The Truth in Shadows

"The most dangerous enemies aren’t the ones who hate you. They’re the ones who know your secrets."

Joon-hyuk’s pulse stopped for a fraction of a second.

Then, he forced himself to stay calm. "What did you just say?"

Soo-ah’s eyes flickered with something unreadable. "You heard me."

The name Lee Tae-sung was something he had spent years burying, hiding, and erasing. Only a few people in the world knew the truth.

So how did Han Soo-ah know?

Joon-hyuk leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Who told you that?"

Soo-ah exhaled, glancing around before speaking. "Not here. Too many ears. Meet me in the back garden in ten minutes."

And just like that, she walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

Joon-hyuk clenched his jaw. This was bad.

A Trap of Eyes and Ears

Joon-hyuk walked back into the ballroom, his mind racing. Had Kang Joon-seok already confirmed his identity? Was this just a game to him?

He scanned the room, his gaze locking onto Min-ho, who was watching him closely from across the hall.

Joon-hyuk gave him a blank look. Min-ho smirked, lifting his champagne glass in mock acknowledgment.

This isn’t just a party. It’s a battlefield.

Joon-hyuk made his way through the crowd, brushing past executives and chaebol heirs until he reached the side doors leading to the back gardens.

The Whispered Truth

The air outside was cool and sharp, the sound of the gala fading into the background.

Joon-hyuk found Soo-ah waiting near a stone fountain, her arms crossed.

"Start talking," he said, stepping closer.

She looked up at him, her expression serious. "You're in danger, Joon-hyuk. Kang Joon-seok isn’t just guessing. He knows."

Joon-hyuk’s stomach tightened. "That’s impossible."

Soo-ah shook her head. "I overheard him talking to someone an hour ago. They’ve been digging into your past for months. There are… whispers that Lee Tae-sung had a hidden son."

Joon-hyuk’s jaw clenched. "And you expect me to believe you?"

Soo-ah’s gaze hardened. "You don’t have to. But if you stay here any longer, you might not leave as just a ‘nobody scholarship student.’"

She glanced back toward the ballroom. "They’re waiting for you to slip up."

A Past That Won’t Stay Buried

Joon-hyuk’s hands curled into fists. He had spent years hiding in plain sight, blending in, keeping his past buried.

His mother had raised him to be careful, to never trust the world of chaebols.

Because once people found out who he really was, they wouldn’t stop until they used him or destroyed him.

And now, the nightmare was starting all over again.

"You should leave, too," he said. "If you’re involved in this, it’s not safe."

Soo-ah arched an eyebrow. "I can take care of myself."

Joon-hyuk sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Why are you even helping me?"

She hesitated for a second. Then, her lips curled into a small smile. "Because you intrigue me."

Joon-hyuk stared at her. "That’s not an answer."

She smirked. "It’s the only answer you’re getting for now."

A Dangerous Decision

Suddenly—a rustle in the bushes.

Joon-hyuk’s instincts kicked in instantly. He grabbed Soo-ah’s wrist and pulled her behind the fountain, lowering his voice. "Someone’s here."

Soo-ah tensed, her eyes scanning the shadows. "I told you. You’re being watched."

Joon-hyuk listened carefully. Footsteps—light, careful, trained. Not some wandering guest. Someone was spying on them.

He took a step forward. "Come out."

Silence.

Then—a figure in a black suit stepped into the dim garden lights.

A bodyguard.

And not just any bodyguard.

One of Kang Joon-seok’s personal men.

The man adjusted his earpiece and spoke in a calm voice. "Your presence is requested inside, Mr. Lee."

Joon-hyuk’s heart pounded.

They had used his real name.

This wasn’t just suspicion anymore.

They knew.

To be continued…

"The past doesn’t stay buried forever. Sometimes, it digs its way back to you."

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