Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 21: High-Stakes Maneuver

High-Stakes Maneuver

Maya paced slowly across the room, her footsteps echoing off the walls. She stopped in front of Hyunjie, her expression thoughtful. "About last night, I didn't expect Eros and I would cross paths again. His unexpected presence threw me off guard," Maya began. Maya's gaze drifted, recalling the encounter. "I've cleared my mind, Hyunjie. I'll continue collaborating with Eros and the CID team, but now I'm waiting for something more substantial – something that truly aligns with my aspirations."
 
"To get justice for Harry's death? To my brother?"  Hyunjie asked. Maya stopped pacing back and forth and turned to face Hyunjie. "You're his girlfriend; Eros told me everything, and he also told you my identity—that my name is not really Raven. I'm Hyunjie Delano, and the reason why I'm here is to take down Champ and the whole syndicate."
 
Maya's expression turned somber, concern etching her features. She stepped closer, her voice filled with urgency. "Hyunjie, listen. If you're determined to bring down Champ and the entire syndicate, please, let the FBI and police handle it. They have the resources and expertise." Maya's hands grasped Hyunjie's shoulders, her gaze intense. "You're too young, too vulnerable, to tackle this alone. The risks are staggering. Your life's already in danger."
 
Hyunjie forcefully brushed off Maya's hands and stood up, her eyes blazing with determination. "I don't want to wait for nothing, Maya. The longer it goes on, the worse it gets, and I won't let Champ's crime spread to any part of the country." Her voice trembled with anguish. "I care about my brother, so don't dictate to me about my undercover mission just to get his death in justice. Even if you're his girlfriend, I can't just rely on you for everything; still, I don't trust you even if you're working with the CID. You're the reason why he died, and you're still part of this shit, Maya."

Maya's face fell, her eyes flashing with hurt and defiance. "Your words cut deep, Hyunjie," she said, her voice tinged with emotion. "What do you think I'm doing now? I risked everything to help bring down Champ's empire." She took a step forward, her voice firm. "I wouldn't have approached Eros, or cooperated with the CID, if I didn't genuinely care about Harry and want justice. My actions speak louder than your doubts."

Hyunjie's unwavering gaze pierced Maya's defenses. "Actions, not words, will prove your loyalty," she stated firmly, her voice devoid of emotion.

Maya's jaw clenched, determination etching her features. "I'm putting everything on the line, Hyunjie – my life, my reputation. Champ's men are closing in, and trust issues aside, our survival depends on unity."

Hyunjie's expression softened, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "What's your proposal?" she asked, her tone measured.

Maya's eyes lit up with determination, her voice filled with conviction. "There has a crucial intel on Champ's upcoming high-stakes transaction. We can work it together, gather irrefutable evidence, and finally bring him to justice."

Hyunjie nodded thoughtfully. "Tell them I'm in. But Maya..."

Maya's gaze met hers. "What?"

"Betray me, and you'll be the first I take down," Hyunjie warned, her eyes glinting with a fierce determination.

Maya's expression turned solemn. "Don't remind me, Hyunjie. I know my responsibility here. Our lives depend on this alliance." With that, Maya turned and walked out of the room, leaving Hyunjie alone amidst the lingering tension. The silence enveloped Hyunjie like a shroud, her thoughts consumed by the perilous path she had chosen.
 
She cautiously reached for her phone, hesitating briefly before dialing Vince's number. Her gaze lingered on the door, half-expecting Maya to return. But her concern ran deeper. Were unseen eyes monitoring her every move? Had Champ's men already uncovered her undercover mission? The room seemed to shrink, intensifying her unease. Shrugging off the apprehension, she pressed the call button. The ringing broke the silence.
 
Vince strode swiftly down the hallway, his footsteps echoing off the walls, when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He swiftly retrieved it, his heart skipping a beat as he saw Hyunjie's name flashing on the screen. Relief washed over him. He answered swiftly, his voice tinged with urgency. "Hyunjie! Thank God you're reachable. We've been trying to contact you for weeks. Are you okay? We've been worried sick."
 
"Don't worry, Vince. I'm fine," Hyunjie reassured him calmly. "I'm sorry for the radio silence. I had to be extremely cautious, especially now that Champ's men are on high alert, monitoring every move. I've gathered crucial intel on Champ and the syndicate's inner workings. They're now conducting transactions covertly, utilizing high-profile connections to evade detection."