이희승. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗲

Chapter 4: The Masquerade Party

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, I stepped into the lavish new hotel, the air thick with the scent of luxury. The excitement buzzed around me as invited guests, dressed in their finest attire, mingled and admired the opulence of the place. I couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and apprehension; forging my fake identity had been tedious, but with the help of experts, I managed to pull it off.

I hope I pull this off as well. This isn't even part of my job-I'm doing this out of my own personal pursuits.

As I walked in the hallways, I discreetly slipped the earpiece into place, ready for Taehyun's guidance. The buzz of the crowd was deafening, but I tuned it out, focusing on the crackle of his voice coming through my ear.

"Eunseo, you see that large man in the black suit standing beside the painting on your left?" Taehyun's voice was calm, though there was an underlying seriousness that reminded me of what was at stake.

"Yeah," I replied, eyes scanning the room while trying to appear casual.

The guard was imposing-broad shoulders, a sharp jawline, and an expression that made it clear he wasn't just another hotel employee.

"He's one of the security guards assigned to escort the guests to the masquerade party," Taehyun informed me.

I subtly shifted my gaze to watch as a well-dressed couple approached the guard. Their clothes screamed wealth-tailored suits, glimmering jewels, and an air of privilege that made them blend effortlessly into this scene.

After a brief, hushed exchange, the guard gave a slight nod and led them away. My curiosity piqued instantly, and I couldn't help but discreetly follow. My heels clicked softly against the marble floor as I trailed them at a safe distance, weaving through the crowd of elites, pretending to admire the expensive art hanging on the walls.

At the far corner of the hotel, just out of sight from the main lobby, the guard led the couple to an almost invisible elevator tucked between two grand pillars. It was sleek, with polished steel doors that reflected the dim lighting around it. If I hadn't followed them, I would have never noticed it existed.

"Pretty discreet, if I must say," I whispered into the earpiece, already retreating before anyone could notice me lingering.

Taehyun's chuckle echoed through the device. "They know how to keep things hidden in plain sight. Now, here's the code to get in: 'I need to use the restroom. Can you lead me to the comfort room? I also need toilet paper.'"

I couldn't help but stifle a laugh at the ridiculousness of it. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Hey, I don't make the rules," he said, his tone teasing. "Just make sure you say it with a straight face."

Rolling my eyes, I took a deep breath and approached the guard. My heart picked up a little, but I kept my posture relaxed. The last thing I needed was to look out of place.

The guard's expression remained neutral as I stepped up to him.

"Excuse me," I said, channeling as much nonchalance as I could muster. "I need to use the restroom. Can you lead me to the comfort room? I also need toilet paper."

For a split second, I thought I saw a flicker of amusement cross his face, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. He simply nodded, professionalism never faltering.

"Of course, ma'am."

I handed over my fake ID, the alias 'Kim Suwon' etched into the card. He checked it against a list he pulled from his pocket, running his finger down the page until he found the name.