The dim glow of the safe house flickered as Seojin stared at the map spread across the table. The Council of Nine—once an untouchable force—was finally cracking.
And now, she was about to shatter it completely.
Choi leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "We have a small window before they regroup. Your father is losing favor fast, but the Council won't act unless they have proof he's a traitor."
Kade scoffed. "And we're supposed to give them that proof?"
Choi smirked. "Exactly."
Minji groaned from the bed, shifting slightly. "This plan is insane."
Seojin glanced at her. "That's never stopped us before."
Minji exhaled. "Fair."
Kade studied the map. "How do we do it?"
Choi pulled a flash drive from his pocket and tossed it onto the table. "We fabricate evidence. Bank transactions, secret meetings, messages that don't exist—all leading back to your father."
Seojin picked up the drive, rolling it between her fingers. "And once the Council believes he's turned against them?"
Choi's grin was dangerous. "They'll destroy him themselves."
Seojin clenched her jaw. This was the best way to take him down. To end this war.
But why did it feel like something was wrong?
Later that night, Seojin sat outside, letting the cold air sting her skin. The weight of everything pressed against her chest.
She had always known this would end with her father's downfall.
But she never expected to be the one orchestrating it.
"You look conflicted."
She tensed at the voice.
Choi.
He stepped beside her, hands in his pockets. "Second thoughts?"
Seojin exhaled. "No."
Choi studied her. "You're hesitating."
She turned to face him. "You don't hesitate?"
His smirk faded. "Not anymore."
She hated how familiar that sounded.
Choi's voice lowered. "You know, I used to think the Council was untouchable."
Seojin narrowed her eyes. "And now?"
Choi's expression darkened. "Now I know everyone bleeds."
She didn't respond.
Because deep down, she was starting to believe it too.
The next day, the team moved fast.
Using Choi's fabricated evidence, they sent an anonymous tip to one of the Council's most paranoid members—Chairman Song.
Within hours, the Council was already turning on her father.
Minji tapped at her laptop, monitoring encrypted messages. "They're questioning his loyalty."
Kade leaned over her shoulder. "How long before they make a move?"
Minji frowned. "It won't take long. The Council doesn't tolerate betrayal."
Seojin exhaled, but something felt off.
Her father wouldn't go down this easily.
Then—
A single message flashed across the screen.
Seojin's breath caught.
Kade's eyes widened. "What is that?"
Minji's hands shook as she read it aloud.
"The girl is alive."
The room went still.
Seojin's heart slammed against her ribs. "What…?"
Minji scrolled down, her face pale. "It's from an encrypted source. Someone inside the Council. They sent it to your father."
Seojin's hands curled into fists. "Who the hell are they talking about?"
Minji's voice was barely a whisper.
"Your mother."
End of Chapter 80
Thoughts for Readers:
Could Seojin's mother really be alive, or is this another one of her father's mind games?
How will this revelation affect her plan to take him down?
Sneak Peek for Chapter 81:
Seojin believed her mother died years ago. But as secrets unravel, she's forced to confront a truth more terrifying than any lie. And this time, the past may be deadlier than the present.