SHADOW IN THE ROOM

"My grandfather once told me, in every big gathering like this, there is always a Judas—someone who will disrupt and cause chaos within the group. It is almost impossible for a great organization to thrive if a black sheep is in its midst. We may be considered just an organization, but believe me, a problem within can also affect the country because we all work hand in hand. Therefore, as a leader, it is my duty to root them out," she said.

"Just like the fourth Choi leader did many years ago," she added, her gaze sharp as it swept over the elite members, who exchanged uneasy glances. Then, she continued.

"It was only a few years ago that my sister stood in this very moment, my parents right here beside her," she gestured, making the already silent room even quieter. "I wish more than anything for them to be here right now, but we must take whatever life gives us. However, I assure you all that the incident has not weakened me. Instead, it has strengthened and motivated me to do better—to carry on the legacy of the Choi family. For several years, the Chois have led, and I'm sure we can all agree they did a great job. That alone is proof that Chois are great leaders, and I am no exception because I am one of them."

The audience stared at her, intrigued, wondering where she was going with this.

"Before the incident, my sister was working on a project—establishing a firm that would benefit not only the organization but the country as a whole. Now, I am here." She smiled. "I would like to announce that I will resume the construction. That will be my first task as chairlady. I hope you all place your trust in me so that I can turn my sincere words into action," she said firmly.

"Thank you once again."

The room erupted into applause, with many rising to their feet in a standing ovation. For some, it was a moment of renewed hope—proof that all was not lost. However, among the elite members, a few who had never supported Minjae's rise hesitated before clapping, their expressions betraying their discontent before they forced themselves to join the applause.

Meanwhile, at his home, Mr. Geum smirked as he watched the event live on his screen. He picked up the remote, turned off the TV, stood up, and walked away. He had already seen the part that mattered.

Backstage, Minjae walked alongside Kim Ann Soo. The other members had already left.

"When does the dinner party begin?" Minjae asked as they walked.

"In about thirty minutes," Kim Ann Soo replied after glancing at her wristwatch. "Should I send the makeup artist to your room?"

"No," Minjae said. "I'll just change into my dinner dress. I don't need any special makeup for that." She walked ahead.

When she reached her room—VVVIP Room 001—she stepped inside, set her purse on the bed, and slipped off her heels. Barefoot, she walked toward the restroom, but as she reached for the door, she suddenly paused. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Something felt off.

A different scent lingered in the air. She glanced around the room, noticing that the curtains she had left open were now closed. Her brow furrowed as she moved cautiously to the drawer beside her bed. When she opened it, she found her papers and belongings arranged too neatly—tidier than they should have been.

Behind her, in the restroom, a figure cloaked in black stood motionless. Through the slight gap between the door and the wall, he watched her, gripping a knife tightly.

Minjae's eyes widened slightly. She could feel it—someone was staring at her from behind.

Her gaze darted around for anything she could use as a weapon. There was nothing except a lantern on the drawer. It wasn't much, but at that moment, it would have to do.

Meanwhile, in the dinner hall, some guests had already left—mostly those who didn't like seeing Minjae shine. The hall was still in slight disarray as attendees greeted each other and found their seats.

As Sang Tae walked by, he was called over by Mrs. Seo, who stood among a group of elite members. Knowing exactly what the call was about, he approached her.

"What was that during Minjae's speech?" she asked, clearly annoyed.

"What exactly?" he responded, feigning innocence.

"Don't act like you have no idea what I'm talking about," she said, her frown deepening.

"I can't read minds, Mrs. Seo," he replied smoothly. "So I wouldn't know what you're referring to. But if there's a part of the Chairlady's speech that doesn't sit well with you, I believe you should ask her about it directly."

He gave a polite bow and turned to leave, but her next words made him stop in his tracks.

"Don't you think you're stepping way out of line, Mr. Geum Sang Tae? Especially when it comes to the Choi women? Shouldn't you be sticking to your own family's side?"

He turned back to her with a slight frown. "And what exactly do you mean by 'my family's side'?"

She smiled, clearly pleased to have piqued his curiosity. Stepping closer, she lowered her voice.

"Maybe you should figure that out yourself. Or, to make it easier," she leaned in slightly, "ask your grandfather."

Back in the room, Minjae gripped the lantern tightly as she moved toward the restroom door. Just as she got closer—

A knock sounded at the main door.

Instead of feeling relieved, her body tensed.

"Who's there?" she asked, fully alert.

"Room service," a voice responded from outside.

She exhaled sharply. A moment later, she opened the door to find a hotel attendant holding a package.

"Good evening, Miss," he greeted.

She merely nodded, her eyes dropping to the package in his hands.

"What's that?"

"A dress for you—for the dinner party," he replied.

She nodded again before stepping out of the room. The young man stepped back, eyeing her curiously.

"I'd like a room change. Lead me to another," she said.

"Hmm? Oh… okay," he responded, unsure of the situation but complying.

As they walked through the hallway, she spoke again.

"I think there's an intruder in my room. Send security in immediately." She grabbed the dress from him. "I'll take this room." She pointed to a random door on the right.

"Go. Now!" she ordered.

The attendant hurried off.

Later, Minjae emerged, fully dressed. Her evening gown was stunning—a deep purple, sleeveless dress with a high slit that accentuated her height and hourglass figure. It draped elegantly over her frame, highlighting her perfect collarbone.

As she walked through the hallways, she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was behind her. Her fingers curled around her purse, but she maintained her composed, fearless posture.

Just then, she crossed paths with Sang Tae, who seemed to have been looking for her.

"Miss Minjae," he called, approaching. His expression flickered briefly—perhaps caught off guard by her striking beauty, which contrasted with her sharp demeanor—but he quickly regained his composure.

"I was looking for you, but you weren't in your room," he said, walking alongside her.

She turned to him, her eyes sharp. "Did you see anyone?"

"Anyone?" he repeated.

"Suspicious," she added.

He glanced back over his shoulder. "I didn't see anyone suspicious," he said, then turned back to her. "Is something wrong, Miss Minjae?"

She studied his face for a moment. The concern there seemed genuine—but in this world, no one could be trusted.

Finally, she exhaled and looked ahead.

"Nothing," she replied softly, as if she hadn't just asked a strange question.

After the dinner, Minjae was surrounded by guests congratulating her. She spoke fluently in English, Spanish, and French while conversing with foreign business associates.

"I once met your father," one man remarked. "A great businessman. You remind me of him—such a clever man he was."