In the glittering streets of Seoul's underworld, lawyer Hana Seo's structured life shatters when she's drawn into the dangerous world of Jihoon Kang, a magnetic mafia heir with a dark past. As passion ignites between them, enemies close in, secrets unravel, and betrayal threatens to tear them apart. With danger lurking at every turn and the arrival of Alina, a seductive figure from Jihoon's past, Hana and Jihoon must navigate deadly stakes and their undeniable connection. Love, lust, and survival collide in Beneath the Starlit Shadows, a steamy, action-packed tale of redemption and forbidden romance
Chapter 1 A Thin Line
Two days later, Hana sat at her desk, the folder Jihoon had left spread out in front of her. She'd gone over every clause, every detail, and something about the contract didn't sit right with her.
It was clean-too clean. Every clause was so airtight that it felt like a mask, hiding something much messier beneath its polished surface. The deal involved a shipping company with a history of scandals, yet the contract had glossed over the company's checkered past with suspicious ease. There were subtle, almost imperceptible implications of offshore accounts and unregistered operations. It wasn't explicitly illegal, but it was far from ethical.
Hana adjusted her glasses, leaning back in her chair. She didn't want to be involved, but her curiosity had been piqued. And if she was being honest, Jihoon Kang intrigued her even more than the contract.
That thought annoyed her. She didn't have time to be intrigued by dangerous, enigmatic men. She had a career to protect.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sharp buzz of her intercom.
"Miss Seo, there's someone here to see you," her receptionist said hesitantly. "He... didn't make an appointment."
Hana's stomach twisted, but she forced her voice to remain calm. "Send him in."
The door opened, and there he was-Jihoon Kang, standing in her office like he owned the place. He was dressed more casually this time, in a fitted black turtleneck and coat, but the aura of danger remained.
"Two days," he said, closing the door behind him. "I take it you've had enough time to review."
"I have," Hana replied, folding her arms. "And I have some concerns."
Jihoon arched an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "Of course you do."
"This contract is too clean," Hana said, gesturing to the folder. "It's obvious it's designed to hide something. Offshore accounts, unregistered assets"
"Careful," Jihoon interrupted, his tone calm but carrying an edge. "You're treading on dangerous ground."
Hana bristled. "I'm your lawyer, Mr. Kang. It's my job to ask questions."
Jihoon's smirk faded, replaced by something darker. He stepped closer, his presence almost overwhelming. "And it's my job to protect you from asking the wrong ones."
Hana's breath hitched, but she refused to back down. "If you want me to work for you, I need to know what I'm getting into."
For a moment, Jihoon said nothing, his gaze boring into hers. Then, to her surprise, he laughed a low, soft sound that sent shivers down her spine.
"You're braver than I expected," he said, stepping back. "Fine. You want honesty? The deal involves... delicate operations. Not entirely legal, but necessary for my business."
"And what business is that?" Hana pressed, her pulse quickening.
Jihoon's eyes gleamed. "Let's just say I deal in power. And power doesn't come without a cost."