The explosive flash that rocked the Manhattan night sky and signaled the absolute end of a financial dynasty, centered at the top of the Bates Building, seemed to linger on Won-bin's retina. The shrill alarms, the screams of the crowd, the sound of glass shards raining down—all remained vivid in her superhuman sensory memory.
Yet now, in the shadow of a Manhattan high-rise, she felt only a strange, almost cloud-like unreality: the mission was complete. It was clean, leaving no trace. Deep breath, another deep breath. Such a simple task, yet I was so nervous! Won-bin thought self-deprecatingly.
Her thin hospital gown had been replaced by a sharply tailored, off-white silk shirt and a high-waisted, dark grey pencil skirt, which perfectly outlined her petite yet explosive physique. Her smooth black hair was neatly styled, falling over her shoulders, making her now less-pale face appear more refined. Only a trace of lingering alarm remained deep in her eyes.
She was driven to the Steinway Tower. Hawk's study was brightly lit. Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the night sky above the Bates Building still faintly held a strange, reddish glow.
Hawk seemed to have just arrived home himself, standing by the panoramic window. When Won-bin saw his tall, commanding figure, her heart began to accelerate uncontrollably again. She walked softly into the room, stopping a few feet away from Hawk, her hands instinctively clasped in front of her. Her posture was reserved, tinged with a subtle, yet noticeable, desire to please. She had completed the mission, but she was still afraid.
"Hawk… Mr. Hawk." Her voice was softer than she expected, carrying a tentative tremble.
Hawk slowly turned around. His gaze swept over her, from head to toe. That scrutinizing look made Won-bin unconsciously hold her breath, almost wanting to look down.
"Won-bin, the mission completion was excellent. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s security measures were useless against you. Well done." Hawk's voice was light, offering unreserved praise, which instantly rushed through Won-bin's cold limbs like a warm current. Her tense shoulders relaxed slightly. Did she even feel a hint of excitement? A near-humble joy at being acknowledged.
"Mr. Hawk." She gathered her courage, raising her eyes to meet his, asking cautiously, "Are you satisfied?" Her eyes, once so ruthless, now sparkled with anticipation and nervousness.
Hawk took a few steps closer. Won-bin's body gave an imperceptible tremor, but she did not retreat.
"Efficiency exceeded expectations. Extremely satisfied." Hawk evaluated, his gaze taking in her new clothes and carefully styled appearance. "It seems Ja-yoon has been looking after you well."
"Yes," Won-bin quickly nodded, like a child eager to prove her worth. "Ja-yoon bought me a lot of clothes. They're… very comfortable, and very beautiful. I've never… worn clothes like this before." There was a note of childlike novelty in her tone.
Hawk looked at her almost clumsy honesty, now that the hostility had faded, and smiled. "I'm glad you like them." He paused, noticing Won-bin's hesitant expression. "Do you have any other questions?"
Won-bin seemed to receive some kind of permission, and a flurry of questions burst out, driven by long-suppressed curiosity and an urgent need for confirmation:
"Mr. Hawk, will I… will I live here from now on? Or… somewhere else?"
"What… what else do I need to do? Besides… missions?"
"Is Ja-yoon, my older sister, is she… working for you too? She and Shin Si-ah…" She spoke somewhat incoherently.
Hawk listened patiently, not interrupting. Only after she finished did he slowly speak:
"You'll have a comfortable and luxurious residence nearby, living with Goo Ja-yoon and Shin Si-ah. Familiarize yourself with the New York pace of life quickly; I'll arrange your identification."
"Your duty is clear: execute the missions I assign. The rest of your time is your own freedom. You can do anything you want—study, entertainment, enjoy the sun."
"Ja-yoon and Si-ah are my core employees. Your clearance levels may differ, but you all work for me. Your compensation, besides a generous monthly base salary, includes additional bonuses for completed missions. If you run into any trouble, and money can solve it, don't come to me; talk to Goo Ja-yoon. She is currently my assistant."
Won-bin listened intently, carving every word into her memory. "I understand, sir." Her voice was much steadier. She took a deep breath, as if bracing herself. "I will obey. I will do everything you tell me to do."
Hawk nodded. "Your new mission is to mentor Shin Si-ah. She's younger and somewhat immature. Teach her about life, self-care, and ability development."
"Goo Ja-yoon is my assistant, and Andy is quite busy with work, so Shin Si-ah will be entrusted to you for now. But I must warn you first: you need to build a strong relationship with Shin Si-ah. She is very likely to be the strongest witch in history, surpassing even Goo Ja-yoon."
Won-bin's pupils contracted slightly. Stronger than Goo Ja-yoon? Though she was a little incredulous, she was already hanging on Hawk's every word and immediately nodded rapidly.
Hawk finally felt reassured. He had read the original work: Shin Si-ah not only overcame the witch's biggest weakness—the head—but her abilities were also greatly enhanced. She could crush the Tow Squad more easily than crushing an ant; the difference was absurd. If Shin Si-ah could skillfully use her abilities now, he probably wouldn't be able to defeat her.
Hawk picked up his suit jacket from the chair back. "Let's go. I'll take you to your new residence."
Hawk was in the driver's seat, and Won-bin sat in the passenger seat. The closed windows sealed off the bustling noise of the city night. The car was filled with the cool aroma of expensive leather mixed with soothing classical music. The vehicle smoothly entered the Manhattan night streets.
Won-bin's body was slightly tense, her hands resting on her lap, her fingertips unconsciously twisting the soft material of her skirt. The confined, private space of the car amplified Hawk's indescribably powerful presence.
She secretly turned her head to look at Hawk. His profile was sharply defined in the dim cabin light, his handsomeness almost piercing. A bold thought, mixed with a desire to please, a hint of probing, and a flutter of emotion she couldn't quite name, suddenly seized her.
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