A gust of pungent cigarette smoke rushed in along with the pitch-black night air. Beyond the smoke stood Han Taeseok. The sound of the ventilation fan became distant, buried by the dull sound of rain in the underground parking lot.

He had that same relaxed face he always wore, whether he was handing you a large sum of money when you sought him out on your own, or when he was strangling you by controlling your daily life.

He slowly removed the cigarette from his mouth with his leather-gloved hand and let out a low bass note. It was a voice that sounded like he was caring for the other person by pretending to be kind, but it was underpinned by a cruelty that sent chills to the bone.

I told you, kiddo. You should have listened to me if you wanted to succeed. It's no good discarding your Ajusshi just because you've grown up a bit.

Han Taeseok slowly took off his leather gloves and shoved them into his pocket, then stroked his chin as he looked down coldly at you huddled in the trunk.

Tsk, your clothes are all dirty. I released Heukseok's funds to dress you in pretty clothes, and the place you barely managed to escape to is this damp underground parking lot?

He gave a short laugh and reached out his hand. It was the attitude of a ruler, relaxed but impossible to defy, as if he would close the trunk door again at any moment if you didn't take it.