Day of Secrets

Author's Note:3852

Hello, lovely readers! 😊

I'm so excited to have you on this journey through Eunwoo King's world of secrets, high stakes, and mystery. The Night Bloom mission has so much more in store, and Eunwoo is only getting started in his race against time. As always, your thoughts and feedback mean the world to me, so don't hesitate to share! I'd love to hear what you think about Eunwoo's calm yet calculating demeanor, and the twists to come. Stay tuned for more action, suspense, and character depth in the next chapters!

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Happy reading! 📚

~PENOLA.S😶‍🌫️

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The sleek black car glided to a stop at the front of The Imperial Orchid Hotel, one of the most luxurious venues in Seoul. Its grand architecture stood as a testament to opulence, blending traditional Korean aesthetics with modern luxury. The gleaming glass facade reflected the city skyline under the late morning sun.

Eunwoo stepped out of the car first, his tailored charcoal suit perfectly cut to fit his lean, athletic frame. The fabric shimmered subtly in the daylight, giving off an air of effortless sophistication. His black silk tie rested neatly against a crisp white shirt, polished dress shoes clicking with every step across the marble pavement.

Beside him, Minjoon followed closely, dressed in a navy suit with understated elegance. As they approached the grand entrance, hotel staff immediately recognized the high-profile guest. The doorman bowed deeply while others swiftly opened the heavy glass doors.

"Welcome to The Imperial Orchid, Mr. King," greeted the head concierge with a respectful nod.

Eunwoo gave a polite nod in return, his expression calm but detached as always. His presence exuded a quiet authority that demanded attention without effort.

Behind the front desk, a group of young female receptionists huddled together, trying and failing to maintain professional composure.

"Is that him?" one whispered excitedly.

"The CEO of Celestial Pharma and a UN health delegate?" murmured another, wide-eyed.

"He's... so handsome."

"Do you think he's single?" giggled one, her voice barely audible.

Their hushed conversation was quickly silenced by a sharp glance from their supervisor, but the admiration in their eyes remained.

Unfazed by the attention, Eunwoo continued walking through the hotel lobby with Minjoon beside him. The gleaming marble floors mirrored their footsteps, while an elaborate crystal chandelier cast shimmering patterns across the space. The scent of fresh orchids lingered in the air, lending an atmosphere of refined elegance.

"Everything is set?" Eunwoo asked quietly as they approached the elevator.

Minjoon nodded, his tone crisp. "Yes, sir. The guest is already in the VIP lounge. She's enjoying a traditional Chinese-style drink while waiting for us."

Eunwoo's expression remained neutral, though his sharp mind was already processing the upcoming conversation. This meeting was part of his daytime identity as the CEO of Celestial Pharma and a regional health organization leader. The mission they were truly working on, however, was far from the polished world of corporate negotiations.

The Night Bloom project—a covert operation involving a dangerous, experimental drug—demanded secrecy and precision. Only a select few knew the truth, including Minjoon, Layla, Dimitri Volkov, and Andrea Yeldiz, who was currently living as a secret guest at Eunwoo's mansion.

As the elevator ascended smoothly, Minjoon provided a final update. "Her name is Ms. Wu Mei. A key investor with ties to biomedical research in Beijing. She's interested in our research on controlled gene expression."

Eunwoo's jaw tightened slightly. "Is she trustworthy?"

Minjoon hesitated for a fraction of a second. "Her professional record is impeccable, but... she may have connections to the Zhang Consortium. We should tread carefully."

The elevator chimed softly, and the doors slid open to reveal the exclusive VIP lounge. Plush seating in deep crimson hues, gold-accented decor, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city created an ambiance of power and privilege.

At the far end of the room, a poised woman in her early forties sipped from a delicately crafted porcelain cup. Her silk cheongsam dress shimmered subtly under the soft lighting, and her dark eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence.

Eunwoo's gaze met hers briefly before Minjoon gestured toward their table. As they approached, Ms. Wu Mei rose gracefully, extending a perfectly manicured hand.

"Mr. King, it's an honor," she said smoothly in accented but fluent Korean.

"The honor is mine, Ms. Wu," Eunwoo replied with polite warmth, shaking her hand firmly.

They settled into their seats, a hotel attendant discreetly placing freshly brewed teas on the table.

"I've heard remarkable things about Celestial Pharma's advancements," Ms. Wu began, her tone conversational yet calculated. "Especially your recent work in genetic therapies. It's rare to see a company so dedicated to both innovation and global health."

