Part 29
A few days had passed. Jae-bum got into his car immediately after receiving a brief, cryptic call from Felix. As he drove, his eyes never left the rearview mirror. He took erratic turns and changed lanes constantly, checking to see if a tail was following him
Eventually, he reached the banks of the Han River. He parked his car and walked onto the bridge, his breath visible in the cold air
Unbeknownst to him, Taejin was following at a masterclass distance, blending into the traffic and shadows. Taejin waited, his pulse quickening as he expected Felix to emerge from somewhere to meet Jae-bum. But nothing happened. Instead, Jae-bum stopped at a small noodle stall on the bridge and ordered a bowl of ramyun
"Is this damn man really here just for ramyun?!" Taejin muttered in shock, watching through binoculars from a distance "There has to be something else beneath this"
Jae-bum toyed with his phone, typing quickly but keeping his head down. He didn't make any calls, still wary of potential bugs or directional microphones. Then, a new message from Felix popped up
-If you're at that ramyun stall, tell the owner your name is Jae-bum. He will give you something-
Jae-bum glanced around subtly before looking at the elderly vendor "Old man, your ramyun is delicious... By the way, my name is Jae-bum"
The old man's expression didn't change, but he immediately reached under the counter and handed Jae-bum a stack of napkins. Jae-bum used a few to wipe his mouth but he felt the weight of a large envelope tucked inside the stack. He carefully slid it into his inner coat pocket
"Thank you, old man. I'm leaving now" Jae-bum said, leaving extra cash on the counter
As Jae-bum walked back to his car, Taejin quickly retreated to his own vehicle, frustrated that he hadn't seen a second person
Once Jae-bum was safely inside his car and driving, Felix called
"Hyung, those are documents and a voice recording" Felix explained, his voice sounding thin over the line "I'm looking for more proof. I couldn't go to Dong-seok's house because for now so keep those safe for me, okay?"
"What proof? Why are you doing this without me?" Jae-bum asked, his voice tinged with anger and worry
"I told you, they are watching you" Felix replied calmly "We don't have time. We have to finish this fast"
"Where did you get these? What are they?" Jae-bum reached into his pocket, feeling the envelope
"Early this morning, I visited one of my father's most trusted associates from the company" Felix said "He told me that before my father died, Liang Yu, the head of a major Chinese branch wanted a partnership. My father refused. But when my father was killed, Jun Ho agreed to the deal immediately. The day I escaped, Jun Ho was in China to finalize it"
Jae-bum listened intently as he navigated through the city
"The associate said he overheard that Liang Yu sent 'specialists' to Korea right before the murders" Felix continued "I think Liang Yu provided the hitmen for Jun Ho . If you look at the financial records in that envelope, Jun Ho paid him far more than the deal was worth. The evidence is still a bit thin but it's a start"
"So you're saying Liang Yu is the one who actually pulled the trigger on your family?" Jae-bum asked
"Exactly. They were the ones who killed them" Felix said "We should go to China to get the rest but since you're under surveillance and I'm a fugitive, we need another way to get the full story"
"You're right. Neither of us can leave the country now" Jae-bum sighed "I'll hide the recordings and the documents. Stay safe, Felix"
Jae-bum hung up and drove toward his home, unaware that Taejin was still behind him
As Jae-bum neared his apartment complex, his mind was heavy with the weight of the Liang Yu documents sitting in his pocket. For a split second, his focus shifted from the road to the envelope. In that moment of distraction, a figure stepped out from behind a parked van
THUD
Jae-bum slammed on the brakes, his heart leaping into his throat. He squeezed his eyes shut for a terrifying second, his hands trembling violently on the steering wheel "No, no, no..." he whispered. He scrambled out of the car, his knees nearly giving way
"Are you okay?!" he gasped, dropping to the ground beside the man who had fallen
"I... I'm fine. It's nothing" the man muttered, squinting his eyes as if in pain, clutching his side
"Please, we need to go to the hospital" Jae-bum insisted, his protective instincts overriding his caution. He reached out to help the man up
"I'm alright, really .... The car didn't hit me that hard" the man said, his voice strained but calm "It was my fault. I felt a bit dizzy, like I was going to faint so I didn't ... see the car coming"
Jae-bum looked at the man's disheveled appearance and felt a wave of guilt "Look, if you won't go to the hospital, my apartment is right here in this alley. At least come inside, sit down and rest for a moment"
"There's no need" the man replied, shaking his head
"No, I insist. Either you come inside or we are calling an ambulance" Jae-bum said firmly
The man paused, a small, unreadable smile playing on his lips "Alright then, Let's go to your apartment"
Jae-bum helped the man to his feet, letting the stranger lean his weight against him. He put the man's arm over his shoulder, walking him carefully toward the car
Jae-bum had no idea who he was touching but Taejin smirked as he felt Jae-bum's support, knowing his plan to get inside was working perfectly
