VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{23} Silent Compliance

Chapter 23

"Silent Compliance"

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Mingyu paced his office, one hand clenched tightly around his phone as he listened to Jeonghan's voice cut through the silence, heavy with frustration.

"What were you thinking, Mingyu?" Jeonghan's tone was sharp, verging on anger. "You went through with it kidnapping Alexander's daughter? Do you even understand the risks? You're provoking a man who wouldn't hesitate to burn the world down to find her."

Mingyu's jaw tensed, but he kept his voice steady, almost detached. "I know what I'm doing, hyung. This is about him finally knowing the kind of loss I've carried since he took my father."

Jeonghan's exasperated sigh came through the line. "You're letting anger cloud your judgment, Mingyu. You've dragged an innocent woman into your war. And you know as well as I do that Alexander will tear down everything, and everyone, to get her back."

Mingyu's gaze dropped, a flicker of doubt crossing his eyes. He knew the danger he'd brought into Alara's life he could see the fear in her eyes whenever she looked at him.

But it wasn't just her connection to Alexander that bound her to him. Somewhere in the midst of his calculated moves, he'd been drawn to her in a way he hadn't anticipated.

"She isn't just a pawn," Mingyu replied quietly, his voice wavering slightly. "It's not that simple."

Jeonghan paused, his tone shifting from anger to caution. "Then what is it, Mingyu? Because it sounds to me like you're caught in something you can't control. You're risking more than just revenge."

Mingyu's expression hardened, forcing himself to mask the conflict within him. "Alexander took everything from me. My father, our family's legacy. This is my chance to make him feel that same helplessness. But... Alara..." His voice trailed off, as though he couldn't find the right words.

Jeonghan's voice softened, as though sensing Mingyu's struggle. "I warned you, Mingyu getting close to her would be dangerous. You can't let your feelings for her get in the way of your goal. You're the one who said this was personal."

Mingyu clenched his fist, his eyes narrowing as he forced himself to focus. "It is personal. But it's also... complicated."

A heavy silence hung between them before Jeonghan finally spoke, his voice low and resigned.

"Then tread carefully. Because once you go down this path, there's no turning back. And if you're not careful, you'll end up destroying more than just Alexander."

Mingyu's voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible. "I know, hyung. But this is my choice."

Mingyu ended the call with a heavy sigh, sliding his phone back into his pocket. Just as he began to regain his composure, a familiar voice broke through the silence.