CHAPTER 38: IN REPUBLIC OF KOREA

–Damon–

I was honestly surprised by how well my wife handled it. They let that man go after treating his injuries. What scared me was that she had done something brutal—my beloved wife—and yet she made sure the whistleblower survived. I think she wanted him to survive, just so he’d wish he hadn’t. After this, once Dela Vega finds out he fed the White Queen the info she needed, the poor bastard’s going to be hunted all over again.

But his family? Whoever he’s protecting? They’re safe—for now. Alive and untouched, tucked beneath Livana’s cloak of protection, sealed by whatever agreement they made. A clever move. It also meant she could track him. And when the time comes, she can kill whoever he’s hiding... with a single bullet.

"So, babe," I said, sliding my hand into hers, fingers locking tightly. "When do you plan to kill Tyrona? I mean, I’ll do it—of course I will—so your hands stay clean."

"I have other plans for that."

"Mmm. Interesting."

God, I love it when she plays it close to the chest.

We stopped by the cabin. I helped her pack her clothes, leaving a few things behind—just stuff she’d already worn. It was a three-hour drive ahead, so the van had been prepped. No way were we suffering through that in a cramped sedan.

I sat beside her, flicked the television on. Made sure the pillows were right on her side, seat reclined just enough. I adjusted the volume, found the setting with descriptive audio—she deserved to hear every detail the way someone in her condition could.

I always wonder what goes on in her head. She’s so calm. Too calm. It drives me a little insane. Sometimes I push her buttons, just to see if I can make her snap. Maybe I should do it more often. Tease her. Provoke her.

I love it when she beats the hell out of me. At least then I know she feels something.

That nonchalant attitude of hers? It sends chills down my spine. But God, I live for that thrill she gives me.

–Damien–

I visited every shop I could find that carried luxurious skincare tailored to Laura’s skin type. I really hope she loves all of it. I even hunted down some exclusive clothing and designer bags. But honestly, I think Italy still wins when it comes to leather.

I paused midway through my shopping spree when I noticed a familiar woman juggling a bunch of shopping bags. I frowned and approached her slowly, catching her speaking fluent Korean. Carrie Braxton?

Wait, wasn’t she supposed to be in Switzerland or Sweden?

I was about to go up to her when Tyrona appeared right beside her, holding the same brand of shopping bags. I immediately turned my back, pulled up my hood, and discreetly snapped some photos of them together.

Send them straight to Laura—this was definitely going to stir something up.

I followed them at a distance, capturing clear shots of their faces. As soon as I was done, I hit send. Two minutes later, my phone rang.

Grinning, I popped in my earpods.

"Wait—this is real?" Luara asked quickly.

"Yup," I said, grinning wider.

"Oh, she’s gonna be so busted." Laura laughed.

"I have to head back to the apartment to secure all of the things that I bought for you.

"Ohh, bummer. But I’m excited for all the souvenirs you got me!"

I chuckled. "You better be."

"I’m sending this to Grandma, too!"

"Yes, do that!"

She sighed dramatically. "Okay, gotta run. More meetings. Love you! Byeee!"

I stopped in my tracks, tilting my head. She said it. Love you. Just like that. But she says that to her friends too. I wonder when—if—she’ll fall in love with me the same way I’m already in love with her. She probably has no clue.

I forwarded the photos to Damon, who responded almost immediately. Then I made my way to the parking lot and carefully arranged all the shopping bags in the back seat. Since my apartment was nearby, I made a quick stop to organize everything—each item still in its box, perfectly secured.

I didn’t bring a single suitcase with me when I first arrived. Now I had three—all for Laura.

After a quick shower, I bundled up in something warm and wheeled the cart with all three suitcases to the elevator. The doors slid open with a soft chime—and I froze.

There he was.

He stepped out without acknowledging me, his expression unreadable, cold. That face—sharp, symmetrical, carved like marble—looked like it belonged on an ancient statue. A chiseled jawline, high cheekbones, and a straight nose gave him that classic, Greek-god aura. His eyes, dark and deep-set, were as intense as a storm held behind stone walls.

And then there was his build—broad shoulders, muscular frame, every movement taut with controlled strength. He wasn’t just tall. He was imposing, like a warrior disguised in civilian clothes.

The kind of man who made silence feel like a warning.

"Sparrow?" I said, squinting. "Yeah, that’s you." I grinned as he glanced back. "Don’t know why they call you that, but man, it’s a cool name."

