Just as he turned to return the gun to its box , the doorbell rang sharply, echoing through the tense silence. Both Victor and Enoch froze, startled by the unexpected interruption. Victor shot a questioning glance at Enoch, whose expression mirrored his own confusion. "Who could that be at this hour?" Victor muttered under his breath, his mind racing with possibilities. He glanced warily at Enoch, who simply shrugged in response, equally clueless. With cautious steps, Victor made his way to the front door, the unease palpable in his movements. As he swung the door open, his apprehension turned to surprise. Standing before him were several police officers, their stern expressions giving away nothing of their purpose. Among them stood Stephen, his presence commanding yet strangely calm. "Long time no see, Victor," Stephen greeted evenly, his eyes fixed on Victor's unsettled demeanor. Victor's jaw tightened, his mind racing to comprehend the sudden turn of events. "What are you doing
Stephen strode back through the living room, his every step deliberate and filled with authority. His gaze swept over the officers meticulously scouring drawers and cabinets, their actions frozen at his approach. With a commanding gesture, he signaled them to halt. "That's enough. Pack up and leave," Stephen commanded firmly, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. His steely gaze brooked no argument. The officer holding the clipboard hesitated, surprise etched on his face. "But sir, we haven't finished the search. We have a warrant," he protested, his voice faltering under Stephen's unwavering presence. Stephen's expression remained resolute, his jaw set with determination. "I said leave," he repeated with unyielding resolve, his authority palpable. The officers exchanged uncertain glances but obeyed, swiftly gathering their equipment and exiting the apartment. Enoch watched with wide eyes, unsure of what had transpired but relieved to see the police depart. Turning to Vic
Victor sat on the edge of his bed, the first light of dawn filtering through the curtains, casting eerie shadows across the room. He hadn't slept a wink. Ju-won, the man who held the key to his downfall, was set to testify in court today. Victor's mind raced as he thought about the fortune he had spent trying to keep Ju-won quiet. If Ju-won revealed the truth, it would be the end for him. The walls seemed to close in, suffocating him with the weight of his predicament. Jumping out of bed, Victor grabbed his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he found the number he had always used in times of trouble. His finger hesitated for a moment before pressing call. The phone rang twice before a dangerous voice answered. "Long time, Victor," the voice drawled. "I don't need your greetings," Victor snapped. "I paid you to get a job done. Instead, you sent your lackey, and now Ju-won's been caught and is testifying today." "Calm down," the voice replied, seemingly unfazed. "Calm d
Victor sat alone in the small, starkly lit room adjacent to the courtroom, his mind racing. His usual calm demeanor was eroding under the pressure. He knew he was cornered. The evidence Ju-won presented was damning, and the cross-examination had done little to discredit him. He needed a new strategy—something drastic. The door opened, and Ms. Daniels entered, her expression grim. "Victor, we need to talk," she said, closing the door behind her. Victor looked up, his eyes filled with desperation. "What's our next move? We need something to turn this around, and fast." Ms. Daniels sighed, setting her briefcase on the table and taking a seat across from him. "Victor, the evidence is overwhelming. Ju-won's documents are authentic and verified. Discrediting him further might not be enough. We need a more concrete plan." Victor clenched his fists, his mind whirling with possibilities. "There has to be something. What about Enoch? Can we use him somehow?" Ms. Daniels shook her head. "En
Stephen bursts into the bathroom just as Mr. Lee raises the knife. Without hesitation, Stephen charges at Mr. Lee, grabbing his arm and struggling to wrestle the weapon away. The knife glints dangerously close to Stephen's face, and he can feel the sharp edge grazing his skin."Ju-won, get out!" Stephen shouts, his voice strained with effort.Ju-won, paralyzed by fear, snaps into action and dashes towards the door. Meanwhile, Stephen and Mr. Lee grapple violently. Mr. Lee’s strength is overwhelming, but Stephen fights with sheer determination. The knife slashes Stephen's arm, and he grunts in pain, feeling the warm blood trickle down."You're done, Lee," Stephen growls, his voice a mix of pain and anger.With a final, desperate surge of energy, Stephen twists Mr. Lee's wrist, forcing him to drop the knife. It clatters to the floor, and Stephen kicks it away. Mr. Lee, now disarmed, shoves Stephen hard, sending him sprawling to the ground."Stephen!" Ju-won cries out, frozen in the door
Victor stood speechless, his face drained of color. He stared at the camera replaying the recording of his damning conversation with Lee. His eyes darted around the courtroom, seeing the looks of shock and disdain on the faces of the judge, jury, and spectators. Stephen, with a confident smirk, locked eyes with the judge, who nodded solemnly. "Mr. Stephen," the judge said, his voice steady, "the evidence presented here is conclusive. You are cleared of all charges." Relief washed over Stephen, but he kept his focus sharp. The judge turned to Victor, whose expression had morphed from surprise to rage. "Victor King," the judge continued, his tone cold, "you are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and embezzlement, as evidenced by this recording. Your actions are reprehensible and will be met with the full force of the law. You are hereby sentenced to 25 years." The courtroom buzzed with murmurs. Victor's fists clenched at his sides, his mind racing for an escape, but there was
The next morning, Stephen was asleep on the couch, snoring softly, when a loud crash from the kitchen jolted him awake. He checked the time: 7:00 AM. Groggy and confused, he noticed the living room was immaculate, far cleaner than he'd left it."What's going on?" he muttered as he headed to the kitchen.There, he found Yuna throwing his whiskey bottles into the trash. He watched, stunned. "What are you doing?" he asked, struggling to keep his tone calm.Yuna looked at him with determination. "Drinking alcohol is bad for your health."Stephen sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, but... those are expensive."She stood her ground, her small frame exuding surprising strength. "It's not good for you. My daddy said so."Stephen knelt down to her level. "Your daddy was a wise man. But sometimes adults need... a little help to relax."Yuna's eyes filled with tears. "I don't want you to be like my daddy. He got sick from drinking."Stephen's heart softened. He had promised Ju-won
