The clock had just struck midnight.

Felix stood in the bathroom, the harsh fluorescent light casting sharp shadows across his tired face. A cigarette dangled from his lips, smoke curling lazily into the air as he rinsed blood from his hands. The red swirled into the sink, circling the drain like a reminder of the life he’d just taken. His jaw clenched, eyes fixed on his reflection.

“Another night, another mess,” he muttered, voice low, gravelly.

Down the hall, Hyunjin sat in his office, the glow of his desk lamp illuminating a mountain of files and blueprints. His suit jacket hung loosely over his chair, sleeves rolled up, veins prominent as he scribbled notes. He hadn’t left his desk in hours. His empire never slept—so neither could he.

The heavy door creaked open. Felix leaned against the frame, smoke curling around him like a second skin. His tie was undone, shirt splattered with traces of crimson that hadn’t washed out.

Hyunjin didn’t look up immediately. “You’re late.” His voice was calm, but icy.

Felix exhaled smoke, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Cleaning up your loose ends takes time, love.”