Eunwoo inclined his head slightly. "At Celestial, we believe science should serve humanity, not just profit margins."

Ms. Wu's lips curved into a knowing smile. "A noble sentiment. But in today's world, even noble pursuits require formidable allies."

Eunwoo met her gaze without flinching. "Which is why we're here."

As their conversation unfolded, every word was layered with meaning, both parties navigating the delicate dance of diplomacy and intrigue. Beneath the surface, Eunwoo's mind remained vigilant, assessing every nuance, every subtle shift in tone.

While the world saw him as a brilliant CEO and health advocate, few knew the truth—that by night, he was a man deeply entrenched in a dangerous mission to dismantle a clandestine network dealing in bioengineered enhancements.

And as he sipped his tea, Eunwoo knew that the stakes were only getting higher.

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The scent of freshly brewed tea wafted through the plush VIP lounge of The Imperial Orchid Hotel. Gold-trimmed porcelain cups rested on intricately carved wooden trays, while hotel staff moved with practiced elegance, ensuring every detail was impeccable.

Eunwoo, exuding an air of composed authority, gestured for the staff to pour tea as he took his seat across from Ms. Wu Mei. The rich aroma of oolong filled the space, mingling with the subtle scent of orchids placed artfully on each table.

"Thank you," Ms. Wu Mei said smoothly, her voice calm yet commanding.

Eunwoo inclined his head politely. "I trust the hospitality here meets your standards, Ms. Wu."

She smiled faintly, a glimmer of amusement in her sharp eyes. "They've outdone themselves, Mr. King. The Imperial Orchid always does know how to treat its esteemed guests."

The staff bowed discreetly and exited the room, leaving the two prominent figures in relative privacy. Minjoon stood nearby, silently observing as Eunwoo leaned back slightly, fingers tracing the edge of a thick file resting on the table. The neatly bound document was marked confidential, its contents critical to the ongoing investigations surrounding the bioengineering crisis linked to the mysterious drug, Night Bloom.

Eunwoo flipped open the file with practiced precision, his expression unreadable as he scanned pages filled with test results, chemical breakdowns, and classified reports from Celestial Pharma's research labs.

Ms. Wu Mei sipped her tea leisurely, her gaze unwavering as she observed the younger man. "You seem preoccupied, Mr. King."

He closed the file with a soft thud, resting his hand on it. "Just reviewing some results from a recent project." His tone remained neutral, but there was a subtle edge to it—one that hinted at the weight of undisclosed secrets.

"Ah," she remarked knowingly, setting her cup down with deliberate care. "Research and development can be both fascinating and burdensome, can't it? Especially when innovation intersects with power."

Eunwoo's lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes remained calculating. "You understand the complexities well, Ms. Wu. After all, your influence in Asian biotech and finance is legendary."

She laughed softly, a sound both elegant and dangerous. "Flattery suits you, Mr. King, though I doubt you need to rely on it. Your reputation precedes you—not just as the celebrated CEO of Celestial Pharma but as a leader shaping the future of health innovation in Asia."

Eunwoo's gaze remained steady. "Reputation is only as meaningful as the results it delivers."

There was a pause, thick with unspoken tension. Both individuals were acutely aware of the intricate game they were playing—a game where information was currency and trust was a rare commodity.

Minjoon, standing just a few paces away, subtly signaled with a glance that all security measures had been checked and were clear. Eunwoo acknowledged the gesture with a barely perceptible nod.

"Shall we get down to business?" Ms. Wu suggested, folding her hands elegantly on the table.

Eunwoo straightened in his seat, the composed CEO facade firmly in place. "Of course. I understand you're interested in our latest advancements in gene expression therapy. Celestial Pharma has made significant progress in that field."

As the conversation delved into technical details, Eunwoo's mind operated on two levels—one focused on the legitimate pharmaceutical discussion, and the other analyzing every word, every subtle shift in Ms. Wu Mei's tone. Her connections to the Zhang Consortium, a shadowy organization suspected of distributing the dangerous Night Bloom drug, made her both a valuable ally and a potential threat.

Ms. Wu leaned forward slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Tell me, Mr. King, what drives you? Celestial Pharma's success is remarkable, but your personal commitment seems... deeper."

Eunwoo's response was measured. "A belief that science should serve humanity, not just profit margins."

