Chapter 88
Ingrid Mikage stood beside Shan Wolf, gazing out at the dazzling city of Seoul. The countless lights illuminated the skyline, creating a breathtaking view beneath the night sky. For a while, neither of them said anything, simply enjoying the quiet moment together.
Eventually, Ingrid turned towards him and asked a rather unexpected question.
"Do you want to take over Won Group with me?"
She asked bluntly.
Shan Wolf showed no immediate reaction. He simply turned his head slightly towards her, his expression remaining as composed as ever.
"Head Manager...?" he asked, almost as though he wasn't sure whether he had heard her correctly.
Ingrid wasn't particularly bothered by his reaction. She turned her attention back towards the city, gazing at the illuminated skyline as a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"I know. It doesn't make any sense," she admitted. "In what world could ordinary people like us, commoners, possibly take over a conglomerate?"
She chuckled softly, acknowledging just how absurd the idea sounded.
However, after a brief silence, she slowly turned towards him. Her eyes met his, and a warm, calming smile spread across her face.
"But whenever I'm with you, I keep dreaming up nonsense. And somehow, all that impossible nonsense becomes possible."
She held his gaze for a moment before turning around, giving him her back. Looking over her shoulder, she offered him a playful smile.
"Think about it. This is your fault too, you know."
She began walking towards his car, which was parked nearby, before casually raising her hand.
"For now, take me home, boyfriend."
She teased him as she continued towards the car.
However, those very words she had spoken about taking over Won Group were, in fact, a confession of love.
And Shan Wolf had noticed.
He understood what Ingrid was trying to tell him, even if she had never explicitly said those words. Yet, he found himself without an answer.
Am I even allowed to love a woman, Ingrid?
He muttered silently to himself.
For a brief moment, memories of his childhood as a mercenary resurfaced. The bloodshed, the countless lives he had taken, and the cruel reality of his ability to return to the past through death. It was a life that had shaped him into someone who had long since grown accustomed to living without expecting a future.
Could someone like him really afford to love another person?
He let out a quiet breath, shook his head, and waved those thoughts away with a faint chuckle.
There was no point dwelling on it now.
Shan eventually followed Ingrid towards the car. He unlocked the doors before walking around to the passenger side and opening it for her. Ingrid gave him a small smile as she stepped inside, settling comfortably into her seat.
He closed the door gently before making his way around to the driver's side.
Soon, the engine roared to life, and the two drove off into the night, leaving the dazzling city lights behind them as they headed home.
After some time, Shan dropped Ingrid off at her luxurious apartment complex, which was conveniently located directly opposite his own residence.
He stepped out of the car and walked her towards the entrance, accompanying her all the way to the elevator.
They stood beside each other as they waited for it to arrive. Ingrid casually adjusted her hair while Shan kept his hands in his pockets, watching the elevator's floor indicator slowly descend.
A soft chime eventually rang out.
The doors slid open, and Ingrid stepped inside. She turned around to face him, giving him one last look before the doors could close.
"So... see you at work tomorrow," Shan said casually.
"Mmm... same here, Mr. Wolf," she replied formally, playing along with their usual workplace dynamic.
The elevator doors began sliding shut.
But just before they could close completely, Ingrid suddenly reached out and stopped them.
Without giving Shan any warning, she stepped forward, grabbed him by the collar, and pulled him towards her.
Their lips crashed together.
She wrapped both arms around his neck, drawing him closer as her fingers tangled themselves in his hair. Her sudden boldness caught Shan by surprise for only a fleeting moment before he returned her kiss.
He wrapped one arm around her back, pulling her firmly against him while his other hand settled at her waist. He leaned into the kiss, responding with the same intensity, holding her as though he had made a silent promise to protect her.
Their kiss lingered, neither particularly eager to pull away.
"Bastard..." she muttered beneath her breath.
Her breathing was warm and uneven, her cheeks flushed as she looked up at him. Shan gently nudged his nose against hers, a faint, intimate smile appearing on his face.
"I'm your bastard, Ingrid," he whispered back.
That was enough to make her lose her composure.
Ingrid immediately pulled away, quickly stepping back into the elevator. Her face had turned noticeably red as she hurriedly pressed the button for her floor.
She avoided his eyes, looking rather embarrassed by her own sudden display of affection.
As Shan Wolf returned to his car and eventually made his way home, he stepped out of the elevator and headed towards his penthouse.
However, the moment he entered, he noticed a familiar figure waiting inside.
"Hmm...? M... Mom?!"
His eyes widened in disbelief.
The woman turned towards the entrance, and the moment she spotted her adopted son, her face lit up. Helen Brooke immediately got to her feet and rushed towards him with open arms.
"My baby boy!!! How are you?!"
