Jungkook stopped directly behind her, and Min-ji forced herself not to turn around, not to show how much his proximity affected her.

"Your sister made some... unfortunate choices," he said, his voice now closer to her ear. "She became involved with a rival organization. Started sharing information she shouldn't have."

Cold dread pooled in Min-ji's stomach. "What are you saying?"

He circled back around, standing before her now. "I'm saying your sister betrayed people who don't tolerate betrayal. She's currently being held by the Han family."

Min-ji's mind raced. The Han family—the only name that inspired as much fear as Jeon in Seoul's underworld.

"Are they..." She swallowed hard. "Are they hurting her?"

"Undoubtedly," Jungkook replied without emotion. "The Hans aren't known for their gentle interrogation techniques. They believe she was working for me."

"But she wasn't?" Min-ji asked, clinging to a thread of hope.

"No. Your sister was merely opportunistic, selling information to the highest bidder. Unfortunately for her, the Hans don't know that."

Min-ji stood abruptly, her fear momentarily forgotten in the surge of desperation. "Please, if you know where she is—if you have any influence—help her. I'll do anything."

A dangerous light flickered in Jungkook's eyes at her last words. "Anything?"

The way he said it sent a shiver down her spine, but Min-ji didn't falter. "She's my only family. Yes, anything."

Jungkook took another sip of his drink, watching her over the rim of his glass. "As it happens, I do have a proposition that could save your sister."

"What is it?" Min-ji asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He set down his glass and stepped closer to her, close enough that she could smell his cologne—something expensive and intoxicating.

"Marry me."

Min-ji blinked, certain she'd misheard. "I'm sorry, what?"

"You heard me correctly," Jungkook said, his expression unreadable. "Become my wife, and I'll ensure your sister's safe return."

A startled laugh escaped her lips before she could stop it. "That's absurd. You don't even know me."

"I know enough," he countered. "You're twenty-five. Your parents died three years ago in what was reported as an accident but was actually a targeted hit because your father couldn't pay his gambling debts. You took over their failing flower shop and turned it profitable within a year. You have no criminal record, no romantic entanglements, and a reputation for honesty."

The clinical recitation of her life sent chills through Min-ji. "You've been investigating me?"

"I investigate anyone connected to situations that interest me," he said dismissively. "Your sister's predicament presented an opportunity I've been considering for some time."

"An opportunity to marry a complete stranger?" Min-ji asked incredulously. "There are dating apps for that, you know."

Something dangerous flashed in his eyes. "This isn't a joke, Min-ji. The Han family believes your sister worked for me. This gives me leverage I can use, but only if there's a compelling reason for me to intervene."

"And marrying me is compelling because...?"

"Because I need a wife," he stated simply, as if discussing a business transaction. "Recent shifts in power dynamics among the families have made my unmarried status... inconvenient. I need someone untainted by connections to other organizations, someone who can be molded to the role."

Min-ji stared at him, searching for any sign that this was some elaborate prank. "You could have anyone. Models, actresses, daughters of business partners..."

"All with their own agendas and connections," Jungkook cut in. "You, however, have only one agenda—saving your sister. That makes you predictable. Controllable."

The cold calculation behind his words made Min-ji's stomach turn. "This is insane."

"Perhaps," he acknowledged. "But it's also your sister's only chance. The Hans will tire of her soon, and when they do..." He let the implication hang in the air.

Min-ji wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly cold despite the comfortable temperature of the room. "How do I know you'll actually help her if I agree?"

"You don't," Jungkook replied honestly. "But consider the alternative: walking away now guarantees her death."

Tears pricked at Min-ji's eyes, but she blinked them back. She wouldn't cry in front of this man.

"How would this even work?" she asked, her voice strained. "You want me to just move in here and pretend to be your loving wife?"

"There would be nothing pretend about it," Jungkook said, his tone hardening. "You would be my wife in every sense. You would live here, accompany me to events, fulfill all expected duties. In public, we would appear as any powerful couple does—united and devoted. In private..." His gaze traveled over her in a way that made her skin heat despite herself. "Well, that would be between us."

Min-ji took a step back. "And if I refuse?"

Jungkook shrugged one powerful shoulder. "Then I wish you luck finding your sister before the Hans dispose of her body. Seoul's river hides many secrets."

The brutality of his response left Min-ji breathless. This wasn't a negotiation—it was an ultimatum.

"How long?" she asked after a moment. "How long would this marriage need to last?"

Something shifted in Jungkook's expression. "It would be permanent, Min-ji. I don't believe in divorce."

"That's..." She struggled to find words. "That's my entire life you're asking for."

"In exchange for your sister's," he countered. "Seems fair."

Nothing about this was fair, but Min-ji knew she had no real choice. Not if there was even a chance of saving Hae-won.

"If I agree," she said carefully, "I want guarantees. Written promises that you'll secure my sister's release, that she'll be protected afterward, that you'll never harm her—or me."

A ghost of a smile touched Jungkook's lips. "Negotiating already? Perhaps you'll adapt to your new role better than I anticipated."

He moved to his desk, opened a drawer, and withdrew a document that he placed on the coffee table in front of her.

"I had my attorneys draw this up this morning," he said. "It outlines exactly what you're asking for, plus provisions for your financial security and personal safety."

Min-ji stared at the document, realization dawning. "You knew I would agree."

"I knew you would make the rational choice," Jungkook corrected. "Love for family is predictable that way."