She regarded him with a discerning gaze. "A noble sentiment. Though I wonder—can such ideals survive in a world driven by power and ambition?"

Eunwoo's voice was calm but firm. "If they can't, then perhaps it's time to redefine that world."

Their eyes met in a silent exchange, each acknowledging the other's strength and resolve.

The staff returned discreetly, refilling their cups and placing a small selection of traditional delicacies on the table. One server, a young woman with neatly pinned hair, stole a shy glance at Eunwoo, her face flushing slightly before she quickly looked away.

Minjoon, ever vigilant, caught the subtle admiration but remained stoic. It was a common occurrence wherever Eunwoo went—his charisma and polished demeanor often drawing attention, especially from those unaccustomed to his commanding presence.

As the staff retreated once more, Ms. Wu's voice softened. "This conversation has been enlightening, Mr. King. I look forward to seeing how Celestial Pharma continues to shape the future."

Eunwoo stood gracefully, extending a hand. "Thank you for your time, Ms. Wu. We appreciate your interest and support."

She accepted his hand with a firm grip. "Until next time, Mr. King."

Minjoon accompanied Eunwoo as they exited the lounge, the tension of the meeting lingering in the air.

As they walked toward the elevator, Minjoon broke the silence. "What do you think?"

Eunwoo's expression remained unreadable. "She's dangerous, but useful. We'll keep her close—until we don't need her anymore."

Minjoon nodded grimly. "Understood."

As the elevator doors slid shut, Eunwoo's thoughts returned to the files in his hand and the complex web of intrigue surrounding Night Bloom. The mission was far from over, and the stakes were higher than ever.

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The elevator chimed softly as it arrived at the top floor of the luxurious hotel. Eunwoo and Minjoon stepped out, their polished shoes echoing faintly on the marble floor. As they entered the expansive VIP lounge, the subtle aroma of imported teas mingled with the refined elegance of the space. Crystal chandeliers cast soft reflections over the sleek wooden furniture and plush velvet seating.

Ms. Wu Mei, poised with her usual grace, greeted them with a polite smile. She gestured to the seats across from her, a tea set already prepared on the low table. "Mr. King, always a pleasure."

Eunwoo returned the greeting with a respectful nod as he sat, placing the thick file beside him. "Ms. Wu."

Minjoon stood slightly to the side, ever the silent observer.

After a few moments of exchanging pleasantries and business updates, Eunwoo's brow furrowed slightly. "Where is Mr. Han? I was informed he'd be joining us today."

Ms. Wu's expression shifted subtly, her tone casual but tinged with curiosity. "He was supposed to be here by now. I haven't received any updates from his office either."

Eunwoo leaned back, fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. Mr. Han was a prominent figure—one of the wealthiest pharmaceutical investors in East Asia. His presence was vital to this meeting, considering his connections to both legitimate enterprises and the underground supply chains Eunwoo's team was investigating.

Minjoon cleared his throat subtly. "Shall I check with the hotel reception, sir?"

Eunwoo nodded. "Do that."

As Minjoon exited the lounge, Ms. Wu took a measured sip of her tea. "It's not like Mr. Han to be late, is it?"

"No, it's not," Eunwoo admitted, his gaze sharp. "He's punctual to a fault."

Ms. Wu set her cup down delicately. "Perhaps unforeseen circumstances delayed him. Or..." she let the implication linger.

Eunwoo's eyes narrowed. "Or someone didn't want him here."

A tense silence settled between them as Eunwoo's mind raced with possibilities. Was this a deliberate move by their enemies? Had Mr. Han uncovered something dangerous and been silenced before he could share it?

Minjoon returned moments later, his expression grave. "Sir, the hotel staff said Mr. Han checked in this morning but hasn't been seen since."

Eunwoo stood, his demeanor calm but commanding. "Contact Dimitri. I want a full security sweep of this hotel."

Ms. Wu arched an elegant brow. "You're not taking any chances, are you?"

Eunwoo's voice was cold. "In situations like these, chances are the last thing you can afford."

Minjoon nodded and stepped away to make the call.

As Eunwoo resumed his seat, Ms. Wu regarded him with admiration. "You handle crises well, Mr. King."

"It's part of the job," he replied flatly, though his mind remained focused on the developing situation.

The meeting continued, but the air was thick with tension. Whatever had happened to Mr. Han was a warning—one Eunwoo and his team would not ignore.