She wrapped her arms tightly around him, pulling him into a warm embrace.
"Too tight, Ma!" Shan struggled, barely managing to get the words out. He was well aware of her strength, and Helen certainly wasn't holding back.
"Ahaha! Sorry, sorry, hon!" Helen laughed, finally releasing him.
Shan took a moment to catch his breath before looking at her with a puzzled expression.
"What are you doing here, Mom? What brings you all the way to South Korea?"
"Well, I wanted to see you, obviously! I've been feeling homesick without seeing my stepson for so long. Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've seen you?"
Helen placed her hands on her hips, giving him an exaggerated pout.
Shan couldn't help but chuckle at her behaviour.
"I... got your address when I visited your company," she continued, before suddenly changing her expression. "And what the hell is this?! You've got some explaining to do, young man!"
She pulled out her smartphone and shoved it right in front of his face.
On the screen was a viral video of Shan confronting Mei Yoo Jun's ex-boyfriend. The footage had been circulating across social media, accompanied by the trending hashtag #NextUndertaker.
Shan stared at the screen for a moment before awkwardly scratching his cheek.
"Umm... well, I can explain?"
His voice rose slightly at the end, sounding more like a question than an actual explanation.
"Oh? And I flew halfway around the world just to see this shit pop up, with my son getting himself involved in all sorts of trouble?" Helen exclaimed, throwing her free hand into the air. "Not on my watch, young man! You're getting the scolding of a lifetime once we're inside your home!"
She paused, narrowing her eyes at him.
"And how the hell did you even get the money for this place? You know what? Forget the house. Let's just go inside."
Helen shook her head, seemingly remembering something else.
"Oh, right! This came in for you. I'm not particularly curious about what's inside, so go ahead and open it."
She handed him a small package.
Shan took the box from her, examining it with a slightly puzzled expression. Something about it seemed strange. There was no sender's name, no company logo, and no indication of where it had come from. Only his name and residential address were printed on the label.
"Huh...?"
He turned the package around before carefully opening it.
Inside was a small fire extinguisher.
Shan stared at the object for a few seconds.
"Okay... weird and creepy."
Helen leaned over his shoulder, taking a look at the contents.
"A fire extinguisher? Who on earth would send you that, I wonder?"
She casually shrugged before turning towards the entrance and reaching for the door.
However, just as she opened it, a faint metallic click reached Shan's ears.
It was barely audible.
But to someone with his background, that sound was more than enough.
His mercenary instincts immediately kicked in.
"Hrm?!"
His expression changed. His eyes sharpened, and his entire body tensed as he recognised the familiar sound of danger.
"Wait! Mom!!!"
"Huh?"
BOOM!!!!
A deafening explosion ripped through the upper floors of the Gangnam building.
A massive fireball erupted into the night sky, resembling a gigantic burning flower as flames engulfed the surrounding area. The blast shattered windows, tore through the building's structure, and sent debris flying in every direction.
The explosion consumed everything in its immediate vicinity, burning and killing Shan Wolf and Helen Brooke.
Across the street, Ingrid Mikage stood frozen, her mug slipping from her fingers.
Crash!
It shattered against the floor.
Her eyes widened as she stared at the enormous explosion. She knew exactly who lived in that building.
"Shan..."
Her voice barely escaped her lips.
Before she could even process what had happened, a loud noise from behind startled her.
Kim Yeon Mikage had awakened from the deafening blast. The teenage girl hurried out of her room, rubbing her sleepy eyes as she approached her mother.
"Mmm... Mom? What was that sound...?"
"DON'T LOOK, BABY! JUST DON'T LOOK!"
Ingrid immediately rushed towards her daughter and pulled her tightly against her chest, turning her away from the window.
She held Yeon close, shielding her little girl from the horrifying scene outside. Her hands trembled as she desperately tried to keep her daughter from witnessing what had just happened.
And in the very next second, the clock struck twelve.
Midnight.
The lives of Shan Wolf and Helen Brooke had seemingly come to an end.
Or so the person who had planted the bomb thought.
However...
Shan Wolf opened his eyes.
The first thing he noticed was the small fire extinguisher gift box in his hand.
He was standing in exactly the same position as before.
Helen Brooke was still reaching for the entrance door, completely unaware of what was about to happen.
Without wasting another second, Shan immediately reached out and grabbed her wrist.
"Son? You're holding my wrist a little tight, and...?"
Helen turned towards him, initially looking confused.
But then she noticed his expression.
His eyes were wide open, completely focused, and devoid of the casual warmth he had shown moments earlier. She recognised that look.
It was the same look she had seen countless times before, back when he was still living the life of a mercenary.
The eyes of a man who had sensed danger.
