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SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk quietly watched Sanchez.
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“Help… please be specific.”
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Sanchez sighed deeply.
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The week after selling the plantation had been hell.
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He had received the money, but that was not the end.
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In the Spanish community, he was already buried.
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“They call me a traitor. A collaborator who sold land to an Asian.”
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“Didn’t you expect that when you sold it?”
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“I knew, but—”
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Sanchez clenched his fist tightly.
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“I didn’t expect it to get this bad. They’re even threatening my family. My daughter is being bullied at school, and my wife can’t even buy anything at the market.”
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A heavy silence fell.
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Lee Jun-hyuk could see that Sanchez was telling the truth.
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There was no deception in his eyes.
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Only desperation.
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“So, what kind of help do you want?”
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“I have information.”
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Sanchez leaned forward.
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“I know how the Governor-General’s Office plans to suppress you. I attended their meeting.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk’s eyes sharpened.
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“Go on.”
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“First, taxes. They’ll suddenly launch an investigation and create problems.”
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Sanchez lowered his voice further.
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“Second, the workers. They’ll fabricate claims that some of your employees are involved in the Anti-American Movement.”
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It was a more elaborate plan than expected.
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“Will they also fabricate evidence?”
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“Of course. It’s not difficult for them.”
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Jose and Miguel exchanged uneasy looks.
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If this happens, it would be difficult to respond.
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It’s legal pressure, so there’s no cause for resistance.
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“Thank you for the information. What do you want in return?”
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“Give me a job.”
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Sanchez’s answer surprised Lee Jun-hyuk.
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“A job?”
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“Yes. I ran a plantation for 40 years. I have experience. Let me work on your plantation.”
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A proud Spanish landowner willing to work under an Asian.
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That showed how desperate the situation was.
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“Don’t you hate me?”
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“I did. It’s not completely gone now, but—”
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Sanchez gave a bitter laugh.
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“Everyone has to eat, right? I have a family.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk thought for a moment.
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Accepting Sanchez was dangerous.
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He might be a double agent or have other hidden motives.
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But it was also an opportunity.
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A window to gather intelligence on Spanish society.
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And a plantation expert with 40 years of experience.
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“Alright.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk made his decision.
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“But there are conditions.”
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“Please, tell me.”
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“First, you will be treated just like the other employees. No special treatment.”
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Sanchez nodded.
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“Second, past grudges end here. If you cause any trouble on the plantation, you will be immediately expelled.”
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“Of course.”
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“Third.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk looked Sanchez in the eye.
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“If you betray me, the price will be greater than losing money.”
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A cold warning.
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Sanchez swallowed hard.
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He sensed something dangerous in this young Asian’s eyes.
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“I promise.”
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“Then start work tomorrow. Jose will assign your duties.”
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Sanchez stood.
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Just as he was about to leave, he turned back.
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“Mr. Lee, one more warning.”
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“Go ahead.”
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“There is someone you need to be more careful of than the Governor-General’s Office.”
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He looked around cautiously and whispered.
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“Roberto Escobar.”
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“Roberto Escobar?”
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Lee Jun-hyuk repeated the name.
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It was unfamiliar.
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“He’s the Sugar King of Havana.”
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Sanchez’s face darkened.
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“A monster controlling 20% of all sugar production in Cuba. Even the Governor-General’s Office dares not touch him.”
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Jose breathed deeply.
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“Escobar? I’ve only heard rumors…”
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“A very dangerous man.”
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Sanchez looked at Lee Jun-hyuk.
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“You are growing too fast. It’s better to be careful before you catch his attention.”
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Having said that, Sanchez left.
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Those left behind remained silent for a while.
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The weight of the name Roberto Escobar was heavy.
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“Jose, what do you know about him?”
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“Not much. But…”
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Jose spoke cautiously.
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“About ten years ago, a small plantation owner tried to compete with him and disappeared. Along with his entire family.”
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An ominous story.
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“Miguel, double the security from tomorrow.”
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“Understood.”
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“And Jose, tell the employees to be careful for now. Especially to report immediately if strangers approach.”
