Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 17: Racing Against Time

Racing Against Time

Champ's eyes flashed with concern as he put down his phone. He turned to face Hyunjie, his expression grave. "Something terrible happened to Gabriel Shields last night," he announced, his deep voice filling the room.

Hyunjie's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat. She took a step back, her mind racing. "What... what happened?" she stammered, her voice trembling.

Champ's gaze intensified, his eyes boring into hers. "Gabriel was brutally assaulted. He's severely injured." Champ's jaw clenched. "Someone beat him, he didn't know who it is, but he recognized the face of the man who beat him."

Maya sighed, shaking her head. "Tch, Gabriel always gets into fights. For sure, he's flirted with another girl again. He's such a womanizer." Her voice was laced with exasperation. "I swear, his charm's going to get him killed one day. Doesn't he ever learn?"

Hyunjie's eyes widened in stunned silence. Champ's frustration was written all over his face, his inability to uncover Gabriel's assailant clearly infuriating. "Hmm, his father withheld the truth," Champ muttered, pacing around the room, his hands clasped behind his back. "Gabriel's reckless flirting and arrogant behavior invited trouble. Luckily, the party continued uninterrupted, sparing me additional stress and embarrassment."

Maya raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with skepticism. "Why invite him, Champ? You knew his reputation for causing conflicts and chasing women."

Champ halted, his expression calculating. "Politics, Maya. His father's influential connections benefit our business interests. Gabriel's antics are a necessary evil, but his carelessness won't be tolerated indefinitely."

Hyunjie's thoughts swirled. Gabriel's actions had severe consequences, yet Champ prioritized strategic alliances over accountability. "It's just that his father couldn't attend, so Gabriel was sent as his representative," Champ clarified. "A last-minute substitution, and unfortunately, his immature behavior tarnished the evening."

Hyunjie's mind wrestled with conflicting emotions. A nagging voice whispered concerns for Eros' safety, given his alleged involvement in Gabriel's assault. However, her rational side vehemently countered these worries. "Eros can handle himself," she reasoned internally. "If he taught Gabriel a lesson, so be it. Gabriel deserved it." Memories of her traumatic experience resurfaced. "I was molested," she reminded herself. "Gabriel's unwanted kiss wasn't Eros' gentle touch. I won't confuse assault with affection." Hyunjie's thoughts continued to swirl, her alter ego insisting she had no reason to fret about Eros.

She finally felt calm as she settled into her cozy room with Maya. Lying on the soft bed, Hyunjie stared blankly at the ceiling, her mind still reeling from the night's events. Memories of Eros' piercing gaze and gentle touch flooded her thoughts. "Why did I surrender to Eros so easily?" she pondered, confusion etched on her face. "I wasn't drunk, or caught up in the moment. What was it about him that drew me in?"

Hyunjie's determined gaze swept across the room. She pushed aside the lingering, unresolved questions, mentally crafting a detailed strategy to discreetly contact the FBI. Her high-priority mission demanded undivided focus. "Not that complicated, distracting love," she muttered firmly to herself. "Uncovering the truth and bringing justice matters most. Time to take action."

***

"So, what is it that you have to say, Inspector Hadrian?" Agent Lincoln asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned back in his chair, fingers intertwined. The fluorescent lights above hummed softly, illuminating the tense atmosphere within the FBI headquarters conference room. The soft murmur of whispered conversations ceased as all eyes shifted toward Eros Hadrian.

"I surprisingly gained entry to Mr. Leonid Volkov's highly exclusive, heavily guarded party last night, despite not receiving a formal invitation," Eros began. "Interestingly, he's a wealthy and influential Russian businessman with vast international connections. His complex financial dealings span several countries in South America and Asia, including some suspicious transactions, suspected illegal activities and potential money laundering."

Director Andrei's eyes widened as he scrutinized the documents. "What about the party, Inspector Hadrian? What's the connection between Volkov and this case?" he pressed, his voice laced with urgency.