Chapter 19 – Blood and Thrones

The city's skyline gleamed under the night's embrace, a kingdom of steel and glass. But beneath its grandeur, war brewed in silence. Joon sat in a penthouse overlooking the empire he was building, sipping from a glass of wine as reports flooded in.

"The Kim Group has gone under," Tielen reported, standing before him. "Their stock has plummeted by 72% since this morning. Executives are jumping ship."

Joon smirked. "That was expected."

He had struck first, but this was only the beginning.

"Jeff, what about the old dogs in the banking sector?"

Jeff leaned back, exhaling a slow breath. "They're resisting. But not for long. I've traced their offshore accounts—just say the word, and they're finished."

Joon chuckled. "Crush them."

The real war had begun.

---

But even with victories stacking up, Joon knew his true enemies had yet to make their move.

Late at night, as he reviewed documents, an encrypted message flashed on his screen.

"You've gone too far. Step back, or you'll lose more than money."

Joon's lips curled into a smirk. "They finally show their fangs."

The phone rang.

"Boss, we have a situation," Linet's voice came through.

"Where?"

"Downtown. An ambush."

Without another word, Joon grabbed his coat and left.

-

The warehouse reeked of rust and blood. His men stood in formation, weapons drawn. Across from them, a group of masked figures waited, their presence radiating danger.

Then, she stepped forward.

Ella.

Clad in black, her piercing eyes locked onto him.

"You should have stayed in the shadows, Joon," she said, voice dripping with warning.

Joon tilted his head, amused. "And miss all the fun?"

Her expression didn't change. "Leave now, before you regret it."

He stepped closer. "Or what? You'll kill me?"

She unsheathed a blade, pointing it at his throat. "You always thought you were untouchable. But the ones who really rule the city… they're watching."

Joon held her gaze, unshaken. "Then let them watch."

A gunshot rang out.

---

Chaos erupted. Gunfire roared, blades clashed, and men fell. Joon moved like a ghost, dodging bullets and striking with precision. His training wasn't for show—every move was deadly, calculated.

He saw Ella cut through his men like a storm, her movements swift and ruthless.

Then, their eyes met again.

They rushed at each other.

Blades met in a deadly dance. Sparks flew.

"You've improved," she admitted, breathing hard.

Joon smirked. "You haven't seen anything yet."

He parried her next strike, twisted her wrist, and in one swift move, pinned her against the wall.

Their faces were inches apart.

For a moment, silence.

Then, she smiled.

"You're still too slow."

A dagger pressed against his ribs.

--

Joon didn't move. He looked into her eyes, unbothered.

"You won't kill me," he said.

Ella pressed the blade deeper, drawing blood. "Don't test me."

Joon leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her skin. "Then do it."

She hesitated.

Then, a voice interrupted them.

"Enough."

A figure stepped out of the shadows. Older, dressed in a tailored suit, his presence alone sent chills down Joon's spine.

"Joon," the man said. "You've caused quite a mess."

Joon's eyes narrowed.

He knew that voice.

His past had finally caught up to him.

--