Reunion between Father and Son
As Jaehyun exited the house, he cast a glance at Jung Gunwoo, his tone firm but calm. "Director Jung, stay at the branch. I'll have the CBU with me, along with Director Kim and the Shadow Unit. I'll inform you if things get dangerous."
"Yes, Chairman," Jung Gunwoo replied, albeit reluctantly.
Jaehyun climbed into the car, accompanied by Director Kim and the driver. The motorcade followed—a formidable line of vehicles carrying the CBU and additional units. Jaehyun, unfazed by the impending encounter, adjusted his mask, which concealed his face, leaving only his eyes and mouth visible.
Upon arriving at Castle Hotel, Director Kim opened the car door for him. Jaehyun stepped out and issued his next command, "Except for Director Kim, Chief Han, the unit captains, and five members from each squad, the rest of you will remain outside. Guard the perimeter."
He walked into the hotel, where he was greeted by Castle Holdings' head of security, Ma Hakyoung, alongside his twin brother, Deputy Chief Ma Joonyoung, Chief Secretary Lee Heesung, and other Castle Holdings bodyguards.
"Chairman Lee, welcome to Castle Holdings. We will escort you to Chairman Choi," Ma Hakyoung said with a respectful bow.
As Jaehyun followed them, Ma Hakyoung's eyes flickered with surprise when he recognized Han Taehyung—an old acquaintance from their military days, one from Delta Force, the other from DEVGRU. Neither spoke, but their shared history was apparent.
The group stepped into the elevator, and moments later, they arrived at the floor where Chairman Choi resided. Sa Injin, Chief of Special Security for Castle Holdings, knocked on the office door.
"Chairman, Chairman Lee of JH Group is here."
A cold, authoritative voice responded, "Let him in."
Before entering, Jaehyun turned to his team, his voice low and commanding. "Don't let anyone in—not even them," he said, gesturing toward Ma Hakyoung and his men.
Deputy Chief Ma Joonyoung's temper flared, his voice sharp. "Oi, Chairman Lee, I don't care if you run JH Group. You speak crap like that here, it won't end well."
Jaehyun's eyes remained emotionless, unbothered by the outburst. Director Kim, always ready, began to pull a knife from his suit, sensing the tension rise between the CBU and Castle Holdings' bodyguards.
But then, Choi Minwook's voice cut through the escalating hostility. "Listen to Chairman Lee."
The room relaxed, if only slightly, as Jaehyun opened the door and stepped inside.
The office exuded power—a room of sophisticated design, with a large, polished table at its center, surrounded by high-backed leather chairs.
The quiet hum of the air conditioning was the only sound as Jaehyun surveyed the space, noting every detail—the exits, the hidden cameras, and anything that could be used to his advantage. His training ensured nothing escaped his notice.
At the far end of the room sat Choi Minwook, his demeanor calm and collected, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit. His expression was neutral, but his eyes were cold, assessing—he was a man accustomed to dealing with power, and Jaehyun was no exception.
"Chairman Choi," Jaehyun greeted, his voice steady, giving a respectful nod as he approached. There was an unspoken tension, the kind that exists between men who recognize each other's strength.
"Chairman Lee," Choi Minwook replied, standing to shake his hand. "It's an honor to finally meet you."
Their handshake was firm but restrained—two powerful men sizing each other up, neither willing to show weakness. Both sat, the tension between them thick, yet cloaked in the calm demeanor of seasoned negotiators.
"I understand JH Group doesn't often initiate meetings like this," Minwook began, leaning back slightly in his chair. "That makes me curious. Why would you reach out personally?"
Jaehyun's lips curled into a subtle smile. "It's more personal than you might think."
Minwook's brow furrowed slightly. "And what personal connection could I possibly have with someone like you?"
"Let's first talk about your achievements, Chairman Choi. Then, we'll get to the more important matters."
Minwook's interest was piqued, though his face remained composed. "Alright."
"Choi Minwook," Jaehyun began, his voice calm, "in your twenties, you organized a force called Pacheon alongside Kang Minseong and Cha Ilguk. You were instrumental in driving out Daegukpa, one of the leading criminal organizations in the country at the time."
Minwook's eyes narrowed slightly, though he said nothing.
"And now," Jaehyun continued, "you're at the pinnacle of the South Korean underworld. One of the most powerful men in Asia, possibly the world—especially with the upcoming presidential election in six months."
Minwook's expression darkened slightly. He was impressed by Jaehyun's knowledge but wary of how deep his information ran. This was more than a simple business meeting.
"You've built an empire," Jaehyun acknowledged. "But for all your success, there are areas where you've failed."
Minwook's voice turned icy. "And what might those be?"
Jaehyun's eyes locked onto Minwook's, unflinching. "You killed a man you once considered your brother. Uncle Minseong was strong, stronger than even you in some ways. But your greatest failure was failing to protect your wife and son."
Minwook's face froze. His eyes, already cold, became like shards of ice, his voice low and menacing. "Tell me what my past mistakes have to do with you."
Jaehyun's lips barely moved as he spoke. "Fifteen years."
Minwook's expression faltered, but only for a second.
"It's taken me fifteen years to get here," Jaehyun said, his voice steady as he reached up and removed his mask, revealing his face.
Minwook's cold, calculating expression finally cracked as recognition set in.
"It's been a long time, Father."