Dangers in my Heart

Chapter 4

Lisa's POV

Two months had passed. Two long, blessed months of quiet. Everything had been calm—well, as calm as my life could be. Sure, there were minor issues here and there, like petty disputes between lower-tier gangs or businesses that needed a little "persuasion," but nothing major. Nothing I couldn't handle with a snap of my fingers.

I leaned back in my leather chair, the dim light of my office casting shadows on the walls. Peace wasn't something I got to enjoy often, and I intended to savor every moment of it.

Then, as if summoned by fate, a knock on my door shattered the silence.

Seth, my most trusted lieutenant, stepped in. "Boss, Jisoo is here."

I nodded, a rare smile tugging at my lips. "Tell her to come in."

Seth bowed and exited, leaving the door ajar. A moment later, there she was—Jisoo, my partner in crime, my closest friend, the only person who truly saw me beyond the cold, ruthless leader everyone else feared.

"What's up, brotha from another matha?" she said with her signature grin.

I stood up, mirroring her smile. "Hello again, bud."

Let me let you in on a little secret. The world knows me as the ruthless, heartless maniac who rules the Red Serpents with an iron fist. A woman who's feared by all, respected by most, and trusted by few. But there's a side of me that people don't see—a side that laughs, that smiles, that feels human.

That side? I only show it to Jisoo.

Jisoo plopped herself onto the couch in the corner of my office, stretching like she owned the place. "It's been a while, Lisa."

I nodded, leaning against my desk. "How was the trip?"

She smirked. "Got some deals, lost a few, but eh, the girls there were hot, so I'm calling it a win."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You never change."

"Why would I?" she said with a wink.

But before she could continue, the door opened again, and Seth stepped in. Instinctively, my smile disappeared, and my face hardened into the cold, unreadable mask everyone knew.

"Boss," Seth said, holding a folder. "The Kim industry has continued to prosper."

I quirked an eyebrow, folding my arms. "And who's taking over?"

Without a word, Seth stepped forward and handed me the folder. Inside was a photo of a woman—sharp eyes, soft features, and an air of elegance that seemed almost out of place in this gritty world.

"That's Jennie Kim," Seth said. "James Kim's only daughter."

I studied the picture for a moment before smirking. "She'll be the next target. Jennie Kim, you're not built for this world."

Seth cleared his throat, hesitating. "Boss, there's more. You're... to protect her."

My gaze snapped to his face, my voice low and sharp. "What?"

He nodded, as if bracing himself for my reaction. "James Kim made a deal with you before his death. In exchange for giving you access to his warehouses, buildings, and other resources, you agreed to protect his daughter."

I frowned, leaning back in my chair. The memory came rushing back—James sitting across from me, both of us sealing the agreement with a drop of blood on the contract. At the time, I hadn't thought much of it. James was resourceful and smart. I respected him. But I never imagined this would be part of the deal.