Chapter 22: A Night of Revelations

The grand ballroom of the high-profile event was awash in a sea of shimmering lights and elegant decorations. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and the low hum of sophisticated conversation. Guests mingled in their finest attire, enjoying the opulent surroundings and the evening's festivities. Min-ho, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, stood at the center of it all, exuding an air of authority and confidence.

The event was a showcase of power and prestige, and Min-ho was the star of the night. As he navigated through the crowd, engaging in polite conversation and exchanging pleasantries, his thoughts were focused on a special announcement he planned to make. It was a moment he had been anticipating with both pride and personal significance.

With a sense of excitement building, Min-ho made his way to the center of the ballroom, where a raised platform awaited him. The guests fell silent, their attention drawn to him as he prepared to make his announcement. Min-ho took a deep breath, a smile playing on his lips, and began to address the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice clear and resonant, "I have a very special announcement to make. As you all know, tonight is not just about celebration; it's about marking a significant milestone in my life."

He paused for dramatic effect, his eyes scanning the crowd. The anticipation in the room was palpable, and Min-ho relished the moment. "I am thrilled to share with you that I will soon be a father. My beloved omega, Jae-min, is expecting our child."

A murmur of surprise and admiration rippled through the crowd. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause and congratulations. Min-ho's smile widened as he basked in the attention and approval of his peers. The news of his impending fatherhood was a testament to his power and influence, a personal triumph that he was eager to share with the world.

But as the applause continued, the atmosphere in the ballroom shifted abruptly. The sound of hurried footsteps and the urgent murmur of voices broke through the celebration. Min-ho's smile faltered as he noticed a group of his security personnel approaching him with grave expressions.

One of the guards stepped forward, his face a mask of concern. "Mr. Min-ho, we have an urgent situation. Jae-min has been captured."

The words hit Min-ho like a punch to the gut. His heart raced, and the world around him seemed to blur as he processed the gravity of the situation. His thoughts raced back to Jae-min, who was supposed to be safe and secure at the mansion.

"Captured?" Min-ho repeated, his voice barely a whisper. "What do you mean?"

The guard's expression remained serious. "We've received confirmation that Jae-min was taken from the mansion. We're still gathering details, but the situation is critical."

Min-ho's mind raced as he struggled to maintain his composure. The joyous occasion of the evening had been shattered by the news of Jae-min's abduction. His sense of pride and triumph was replaced by a gnawing worry for the omega he had come to care for.

As he processed the information, Min-ho's pheromones began to shift, betraying his distress. The subtle but unmistakable scent of alarm and agitation permeated the air, and it quickly spread through the ballroom. Guests began to murmur among themselves, their faces registering confusion and concern.

The atmosphere in the room changed abruptly. Alphas and omegas alike were sensitive to the shift in Min-ho's pheromones, and the collective unease grew palpable. The celebratory mood was replaced by a tense, uneasy silence as everyone sensed that something was profoundly wrong.

Min-ho's gaze was focused intently on the guard, his mind racing through a thousand scenarios. The revelation that Jae-min had been taken, combined with the knowledge that his pheromones were signaling distress, made it clear that the situation was dire.

"I need to know more," Min-ho said, his voice firm despite the turmoil within him. "I need to find out who is behind this and what has happened to Jae-min."

The guard nodded and quickly relayed the information they had, outlining the steps being taken to resolve the situation. Min-ho's thoughts were a whirlwind of fear and determination as he absorbed the details.

As he turned away from the platform, the reality of the situation settled heavily on him. The guests watched with a mix of curiosity and concern as Min-ho made his way out of the ballroom, his expression a mask of focused urgency. The evening's celebration had been overshadowed by the harrowing news of Jae-min's abduction.

Min-ho knew that he had to act swiftly to address the crisis and ensure Jae-min's safety. The stakes had never been higher, and the personal and public implications of the situation weighed heavily on him. As he left the ballroom, his mind was consumed with thoughts of finding Jae-min and uncovering the truth behind the abduction.