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The air in the VIP lounge thickened with unease as Minjoon left to make calls. Eunwoo King leaned back in the soft leather chair, his sharp black eyes glinting under the dim chandelier lights. His tailored suit, dark navy with subtle silk accents, molded to his athletic frame, projecting a commanding presence that few could rival. The gold crest cufflinks on his sleeves gleamed faintly as he tapped his fingers thoughtfully against the edge of the armrest.

Ms. Wu Mei, impeccably dressed in a crimson silk cheongsam with intricate lotus embroidery, maintained her composed demeanor. But her curiosity was evident in the delicate arch of her brow.

"You think something's happened, Mr. King?" she asked smoothly, swirling her tea in the porcelain cup.

"Han isn't the type to miss appointments." Eunwoo's voice was calm but edged with calculation. "Especially not one involving a venture this significant."

A discreet knock interrupted the charged atmosphere. The lounge doors parted for Minjoon, whose usually composed face now carried a hint of urgency.

"Sir," Minjoon said, lowering his voice, "Mr. Han's suite was accessed this morning. No one's seen him since. The room service request was canceled, and the security footage shows no exit."

Eunwoo's lips pressed into a thin line. "Has anyone else tried to contact him?"

"His assistant's phone is unreachable."

Eunwoo rose fluidly, exuding an air of authority as he adjusted the cuffs of his suit. The moonlight filtering through the massive arched windows highlighted the glint of determination in his eyes.

"Send Dimitri a full update," he commanded. "I want a list of every guest in this hotel since morning and their affiliations. Double-check with Layla; see if her network picks up anything unusual."

Minjoon inclined his head and stepped back, phone already in hand.

Ms. Wu's calm voice cut through the tension. "You're handling this like a king preparing for battle."

Eunwoo's lips curved into a faint smirk, though his tone remained cool. "Wars are won before they're fought, Ms. Wu."

She chuckled softly. "Still the same Eunwoo King—cold and calculated, yet always several moves ahead."

Eunwoo's gaze flicked back to her. "Experience teaches caution."

As the staff discreetly entered to refresh the table, Eunwoo straightened, signaling the meeting would proceed despite Han's mysterious absence. The servers moved with precision, pouring freshly brewed chrysanthemum tea and setting down trays of delicate pastries.

Ms. Wu sipped her tea leisurely, clearly impressed by Eunwoo's composure. "If Mr. Han was... removed from this scenario deliberately, do you think the Night Bloom operation might be compromised?"

Eunwoo's eyes gleamed with resolve. "If it is, then someone's about to regret making that mistake."

Minjoon returned swiftly, his voice measured. "Sir, Dimitri's handling external security. Layla confirmed a strange signal near Han's suite, possibly a jammer. I've dispatched personnel to check it."

Eunwoo nodded. "Good. Tell them I want answers by morning."

Ms. Wu inclined her head in acknowledgment. "A dangerous game you're playing, Eunwoo King. But then again, that's what you're best at."

Eunwoo's gaze hardened. "Games end when the opponent underestimates their rival. Trust me, Ms. Wu — this isn't over yet."

The tension lingered even as the formalities continued, but one thing was certain: whatever shadows lurked behind Mr. Han's sudden disappearance, Eunwoo King would uncover the truth—and whoever stood in his way would soon realize they had crossed the wrong man.

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The conversation with Ms. Wu gradually shifted toward lighter topics as the hotel staff maintained their attentive service. Eunwoo King kept his demeanor composed, but beneath the polished surface, his mind raced through the possible implications of Mr. Han's mysterious absence. Every piece of intel mattered when the stakes were this high, especially with the Night Bloom mission at a critical stage. 

As the meeting wound down, Eunwoo rose from his seat with the precision of a man who commanded both boardrooms and covert operations. His movements were deliberate, each step marked by purpose as he adjusted the smooth lapels of his navy blazer. 

"Thank you for your time, Ms. Wu," he said politely, extending his hand. "Despite the complications, your insights are appreciated." 

She accepted the handshake, her grip firm yet graceful. "Always a pleasure, Mr. King. You have a knack for thriving amidst chaos. I have no doubt you'll solve this puzzle soon enough." 

"I always do," Eunwoo replied coolly, his eyes unwavering. 

As the hotel staff discreetly opened the grand lounge doors, Minjoon stepped forward, his phone still buzzing with updates. His face carried a subtle hint of unease. 

