"Oh my, my... my dear child Ivan, it has been so long since I've seen you in this mansion," Oh Jin-wook said. There was a predatory glint in his eyes, but not a single trace of fear.

Without lifting his head, Ivan stepped toward his seat as if he knew instinctively it was reserved for him. His secretary stood firmly by his side; she offered a greeting to Oh Jin-wook but did not bow, knowing exactly whose shadow she walked in.

"Chairman Oh, I am also glad to be here, which is why I suggested we hold the meeting at Delphinus Bay," Ivan replied. He gave a very innocent and lovely smile—the kind that even the King of Hell would be deceived by.

Oh Jin-wook smirked slightly. "When you were first brought to this Bay, you were so innocent; now look at you—such a tall and handsome man." He took a few quiet seconds to analyze him, as if measuring exactly how much time it would take for the 'Beauty' sitting before him to transform into a 'Beast.'

Ivan smiled back. "Chairman Oh, you yourself look no less than a movie star in your mid-fifties. Nothing is lost yet; you should make a debut. If you wish, I could pull some strings in the film industry."

Despite the powerful blast of the AC, the smell of sweat permeated the room—a sour mixture from four or five different colleagues. The surprising part was that this sweat did not belong to Ivan or Oh Jin-wook; it belonged to the others present in that Abyss, who wanted nothing more than to end this meeting and escape.

Oh Jin-wook laughed. "I didn't know the 'silent kid' could make jokes." He signaled to one of his men. Moments later, a brand-new silver bottle of Standards Original was placed before them.

Ivan looked at the bottle and smiled. "Didn't know the Chairman liked Russian brands that much."

"Not at all, Ivan. This is specifically for you. I like Russian things too," Oh Jin-wook said, staring intensely at Ivan.

But not a single flicker of discomfort crossed Ivan's face. Instead, he yawned, without actually making any physical effort to do so.

A sudden, heavy silence descended. Ivan's gaze drifted slowly across the room, eventually landing on a massive, ornate photo frame mounted on the wall. The painting inside was haunting: a woman with heavy iron shackles around her ankles, a young child sitting in her lap. The boy was wailing, his tiny hands reaching desperately toward a door—an exit that felt miles away.

"I see that painting has caught your eye," Oh Jin-wook remarked, his eyes locking onto Ivan's with predatory precision. "Such a beautiful, covered frame... it has a way of commanding the attention of anyone who enters this room."

Ivan didn't flinch. He brought the cup to his lips, took a measured sip, and set it back on the table with a quiet, deliberate clink.

"I heard there are plans to build a trade portal in the Northern sector," Ivan said, his voice dropping an octave. "A way to move supply without the nuisance of government interference."

The temperature in the room plummeted. Oh Jin-wook's men straightened their posture. Ivan remained calm, idly adjusting the cuff of his suit.

"You know someone killed Alex," Ivan continued, his face a mask of calm. "I suspect word got out that Alex was the most vital link to 'The Vane.' No one traded information better than him."

Oh Jin-wook took a slow draw from his glass. His face showed neither fear nor a shred of sympathy. "It seems someone did my job for me. I had my grievances with Alex."

"Is that so, Chairman?" Ivan took another sip.

"Alex wanted to tell me something the night he died," Oh Jin-wook leaned in, the air growing thick with dread. "I believe it was something regarding my men."

(So, he wants to kill two birds with one stone, just as I thought,) Ivan mused.

"What about your men?" Ivan asked, feigning confusion.

"I don't know. He died before he could speak. I think he was silenced specifically so that information would never reach me."

(That's not the case at all, but believe what you wish. I did well to kill Alex,) Ivan thought. (Jihoon should be grateful to me.)

A soundless laugh bubbled in Ivan's chest, but his face stayed blank , lost in a daze. "So, what does the Chairman intend to do about it?"

"You are going to find that information for me, Ivan. The secret Alex was about to sell me."

Ivan remained silent for several long moments. "And what do I get in exchange?"

A loud, jagged laugh erupted. "As expected of our Ivan. Always the merchant. What is it you want?"

"You already know what I want."

Oh Jin-wook's smile didn't falter, but his eyes sharpened. "Ivan, why bother asking for permission when you're already capable of taking whatever you want? Unless... you're hiding something from me?"

A cheeky, dangerous smile cracked across the Chairman's face. Ivan relaxed into his seat. "You know I've never lied to you, Chairman. So... what about the Northern Estate?"

Oh Jin-wook smiled. It was finally clear why this young man had traveled so far. "But Ivan, you know me," Oh Jin-wook said, his voice smooth. "I never make a deal where I don't see a profit. I usually give people the scraps they deserve... but you? You are like family. Therefore, as of today, the Northern Estate is your responsibility."

Ivan smiled back.

"And with the Northern Estate," Oh Jin-wook added, "the Blue Lily Project is also yours."

(Bingo.)

Inside Ivan's mind, a chaotic symphony of destruction erupted.

Ivan stood up and was about to leave when Oh Jin-wook's voice cut through the air. "How is Jihoon, Ivan?"

Fuck. His secretary stiffened. (This pervert old man... he doesn't fear what this beast can do. Before anything happens, I have to—)

"He is doing great, Chairman Oh," Ivan replied, his steps never faltering. "He is better than ever... and in the future, I bet he will be even more."

As he walked out, half of the darkness in the room seemed to leave with him.

"Come here," Oh Jin-wook commanded.

A man who had been standing in the shadows finally stepped forward. His face was only partially visible in the dim light.

"Yes, sir," the man said.

His black outfit matched perfectly with his silver hair and muscular frame. No fear showed on his face, but inside, his thoughts were fighting.

(I wonder what Nova is doing...)