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After the two left, Lee Jun-hyuk was alone again.
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The ledger remained open on the desk.
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But the numbers no longer caught his eyes.
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“The game is getting too big.”
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Originally, he planned to quietly earn money and leave.
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But reality was different.
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The Governor-General’s Office, the Chinese Merchants’ Association, and now the Sugar King Escobar.
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But Escobar was a new figure not present in his previous life?
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Well, there could have been a Sugar King in Cuba after all.
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In any case, contrary to his original plan, he was being swept into a gigantic whirlpool.
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This is why you have to do things yourself to really understand.
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No matter how much knowledge you have of the future, success is not guaranteed.
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“But now, I can’t back down.”
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He had already come too far.
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Over 200 employees and their families trusted him.
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***
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3 a.m.
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Lee Jun-hyuk still couldn’t sleep.
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Stars shone outside the window.
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A peaceful night, but his heart was far from peaceful.
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He took out stationery from his drawer.
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It was a letter to James Morgan.
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He needed to explain the current situation and seek advice.
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He picked up the pen but then put it down again.
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He was at a loss where to begin.
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Pressure from the Governor-General’s Office? Threats from Escobar? Or a new alliance?
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After much deliberation, he picked up the pen again.
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It was a lie.
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But he could not write the truth.
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He knew the old man’s health was not good.
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He didn’t want to cause worry.
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He finished the letter and sealed the envelope.
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At that moment, a dog barked outside.
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It was different from usual.
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A sharp, low bark, as if alerting to something.
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Lee Jun-hyuk immediately stood.
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He checked the revolver at his waist and carefully approached the window.
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Under the moonlight, the plantation was quiet.
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But the silence only made him more uneasy.
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Then, at the entrance, faint lights appeared.
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One, two, three.
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People carrying torches were approaching.
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“It’s begun.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk calmly assessed the situation.
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About ten people.
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They were on horseback.
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Slowly but surely approaching the plantation.
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Governor-General’s Office agents?
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Escobar’s subordinates?
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Or someone else?
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Lee Jun-hyuk moved quickly.
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He changed clothes and headed to the hallway.
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Jose was already running.
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“Mr. Lee! Someone’s coming!”
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“I saw them. Miguel?”
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“He’s waking the employees.”
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“Good. But tell them not to panic.”
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The two hurried toward the entrance.
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Outside, the guards stood tensely.
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Some held farming tools, but no proper weapons.
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“Who goes there?”
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Miguel shouted loudly.
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The mounted group stopped at the gate.
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One of the riders raised a torch high.
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“We seek Lee Jun-hyuk of Santa Rosa Plantation!”
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It was a young man’s voice.
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His Spanish was fluent but with an accent.
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He didn’t seem Cuban.
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“I am he.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk stepped forward.
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“What brings you here at this hour?”
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The torchbearer dismounted.
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Up close, he looked to be in his early thirties.
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He wore a neat suit and a bowler hat.
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He was neither a bandit nor a mercenary.
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“I am Leonardo Vasquez.”
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The man greeted respectfully.
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“I am Mr. Escobar’s secretary.”
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Tension rippled through the group.
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Lee Jun-hyuk remained calm.
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Though the visit came earlier than expected, there was no cause for panic.
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“Visiting at dawn is hardly polite.”
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“Apologies, but there are too many eyes during the day.”
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Leonardo smiled meaningfully.
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“Mr. Escobar wishes to meet you. Immediately.”
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“Now?”
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“Yes. He’s in Havana. The carriage takes two hours to arrive.”
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It was an invitation hard to refuse.
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No, more than an invitation… a summons.
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“Please give me some time to prepare.”
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“I will give you ten minutes.”
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Leonardo checked his watch.
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Lee Jun-hyuk returned to the office.
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Jose followed.
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“This is dangerous! If you go—”
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“It’s fine.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk opened the safe.
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He took out a bundle of documents.
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Copies of all plantation-related papers.
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“If I don’t return by tomorrow morning, send these to Morgan & Associates Trading Co.”
