When The Phone Rings

Her lethargy had returned.

Even though her bank account now held an astonishing amount of money, and she had gained the freedom she had once dreamed of, it made no difference.

"Representative Baek Eu-yong is under investigation today for allegations of bribery and illegal presidential campaign funds. Last month, Professor Sim Gyujin from Korea University faced accusations of tax evasion amounting to hundreds of billions—"

Heeju watched the news about her in-laws, now in the spotlight as suspects, with an expressionless face. No feelings stirred within her.

She nodded off, her head drooping slightly.

Just as she was about to fall asleep—

Ring, ring, ring!

The jarring sound of the phone cut through the silence like an echoing alarm, instantly snapping her out of her daze. Heeju frowned slightly and reached for her phone.

It must be her sister or the center director.

She considered ignoring the call, declining it, and turning her phone off. Barely able to open her eyes, she glanced lazily at the screen.

675...?@@novelbin@@

It was an unregistered number, and the area code was one she had never seen before.

Her finger hovered over the decline button, but the sharp, insistent ring gnawed at her nerves in a way she couldn’t quite ignore.

A strange feeling tugged at the back of her mind.

Chewing on her lip, Heeju finally swiped to answer the call.

It was an impulsive decision.

"...Hello?"

—...

"Hello?"

—...

There was only silence on the other end.

—Who... is this?

—...

—Who are you...