Stephen sat in his car, stuck in traffic, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. The events of the day replayed in his mind, the miners' applause echoing in his ears. He glanced at the clock on the dashboard—8:45 PM. He had promised Yuna he'd be home early, but the unexpected tasks at the Empire had delayed him. The traffic finally started moving, and he maneuvered through the streets, his thoughts drifting to Yuna.By the time he parked in the hotel garage, it was 9:30 PM. Stephen sighed, thinking about Yuna probably waiting for him, or worse, already asleep after a long day of waiting. He entered the elevator, his mind heavy with guilt. The elevator dinged, and he stepped out, using his card to open the door to their suite.Darkness greeted him. The entire room was pitch black. Stephen's heart skipped a beat. "Yuna?" he called out, flicking the lights on. Silence answered him. He checked the bedroom—empty. The bathroom—empty. Panic began to set in as he searched every corner, ca
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not sa
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not say an
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not say an
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late.The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late.The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face."Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen.Stephen did not say anythi
Stephen stood by the door, watching as Victor’s car grew smaller in the distance. The rumble of the engine slowly faded, leaving nothing but the usual quiet that hung around the small neighborhood. He let out a breath, resting his hand on the doorframe. The last two months had been tough—tougher than he ever imagined.Without the system—the network of contacts and favors that once made his life easy—Stephen had to figure out a way to survive on his own. And it wasn’t glamorous. Every day was a grind, a constant scramble for enough money to cover the basics. Work wasn’t easy to come by, not when you’d burned as many bridges as he had. But he’d managed to find some odd jobs here and there—just enough to scrape by, though never enough to truly get ahead.He closed the door softly, the sound echoing through the small room. Glancing around the cramped space, he couldn’t help but think of the penthouse he once called home. The stark difference between his old life and this one weighed on hi
Stephen stood in the door and watched as Victor's car dwindled to a dot on the horizon. The rumble of the motor died out, leaving only the silent night air hovering over the little neighborhood. He exhaled a breath, his hand falling to rest on the doorframe. The last two months had been rough-tougher than he ever imagined.No system to fall back on now-the network of contacts and favors that oiled his life-Stephen was forced to scrounge some means of survival for himself. Not quite glamorous, the daily fight, the eternal hustle just for the real basics. Jobs were not easy to find, not when one had burned bridges as he had. But he'd been able to find odd jobs here and there, enough just to scrape by, never enough to get any further ahead.He closed the door behind him with a quiet click. The softness echoed inside the tiny room. Glancing around at the cramped quarters, his mind strayed to the penthouse he once called home. The stark dissimilarities between where his life used to be and
Two months later, Victor stared at the address on his phone, then at the small, run-down building in front of him. It didn’t look like a place Stephen would be living. The paint was peeling off the walls, and the grass in front was overgrown. This was far from the sleek, modern apartment Stephen used to own.Victor killed the engine, stepped out of his car, and walked toward the house. It was a self-contained unit—cheap, cramped, and barely enough for one person. He checked the address again. Room number 9. It matched. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.When he reached room 9, he knocked hard. The wood felt thin under his knuckles, like the door could break if he wasn’t careful. He knocked again, louder this time.After a moment, the door creaked open. Victor’s eyebrows shot up. Standing in front of him was Stephen, but he was almost unrecognizable. His hair was longer, his face covered with a scruffy beard, and he’d gained weight—his old sharp features now s
Standing beside Ariane's bed, his mind was spinning as he stared down at the screen of the system on his phone. His fingers trembling, he hit the icon for healing skills. He muttered under his breath, "Why can't this work on her? Why can't I save her?The system kept mum-no explanation, no solution. The shallow breathing of his daughter echoed in the room; every weak breath made him helpless. Stephen swallowed hard as his throat went dry. He could fix deals, he could manipulate numbers, but here in this hospital room, he was powerless.The door creaked open, and Stephen turned to see Enoch step in. Gone was Enoch's usual smug expression, replaced with a concerned frown. "What are you doing here?" Stephen's voice was low, edged with suspicion.Enoch shrugged, glancing over at Ariane. "Heard she was sick, so I decided to come by. How's she doing?"Stephen stared at him for a long moment, unsure of how to reply. His mind flashed back to his earlier doubts. Ariane wasn't his daughter, at
Stephen sat cross-legged on a soft mat, his eyes closed to focus on the calm voice of the guru. The air around him was scented with burning incense; a low hum of chanting echoed softly from the walls. He had called in the guru in a last-ditch effort to clear his mind, escape the relentless pull of the system. It had started to devour him, bit by bit, till it was all he could think of, all he could perceive.He was losing his grip, and he knew it.The guru's voice came, calm: "Breathe in. breathe out. let your thoughts flow like water. Do not cling to them."Stephen sucked in an enormous breath, then let it slowly out again, as if to expel everything at the same time: the market crash, the system, the deals that went right past him. The tension between him and Enoch was endless. He'd gotten pulled into something so much bigger than he was that he couldn't possibly control it himself, and however hard Stephen fought his way free of it, he felt ensnared.Then, though, as his breathing st