Taehyung’s protectiveness intensified—guards doubled, eyes constantly watching her, his presence a near-constant anchor at her side. His tenderness lingered, a confusing balm against the harsh reality of his world. Yet Captain Joon’s warning echoed in Koo’s skull, sharp and unyielding. The thought of betraying Taehyung now, after he’d looked at her with that terrifying softness, made her stomach twist. But she had no choice.

That evening, a rare sliver of opportunity appeared. Taehyung was engrossed in a tense call downstairs, his voice a low growl echoing faintly up the marble staircase. The corridor outside his private office—usually guarded by two stone-faced men—stood empty.