seungkwan took out his planner to show Jeonghan that he had clearly booked an appointment with Jun. He even called to confirm.

 

Jeonghan didn’t know or maybe forgot the reason why he booked with Jun that day. Maybe he’s just too busy that he forgot things already. “Good thing you have a planner, Seungkwanie. Let’s go, then.” but in the back of his mind, he was still thinking if it was him or Jun who recommended that schedule.

 

Inside the car, Jeonghan was seen looking far by the window. His thought seemed deep when Seungkwan interrupted. “Hyung, is there something troubling you?”

 

“Yeah. It’s just that- Seungcheol said someone called me.”

 

Seungkwan became alerted “Did you receive any threats?”

 

“No.” thinking carefully. “I received a warning.”

 

“Do you know who?”

 

“Actually, that’s what I am thinking because I don’t think of anyone to contact me about that matter.”

 

“That matter?” asked the younger.

 

“About my family. It’s very complicated. Anyway, let’s just meet Jun, so I can breathe fresh air.”

 

Arriving at the shop, Jeonghan spotted Jun busy as usual.

 

“Jun.” Jeonghan called. “I need to ask you something.” said in Rush, wanting to actually embrace the other since it was too much of a burden knowing how risky things could get from the last call he received that night.

 

“Jeonghan.” Jun called giving a cold stares sent Jeonghan in confusion.

 

“Is there something wrong?”

 

From behind, he heard a man saying “Hello brother! I should have known from the first time we met. I hope you didn’t forget me.” said Kai teasingly.

 

“My dear Nikita. You’ve become as lovely as your mother.” added Gavril proudly in his fine tux and on his lips a branded tobacco.

 

Jeonghan felt betrayal inside the room. His heart rate rose like he was about to faint. Looking one more time towards Jun knowing that he was probably the one sent by Gavril to look for him. “You-“

 

“I told you not to trust me, Nikita. Thank you for trusting me so easily.” Jun smirked mercilessly that Jeonghan could feel the chills in his bones.

 

“You do not dare!”

 

“Oh dear Jeonghan, it was lovely to be acquainted with you.” added Jun coldly.

 

Jeonghan was trapped. He froze in the middle of a hot conversation.

 

“My job is done now. I need the full payment as promise.”

 

“You will get what you want.” assured Gavril.

 

“Nikita, I’m afraid you have to say goodbye to your husband. I do not want to do this to my friend but we have too. I’m sorry, it’s pure business.” Kai mocking Jeonghan as if he was only treated like a doll that could be passed from one owner to another.

 

“I will give you time. Remember Nikita, you belong to me alone.” said his father. “You know what the consequences is when you try to escape.” Gavril threatened.