Chapter 17: A Love Hidden in Shadows (Part 7)

(POV: Ahn Min-jae – Protecting What's Mine)

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Drawing the Line

I had spent years running from my past.

But now, it had caught up to me.

As I walked out of the hotel, my father's words echoed in my mind.

"Everything with my blood is mine to claim."

Not this time.

I had fought to build a life separate from him. I had lost too much already. I wouldn't let him take Soo-min or my daughter from me.

I got into my car and immediately called Soo-min.

"How did it go?" she asked, voice tense.

"He wants control," I said. "He won't get it."

She was silent for a moment. "Min-jae… what if he tries to take her legally?"

I clenched the steering wheel. It was a possibility. With his power, he could manipulate the system.

"He won't," I promised. "I won't let him."

But I knew my father. He never lost. And if he wanted something, he would do whatever it took to get it.

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A Silent Threat

That night, I barely slept.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw my father's smirk. His confidence.

He had something planned.

And I needed to be ready.

The next morning, as I was leaving my penthouse to meet Soo-min and our daughter, my phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.

"You can't protect them forever."

I froze.

A cold chill ran down my spine.

This wasn't just about power anymore. It was a threat.

I immediately called Soo-min.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Where are you?" I asked sharply.

"At home with her. What's wrong?"

"Lock the doors. Don't let anyone in. I'm coming over."

Something was happening.

And I wasn't going to wait until it was too late.

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