"Tell him he can't go out in that crop top!" Lam's voice echoed through the grand Jamornhum mansion.
Park glanced at Dunk, who was already half out the door, crop top in place and full of confidence. Park gave Lam a helpless look that practically screamed, "Why me?"
"You can't go out in those clothes, honey. You look too yummy for hungry eyes," Park said gently.
Dunk grinned and leaned in to kiss Park's cheek. "You're the best dad in the world. I'll be back around two or three. Sleep well!"
He waved dramatically in front of Lam, who looked on in disbelief.
"Who's the father here, you or him?" Lam snapped.
"Come on, Lam. We were the same at his age," Park said as they walked inside.
"Yes, but back then we didn't have enemies. We were just college kids fighting for faculty pride before stepping into the underground business," Lam countered, turning serious. "You understand my worries, right? I'm not stopping his independence—I just want him safe."
"Then don't stop him," Forth's voice entered from the living room.
"Forth! At least take my side," Lam pleaded.
Forth smirked. "He's a Jamornhum. Everyone knows not to mess with us."
"Who are you asking for help? He sent his own son to Japan for a dangerous job without thinking." Beam added, following Forth.
"Keep quiet, Beam. Our blood won't spill. And if it does—the floor will burn." Forth took Park out with him.
Just then, Boom tried to sneak out the side door. Lam caught him by the ear."How old are you, sneaking out at 10 p.m.?"
"It's a freshers' party, Uncle! How would it look if the head hazer didn't attend? What would I say—'I'm grounded'?" Boom mimicked.
"Boy, remember who I am. Just go back to your room."
"But I asked for permission!" Boom insisted.
"From who?" Lam raised a brow.
"Uncle Park and Uncle Forth."
"What about your fathers?"
"Uncle Park said he'd talk to his brother." Boom was ready.
Lam flicked his forehead. "He is your father too."
"I never said he isn't. Thanks, Uncle Lam!" Boom pecked his cheek, waved to Beam, and ran out as he spotted Park and Forth returning.
"Boom's too cute to be head hazer," Beam said.
"So was P' Arthit. And Boom has our blood—he was born for it. But why are you even discussing this?" Park said proudly.
"He just left for a party. Your blood runs wild in them." Lam muttered.
"That's not fair! You let Boom go easily, but my baby Dunk had to beg," Park pouted.
"First, Dunk never begs. Second, Forth and you gave him permission, if you forget."
"I didn't!" Forth threw up his hands.
"Thanks for the permission, uncles!" Boom shouted as he sped off.
"They're fooling us now," Lam sighed.
"Let them enjoy. Don't raise your BP Lam." Forth said.
But Lam stared at the door long after the others left. A pit formed in his stomach. Karma always came back—he just prayed it wouldn't find their children.
The past wasn't kind. After the final fallout between Kongpob and Arthit, alliances shifted. Technology to create children through combined DNA changed everything.
Rome's emotional bond to their firstborn had secured Bright's place in his life. Forth eventually obtained the same method through Phana to keep his Beam.
Now, 25 years later, those once-playful children stood as heirs in a divided empire.
At Club VAST,
"Dunk, slow down," Reno said, watching him take another shot.
"Come on, live a little. We'll be working soon," Dunk laughed.
"I can't get drunk like you. What if P'Pond shows up?"
"You know him. Might be late. Might not come," Dunk pouted.
"He'll come. Just control yourself."
Across the club, Joong entered, sharp and cold. The club, VAST, was a Guntithtanon empire gem, handed down from his father. Joong ran it like a machine.
"Is my space ready?" he asked the manager.
"Yes, sir. All VIP space is reserved. Some customers are upset."
"Doesn't matter. Keep security tight. No drama tonight." Joong said and walk away.Dunk saw him.
He marched to the VIP section. Security tried to stop him. Joong raised a hand. "Let him in."
"Just because you're the owner doesn't mean you can act like God," Dunk snapped.
"I am god. If you want Try me, I will drive you to heaven." Joong said.
Dunk poured his beer on Joong's pants. "Not interested."
Joong's black eyes stares at Dunk's brown one. "Then why do you always try to get me naked?"
He smirks. "You know where to find me." Before Dunk could slap him, Joong caught his wrist and pulled him in his lap.
Then came a punch. Pond stormed in as Joong's security guard laid on floor with blood on his mouth.
"Stay in your limits, Guntithtanon. Next time, it'll be your face instant of your security."
He pulled Dunk away. Joong smirked. "Bring it on."
At another table, Kla, Technik, and Mix watched.
"Family drama as always, entertaining." Kla said.
"Why don't you help him in such situations?" Technik corrected.
" Because he is weird." Mix added. " And we only go when he was actually in trouble. "
"Why aren't you two closes to Dunk? You guys are cousins," Technik asked.
"Because he acts like an arrogant, attention seeking baby," Kla said.
"Too pampered," Mix agreed. "We're on okay terms with him—but we grew up fast and he is still a baby."
They shared a look—memories of a bloody fight at age 8 resurfaced. From that day, distance became their defense.
"When's my P'No coming?" Kla asked.
"Romeo mode is on." Mix teased.
"Sniffing dog is his brother. Bloodsucking vampire is his dad what do you think? when they are going to leave him alone?" Technik muttered.
Then Techno arrived, settling next to Kengkla.
"What's wrong P'No? Why do you look upset?" Kengkla asked. Worries can be seen in his eyes.
"Dad wants me to quit teaching and join the family business." Techno sighed.
"He has no rights to decide that." Technik said.
"He's our father Technik." Techno replied.
"You did it all on your own P'No. I will say this again he has no right to take decisions on your behalf." Technik said.
"Don't pressure him, Ai'Nik." Kengkla warned Technik.
"Do what you want, P'No." Kla said in a soft voice. " Eat first, then I'll take you a peaceful place later."
"Let's stay here for a while," Techno smiled faintly. " After that we can go?" Techno said looking at the three of them.
Mix and Technik exchanged glances. "We have a late-night meeting with a client." Technik said and Mix nodded.
Technik pulled Kla aside. "Touch him and I'll kill you."Kla only smiled.