Mafia's Little Sister

Chapter 7: Into the Lion's Den

La Rosa Rossa was a world apart from the Park mansion. The nightclub pulsed with life, its crimson-lit interior shrouded in mystery. The bass from the music vibrated through the floor, mingling with the murmur of secretive conversations and the clinking of glasses.

Ryuvyna stepped inside, her heart pounding in time with the music. She had dressed carefully in a sleek black dress that blended her into the shadows, paired with a confidence she didn't quite feel. Victor had insisted on coming with her, and although his presence was comforting, it was also a reminder of the danger they were walking into.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, leaning close to her as they moved through the crowd.

"I don't have any choice," she replied, gripping the crescent moon pendant beneath her dress.

Victor sighed but didn't argue. "We stick together. No wondering off."

Ryuvyna nodded, her eyes scanning the room. She spotted the bartender, a man with sharp eyes and a knowing smirk. If anyone would have information, it was him.

As they approached the bar, Victor took the lead. "Two drinks," he ordered, sliding a few bills across the counter. "And some advice."

The bartender raised an eyebrow but didn't refuse. "What kind of advice?"

"We're looking for someone who might know about Junghyun Jeon," Victor said in a low voice.

The man stiffened, his eyes flickering to Ryuvyna. "That's a name you don't say lightly around here."

"We're not here to cause trouble," Ryuvyna interjected, her tone firm. "I just need answers."

The bartender hesitated, then leaned in closer. "If you're looking for Junghyun, you'll want to talk to Jennie. She runs the VIP lounge upstairs."

"Thank you," Ryuvyna said, sliding another bill his way.

The bartender pocketed the money and nodded toward a staircase guarded by two burly men. "Good luck getting past them."

Ryuvyna and Victor exchanged a glance before making their way toward the stairs. As expected, the guards crossed their arms, blocking their path.

"VIP only," one of them said gruffly.

"We have business with Jennie," Victor replied, his tone steady.

The guard didn't budge. "Unless your name's on the list, you're not getting in."

Ryuvyna's mind raced. She could feel the crescent pendant pressing against her chest, a silent reminder of the risk she was taking.

"Wait here," she whispered to Victor, stepping forward before he could protest.

She pulled out the pendant, holding it up for the guards to see. "This belonged to Junghyun Jeon. Tell Jennie she'll want to see me."

The guards exchanged a look before one of them nodded. "Wait here."

Minutes passed like hours before the guard returned, motioning for them to follow. They ascended the staircase, the music fading as they entered the VIP lounge.

The room was luxurious, with deep red velvet drapes and golden accents. A striking woman with dark hair and piercing green eyes was at the center, seated on a plush couch.

"You must be Ryuvyna," she said, her voice smooth and confident.

Ryuvyna's breath caught. Jennie looked familiar, too familiar.

"You knew Junghyun," Ryuvyna said, stepping closer.

Jennie's lips curved into a bittersweet smile. "He was my brother."

The revelation hit Ryuvyna like a lightning bolt. She had an aunt she never knew about, someone who had been tied to Junghyun's life and death.

"Why are you here?" Jennie asked, her gaze sharp.

Ryuvyna took a deep breath. "I need to know the truth about him. About me."

Jennie studied her for a moment before gesturing for her to sit. "Junghyun loved your mother more than anything. When the Jeons found out, they turned on him. He tried to protect your family, but it cost him everything."

"Is he dead?" Ryuvyna asked, her voice trembling.

Jennie hesitated, her expression unreadable. "He disappeared. Some believe he's dead. Others think he's in hiding. Either way, his legacy didn't die with him."

"What legacy?" Victor interjected, his tone cautious,

Jennie's eyes flicked to him, then back to Ryuvyna. "Junghyun left behind something the Jeons wanted. A ledger containing secrets that could destroy them. If they find out you're his daughter, they'll stop at nothing to use you to get it."

Ryuvyna's heart sank. The pendant. The clues. It was all leading to this-- her father's final gamble against the Jeons.

"Where is the ledger?" she asked, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.

Jennie's expression darkened. "That's the question everyone's asking. Junghyun hid it before he disappeared. If you're determined to follow this path, be prepared to face the consequences."

Ryuvyna met her gaze, unflinching. "I'm not afraid."

Jennie's lips curved into a faint smile. "You've got his fire, I'll give you that. But fire burns, my dear. Be careful it doesn't consume you."

As they left La Rosa Rossa, Ryuvyna's resolve only grew stronger. Junghyun had left her more than a legacy--he had left her a fight. And she wasn't about to back down.

To be continued...