Theo’s mouth fell wide open. The conversation ended before he could respond, as the elevator opened and Hyungoh appeared.
Hunter, who quickly removed all playfulness from his face, watched Hyungoh as he trudged over. He was examining his complexion. He didn’t look particularly shocked or intimidated. He seemed perfectly fine, as if nothing had happened.
“Uncle.”
Hyungoh stopped walking when he saw Hunter slowly rising from his seat. Hunter waited for his next words. But Hyungoh just moved his lips before swallowing whatever he was about to say. Two men standing in the elevator approached Hunter.
When they signaled to him, Hunter passed by Hyungoh and stepped into the elevator. Hyungoh turned around and silently watched Hunter.
Hunter’s expression turned serious. Hyungoh’s unaffected appearance was frustrating. It made it difficult to even guess what conversation they’d had.
Eventually, the elevator doors closed. Hunter frowned. Enya Cenaline. She was the most difficult person to deal with. He hadn’t felt this way even from Federico, who boasted the greatest influence in the mafia world.
“Welcome, Hunter.”
“What did you talk about with my nephew?”
Hunter asked bluntly upon seeing Enya sitting on the desk. Calm down, we didn’t talk about anything special. She said.
“I just shared some of my old memories with him.”
Hunter noticed a photograph in her hand. Two familiar faces were visible. He approached to get a closer look, suspecting something, but she teasingly flipped the photo over.
“Sit down.”
Enya nudged the chair in front of her with her foot. Hunter obediently followed her command.
“I’ve missed seeing you so much. You’ve aged considerably since we last met.”
“It’s been 11 years since you tried to kill me.”
“Back then, I was jealous of how excessively you revered the Gostin family.”
I still went easy on you, though. If I’d really tried to kill you, you’d have been dead long ago. Enya said nonchalantly.
“I’m actually grateful now. I never expected you’d stab the Gostin family in the back.”
Enya slightly grabbed Hunter’s collar and pulled him closer. But you know.
“That spiteful Gostin is trying to play games again.”
“…Federico?”
“He’s bringing up the alliance again. Being unable to walk properly, I guess that temperament of his is getting bored.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“That’s all you have to say?”
“Yes. It’s not particularly my concern, is it? The choice of whether to accept the alliance or not is yours.”
“What if I were to follow your advice?”
Hunter snorted at Enya’s words. She laughed too. What, does it feel like I’m just trying to provoke you? Hunter shrugged. As if I’d give any advice.
“Would you really listen to what I have to say, even though you’ve known for a long time that I’m not on your side?”
“That’s fine. Unlike before, you’re in the palm of my hand now.”
“Oh my, what if you get hurt by being so smug?”
She released his collar.
“You’re still soft, Hunter.”
Hunter, who had been dusting off his collar, paused. Her line about him being soft was familiar. That arrogant gaze suggesting he was still far from being able to defeat her. Hunter’s eyes sharpened.
If it were me, I wouldn’t even have bothered to voice such a clumsy warning. Hunter couldn’t help but harden his expression at her continued words. It was a flow of conversation he’d heard many times before.
“To think that a young punk like you served as an underboss in a mafia organization.”
I find that fascinating. Enya gently stroked Hunter’s head.
Ah. Hunter closed his eyes tightly. This is why she was so difficult to deal with.
Habits are truly frightening things. Her direct disrespect was accepted as completely natural. And as always, it overwhelmed Hunter. Psychological warfare wasn’t allowed. It couldn’t be helped. Literally, it was a long-standing habit.
Hunter reached for the overturned photograph. Enya didn’t stop him. When Hunter confirmed the front of the photo, he didn’t show much reaction, as if he’d already expected what he would see.
In the photo, a young-faced Hunter and Maria were sitting in a parking lot in front of a shabby laundromat, staring at the camera. They wore very faint smiles that would be hard to notice unless one looked closely.
“You were seventeen, I believe.”
Enya glanced at the photo. Hunter looked with displeasure at his own lifeless eyes in the photo. Though he clearly had the small build and slightly chubby face of any teenager, his empty expression and gaze were as hollow as an old man waiting for death.
Hunter’s gaze shifted to focus on Maria beside him. She was young too. Her eyes somewhat resembled Hunter’s. But her distinct features and strong-looking pupils ironically held a sad hue. There was a sense of depression too large to bear at such a young age.
“It’s been a while.”
Hunter murmured. He couldn’t take his eyes off Maria in the photo. Enya watched Hunter with a meaningful expression.
“It’s funny. Who would have thought that giving up the laundromat and starting a business would be so successful?”
“Is that so? Then why weren’t you and your sister happy?”
“Unlike our other siblings, we didn’t show loyalty to parents who were blinded by money.”
Hunter kissed the photo. What was most important to us was ‘play.’ It was an act far more valuable than a life full of emptiness.
“That’s what interested me about you two.”
Although the real trigger was when you lost my suit. Enya nodded, reminiscing about the past. Your shameless attitude—telling me to file a complaint or call the police since it was my mistake—also played a part. She added.
Hunter fiddled with the photo. Old memories, huh.
“So what’s your intention in showing me this?”
“I took it out because Maria’s son arrived. I still feel bad that I couldn’t properly commemorate her death.”
Enya snatched the photo from Hunter’s hand and continued.
“I wonder how and why she died.”
I suddenly became curious about that. It’s the same question you have, isn’t it, Hunter? Enya spoke as if she knew everything. Hunter, who had been looking down at his empty palm, turned his head to face her.
“My, that seems to have caught you off guard.”
Relax your expression, Hunter. Enya soothed him as if dealing with a child.
“I was just guessing. The way you look at that boy is like a warden watching a prisoner.”
“That must be your misperception. I was simply looking lovingly at my only nephew.”
“You seemed too wary for that. Do you think her death is related to that child?”
“If there were a connection, it would actually be fortunate. At least then I could easily find the cause.”
“Stop hiding and tell me, Hunter. I need your help to subdue the whining Gostin, and in return, I’ll listen to your concerns.”
“Haha. Just listen?”
“You know me, why would you say such a thing?”
You seem to have forgotten who helped you and Maria become independent from the family that treated you like lunatics. Enya pointed at herself, pretending not to know.
“Fine.”
Hunter said dismissively.
“I just want to know how she died.”
“Hmm.”
“How did she reach the death she so desperately wanted? Was it satisfying?”
Enya, who had been stroking her mouth and lost in thought for a moment, suddenly widened her eyes.
“Isn’t your greed too excessive?”
Enya firmly clasped both of Hunter’s hands. You still haven’t broken that habit. Despite her admonishing words, her expression revealed enjoyment. Yes, you used to imitate everything about Maria. She grinned.
“You want to meet the same end as her, don’t you, Hunter?”
