BOUND BY SECRETS

Perth's eyes were glued to the screen, the endless stream of encrypted documents layer by layer. Each file told a story....of deceit, hidden alliances, and blood money.

But one set of records pulled him deeper.

The name “Pongsapak Enterprises” surfaced again and again. Among the reports of corrupted companies and illegal transfers, a particular expense stood out. It was labeled as "Emergency Disbursement," issued exactly twenty-five years ago. The amount was enough to silence a hundred voices.

Perth’s jaw tightened. His fingers hovered over the keyboard as he opened the linked document. The details spilled across the screen. A car accident. Two fatalities. Case closed—declared as brake failure.

The victims' names hit him like a wave.

Pong and Anee Pongsapak.

Emmy’s parents.

A conclusion hastily dismissed.

His throat ran dry. Someone had ensured the truth never saw the light of day.

A line of text at the bottom of the report caught his attention.

"Lead Investigator: Wichai Phakdee—Resigned after closing the case."

Perth clenched his fists. It wasn’t just a cover-up. It was a carefully planned execution. And the threads of manipulation led back to one man—Niran Pongsapak.

---------

The metallic clink of a lighter echoed inside the darkened study of the Jirawit estate. Title lounged in a leather chair, the shadows of the dim room dancing across his face. His father’s voice still rang in his ears.

"Stay away from Santa. For now."

Title scoffed....

As if that was even possible. Santa was his. And no one—not his father, not Niran, and certainly not any so-called blackmailer....would stand in his way.

A sharp knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. One of his father’s men stepped in, bowing respectfully.

“We have a problem.”

Title raised a brow. “What now?”

“There’s been some activity. Someone is investigating the laundering case.”

Title’s lips curled into a sneer. “And?”

The man hesitated, his voice dropping. “They’ve sent someone to Chiang Mai. An undercover field officer.”

Title's jaw clenched. “Who?”

“We don’t know the name yet. But whoever it is, they’re digging deep.”

A bitter chuckle escaped Title’s lips. "A nameless rat. How brave."

The thought of an unknown agent meddling in his family’s affairs triggered him. Yet, amidst his irritation, a sense of curiosity stirred.

“Find out who they are,” Title commanded coldly.
“And when you do, I want to know everything about them.”

The man nodded, retreating as silently as he had come.

Left alone, Title's thoughts spiraled. No one interfered with him. And if this agent thought they could, they were sorely mistaken.

"Santa will be mine. And nothing can change that."

-------

Back at the Bureau, Perth’s relentless search continued. The Pongsapak cover-up was only half the puzzle. His instincts screamed that there was more.

A faint knock pulled him from his thoughts. His senior officer stepped inside, his gaze heavy.

“Any progress?”

“More than I wanted to find,”Perth replied, the bitterness in his voice evident.

“Jirawit’s family has been laundering money for years. But there’s something else.”

He slid the forensic report across the table.
“Twenty-five years ago. Emmy’s parents. Their deaths weren’t an accident.”

The senior’s expression hardened as he scanned the document. “And Niran Pongsapak?”

Perth’s voice was low. “He pulled the strings. There’s no direct evidence, but it’s all there—the forged reports, the silenced investigator.”

His senior’s jaw tightened. “If the marriage between Santa and Jirawit happens, both families will become untouchable.”

“I know.”

Silence hung between them.

“You need to be careful, Perth,” the senior warned. “They’ll catch on sooner or later.”

Perth nodded, his resolve unwavering. “I’m not backing down.”

A promise lingered in his mind—one he’d silently made to Santa the moment he decided to protect him.

"I won’t let them hurt you."

To be continued... 🖤🤍