Chapter Text
Hyunjin hears his baby crying in the middle of the night. Frowning, he checks the baby monitor but doesn't see any issue on the camera, so he gets out of bed and shuffles to the baby's room, where Lee Know is already in there, frowning as he holds the baby in his arms.
"Jin, why did I find a tack in the crib? It was poking your son," Lee Know shows the tack and Hyunjin's mouth goes dry.
The alpha hasn't been the same since his wife was murdered five months ago. He still has no idea who killed her, and now someone is after his son. This isn't the first instance where his baby was put in danger. Last week, the baby's coms went down, and the window to his room was breached despite them being on the second floor. Now, this.
"I must have left it by accident, I'm sorry," Hyunjin lies as he grabs his wailing baby and kisses his cheek. "I'm sorry, Jiho, forgive Dada."
Lee Know frowns.
"Are you drinking again?" Lee Know asks.
Hyunjin swallows. He is, but that has nothing to do with the current situation.
Hyunjin and his father have both agreed, that whatever is going on is an inside job. Until they know for sure who they can trust, they can't say anything to anyone.
Lee Know sighs.
"Look, I know Aria's death was sudden, but you can't keep blacking out and drinking like this," Lee Know starts lecturing. "What if that tack stabbed Jiho? What if he died?"
"I know, I'll do better," Hyunjin promises.
Lee Know runs a hand through his hair.
"Alright, I'm going back to bed," Lee Know shakes his head. "Something is going on with you. When you're ready to talk, I'm willing to listen."
No more words are said as the alpha leaves. Hyunjin bounces his baby in his arms as he inhales his son's scent and silently cries. He failed his wife, and now he's failing his son. He's a failure, plain and simple.
Not trusting his son alone, the alpha carries him to his room and places him in the bed beside him. Jiho sniffs Hyunjin's armpit before giggling and falling to sleep with ease. Hyunjin watches his son for a long while before drifting back off to sleep himself.
xXx
"It happened again last night," Hyunjin speaks low, eyes heavy as he looks across the study at his father.
The two are alone in Papa Hwang's private study, tucked away from the rest of the mansion. The fire crackles quietly in the hearth, casting long shadows across the walls lined with old books and locked drawers full of secrets.
Jiho sits in Papa Hwang’s lap, babbling softly, little fingers grabbing at the edges of a manila folder and the rim of a porcelain ashtray. He drools slightly, content and unaware of the storm around him.
"There was a tack in his bed." Hyunjin swallows hard. "Lee Know caught it before Jiho pressed down on it."
Papa Hwang exhales, the sound long and tired.
"Have you considered the undercover option I mentioned?" He asks. "You’ll like Felix. Studied culinary in college—on paper, he looks harmless. But he’s from a Mafia family in Australia. Changed his last name to Lee to hide the connection. He's an omega, but he's been in martial arts his entire life. Disciplined. Smart. He can pose as the nanny and dig into who’s behind this without raising suspicion."
Hyunjin drops his gaze, fingers curling into fists at his sides.
"I... I feel like a failure." Hyunjin's voice cracks, and even though he tries to keep it together, the tears come anyway. He doesn't sob, but the weight of fear and guilt spills down his cheeks. Jiho quiets in his grandfather’s lap, wide eyes glistening as he reaches for his father.
"I'm sorry, Jiji." Hyunjin gathers his son in his arms. Jiho leans forward and pats his father's lip, then presses a wet, clumsy kiss to his cheek. "You're so sweet," Hyunjin murmurs, holding him close. "You look just like your mom."
Papa Hwang watches them for a moment, then leans back in his chair.
"Son, you aren't a failure." His tone is firm. "This house sees too many faces. In our line of work, it only takes one. If anything, I'm to blame. I brought you into this life knowing what it could cost."
Hyunjin wipes his face on his sleeve, steadying his breath.
"Can... can I meet him?" Hyunjin asks. Pride flares in his chest, but it doesn’t win. If an omega can protect Jiho when he couldn't, then Hyunjin will give up control without hesitation. "I want to meet the omega who can possibly save my son's life, in a way I couldn't say my wife's."
"I'll make the call. He can be here by morning," Papa Hwang promises.
Hyunjin presses his lips to Jiho’s forehead, inhaling the soft baby scent that somehow always manages to calm him. Jiho rests his tiny head against his father’s shoulder, eyes fluttering closed, exhausted by the brief wave of emotion.