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“Mr. Lee!”
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“And this as well.”
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He handed over another envelope.
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“Give it to Zhen Hao. It contains necessary information.”
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Jose’s eyes welled up.
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He realized this young Asian was risking his life for them.
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“Return safely.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Of course.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk smiled.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“There is still much to do.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Ten minutes later.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk boarded Leonardo’s carriage.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
As they left the plantation, he looked back.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The employees watched with worried expressions.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I will definitely return.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The carriage disappeared into the darkness.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
***
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The road to Havana was rough.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But Lee Jun-hyuk’s heart was calm.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Would you like a cigar?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Leonardo offered.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“No, thank you. I must decline.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Wise. People here smoke too much. It’s a problem.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Leonardo looked out the window.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Mr. Lee, I’ve heard much about you. You’ve accomplished amazing things in a short time.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I was just lucky.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Luck…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Leonardo smiled meaningfully.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Mr. Escobar doesn’t believe in luck. He only trusts power and results.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The carriage kept rolling forward.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The Cuban plains at dawn were silent.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Only the occasional sound of hooves broke the stillness.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What kind of man is Mr. Escobar?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk asked.
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He needed to know his counterpart to respond properly.
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“He’s difficult to describe in one word,” Leonardo said after a moment’s thought.
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“He might be a genius… or a demon.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Can those two coexist?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You’ll understand when you meet him.”
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No further explanation was given.
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About an hour passed.
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The eastern sky began to brighten faintly.
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“Let’s take a break.”
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Leonardo stopped the carriage.
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They reached a small stable.
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While the groom watered the horse, Leonardo lit a cigar.
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“Mr. Lee.”
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He exhaled smoke and said,
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“Here’s a piece of advice. Don’t lie in front of Mr. Escobar.”
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“What do you mean?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“He can see through people. Lies won’t help you.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
An ominous warning.
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Lee Jun-hyuk nodded.
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He had no intention of lying anyway.
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But that didn’t mean he had to reveal everything.
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The carriage resumed its journey.
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As Havana drew nearer, the road widened.
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More people appeared.
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Mostly peasants heading to the market.
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Finally, they arrived in Havana.
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The Cuban capital was bustling from early morning.
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Spanish-style buildings lined the streets, filled with carriages and people.
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“There it is.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Leonardo pointed to a large mansion in the city center.
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A five-story white building.
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Each balcony was adorned with lavish decorations.
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Armed guards stood at the entrance.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Please show your identification.”
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A guard approached.
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Leonardo showed something, and the path was immediately cleared.
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Inside, a different world unfolded.
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Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and gold-leafed furniture.
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An overwhelming display of wealth.
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“This way.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
They went up to the third floor.
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At the end of a long corridor, Leonardo stopped before a large door.
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“Enter. He is waiting.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk took a deep breath.
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He opened the door and stepped inside.
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It was a spacious study.
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Bookshelves covered the walls, a large globe sat in the corner, and a massive desk stood by the window.
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Behind it sat a man.
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“Welcome.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Roberto Escobar.
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He looked to be in his mid-fifties.
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His gray hair was neatly combed, and his sharp gaze was intellectual.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He wore an expensive suit, but more than that, his aura was overwhelming.
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“Sit.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk took a seat.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Escobar studied him silently for a long moment.
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As if appraising or dissecting him.
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“I hear you’re 25.”
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“Yes.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Young. Too young.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Escobar leaned back in his chair.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“To dare challenge my territory at that age… brave or foolish?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s not a challenge.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk spoke calmly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I just want to survive.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Survive…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Escobar smiled.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A cold smile.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Good. Then I’ll ask you. Do you really think you can survive?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
His question carried a threat.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But Lee Jun-hyuk did not flinch.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I intend to try.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Try?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Escobar stood.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He walked to the window and looked out over Havana.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“See this city? I built it. An empire made of sugar.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He turned back.
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“And now, you want to shake that empire.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I only—”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“No excuses.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Escobar raised a hand to stop him.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Instead, I have a proposal. Join me.”
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