Lucia trembled harder. Without further hesitation, she signed.
That night, she made her final social media post: an apology to Yeri Zhi, confessing that she was never threatened by the Zhi family and had only used Yeri for clout. She promised to change, to stay off social media, and focus on recovery.
Then she deleted her account.
Shin barely cared about her. She had, after all, dragged Yeri through online mud. But it was better to collect leverage when the chance presented itself, he might need it someday.
The next day, Lucia left the country.
At first, she considered moving to another city, but that no longer felt safe. The generous compensation in her agreement would let her start anew somewhere far away.
While waiting to board her flight, a commercial flickered on the airport's giant LED screen.
Lucia froze. The model's voice...smooth, elegant yet sounded chillingly familiar.
Her heart lurched. That voice somehow… the woman behind her abduction?
Coincidence? Was she imagining things?
The model smiled on screen. Calin Ricci, the Nation's Goddess.
Lucia's hands went cold.
It wasn't until another passenger nudged her to move forward in line, she snapped out of it but the dread didn't fade.
If it really was Calin Ricci… then she was right to run.
Who doesn't know she wasn't just a celebrity but also a well known socialite from a prominent family. Some people were too powerful to ever cross.
---
Meanwhile, Yeri stared at her phone, reading Lucia's apology post in disbelief.
That woman was unpredictable. Why suddenly take her side? What about the case?
"Ready to leave?" Shin's calm voice cut in. He entered carrying a small bag, setting it down with a faint smile. "Butler Hong made you another tea."
Yeri blinked. She had been approved for discharge that day, but… why was he here? Where were her parents?
As if reading her mind, Shin answered easily, "Your father has work to handle, and your mother needs to rest."
"Oh," she murmured, still uneasy. "What about the case? Is Lucia Hera still in the hospital?"
"I believe she's already been discharged," Shin replied smoothly.
Yeri pondered for a moment about Lucia's intention but couldn't quite understand why she suddenly deleted her social media account.
Unable to find a logical reason, she simply showed the post to Shin.
"Do you think it's because of the case?"
"It should be," Shin replied calmly. "Apart from those people who abducted her and are now hunting her down, she'd be asking for death if she dared to offend you and your family again. Without a strong backer, why would she go around collecting enemies?"
Yeri unconsciously nodded. That did make sense. Otherwise, Lucia wouldn't have broken down at the hospital, begging for help like a frightened child.
She briefly considered visiting Lucia again but Shin immediately shut that idea down, reminding her to focus on recovery and avoid police suspicion.
"Right, the case," Yeri muttered. "I still have to tell the police I was the one who shot that guy in self-defense."
"It's not necessary," Shin said, pouring her a cup of tea. "They're already aware. But since the incident involves the mafia, they won't approach you or your family."
Of course, Yeri knew about the blurred line between law enforcement and the underworld but wasn't her family's connection with Vulture only a loose affiliation? Did that even count?
She suddenly remembered what Jj had told her the day before, Hexion was handling the case. Why would such a powerful organization get involved?
"How are you related to Hexion?" she blurted.
Shin smiled, unbothered. "I just manage it."
Yeri blinked. "..."
Manage it? By "manage," did he mean he was the mafia lord?!
Now she didn't know whether to feel safe or terrified. There were so many things about him she still didn't understand. If he wasn't just affiliated with Hexion but actually ran it, that meant offending him was equivalent to digging her own grave.
Would she really be okay marrying someone like that? It wasn't just his status anymore, his enemies would become hers too.
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when Shin flicked her forehead.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
Yeri rubbed her forehead and glared. "So I can't meditate now?"
He raised a brow. "Meditate?"
"I mean, think," she said quickly, crossing her arms.
Shin chuckled. "Then think out loud. What's on your mind?"
"Roasted pork, grilled chicken skewers, seafood noodles, buttered lobsters, mango cake…" Yeri's eyes sparkled. "I can't wait to eat them!"
"Ah…" Shin tapped her nose. "Everything's ready including your discharge papers. We can leave anytime."
Yeri eyed him suspiciously. "What about the food I mentioned?"
He sighed, already predicting her reaction. "Unfortunately, you can't have them yet. Your muscles are still swollen, and you were kicked in the abdomen. Those foods are too heavy to digest."
"What? That makes no sense! I don't even feel any pain anymore," she protested.
Shin didn't argue. He simply gave her that silent, "You'll thank me later" look which, of course, made her even more annoyed.
By the time they left the hospital, Yeri's mind had shifted completely from mafia conspiracies and deleted accounts to her more immediate tragedy: a whole week of bland meals. Perhaps this was even scarier than being targeted by assassins.