"I don’t want Felix staying in the main wing," Hyunjin says. "If there is someone on the inside... I don’t want Felix exposed too quickly."
"Agreed," Papa Hwang replies. "We’ll use the guest quarters near the garden entrance. Discreet but close enough to respond if anything happens."
Hyunjin shifts slightly, adjusting Jiho in his arms. His son makes a small sighing noise in his sleep, and for a moment, the room falls quiet again.
"I can’t believe she’s gone," Hyunjin whispers. "She loved Jiho so much. She would’ve protected him better than I ever could."
Papa Hwang doesn’t respond right away. When he does, his voice is low.
"She would’ve died for that child, just like you would," Papa Hwang agrees. "That kind of love is rare in our world. Don’t let it harden you. Let it guide you."
Hyunjin nods slowly, jaw clenched.
"I'm tired of waiting," Hyunjin says. "If someone in this family did this… I won’t stop until I find them."
His father stands, crossing the room to rest a hand on Hyunjin’s shoulder.
"Then we start tomorrow," Papa Hwang says. "But tonight, hold your boy close. Whoever’s coming for him… they don’t know who they’re up against."
All they can do now is wait.
xXx
Felix enters the closed-down cafe wearing baggy navy blue cargo pants and a white crop top. He has his hair in a long ponytail, while rocking sky blue nail polish, and is chewing gum. He looks like an average omega.
"Hyunjin, right?" Felix greets. His smile makes Hyunjin's heart flutter. There's no way this sunshine personification can be the same guy Hyunjin's Dad recommended. "And this must be baby Jiho."
Felix coos and kisses the top of Jiho's head. The omega stands up, extending his hand. A confused Hyunjin grabs it, and he instantly understands. Felix's grip is like a death grip. Hyunjin shouldn't have judged the omega so quickly.
"Yes, I'm Hyunjin, this is Jiho, and you've met my father already," Hyunjin gestures. Felix nods, sitting down in a seat across from Hyunjin as he crosses his legs.
"Yes, your father told me the situation," Felix nods. "I've done infiltration before. My goal is to be a typical aloof Nanny. I'll make mistakes often, pretend to be listening to music, and flirt with you. I'll get close to your men and try to scope out the place. Does Jiho sleep with you?"
"No, Aria and I thought it would make him codependent," Hyunjin explains.
"Hmm, okay, then I'll move him into my room," Felix explains. "I have tech gear that looks like real objects. For example, a diffuser, which is secretly a listening device. I have baby toys that are safe to play with, but are secretly cameras. I'll also install a deadlock on the inside of the door, so no one can get in without either a key or the code."
"That...that all sounds good," Hyunjin admits. "Won't it be suspicious, however?"
"With the lock?" Felix asks. "No, because I'm an omega. I'll say I do this as a precaution against foreign alphas."
Hyunjin nods. Sounds like a solid plan.
"Okay," Hyunjin agrees.
"Can I hold Jiho?" Felix asks. "I want to try bonding with him before I officially get started."
"Oh? Sure, here you are." Hyunjin hands over Jiho, who goes willingly. Felix emits some pheromones, and Jiho soaks them up, rubbing his cheek against Felix's neck to get more pheromones onto him.
"He seems to like you," Papa Hwang grins as if he knew this would be the case.
"Babies love me and I love babies," Felix admits.
"Do you have children?" Hyunjin asks.
"Me? No,” Felix has a far off look in his eyes. “Were you and Aria mated?"
"She was a beta, so no," Hyunjin responds. "We were married, though."
Felix nods and bounces Jiho on his lap. Jiho giggles and Felix makes airplane noises, which Jiho laps up.
"How old is he?" Felix asks.
"14 months," Hyunjin replies.
"I notice he's drooling a lot, so he's probably teething," Felix comments. He turns Jiho around so he can face the chubby-cheeked baby. He peeks in the baby's mouth. "Mhm, I see tiny teeth budding in."
"I didn't notice.” Hyunjin swallows a lump in his throat. What else has the alpha failed at?
"Easy to miss," Felix replies with ease. "I volunteered at a daycare in high school, so I'm used to noticing these things. Don't be hard on yourself."
Hyunjin nods but doesn't dare speak out loud.
"Alright, I have my stuff packed and with me," Felix announces. "I'm ready to get started. We can do this either of two ways. We can play it that I'm just a regular Nanny or we can play it that I'm your side piece, you've made your Nanny to move me in."
"I..." Hyunjin swallows the lump again. He's still so damaged from the loss of his wife that he's not sure if he can move on with someone new, even if for pretend.
