Liya walked back toward the residence with light steps, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
It was finally done.
Her fingers curled around her phone as her thoughts raced ahead of her, already tasting victory.
Mrs. Kim will be pleased.
Very pleased.
She imagined it clearly
Haneul gone from the picture, removed quietly, neatly.
By the time Mrs. Kim returned.
She would find Haneul right
where he belonged under her control.
And Liya?
Liya would be rewarded.
A higher place.
A stronger position.
Acknowledgment.
She straightened her shoulders as she entered the residence, her smile widening just a little more.
[Meanwhile / The Residence Lounge]
Mrs. Kim sat gracefully on the sofa, her posture perfect, elegance etched into every movement.
Haru sat beside her, small hands folded on her lap, back straight, eyes lowered politely.
Taekyun sat across from them.
Calm.
Quiet.
Shoulders straight, jaw tight.
Mrs. Kim turned to Haru, her lips curving into a gentle smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"You missed Grandma, didn't you?"
Haru glanced up, then nodded slowly, politely.
"Yes."
Mrs. Kim's hand patted Haru's knee lightly, satisfied.
Her gaze then shifted to Taekyun.
She studied him carefully.
"So,"
She said calmly,
"it seems my son doesn't like me visiting."
Taekyun's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
He met her eyes politely.
"It's not like that, Mother."
"You didn't inform me beforehand,"
He added.
Mrs. Kim cut him off immediately.
"Do I need permission to visit my own son's house?"
Silence.
Taekyun lowered his head slightly, saying nothing.
The cook approached quietly and placed a tray on the table yakgwa tea, steaming gently in delicate cups.
Mrs. Kim picked up her cup, taking a slow sip as the cook retreated.
Her expression remained pleasant.
(In kitchen)
Bora stood in the kitchen at the residence, phone clutched tightly in her hand.
She dialed again.
No answer.
Again.
Nothing.
Her chest tightened with every unanswered ring.
"Haneul"
She whispered under her breath.
The cook glanced at her worried expression and hesitated before speaking.
"Bora maybe you should go and check yourself."
Bora swallowed, then nodded sharply.
"Yes. You handle things here."
She grabbed her coat and rushed out.
(Bora's House)
The front door was open.
That alone made Bora's heart slam painfully against her ribs.
She stepped inside slowly.
"Haneul?"
She called out.
No answer.
Her breathing quickened as she moved through the house, checking every room.
"Haneul!"
Nothing.
Her hands trembled.
Once again
Once again it happened.
She rushed back outside
And froze.
Liya stood there.
Smiling.
"Who are you looking for, Bora?"
Liya asked lightly, her grin sharp and knowing.
Bora's blood ran cold.
"What are you doing here?"
Bora demanded.
Liya tilted her head innocently.
"I saw you running so worried.
Thought I'd ask if everything's okay."
Bora pulled out her phone, fingers moving fast.
Liya spoke again, her tone almost casual.
"Is everything okay with Haneul?
Seems like he's not inside."
That was it.
Bora looked up sharply.
The way Liya said it too calm, too aware made everything clear.
Her eyes burned.
"Where is Haneul?"
Bora demanded.
Liya hesitated.
"Why would I know?"
She said quickly.
"Why are you asking me?"
Bora stepped closer.
"Ya, Liya."
Her phone rang ..... Lihan.
Bora answered immediately.
"Where are you?"
"I just stepped out to pick up my order," Lihan replied.
"Come to the residence. Now,"
Bora said sharply and ended the call.
Lihan didn't question it.
He turned his car around immediately.
Something was wrong.
Bora grabbed Liya's wrist tightly.
"Where is Haneul?"
She demanded again.
"Tell me the truth.
Or I promise I'll tell everything to your older sister.
And she'll be the one suffering."
Liya yanked her hand free.
"I told you I don't know!"
She snapped.
"Leave my hand!
Are you crazy?"
Bora's eyes darkened.
She raised her voice.
"Guards."
The guards immediately restrained Liya.
Liya's eyes widened.
"Bora!"
Bora took out her phone.
"I'm about to call your sister."
"Stop!"
Liya shouted.
Then her lips curved upward again.
Proud.
"I handed Haneul to Mrs. Kim's guards."
Bora froze.
"What?"
"To who?"
"Why?"
Liya lifted her chin.
"Mrs. Kim has done so much for us.
For Sir Taekyun.
I can't deceive her like you are."
Bora's shock turned into fury.
"I asked the guards to take him to Gwanrim Hanok Estate,"
Liya continued.
"Mrs. Kim will handle him herself."
The slap echoed.
Bora struck Liya so hard that her head snapped to the side, body staggering.
"You selfish moron!"
Bora screamed.
"What the hell did you do?!
Do you even understand the consequences?!"
She turned to the guards.
"Lock her in the basement room.
Stay with her.
Don't let anyone see her."
As Liya was dragged away, rage burned in her eyes.
Once everything is done,
She thought bitterly,
I'll tell Mrs. Kim everything.
Just wait, Bora.
(Back at the Residence)
Bora rushed inside.
Mrs. Kim was still seated, speaking softly to Haru.
Haru sat quietly, obedient.
Taekyun's eyes lifted immediately when Bora entered.
Her face was pale.
Fear was written all over her.
She nodded at him slightly.
Mrs. Kim also looked up.
"Bora?"
Bora swallowed hard and stepped forward.
"Sir,"
She said to Taekyun, voice shaking,
"I have something important to discuss."
Taekyun looked at her, then at his mother.
Mrs. Kim's jaw tightened.
"I think,"
She said coldly,
"this is something important.
You should go."
Taekyun didn't respond.
He stood and walked out with Bora without another word.
Mrs. Kim's nails dug into the armrest.
Her blood boiled.
(Outside)
"Sir..... Haneul is gone."
Taekyun stopped walking.
His heart stopped.
"What?"
His voice was low, dangerous.
Bora swallowed.
"He was taken by Madam's guards.
They're taking him to Gwanrim Hanok Estate."
Taekyun's jaw clenched so hard it ached.
For a moment, he stood frozen.
Then,
"Go back inside,"
He said coldly.
"Stay with my mother.
I'll be back."
He turned and walked away.
The servant rushed over with his coat.
Taekyun ignored it and grabbed his keys.
Outside,
Lihan had just arrived.
Taekyun got into his car.
"Follow me."
He sped off.
Lihan followed immediately, worry flooding his chest.
His phone rang.
"Sir"
Taekyun cut him off.
"Call Officer Kang Minjae.
Highway division."
Lihan straightened.
"Tell him to block every route leading to Gwanrim Hanok Estate.
Right now."
Without hesitation,
Lihan dialed.
"Yes, Officer Kang,"
Lihan said urgently.
"This is Lihan.
Sir Kang Taekyun is requesting an immediate road blockade toward Gwanrim Hanok Estate.
Now."
Taekyun's car disappeared down the road.
And the hunt began.