The heavy iron gates of the prison creaked open, and for the first time in three years, Hyunjin stepped out into the open air. A strange, overwhelming sensation flooded his chest, a mixture of triumph and a predatory hunger. He was finally out
His mother rushed toward him immediately, her eyes brimming with tears as she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace
"My son... I'm so happy. You're finally free" she said, her voice trembling with genuine emotion
Hyunjin returned the embrace loosely, his arms heavy and unresponsive "Don't cry, Mother" he said, his voice flat, his mind already miles away
He pulled back and shifted his gaze toward his father. Mr. Hwang stood tall, a man of cold prestige, but today he wore a wide, proud smile
Hyunjin stepped forward "Thank you for your help" he said
"I am very glad you made this decision, son" Mr. Hwang replied, opening his arms. Hyunjin leaned in, accepting the hug from the man who had pulled the strings to make this day happen
A guard quickly opened the door of a luxurious black sedan waiting at the curb. They slipped inside, leaving the grey walls of the prison behind
The legal process had moved with terrifying speed, it hadn't even taken a week. Once Hyunjin decided to confess, the Hwang family's army of lawyers took over. Hyunjin had revealed the location of the hidden security footage he had kept secret for years. He gave the evidence to his lawyer to present to the judge and with the family's influence, the man who actually committed the murder was pressured into a full confession. Everything was tied up in a neat, golden bow
As the car glided through the city streets, his parents spoke excitedly about the future. They talked about throwing a massive celebration, about reclaiming his position in the company, and how happy they were to have the family whole again
But Hyunjin wasn't listening. He stared out the tinted window at the passing buildings. He wasn't thinking about parties or business
~I'm coming for you, Felix~ a faint, dark smile touching his lips
Jae-bum led Taejin into the apartment and helped him sit on the sofa. The space was small and quiet
"Just rest here" Jae-bum said, turning toward the kitchen "I'll get you some water"
"Um... excuse me?" Taejin said in a low, polite voice "I think I left my phone at my workplace. Could I use yours to call a friend? I need to tell him to bring it home for me"
Jae-bum hesitated for a split second, then nodded "Of course. Here" He handed over his phone and walked into the kitchen to get the water
Taejin looked down at the device in his hand. He expected a passcode but the screen swiped open immediately "Tch... what an idiot" Taejin muttered to himself "Who leaves their phone without a password these days?"
He quickly opened the messaging app. His eyes lit up and a dark smile spread across his face when he saw the last conversation. The contact had no name, only a number but the last message was unmistakable -I'll hide the recordings and the documents. Stay safe, Felix-
Taejin didn't waste a second. He memorized the number and quickly typed it into his own hidden phone inside his pocket
Just as he finished, Jae-bum returned carrying a tray with water and some light snacks
"Yes, yes I'll be at home. Thank you so much" Taejin said into the phone, pretending to finish a conversation with a friend and that person was one of his men so Jae-bum wouldn't suspect anything. He handed the phone back with a grateful look
"You didn't have to do all this" Taejin smiled, taking a sip of the water
"Are you feeling better now?" Jae-bum asked, sitting in the chair opposite him
"Huh? Oh, yes much better" Taejin replied, his smile looking perfectly innocent "Do you live here all by yourself?"
"Yes" Jae-bum said shortly
"Is life really better alone?" Taejin asked, tilting his head curiously
"I've just gotten used to it" Jae-bum said with a small, weary smile
They chatted for a few more minutes, with Taejin acting like a perfect, friendly stranger almost like an angel. Once he was sure he had everything he needed, he thanked Jae-bum again and left the apartment. The moment the door closed, his friendly face vanished, replaced by a cold, lethal focus. He had the number. He had the lead.
After hours of agonizing effort, Felix finally arrived at Dong-seok's house around 9:00 PM. Exhaustion pulled at every muscle in his body. He hadn't slept well or really rested since the day he escaped. He climbed the stairs to the upper bedroom and collapsed onto the bed, closing his eyes just to breathe for a moment
Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Since he only had Jae-bum's number saved, he answered immediately
"Yes, Hyung?" Felix said, his voice thick with fatigue
"What are you doing right now?" Jae-bum asked
"I'm at Dong-seok's house. I just got here" Felix replied, pressing the heels of his hands against his forehead to dull a throbbing headache "Did something happen?"
"That maid... The one we saw that day in the servants' quarters, I took her number back then in case we needed anything. She called me a moment ago" Jae-bum explained, his voice tense "She said someone wants to speak with you"
"With me? Who?" Felix asked, snapping upright on the bed, his heart beginning to race
"I don't know. She only said that they insist on speaking to you personally" Jae-bum said
"Did she give an address? Anything else?"
