The music faded into a soft lullaby as the trio drifted away from the glittering crowd, stepping onto the small, polished dance floor. Candles on gilded stands cast a warm glow, turning the waltz's gentle rhythm into a heartbeat beneath their feet. Eunwoo drew Andrea close, one hand at the small of her back, the other lightly cradling her hand. Kai, perched on the edge of the floor, watched them with bright eyes, swirling his dessert spoon as if conducting the moment.
Andrea let her head rest against Eunwoo's shoulder, her breath catching in time with the music. In the hush between notes, she murmured, "You dance well." His dark hair brushed her cheek as he dipped his head slightly. "Only with the right partner," he replied in a low tone.
Kai laughed softly, the sound like chimes, and spun to face them. For the first time that night, the old grandfather—the architect of this empire—watched Kai's face alight with genuine joy. The boy, who normally carried himself with executive poise, seemed just a child again, reveling in simple pleasures.
As the hours slipped by, the music slowed to a gentle waltz, then trailed off into silence. Andrea's eyelids fluttered—heavy, warm with exhaustion. The last thing she sensed was Eunwoo's arm shifting to support her more firmly. For Kai, slumber came unbidden; he curled against the soft edge of an overstuffed couch, his small chest rising and falling in peaceful sleep.
Nearby, the grandfather appeared at the doorway, accompanied by the silent butler. His aged face softened as he observed Kai, his heir, finally at rest. He turned to the butler and spoke in measured Mandarin that carried through the hush:
"Young Master has earned his rest. Take him upstairs."
The butler nodded and knelt beside Kai, gently lifting him into his arms. The boy stirred but did not awaken. Andrea's head lolled forward, her breathing even. The grandfather watched, satisfaction mingled with a father's concern.
"And Andrea," he said softly, "bring her to her suite, too. She needs rest—and protection. Before someone uncovers her true identity."
He glanced over at Eunwoo, eyes sharp even in the dim light. "Mr. King, you must leave before dawn. We have arranged everything."
Eunwoo inclined his head. His voice was husky when he spoke, carrying that same cold authority that had directed the ballroom. "Understood."
With that, he stepped forward. The butler rose, cradling Kai, and began the quiet ascent up the grand staircase. Eunwoo reached down and scooped Andrea into his arms, lifting her with ease. The tapestry behind them swayed in the soft breeze from open windows as he carried her out of the hall, his suit brushing against the marble.
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The corridor beyond was silent, save for their footsteps. Andrea's lashes fluttered as she stirred, eyelids heavy as he set her down in her suite's plush foyer. The door closed behind them with a soft click. Andrea's eyes opened, hazy at first, then clearing as she took in her surroundings: soft rugs, muted lamplight, the city's distant hum through tall windows.
Her gaze fell on Eunwoo—towering, protective, and watching her with an intensity she hadn't quite deciphered until this moment.
"Did I pass out?" she asked, her voice calm despite the strange sight of herself in his arms.
He paused before answering, his expression unreadable. Then he shook his head. "No," he said, stepping closer. "You didn't."
Andrea's brow furrowed. "Then why are you holding me like… like this?" She gestured—bridal carry, arm under her knees, one hand beneath her back.
Eunwoo allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Because you fell asleep." His voice softened, almost gentle. "I couldn't let you… lie on that couch."
She shifted in his arms, settling against his chest. "I'm fine. You can put me down, boss."
His grip tightened for a heartbeat, then eased as he lowered her toward the sofa by the window. "Because you're under my protection, I must care for you."
Andrea sat up, smoothing her dress. "So you're still… practicing the act, even in private?" Her tone was teasing, but her eyes searched his face.
Eunwoo didn't answer immediately. He turned and started toward his own room, the tail of his coat sweeping behind him. Andrea rose, calling after him.
"I'm talking to you!"
He paused, one hand on his door. Without looking back, he said quietly, "Good night, Andrea."
And with that, he slipped inside and closed the door. The gentle click echoed through the suite.