I pushed the cart inside, held the door open. "So, what brings you here?"

"My Queen asked me to check the area."

"Oh, they’re here?" I asked, excited. "Perfect!" I waved him over and held out my phone.

"What is this? Are you stalking someone?" he asked, suspicious.

"Of course not," I chuckled, handing it to him. He zoomed in on the screen.

"Oh..." He froze. "I thought so. But in Korea?"

"Yup." I took the phone back. "Anyway, I’ve got about three hours before my flight. Byeeees!"

I pressed the button for the ground floor.

When the doors opened, there they were—Damon and Livana. The energy radiating from them was intense. Livana, poised as ever, clung gracefully to Damon’s arm, her face partially hidden behind sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

"Guys!" I grinned as I wheeled the cart toward them.

Damon’s eyes darted straight to the luggage. He reached for his wallet.

"You maxed out my card, didn’t you?" he said.

"Bro, I didn’t max it out," I laughed. "But I could use some cash, not gonna lie."

"Here," Livana said, pulling a red envelope from her purse. "Buy yourself something nice."

"Wow, thanks!" I beamed and pocketed it.

"Oh... I don’t have any cash either," Damon muttered.

Ignoring Damon, I pulled Livana into a hug and kissed her cheek. "Enjoy Korea," I smiled. "And I think your cousin’s about to get an earful from your grandmother. Laura already sent the photos."

I saw Livana smirk.

"Thank you, Damien."

"Anytime, sis."

I checked in my baggage and headed straight to the VIP lounge—TVs, food, everything. I was stunned. Livana had booked it all for me. I even packed tons of snacks for Laura—she’d go wild for them.

While waiting for boarding, I wandered a bit. Then I spotted Sparrow—casually seated in the VIP area, looking like some high-end businessman. I slid into the seat next to him, grinning.

"Hey, man."

He only gave me a glance.

Sparrow looked familiar. Besides being Livana’s guy, he seemed connected to Laura somehow. My phone rang. Laura’s face popped up—cleavage front and center.

"You at the gym?" I asked.

"Yeah, I’m working out."

"Hold on." I stepped away from Logan and plugged in my wired headset.

"Nana Olivia was furious!" she giggled. She was clearly on a treadmill—her chest was bouncing a little. "I think they’re dragging Carrie back to Europe. No idea how she slipped her guards."

"I’m curious too," I muttered, glancing at Sparrow. He looked like he was eavesdropping, so I leaned in and shoved my phone screen in his face.

He glared at me.

"Oh my god!" Laura gasped. "Logan?!"

"Ohhh," I laughed. "So his name’s Logan, not Sparr—" I stopped as he shoved my phone away with a cold glare. I sneered and backed off.

"Why is Logan there? I haven’t seen him in years—and he’s in Korea too? What a weird coincidence." She muttered as she catch her breath a little.

"Yeah," I grinned, trying to keep my eyes off her jiggling chest. "You didn’t think of wearing a crop top?"

"It’s hot! And I look amazing. I deserve to show off."

I chuckled. "Yeah, I know. You’ve got a perfect body. But maybe cover up a little? That steroid-pumped guy’s practically drooling behind you."

She giggled flirtatiously.

"Hello, gorgeous," some guy said to her. I didn’t see him on camera, because if I did, I would’ve send someone to beat him up if he touched my girl.

I frowned. The man stepped closer—but Laura turned to him, smiling sweetly.

"Fuck off."

I laughed. Then another man appeared—someone I recognized.

"Bro, she’s taken," Kai said, grinning. Laura blushed.

"Anyway," she said and turned to me. "when you get home, we’re finishing that game."

"Even though you’re busy with work?"

"Vice Chairman stuff? Eh, it’s rough sometimes, but yeah—I’m burning out."

"I’ll be there to help relieve your stress."

"You better." She rolled her eyes.

That’s when I noticed Logan glaring at me again.

"Logan," I muttered. "Who is he?"

"He’s family," Laura said with a mischievous giggle. "Dad once said I should marry him. But... he’s like a brother."

So am I. Her brother. Her best friend.

"Huh. Did he ever like you?"

"I don’t know," she shrugged. "Now, hurry back. Tell the pilot I need you tonight..."

I laughed, pulling my hood up as I noticed some familiar faces—people from Dela Vega.

What the hell are they doing here?