The Villianess's Redemption (HYUNJIN ff) ✓

35.Did not see that coming

Chapter 35: Secrets Unravelled
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Hyunjin's POV

We all exchanged uneasy glances as I stood, my face darkening. "Donghyuk?" I muttered under my breath, the name alone sending waves of dread through the room. Without another word, I followed the maid out of the study, and everyone trailed behind me, hearts pounding with anticipation.

As we reached the study where the phone was waiting, I picked up the receiver, my fingers trembling slightly. Pressing it to my ear, I was met with a brief crackle before a voice spoke-a voice that made my blood run cold.

"Hyunjin," Donghyuk's voice came through, smug and taunting. "I assume you know why I'm calling."

I gritted my teeth, tightening my grip on the receiver. "What do you want, Donghyuk?" I demanded, doing my best to keep my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at me.

A low chuckle echoed through the line. "Straight to the point. I like that. Fine, I'll tell you. If you want to see Eliza alive again, you'll give me what I want."

My stomach twisted violently at the mention of Eliza. "What is it that you want?" I asked, my voice sharper now, fearing the worst.

There was a brief pause before Donghyuk's voice dropped to a more sinister tone. "I want the Hwang family seal and a signed contract handing over control of the Hwang family business to me and my brother."

His demand hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt my mind reel, struggling to grasp the full weight of what he was asking. "You... want my family's business? The seal? Are you insane?"

Another laugh, colder this time. "No, Hyunjin. I'm not insane. I'm just smarter than you think. We could've killed you, but that would've been messy. This way, we get what we want without getting our hands too dirty. You should be grateful."

Anger surged through me, and I clenched my fists. "And if I don't agree?"

There was rustling on the other end, followed by a sound that made my heart stop-Eliza's voice. She was crying, her sobs weak and filled with fear.

"Hyunjin... please, help me. Please save me!" she begged, her voice barely audible, but enough to shatter the last of my composure.

"Eliza!" I shouted into the phone, desperation lacing my words. "Don't touch her! Don't you dare hurt her!"

Donghyuk's voice came back, calm and collected as if he hadn't just threatened her life. "Time is running out, Hyunjin. If you want her safe, you'll give me what I want. Two days. That's all you've got. And don't even think about sending Felix. We had already known about his betrayal."

And then the line went dead.

For a moment, I stood there, frozen in place, the receiver still clutched in my hand. My heart was pounding in my chest, my mind spinning. Eliza's terrified voice echoed in my ears, a constant reminder of the choice I now faced. Could I really give up everything my family had built to save her?

Slowly, I turned to face the others. Their faces were tense, filled with anticipation as they waited for me to speak.

"What did they say?" Seungmin asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"They... they want the Hwang family seal and control of the business," I said, my voice heavy with disbelief. "If I don't give it to them, they'll kill Eliza."

The room erupted in chaos. Seungmin rushed to my side, his hands trembling as he grabbed my shoulders. "Hyunjin, you have to do it! Just give them what they want! We can't risk Eliza's life!" His voice cracked, his panic evident in his eyes.