Page 322 of Scarbound

Chung-Hee had built everything around Haneul. His hatred. His guilt. His love for Noeul. Even his justification for hurting him.

And there was one person left who had spent years trapped inside that same grief.

Ms. Lee.

Jun reached for his coat. “Will you help me, Kija?”

“With what?”

Jun didn’t answer. He pressed the elevator button, and Kija followed him inside.

As the doors closed behind them, Jun pulled out his phone and stared at the screen.

His thumb hovered over her name.

Maybe he should leave it alone. Maybe it wasn’t his place.

But he had left things alone for too long already. He had watched his best friend sink deeper into grief, hatred, and obsession. He had watched Noeul pay the price.

Enough.

Jun pressed the call button.

A warm, melodious voice answered almost immediately. “My dear Jun, what a lovely surprise. I’m doing well. How are you? What prompted this unexpected call?”

Jun closed his eyes briefly. “Good evening, Ms. Lee.”

He was still shaken by everything that had happened, but the need to end this cycle had become stronger than his hesitation.

“Would you accompany me to an art exhibition? I have a VIP invitation to the debut exhibition of a promising young artist. Many established artists and business leaders will be there, including Kija, Sora, and me. Are you free next Friday?”

“Of course, dear. You know how much I enjoy discovering emerging artists and new artistic techniques, not to mention investing in them at the very start of their careers,” she said with a proud laugh.

Despite himself, Jun smiled. “I know. You have an incredible eye for art investments. I’ve made a fortune just by following your lead.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere.”

Jun laughed quietly. “Then it’s settled. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“And Chung-Hee?”

Jun’s smile disappeared. “He has another engagement with an important investor. He won’t be joining us.”

The lie came more easily than it should have. They exchanged goodbyes, and Jun ended the call.

For several seconds, he stared at the dark screen. Kija watched him.

“You’re bringing his mother?”

“Yes.”

“Does Noeul know?”

“No.”

Kija’s expression hardened. “Jun.”

“I know.”