"Sir," he said quietly, "security reports a break-in attempt near Mr. Han's suite—no signs of forced entry, but the digital locks were tampered with." 

Eunwoo's brows furrowed. "Anyone apprehended?" 

"Negative. Whoever it was slipped away before our team arrived." 

Eunwoo's jaw tightened. "Get Dimitri on this. I want every detail. Tell Layla to widen the surveillance net." 

Minjoon nodded, falling into step beside Eunwoo as they exited the hotel lobby. The sleek black luxury sedan waited at the entrance, its polished surface gleaming under the soft glow of streetlights. 

A few murmurs drifted from the hotel's reception desk, where two young women whispered excitedly, eyes fixed on Eunwoo's retreating figure. 

"Is that him?" one asked, barely containing her curiosity. 

"Eunwoo King?" the other replied, her voice tinged with disbelief. "He looks even better in person. Is he single?" 

Their hushed conversation faded as Eunwoo and Minjoon passed, oblivious to the admiration. 

Sliding into the back seat of the car, Eunwoo leaned back, the faint scent of leather enveloping him as Minjoon settled into the front passenger seat. 

"Take us to the mansion," Eunwoo instructed the driver, his voice steady. 

The vehicle hummed to life, gliding smoothly onto the city streets. Neon lights flickered past the tinted windows, casting fleeting reflections across Eunwoo's face. 

Minjoon glanced over his shoulder. "Sir, do you think Han's disappearance is connected to the Night Bloom operation?" 

Eunwoo's eyes flickered with intensity. "If it is, we're dealing with a bigger threat than we anticipated. Someone's making calculated moves—trying to destabilize us before we can strike." 

Minjoon absorbed the information in silence, recognizing the weight of Eunwoo's words. 

As the mansion's towering gates came into view, Eunwoo's thoughts briefly shifted to Andrea Yeldiz. Her role in the mission was pivotal, and her presence at the mansion remained a carefully guarded secret known only to a select few—Minjoon, Dimitri, and Layla. 

The car came to a smooth stop, and Eunwoo stepped out, exuding an air of authority even under the quiet night sky. The mansion stood grand and imposing, illuminated by soft exterior lights. 

Inside, the marble floors gleamed under the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. Eunwoo made his way toward his private study, his sharp eyes noting every detail as he passed through the luxurious hallways. 

Throwing his blazer onto the velvet chaise near the window, Eunwoo loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top collar of his crisp white shirt. The study was a blend of modern elegance and timeless sophistication—dark oak shelves lined with books, sleek leather chairs, and a wide mahogany desk neatly organized with files and digital devices. 

Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting silver hues across the room's rich textures. The faint scent of cedar lingered in the air. 

As he stood by the window, gazing out at the vast expanse of the mansion's grounds, his mind returned to the test reports they had received earlier. The blue powder—the substance dubbed "Night Bloom"—was proving to be more dangerous than anticipated. Its ability to temporarily enhance human strength and reflexes for a mere 30 minutes was both impressive and alarming. 

Eunwoo's fingers brushed over the sleek file folder on the desk as he flipped through the pages, eyes narrowing at the detailed chemical breakdown. 

The secure line on his desk buzzed, breaking his concentration. 

"Dimitri," Eunwoo said as he answered, his voice low and steady, "are you ready to talk?" 

Dimitri Volkov's thick Russian accent came through the line. "Always. But I hope you have good news because this mess is getting uglier by the hour." 

Eunwoo's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Define good news." 

"The powder's origins are linked to a black-market supplier operating near the eastern docks," Dimitri explained. "The same group we've been tracking for weeks." 

Eunwoo's gaze sharpened. "They're moving faster than we thought." 

"Exactly," Dimitri agreed. "But here's the twist—they're not just selling this drug to criminals. There's interest from government sectors too." 

Eunwoo's jaw clenched. "That complicates things." 

"You think?" Dimitri chuckled darkly. "By the way, how's Andrea? Still punching walls in frustration?" 

Eunwoo's smirk returned. "She's resourceful. You know that." 

"Good. Keep her safe," Dimitri advised. "We'll need her skills before this is over." 

"Understood." 

As the call ended, Eunwoo leaned back in his chair, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on his shoulders. Night Bloom was no longer just a secret operation—it was a race against time, enemies, and betrayal. 

And Eunwoo King never lost a race.