“Enya Cenaline.”
Hunter was the first to speak. Her smile deepened.
“Hunter Kim.”
She stood up. She was dressed in casual clothes that could be seen on any street. A dark brown turtleneck and ordinary jeans. Hyungoh was rather surprised by her ordinary appearance.
The image that immediately came to mind when thinking of a mafia boss was definitely someone in a pitch-black suit. With a thick cigar in mouth, it would be perfect. Or at the very least, she could be wearing a button-down shirt with two or three buttons undone like Federico.
That’s not to say he let his guard down. Despite her stature not being imposing, there was something intimidating about her presence as she approached. Each step she took carried weight.
She definitely had a different aura than others. So this is what makes a mafia boss different? Hyungoh swallowed dryly.
“How disappointing. Your favorite game of hide and seek has come to an end.”
Unlike other times, Hunter didn’t counter her words with a joke. A person who always flaunted his composure in any situation. Hyungoh began to feel even more uneasy. If an uncle like that was tense, how terrifying must she be?
“The one beside you isn’t your son, is he?”
“…Of course not. He’s my nephew.”
“Ah. Your nephew.”
She looked Hyungoh up and down. So he’s the nephew. Her eyes showed interest. Hyungoh avoided her gaze and glared at Theo instead. Theo raised one eyebrow slightly as his eyes met Hyungoh’s.
“Should I give you some privacy?”
Theo asked Enya.
“Yes. Since we have such distinguished guests, I should interview them one by one.”
Theo nodded and grabbed Hyungoh’s arm firmly. As he was about to take him back to the elevator, Enya stopped them.
“No, the nephew first.”
“Me? Me?”
Hyungoh was flustered. An interview with me? What could we possibly have to talk about? Hunter also looked puzzled, as if he hadn’t expected this.
Enya patted Theo’s shoulder. I’ll give you your chance first, specially. Theo hesitated for a moment after recognizing her intention, then gestured to Hunter.
“Follow me.”
Hunter, who had been obediently walking toward Theo, noticed Hyungoh whimpering like livestock being led to slaughter. He paused briefly before letting out a small sigh.
“Just keep your wits about you, and nothing will happen.”
“Do something about this!”
“Your life isn’t in danger, so don’t worry.”
“W-wait a minute. Wait!”
Uncle. Hyungoh called out desperately to his back. But Hunter had already boarded the elevator with Theo.
“Come and sit down.”
Enya, who had already returned to her seat, called to Hyungoh. With his body stiff as a board, Hyungoh forced his legs to move. Being alone with her made him extremely nervous.
I never thought I’d live to see the day I’d meet the boss of Cenaline. Hyungoh sat across from her with a desk piled high with documents between them.
“Hello.”
“Ah, h-hello.”
“There’s no need to be so stiff.”
I’m just curious about your existence. Enya said. She was staring intently at Hyungoh.
“Is, is there something on my face?”
“Hmm.”
She toyed with the corner of her mouth.
“Have you ever thought a withered flower was beautiful?”
“…Pardon?”
“Have you ever been excited by feeling the warmth of fresh blood?”
Hyungoh couldn’t close his mouth. I-I should answer… Urged by her gaze, Hyungoh hurriedly moved his lips.
“No, I haven’t.”
“You haven’t?”
She tilted her head and asked another question.
“Have you never felt the urge to throw yourself into a blazing fire? Have you never been captivated by the sight of clear water turning red with blood?”
Hyungoh was dumbfounded. What, what? He pondered her words for a moment before quickly shaking his head. Of course not. Seeing his innocent face, which didn’t seem to be lying, she laughed heartily.
“I wouldn’t have expected someone with your personality to come from that family.”
Hyungoh’s ears perked up. That family? Is this another story related to my uncle? Noticing his interest in her words, she continued.
“Shall I give you a more interesting topic of conversation?”
She interlaced her fingers. Her voice sounded secretive. Hyungoh unconsciously leaned forward. Could she be about to reveal information about his uncle? Since he still had many questions about Hunter, Hyungoh couldn’t help but be interested.
“About your mother, Maria.”
The words that came out of her mouth were not about Hunter. The atmosphere instantly turned solemn. It felt like she was forcibly uncovering a buried mystery.
Hyungoh froze. His expression was visibly hardening to the point that anyone would notice his shock.
* * *
Theo came down to the lobby on the floor directly below and sat with Hunter at a table with a sofa. It seemed the 73rd floor also didn’t accept outsiders, as there was no one walking around except for security guards standing motionless in the corridor.
Theo spread two fingers to a man waiting on one side. The man nodded and turned around, disappearing. After five minutes, the man reappeared with coffee cups in both hands.
An awkward atmosphere flowed. Theo took a sip of coffee. His brow was furrowed as if something was bothering him.
“Coffee doesn’t suit you. Why don’t you go ask for a cola instead?”
“And how long are you going to keep sipping hot chocolate?”
You’ll have no answer for diabetes at your age. Theo said, glancing at the coffee in front of Hunter. Hunter laughed silently and folded his arms.
“You’re soft, Theo.”
“I’m soft?”
“Yes. If it were me, I would have prepared the other person’s favorite drink and secretly slipped something into it.”
“Ha, why would I bother with such a tedious trick?”
And what kind of idiot would fall for such an obvious ploy? Theo said, lifting his chin toward Hunter.
“You’re right. If you want revenge, you should do it properly.”
Theo narrowed his eyes at Hunter’s instructive tone.
“Why do you think I’d want revenge?”
“It’s obvious. You’ve only grown polished on the outside; inside, nothing has changed from when you were young.”
Theo clenched his fist. Despite his obvious discomfort with the topic, Hunter continued.
“So, do you still lust after me?”