As their car cruised through the city, Yeri gradually realized they weren't heading toward her family home. The route looked more familiar, closer to her school. She assumed Shin had some business nearby, until the car stopped before a luxurious condominium that looked newly built.
"Are you meeting someone here?" she asked.
Shin simply took her hand and hummed, "Hmm."
The elevator opened directly into the penthouse, revealing a breathtaking space filled with natural light.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a skyline view, the furniture was minimalistic yet expensive, and everything from the scent to the silence screamed wealth and order.
"What do you think of this place?" Shin asked.
Yeri tilted her head, confused. "It's gorgeous."
"So you like it?"
"I think anyone would like a massive penthouse with modern interior design," she said honestly.
"I don't care about anyone," Shin said, eyes locking on her. "I'm asking you."
Before she could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from upstairs. A familiar golden blur came charging toward them.
"Carpet?" Yeri gasped as the chubby golden retriever bounded straight at her.
He jumped excitedly, but Shin caught him mid-leap. "Careful. You're still weak. You can't handle this dog's enthusiasm yet."
Yeri blinked, completely lost. "Wait, why is Carpet here? Don't tell me you took him from my house and left him in a stranger's place?"
Shin chuckled and gestured for her to sit on the sofa.
"First, I didn't abduct him. Your mother agreed to let me take him, so you wouldn't get bored. Second, this isn't a stranger's place. You'll be staying here from now on."
"...What?"
"Unless you're not satisfied," Shin continued smoothly, "I still have plenty of penthouses. But if you prefer something closer to school, I'll buy you another apartment."
Yeri's brain short-circuited.
Seeing her dazed expression, Shin added casually, "You can't stay at your dorm anymore. Once we're engaged, I'd prefer to see you whenever I want. Unless, of course, you don't mind me climbing your dormitory window again?"
Yeri immediately shook her head, traumatized by the idea.
"Besides," Shin continued, "if I can climb your dormitory that easily, it means it's not safe. That guy who infiltrated the hospital wasn't after Lucia. He was after you."
"..."
Shin's tone softened. "I won't deny that I have many enemies, rivals in business or the mafia. But I can protect you. You don't have to worry."
"This building is…" Yeri trailed off, already guessing the answer.
"Mine," he said simply. "Not under KGG but under Hexion. You're safe here."
Yeri was speechless. So many things had happened lately that her mind could barely keep up.
Most women might be thrilled at the idea of marrying someone absurdly wealthy, but Yeri's life felt like it had been hijacked by a high-budget drama and she wasn't sure if she'd signed the contract.
"Are you sure you want to get engaged with me?" she asked quietly.
Shin smirked and pinched her cheek. He would've hugged her too, if not for Carpet who had strategically wedged himself between them, wagging his tail proudly like a self-appointed chaperone.
"Young Master Keir, I really have nothing apart from my face," Yeri continued. "Of course, that's something I'm proud of."
Life was unpredictable. What if she got into an accident or someone splashed her with acid? Then poof! her greatest asset gone in one second.
"Yeri," Shin's voice dropped a note lower, mildly annoyed. "What did you just call me?"
Yeri cleared her throat. "...Brother Shin."
"Good." His expression relaxed. "If you call me formally again, you'll regret it. And don't think I only like your face. Do I look like someone that shallow?"
Yeri puffed her cheeks. "A little."
He ignored the jab. "Your parents already agreed for you to stay here. It's for your safety."
So that's why they didn't pick her up. Great. Everyone knew except her.
As she wandered through the penthouse, she realized her dorm belongings were already moved in.
Yeri blinked at the familiar sight: her books, her little desk lamp, even her worn-out plushie that looked like it had survived three world wars. Everything from her dorm was here, perfectly arranged as if she had been living there all along.
Her mouth hung open.
"How... when did you even—?"
Shin leaned lazily against the doorway, arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I manage things."
"Manage things?" she echoed. "That sounds like a polite way of saying you broke into my dormitory while I was unconscious and relocated my entire life!"
Shin chuckled. "If I said I sent people to help, would that make you feel better?"
"No! That makes it worse! You even took my snacks!" she exclaimed, pointing accusingly at the neatly organized shelves.
"I thought you'd be pleased I kept them from expiring," he said, pretending to sound reasonable.
Pleased? This isn't protection; this is an elegant kidnapping!
Her brain scrambled between outrage and awe.
And yet… the space smelled faintly of her perfume. Carpet was happily drooling on the couch.
It felt unsettlingly homey.