"Why the relationship option?" Papa Hwang asks, and Hyunjin is grateful for his father.
"In case I think Jiho is in danger," Felix explains. "We would have to move in Hyunjin's room, and unless he and I were fucking, wouldn't it be strange?"
"Ah, I see what you mean, now.” Papa Hwang rubs his beard and looks at his son, who looks like he wants a drink right about now. "Well, Jin, it's up to you."
"What are your thoughts?" Hyunjin asks Felix.
"I say introduce me to everyone who has access to Jiho's room, and tell them I'm a Nanny," Felix states. "Then, around some of the other staff, who like to gossip but are probably not the suspects, I'll drop hints that you and I are closer than we should be. Maybe they see me sneaking into your room at night. When it gets to the person who is the suspect, they may start paying more attention to Jiho if they think I'm trying to replace Aria as his mom."
"Okay..." Hyunjin nods. "Will I have to kiss you?"
Felix's eyes soften. He can tell Hyunjin is a nervous wreck about all this.
"I'll make sure to keep it professional," Felix replies. "Nothing that will make you too uncomfortable."
Hyunjin nods again.
"Sorry, can I have my baby back?" Hyunjin asks.
Felix notices Hyunjin's hands twitching, and they appear slightly sweaty.
"I need to know everything if I'm going to help," Felix points to Hyunjin's hands. "Are you an addict?"
Hyunjin scowls.
"I'm not an addict," Hyunjin snatches his baby. "I have a drink every now and then like any normal adult."
"I'm not here to judge, but don't lie to me," Felix frowns. "Your palms are twitching, and you're sweating. That's more than just nerves."
"He has a slight drinking problem, since the death of his wife," Papa Hwang answers for Hyunjin.
The alpha looks down at the ground as he hugs his baby tightly to his chest.
Felix sighs through his nose. Not dramatic, not condescending. Just honest.
“Okay. Then I need you to keep it in check while I’m here. I can’t protect Jiho and tiptoe around a drunk alpha. Fair?” Felix doesn't hold back any punches.
Hyunjin doesn’t look up. His grip on Jiho tightens, and Jiho makes a soft noise of protest.
“Fair,” Hyunjin mumbles.
Felix leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.
“I’m not trying to be your enemy, Hyunjin," Felix promises. "I’m on your side. But I can’t do this job if I’m cleaning up messes that aren’t mine.”
Papa Hwang clears his throat.
“I think it’s a good time for us to wrap this meeting," Papa Hwang says. "Hyunjin, take Felix to the quarters we discussed. Jiho’s routine should stay the same for now. We’ll observe how things shift in the next few days.”
Felix stands. He gently pats Jiho’s thigh, still perched safely in Hyunjin’s arms.
“You’re a good kid,” Felix smiles at the baby. “Stick close to me, and we’ll be just fine.”
Hyunjin stands as well, stiff. Exhausted. Still unsure.
“This way,” Hyunjin says shortly. "Put your bags in my car and I'll drive us to the manor."
Felix nods and follows him out of the café without another word. The streets are quiet, the sun low on the horizon. Jiho babbles something against Hyunjin’s shoulder, and Hyunjin’s chest aches all over again.
He doesn't look back, but he feels Felix’s eyes on him the entire walk to the car.
Felix's bags are outside, and Hyunjin places Jiho in his car seat before helping Felix with his items.
Getting in, the ride is silent.
"Can you tell me more about Aria?" Felix asks.
Hyunjin nods.
"She was...peaceful," Hyunjin gives a private grin. "I knew her from my childhood. She loved seeing the best in people."
"What hobbies did she have?" Felix inquires.
"Television, mainly," Hyunjin snorts. "She loved her dramas and murder mysteries. She was great with Jiho."
"You're great with him, as well," Felix responds. "He's a fat, happy baby."
"You're trying to cheer me up, and I appreciate it, but you don't have to lie to me," Hyunjin responds.
Felix doesn't say another word, and the alpha appreciates the silence.
xXx
Felix arrives at the manor and clocks all the cameras before he even hits the front steps. There's one above the front gate. Another tucked behind the security lantern. Two watching the east wing balconies. Someone thought they were clever with the blind spots, but Felix sees every flaw. His eyes flick to each lens, lips still smacking his gum. The air smells like lemon polish, burnt coffee, and power.