Helen's expression gradually softened. She didn't question him or demand an explanation. Instead, she gave him a small nod.
"Do your thing, son."
She knew full well what her adopted son was capable of.
"Let's go somewhere I know," Shan said firmly.
He immediately released her wrist, grabbed her luggage, and turned away from the entrance.
Whatever was waiting for them outside, he wasn't going to let it happen twice.
"Your ability... it triggered, right? Did you die, or did I?" Helen asked.
Shan Wolf paused for a moment before turning towards her.
"We both died. You opened the door, and I heard a faint clicking sound. It was... a bomb," Shan muttered, his expression growing serious.
"Heh. You really have gotten yourself into a heap of trouble, haven't you?" Helen remarked, seemingly unfazed by the revelation.
"Mom, someone from my past has resurfaced, and he's decided to kill me," Shan explained.
Helen Brooke simply walked past him, giving him a rather blunt response.
"So?"
Shan turned his head towards her.
"I know my son. You're not the type to give up on something you've already started. Once you've taken that first step, you're bound to finish the race, my boy."
She stopped briefly and looked back at him with a reassuring smile.
"So turn that frown upside down, and let's go to that safe place you mentioned. And Shan?"
"Yeah?"
"If you happen to find that prick, don't miss."
She said it so casually that Shan couldn't help but let out a sighing chuckle.
"What are you talking about? I never miss."
With that, the two continued towards the elevator.
A few minutes later, Shan stood in front of apartment 300. He glanced at the door before pressing the doorbell.
Helen looked around briefly before turning towards him.
"So, this person is...?"
"It's complicated," Shan replied.
The door soon opened, revealing Ingrid Mikage. She looked at Shan, then briefly glanced at the woman standing beside him.
"Mr. Wolf? Don't you think it's a little too late and..."
"No time to explain. I need a favour. Can you look after my mother until I come back, please, Ingrid?" Shan interrupted, getting straight to the point.
Ingrid hesitated, her eyes moving between Shan and the unfamiliar woman. She clearly wasn't expecting him to show up at her apartment with a family member at this hour.
Nevertheless, after a brief moment, she stepped aside and allowed them inside.
"This better be a good reason," Ingrid remarked, folding her arms.
Shan briefly explained what had happened with the mysterious gift box containing the fire extinguisher. He suspected that it had been planted as a bomb, and someone was deliberately targeting him.
However, he deliberately left out the existence of his Deathborn ability. There was no need to reveal that particular secret.
"Just keep my mother here until I come back, please?" he repeated, looking directly at Ingrid.
She studied his expression for a moment before giving him a reluctant nod.
"Fine. But you'd better come back and explain everything."
"I will."
Shan gave Helen a brief look before leaving the apartment. He didn't waste any more time, disappearing down the corridor as he headed towards the elevator.
That left Helen Brooke alone with Ingrid Mikage.
For a moment, the two women simply stood there in silence, exchanging slightly awkward glances.
"..... Tea?" Helen eventually asked.
"Umm... yeah. I do have tea," Ingrid replied, momentarily caught off guard.
"Excellent!"
Helen extended her hand towards her.
"Helen. Helen Brooke, Shan Wolf's adopted mother."
Ingrid accepted the handshake, offering her a polite smile.
"Ingrid Mikage. It's nice to meet you."
The two women eventually settled down in the living room, where Ingrid prepared some tea for their unexpected guest.
Not long after, the distant wailing of emergency sirens filled the night.
Both women turned towards the enormous glass windows overlooking the city. Outside, emergency vehicles were gathering around the apartment complex opposite them. Police cars, fire engines, and bomb disposal units had arrived at the scene.
Ingrid and Helen watched as the authorities began securing the area.
Eventually, they spotted the suspicious device that had been delivered to Shan. What had appeared to be an ordinary fire extinguisher was, in fact, a concealed explosive device.
"Whoa... he wasn't lying," Ingrid remarked, her eyes widening as she watched the bomb disposal personnel examine the device.
Helen, meanwhile, glanced at Ingrid with a curious expression.
She knew perfectly well that Ingrid had no idea about Shan Wolf's ability to return from death. As far as the woman was concerned, Shan had simply recognised the danger before the explosion occurred.
Helen quietly lifted her teacup and took a sip, allowing the warm liquid to slide down her throat.
Son, what on earth is going on?
She stared at the scene outside, her thoughts drifting back to her adopted son.
Was sending you to Korea a mistake?
For the first time that evening, Helen found herself questioning the decision she had made when she allowed Shan to work abroad.
Whatever trouble her son had gotten himself into, it was clearly far more serious than she had initially imagined.
Shan Wolf eventually returned after settling the matter at hand. The authorities had advised him to stay somewhere else for the time being, preferably with a friend, relative, or anyone he knew, until the investigation was completed.
