The hallways of Vortex Entertainment were eerily silent at night, the usual chaos replaced by the hum of fluorescent lights. Raine moved swiftly, her steps light, her senses sharp.
She shouldn't be here.
But she needed information. If she wanted to reclaim her place in the industry, she had to know what she was up against.
Her fingers ghosted over the file cabinets in the executive office. There had to be something—an old contract, a blacklist, a name tied to her past.
Then—footsteps.
She stilled. Not alone.
A shadow leaned against the doorway, arms crossed.
Kairo Lin.
His golden eyes gleamed with amusement, but there was something razor-sharp beneath it. "Breaking into company records? That's bold."
Raine exhaled, forcing a smirk. "Just lost. These hallways all look the same."
Kairo stepped closer, closing the door behind him. Trapping them inside.
"Let's cut the act, Raine Vesper." His voice was low, dripping with curiosity. "Who are you really?"
She held his gaze, heart steady. Too dangerous. Too soon.
"An idol, same as you."
Kairo chuckled, shaking his head. "No. You're something else."
He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "And I'm going to find out what."