Inside, the estate is chaos. Controlled, layered chaos. People everywhere. Yelling into headsets. Pushing carts of folded linen. Armed guards walking in stiff lines. Two staff members arguing over a vacuum cord like their lives depend on it.
“This place is a nightmare," Felix snorts.
“Jin, who’s he?” Lee Know stops in the hallway, papers clutched in one hand, eyes narrowed like he’s trying to solve an equation. His tone isn’t rude, but it’s not exactly warm either.
“Felix and can you call everyone to the meeting room?” Hyunjin deflects.
Lee Know pauses for a beat. Then, with a reluctant nod, he pivots and disappears down a hallway, already barking instructions at someone named Carla. Hyunjin motions for Felix to follow him.
“This way. You can sit anywhere. I’m going to feed and change Jiho first," Hyunjin explains.
Felix nods, saying nothing. He trails into the meeting room, chewing lazily, eyes already darting over the furnishings. The room is large and dimly lit, the table long enough to seat twenty. The walls are lined with photographs of Hyunjin’s family—framed memories in heavy gold trim. Aria smiles from one of them. Felix lingers on that photo longer than he means to.
People begin to trickle in.
All of them clock him immediately.
The blue nails. The long ponytail. The gum. The crop top. He’s everything they don’t expect from someone Papa Hwang brought in.
“Hello?” An alpha plops into the seat beside him, voice smug, full of self-assurance. “I’m I.N., and I do love me a pretty omega.”
“Hello, I.N., I’m Felix and I’m out of your league.” Felix slowly turns to face him, gum snapping.
“Ouch,” I.N. laughs, a little too loud.
“Need some ice for that burn?” another alpha calls from across the table, smirking.
“Suck it, Chan,” I.N. fires back.
Hyunjin enters before they can escalate, and without hesitation, he slaps the back of I.N.’s head.
“Get up,” Hyunjin barks.
I.N. groans, rubbing his scalp as he moves to a different chair.
“Workplace violence, much?”
Felix doesn’t wait. He stretches out his arms, and Hyunjin hands him Jiho. The baby nestles into Felix’s chest like they’ve known each other forever. Felix places a soft kiss on Jiho’s forehead, his smile automatic.
“Sweetheart,” Felix murmurs. Jiho squeals in delight, hands flailing, one grabbing Felix’s necklace. He’s perfect. Soft brown curls. Big curious eyes. Lips like Hyunjin. He smells like baby powder and something warm and familiar. Felix is already attached.
“Is everyone here?” Papa Hwang’s voice cuts across the room as he enters. The staff collectively stiffen.
“Yes, Father,” Hyunjin answers, returning to his place.
Papa Hwang shuts the door.
“Good. Then we can begin.”
“Everyone,” Hyunjin says, voice even, “this is Felix. He’s Jiho’s new live-in Nanny.”
The reactions are immediate. Whispers. A sharp intake of breath. Someone says, “You’re kidding,” under their breath.
“He’ll have full clearance,” Hyunjin continues. “Treat him with the same respect as you would treat me.”
“Hi. I’m not good with names, but it’s lovely meeting you all. Quick question—who’s been feeding Jiho?” Felix waves, one arm still securing Jiho.
“Hyunjin and Lee Know,” Chan replies. His voice is rough, cool. Felix clocks the way he looks at him, not suspicious, exactly. But protective. Territorial.
“Well, that stops now,” Felix beams, bouncing Jiho. “I’ll be handling all feeding, playing, watching, changing, and general baby-related tasks.”
Lee Know narrows his eyes, his mouth flat. He glances toward Hyunjin, who avoids his gaze entirely. Interesting.
“Anyone else I should know about?” Felix asks, still smiling, though his tone drops just slightly.
“My mother,” Hyunjin says after a beat. “She’s off on business. You’ll meet her when she returns.”
That sticks in Felix’s mind like a splinter.
Papa Hwang had never mentioned a wife. Not once. So who is this woman? And why does she feel like a ghost?
“Alright, alpha,” Felix chirps. “Can I get a tour, please?”
“Uh, sure. Let’s go.” Hyunjin stands, stiff. He’s not looking at anyone.
Felix stands too, giving Jiho one last bounce before adjusting him on his hip.
As they exit, Felix doesn’t miss the way the room stills. All eyes follow them to the door. Some stare with curiosity. Some with envy. Some with something darker.
Felix doesn’t say a word.
But in his mind, he starts his list. Every face. Every glance. Every shift in tone.
Someone in that room wants the Hwangs destroyed.
And Felix Lee will find out who.