Mafia's Little Sister

Chapter 10: Striking a Deal

The morning light filtered through Ryuvyna's window, but sleep had eluded her. Junghyun's ledger sat on her desk, its pages open and taunting her with secrets she was only beginning to understand. Names of politicians, police chiefs, and rival mafias filled the pages, tied to transactions and betrayals that had fueled the Jeons'rise to power.

She knew she couldn't keep the ledger hidden forever--it was dangerous. But if used wisely, it could be her greatest weapon.

A knock at the door broke her concentration.

"Come in," she called.

Daniel stepped inside, his sharp eyes scanning the room before settling on her. "You've been up all night."

"There's too much at stake to sleep," she replied, rubbing her tired eyes.

He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "Jayden wants to meet. He's pulling together some of the family's key players to discuss our next move."

Ryuvyna stood, grabbing the ledger. "Good. It's time we stopped playing defense."

The Park family's war room was a stark contrast to the elegance of the mansion. A long table dominated the space, surrounded by men and women who exuded authority and danger. Jayden stood at the head, his presence commanding respect.

Ryuvyna entered with Daniel and Victor at her sides, her resolve unshaken despite the skeptical stares directed her way.

"This is what all the fuss is about?" one of the men sneered, his tone dripping with doubt.

"Ryuvyna found Junghyun's ledger," Jayden announced, silencing the room.

Whispers rippled through the group, their curiosity piqued.

"And now the Jeons want it back," Jayden continued. " They'll come for her and won't stop until they get what they want."

"Then why not give it to them?" another voice suggested, earning murmurs of agreement.

Ryuvyna stepped forward, her voice cutting through the noise. "Because that's exactly what they want. This ledger is proof of their crimes--everything they've done to gain power, including betraying Junghyun. If we give it to them, we lose any chance to take them down."

The room fell silent, her words hanging heavy in the air.

"And what's your plan, little park?" the first man asked, his tone mocking.

Ryuvyna held up the ledger. "We use this to force their hand. If we can get the right people involved--those who want the Jeons gone as much as we do--we can turn their empire against them."

Jayden's expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of pride in his eyes. "She's not wrong. The ledger is leverage, but only if we use it carefully."

"And who do we trust with this information?" a woman asked.

Ryuvyna placed the ledger on the table. "Someone who hates the Jeons as much as we do. Someone who has something to lose if their secrets come out."

A name had been circling in her mind since she first read the ledger.

"Angelo D'Arcy," she said.

The room reacted instantly, the name sparkling a mix of surprise and caution.

"He's a wild card," Jayden said. "Why him?"

"Because he has the resources and the influence to take on the Jeons," Ryuvyna replied. "And because they betrayed him too. It's personal."

Daniel frowned. "And if he turns on us?"

Ryuvyna's jaw tightened. "Then we'll deal with him the same way we deal with anyone else who crosses us."

The room fell into a tense silence before Jayden nodded. "We'll arrange a meeting. But if this goes south, it's on you, Ryuvyna."

The meeting with Angelo D'Arcy was arranged in a neutral location—a private estate on the city's outskirts. Ryuvyna dressed carefully, opting for a look that combined confidence with subtle intimidation. She wasn't just Jayden's little sister here; she was a Park with something to offer.

Daniel and Victor flanked her as they entered the estate, their presence a silent warning to anyone who might underestimate her.

Angelo D'Arcy was waiting in a lavish sitting room, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He was an older man, his silver hair and a sharp suit a testament to his power and influence.

"Ryuvyna Park," he said, his voice smooth. "I've heard a lot of you."

"I'm sure you have," she replied, sitting across from him.

Angelo's eyes flicked to the ledger in her hands. "I assume that's the reason for this meeting."

"It is," she said, placing it on the table between them. "This is Junghyun Jeon's ledger. It's a complete record of the Jeon family's crimes, including their dealings with you."

Angelo's expression darkened. "And why are you bringing this to me?"

"Because the Jeons betrayed you, just like they betrayed Junghyun," Ryuvyna said. "You've been looking for a way to take them down. This is it."

Angelo leaned back, studying her. "And what do you want in return?"

"An alliance," she said. "We take them down the Jeons together. When they're gone, their empire falls to you, and we walk away clean."

He chuckled, the sound low and calculating. "Bold. But how do I know I can trust you?"

"You don't," she admitted. "But you can trust that the Jeons won't stop until they've eliminated everyone who stands in their way---including you. We're your best chance to get ahead of them."

Angelo considered her words, his gaze sharp. Finally, he nodded. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. Fine. We have a deal--for now. But if you double-cross me..."

"You won't have to worry about that," Ryuvyna said, her voice steady

The tension in the room eased slightly as Angelo extended his hand. Ryuvyna shook it, sealing the agreement.

As they left the estate, Daniel glanced at her. "You just made a deal with the devil."

Ryuvyna smirked. "Sometimes you have to play the devil's game to win."

The stage was set. The Jeons were powerful but with Angelo D'Arcy as an ally and Junghyun's ledger in her hands, Ryuvyna finally had a fighting chance.

To be continued...