Shields of Fire

Chapter 10

The cold chill that ran down Jennie’s spine intensified as Chaeyoung’s words sank in. Her mind raced, processing the situation faster than her body could react. Minho wasn’t just defending his empire; he was making a calculated strike on her turf. OddAtelier wasn’t just a target—it was *the* target.

“How long do we have?” Jennie asked, her voice steely, betraying none of the panic she felt brewing inside.

“Not long,” Chaeyoung replied. “I’ve picked up chatter from Minho’s men. They’re planning to hit your headquarters within the hour. We’ve got time to prepare, but not much.”

Jennie’s grip tightened around the phone. “Lalisa’s still inside one of Minho’s warehouses. Can you coordinate with her?”

“I’m already on it,” Chaeyoung said. “I’ll get her out, but we need to secure OddAtelier first. Minho wants to force you out, and he knows the best way to do that is by destroying your reputation. If they storm this place, the media will eat it up.”

Jennie’s mind churned with possibilities, contingencies. She had spent years building OddAtelier’s pristine image—one of elegance, exclusivity, and power. The thought of Minho dragging her name through the mud, of *her* headquarters being breached—it was unthinkable.

“I won’t let that happen,” Jennie said firmly. “Get Lalisa out of there and regroup at OddAtelier. We’ll be ready for them.”

She hung up the phone, her expression hardening as she turned to Jisoo, who had been listening with growing concern. “We don’t have much time. Minho’s men are coming.”

Jisoo’s eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t hesitate. “What do we do?”

“First, we need to secure the building. I’ll alert security to lock down every entrance. We can’t let anyone slip through. I’ll handle the rest.”

Jisoo nodded, her natural grace turning into focused efficiency. “I’ll stay by your side.”

Jennie gave her a quick nod, her mind already three steps ahead. She grabbed her phone again and dialed her head of security.

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Meanwhile, at the warehouse, Lalisa’s phone buzzed in her pocket as she finished transferring the data. Chaeyoung’s message flashed on her screen.

Chaeyoung: *Minho’s men are heading for OddAtelier. Get out now.*

Lalisa’s heart pounded as she read the message, a wave of urgency sweeping over her. She had expected resistance, but this—an all-out attack—was more than she had anticipated. She quickly stowed the infiltration device and headed toward the exit, moving silently through the dimly lit corridors of the warehouse.

She slipped through the door she had entered earlier, keeping low and sticking to the shadows. Her body buzzed with adrenaline, her senses on high alert. Every sound, every flicker of movement sent her heart racing, but she kept her focus sharp.

As Lalisa made her way through the maze of alleyways outside the warehouse, her mind raced. She needed to get back to Jennie—*fast*. Minho’s men weren’t just making a statement; they were going for the jugular. And as much as she loved the thrill of a fight, Lalisa knew this wasn’t just about taking down a rival. This was about protecting someone she had come to care for more than she’d ever expected.

Her phone buzzed again, and this time it was Chaeyoung calling.

“Lisa, where are you?” Chaeyoung’s voice was calm but urgent.

“Almost out of the warehouse district. What’s the situation at OddAtelier?”

“Not great. Minho’s men are heading there as we speak. Jennie’s locking down the building, but we’ll need to hold them off once they arrive. I’ve sent extra security to intercept them, but we’re going to need all the help we can get.”