CAPTURING REDEMPTION

CHAPTER 11: THE TEST

A man with model-like looks and an indomitable aura adjusted his tie as he stepped out of the sleek black limousine, leaving the feeling of unfamiliarity he felt about the leather seat.

Dressed in an expensive white suit and a fur overcoat, he eyed the grand building, which dazzled brightly, rivalling the moon. The Grande Pedion, an illustrious five-star hotel, was an invite-only venue, its name itself signifying exclusivity: only the best was welcomed. Despite spending most of his childhood and a better part of his late teens around riches and royals, the man was trying hard to ignore the fear creeping in the back of his mind. It would be the very first time, he prayed to God for help, otherwise he was always sure of his prowess when it came to his spy like mind.

The marbled hotel's grand hall buzzed with South Korea's uncrowned kings and queens—the ones who had their hands on everything that controlled the country. Crystal chandeliers hung like shiny coins from the ornate ceiling, casting a golden glow over celebrities, producers, and influential executives, enhancing their stances.

As he walked in, the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of champagne glasses filled the air. Yevgeny moved through the crowd with practiced poise, his sharp eyes scanning for familiar faces. He knew making an impression tonight was crucial—this event could make or break his path to freedom.

"You have to find her and get what I want."

Kwon Taekjoo's words echoed in Yevgeny's ears as he scanned the faces of the elite crowd, determined not to stand out awkwardly. His eyes finally landed on Kwon Taekjoo's friend and his designated helper for the night—Jeong Taeui, a rich man's once aimless second son, who ended up becoming the successful owner to his own business. Taeui, with his striking good looks, had attempted to break into the entertainment industry. He made his debut in an action movie funded by his father, but his fame faded almost as quickly as it began. Despite his initial failure, Taeui reinvented himself. After his sixth film flopped, he leveraged his sense of style—known more for his fashion than his acting—and established his own fashion house.

Within a few years, he had climbed to the top of the haute couture world.
Yevgeny navigated the opulent hall like a seasoned performer, his movements smooth and confident. He exchanged pleasantries with a few recognizable faces, individuals he had previously encountered during his time interviewing celebrities. Each interaction was a calculated step in blending seamlessly into the crowd.

As Yevgeny approached Taeui, the fashion designer flashed a knowing smile and gracefully excused himself from the small crowd surrounding him. They made their way to the bar, where the fashion designer ordered a scotch, while Yevgeny opted for whiskey, hoping to calm the nervous energy bubbling inside him.

Kwon Taekjoo had made him speak with Jeong Taeui on the phone earlier that evening, laying out the details of the task at hand. The actor's instructions were clear: no questions, just results. The pen drive was of paramount importance, though Yevgeny had no idea of its contents. His role was to retrieve it, no matter the cost. He understood the gravity of the situation; the pen drive was crucial to Kwon Taekjoo, a weakness that had to be protected at all costs, just so Yevgeny Bogdanov could leverage it.

"Are you nervous?" Taeui asked, his eyes still focused on his drink. There was an air of mischief around the black haired handsome man, as if he knew something Yevgeny was unaware of, and he would use it against him, if any moment occurred. Yevgeny shrugged, his gaze continuously sweeping the room for any sign of their target. Taeui, sensing his companion's anxiety, followed his gaze while taking a sip from his champagne flute. "What did he say?"

"He wants me to find her and get the pen drive," Yevgeny replied in a low tone, still cautious about fully trusting Taeui despite Kwon Taekjoo's assurances. He had been betrayed too many times to let his guard down now. And the kind of friends one had always tell a lot about the person, since one's vibe attracted their tribe.