"Yes, she gave me the address of a house" Jae-bum confirmed
"Send it to me. I have to go now" Felix said urgently, already reaching for his jacket
"Wait, Felix! Stop" Jae-bum cut him off "I'm not entirely sure if this maid is telling the truth. It could be a trap. We should go together tomorrow morning once I find a way to shake off the people monitoring me"
"Hyung, please! Every minute that passes is a risk. I have to go" Felix argued, his desperation growing
"I won't give you the address until I find a way to escape this surveillance" Jae-bum said firmly "Just hold on for a little while. I'll call you back soon and we will go together"
"Please—" Felix started to protest, but the line went dead
Felix began pacing the small room, his mind spinning with anxiety. The silence of the old house felt heavy around him. "Who could it be?" he whispered to himself
After slipping out of his apartment through the back exit, wearing a disguise and circling the block multiple times to shake any lingering tails, Jae-bum finally called Felix. He gave him the address and hailed a taxi, his heart pounding against his ribs
The location wasn't far for Jae-bum but for Felix, Jae-bum waited at the meeting point. He checked his watch, it was past 11:00 PM. When he finally looked up, he saw a hooded figure approaching
"Hyung" Felix whispered, a small, tired smile breaking through as he threw his arms around Jae-bum
"I missed you so much. Let's go" Jae-bum said, ending the embrace with a comforting squeeze on Felix's shoulder.
They approached the door of a modest house, and Jae-bum rang the bell. After a minute, a little girl opened the door
"Is this Mrs. Wang's house?" Felix asked
The girl nodded and called out "Grandmother! Two men are here"
An elderly woman, over 56 but still carrying herself with a visible inner strength, walked slowly to the door. She looked at them both, her eyes settling on Felix "Lee Felix, right?"
"Yes, I am Lee Felix" he replied
"Come inside" Mrs. Wang said calmly.
They followed her into a large room and sat on the sofas "My dear, go get something for our guests" she told the little girl
"Please, don't trouble yourself" Felix said, leaning forward "I just want to know why you wanted to see me"
"First, I offer my deepest condolences for what happened to you and your family" Mrs. Wang began. Jae-bum and Felix exchanged a shocked glance
"M...My daughter worked at your mansion eight years ago. I knew your family well especially your late mother. Before she died in that car accident, she helped us so much"
Felix took a deep, shaky breath at the mention of his biological mother
"I know that the murder of your family was a planned conspiracy framed on you, my boy" Mrs. Wang said. Felix stared at her, stunned "And I know it was your uncle's doing"
Felix and Jae-bum's eyes widened in pure shock. As the little girl brought snacks to the table, Felix leaned closer, his voice trembling "What... what do you mean? What do you know?!"
"As I said, my daughter was a maid in your mansion. Once when your mother visited us because we were in a bad financial state, she and my daughter became close friends more like sisters than mistress and servant. Your mother told her everything. She told my daughter that your uncle loved her like a madman, but your grandfather insisted she marry your father"
Felix remained silent. He had never once suspected that his uncle had harbored such an obsession for his mother
"I think you know your mother loved your father, even though your father only agreed to the marriage because of your grandfather. Even when you were born, the relationship between your parents wasn't good. Your mother told my daughter that your uncle was still waiting for her to divorce so he could marry her. But she loved your father and refused. When she became pregnant again, she thought it might be a second chance for their marriage..."
"P... pregnant?" Felix stammered, his world tilting "My mother never mentioned another child... I have no siblings from my real mother!"
"I know. On the day of the accident, your uncle had found out about the pregnancy. He was terrified he'd lose his last chance with her. My daughter said your mother often mentioned how your uncle was becoming a problem. She hated him" Mrs. Wang's voice cracked "You must know... that night wasn't the first time your uncle tried to kill your father. It was the second"
Felix swallowed hard, his eyes filling with tears
"My daughter saw your uncle doing something to your father's car at work. She didn't know what it was at the time. Later that day, your mother had to visit the doctor for an ultrasound, she wanted to give the picture to your father as a gift. She took that car. And the accident happened"
Tears streamed down Felix's face, his breathing becoming ragged "So my uncle... he caused my mother's death too? I was supposed to have... another sibling?
Jae-bum placed a firm hand on Felix's shoulder, looking at Mrs. Wang "Where is your daughter now? Can we speak to her?"
Mrs. Wang gave a bitter, painful smile "My daughter knew Jun-Ho did it. She wanted to file a report, but Jun-Ho found out. He threatened her, told her he would kill me and her two-month-old daughter if she spoke. She told me everything and I didn't know what to do. She quit her job and stayed home, always saying, 'If something happens to me, promise you won't speak and will take care of my daughter' She grew more unstable, like she was losing her mind... One night, I woke up and found she had hanged herself"
Mrs. Wang covered her mouth, sobbing. Felix stood up, burying his face in his hands. He didn't know which tragedy to cry for first. Everything was becoming darker and more bitter
"That worthless bastard... I'm going to kill him myself!" Felix screamed, his voice breaking through his tears
"Please stay calm, Felix" Jae-bum said, standing up to steady him
After Jae-bum recorded Mrs. Wang's testimony as evidence, they headed out. Felix's legs were almost too weak to carry him. Jae-bum pulled Felix's hood over his head and helped him into a taxi
Felix sat in total silence. His eyes were bloodshot, but this silence wasn't peace, it was the quiet before a devastating storm