Initially, Shan considered contacting Eva. However, before he could even reach for his phone, Ingrid gave him a gentle nudge with her elbow.
"What's wrong?" he asked, glancing at her.
"Nothing. I'm perfectly fine with you and your mother staying here for a few days," Ingrid said, trying to sound casual.
Shan raised an eyebrow, noticing the subtle hint of jealousy in her expression.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. Unless you have somewhere better to go?"
He chuckled.
"Alright, alright. I'll take you up on that offer."
Just then, the door to one of the bedrooms opened, revealing Kim Yeon Mikage. The teenage girl had apparently heard the commotion and decided to investigate.
Her eyes immediately landed on Shan.
"Uncle...?"
Her sleepy expression quickly turned into excitement.
"UNCLE! What are you doing here?!"
She rushed towards him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.
Shan smiled, gently patting her head.
"Hey, little one. Been a while, hasn't it?"
Kim Yeon looked up at him before noticing the unfamiliar woman standing nearby.
"And who is this woman?"
"Kim Yeon, Uncle Shan Wolf will be staying with us for a few days, along with his mother," Ingrid explained.
"Really? Awesome!" Kim Yeon exclaimed. "Da... I mean, Uncle can help me with my school homework!"
Knock!
Ingrid lightly knocked her daughter on the head.
"Go to bed. We can settle this in the morning."
"Ouch! Mom!"
Kim Yeon rubbed her head, looking rather displeased.
"Alright, alright. Goodnight, Uncle!"
"Goodnight, little one."
She eventually returned to her bedroom, leaving the adults to settle in for the night.
Ingrid then offered Helen the guestroom, making sure she had everything she needed. As for Shan, he was initially offered the living room sofa.
However, Ingrid seemed to have another idea.
"Or perhaps... you're okay with, umm... my bed?"
She asked rather shyly, bringing her two index fingers together as she avoided his gaze. Her invitation sounded almost like she was welcoming him into her own little sanctuary.
Shan looked at her for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh.
"Alright. I'll sleep with you."
From the side, Helen caught the entire exchange. A mischievous smile immediately appeared on her face.
"Hohoho! Please keep the noise down, then. I can't have a grandchild arriving anytime soon!"
"Mom..." Shan muttered.
Helen simply laughed before finally closing the guestroom door, leaving the two alone.
Shan and Ingrid stood facing each other in the quiet hallway.
"Your mother... is something else, Mr. Wolf," Ingrid remarked.
"Tell me about it. But she's the only family I've got left."
His tone softened slightly as he spoke about Helen.
Ingrid looked at him, understanding just how much his mother meant to him. Whatever their circumstances, the bond between them was something she couldn't help but appreciate.
"Well... let's get you settled in."
She led him into her bedroom and closed the door behind them.
After a moment, Ingrid opened her wardrobe and took out some spare clothes, handing them to Shan.
"These belonged to my ex-husband."
She paused, her expression gradually changing as she recalled an unpleasant memory.
"I married that bastard because I wanted Kim Yeon to have a father figure. Turns out, he was nothing more than a cheater who found himself a better woman. A younger piece of meat, that is."
Her voice carried a hint of irritation, and she folded her arms as though the memory alone was enough to ruin her mood.
Shan examined the clothes before looking back at her.
"Meh. His loss. You have the beauty of the biblical figure Lilith."
Ingrid raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile forming on her lips.
"Oh? And what do Lilith and I have in common?"
Shan gave her a knowing look.
"You two are fighters. Neither of you relies on anyone else to reach the top. You make your own choices, stand your ground, and refuse to let anyone dictate your future."
For a moment, Ingrid couldn't find the words.
Something warm stirred in her chest. She wasn't particularly accustomed to hearing such things, especially from someone who delivered compliments so casually.
"B... bastard," she muttered.
Before Shan could say anything else, Ingrid grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the bed.
"P... please make love to me. I'm in a terrible mood right now."
Shan couldn't help but chuckle at her sudden request. Nevertheless, his expression softened into a warm smile as he looked at her.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm your bastard."
He gently drew her closer.
That night, the two shared an intimate evening together, finding comfort in each other's embrace. Their affection carried them well into the early hours of the morning, until around three, when they finally settled beneath the covers.
Ingrid nestled against Shan's naked chest, resting her cheek against him. Her arms wrapped comfortably around his body as she quietly took in his warm, musky, masculine scent.
For once, she allowed herself to forget about Won Group, corporate politics, her troublesome past, and everything else waiting for her tomorrow.
All that mattered was the warmth beside her.
And Shan, with one arm wrapped around her, quietly held her close.
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Chapter 88 — End.