“I didn’t expect you to come, of all people….”
The man in dark sunglasses spoke, clearly displeased. A thick string of prayer beads hung around the neck of his tropical-print shirt.
“Was it you who persuaded him, Madame?”
Hit by the stray arrow, the platinum-blond beauty, Madame Tangver, smiled with her eyes and flicked open a blue folding fan.
“Who knows? My friend isn’t the type to listen just because someone tries to persuade him.”
“Damn it, don’t think about doing business here—”
“Mmm. We at ‘Pintada’ simply devote ourselves to the requests of clients who hold a Master Card.”
Madame Tangver smiled, recalling a phone call she’d received around early autumn.
If you ever need help, contact me.
She had offered it cautiously, intending to repay a favor, but it was a number she’d thought would never actually be used. She’d been so startled when the call came through.
“Help Korea.”
‘You said I’d understand when the time came… I never imagined it would be on this scale, though.’
“After debating what to do, I just consulted…