Andrea stood alone in the muted lamplight, the hush pressing around her. For a moment, she felt the ghost of warmth where his arms had held her. She pressed a hand to her chest, heart fluttering with questions unasked and answers withheld.
Yet even as doubt stirred, a small smile curved her lips. In this world of masquerades and power plays, she had found unexpected solace in the most unlikely gesture—a moment of genuine care from the man who never let anyone in.
Tonight, the masks had slipped just enough.
And in the quiet aftermath, Andrea realized that the real danger wasn't the empire built on gold—it was the fragile trust forming between two people who never believed they could need each other.
.______..______.📑.______..______..______.✒️
Night draped over the manor like a red cloak as Andrea and Eunwoo each slipped through their respective corridors. In her suite, Andrea's slender fingers fumbled with the delicate clasp of her gown before she shed it for pale silk pajamas embroidered with tiny moonlit blossoms. She paused by the window, gazing out at the city lights that flickered like distant stars, then slid beneath the satin sheets. Within moments, exhaustion claimed her, and she sank into dreams, the soft rise and fall of her chest the only sign of life in the still room.
Several doors down, Eunwoo King settled at his sleek mahogany desk, the glow of his tablet casting a pale light across his sharp features. He tapped through dossiers with practiced efficiency until he found the contact he sought. His finger hovered before he pressed "Call" on Dimitri Volkov's secure line.
"Mr. Volkov," Eunwoo said, his voice low but brisk. "Here are the details as you requested. Young Master Kai—he is now the registered owner of the company. We'll need your partnership for our future plans."
The line crackled before Dimitri's deep, measured tone responded. "Why did you not tell me sooner? This… this is remarkable. Our prospective partner is a boy of twelve?" He sounded both amused and incredulous.
Eunwoo allowed himself a curt nod, even though Dimitri couldn't see him. "I only learned of it tonight, sir."
There was a pause. Then Dimitri's voice softened, curiosity edging away from surprise. "Mr. King, did you notice anything unusual in Miss Yeldiz's behavior?"
The question landed like a weight. Eunwoo's pulse quickened. He opened his mouth to answer—then hesitated.
"Why—" Dimitri began, but his words trailed off as if he sensed the unspoken. "What are you talking about?" he pressed, genuine concern threading through his tone.
Eunwoo shifted in his chair, choosing his words carefully. "I promised I wouldn't burden you until the right moment, sir. All truths will reveal themselves in time."
A faint sigh came through the line. "Very well." Dimitri's voice dropped to a whisper thick with paternal concern. "I need to tell you something else… You and Miss Yeldiz must return here by tomorrow. Under no circumstances can anyone discover her secret. Understood?"
Eunwoo's jaw clenched. "Yes, Mr. Volkov. I understand."
As Dimitri moved to end the call, a hesitating note crept back into his voice. "Eunwoo… please," he said softly, "take care of her until she's safely back with me."
Eunwoo felt the unexpected surge of something close to protectiveness at those words. He inclined his head, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I will, Mr. Volkov."
The line went silent. He stared at the dark screen for a long moment, then powered down the tablet. The sudden quiet felt deeper, heavier, filled with secrets he could not yet speak.
He stood and peeled off his suit jacket, draping it carefully over the back of his chair. The hush of the suite wrapped around him as he crossed to the bed. His own fatigue tugged at his limbs, but in his mind the same questions circled—What was Andrea hiding? And why did Dimitri fear her identity was at risk?
Eunwoo lay down, back against the cool sheets, eyes fixed on the ceiling. The grandeur of the suite faded into shadows as he replayed every soft word and gentle gesture from the evening. Andrea's warm laughter, the way she had brushed cake crumbs from Kai's chin, her startled question when he carried her bridal-style…
What am I willing to do to keep her safe?
His breath slowed as weariness finally seeped into his bones. With one last thought—I will protect her—he closed his eyes and drifted into sleep, the first true rest he had felt in days.
Tomorrow, their delicate dance of innocence and intrigue would continue, and the secrets that bound them would edge ever closer to the light. But for now, the night embraced them both, guarding their hidden truths until dawn's first light.