EPISODE 91 – The Devil's Kiss
The city lights blurred into streaks of color as the car sped towards the minister's mansion. The four members of CHIPER were an unusual sight—two in the front, focused and professional, and two in the back, dressed for a high-society heist.
Minjae was breathtakingly handsome in a tailored tuxedo that hugged his broad shoulders and emphasized his lean, athletic build. He wore a subtle earpiece that was almost invisible, and a tiny pin on his lapel housed a hidden camera. His hair was perfectly styled, and his eyes, usually full of a cold, menacing humor, were now sharp and alert.
Micha was a vision of elegance. The ill-fitting, baggy clothes were gone, replaced by a stunning black dress that shimmered with every step. Her hair was pulled up in a chic, effortless style, and she wore a simple, beautiful necklace. But her most striking feature was her confidence. She moved with a silent, feline grace, her eyes focused and determined. She also wore a small earpiece, and a hidden camera was tucked into a delicate floral brooch on her chest.
In the front, Alex and Dohee were a study in contrast. Alex was dressed in his usual casual CHIPER gear, surrounded by screens and devices, while Dohee was in a simple but elegant suit, her face set with a lawyer's determination.
"Alright, we're here," Alex's voice crackled through the earpieces. "The security is tight, but a lot of it is for show. Stick to the plan. Minjae, you have the VIP card. Go inside and act like you own the place."
Minjae, holding a small card, glanced at Micha. "Let's go, kitten."
Micha ignored the jab and just walked straight ahead. The VIP card was Minjae's ace in the hole; it got them through the gates and past the watchful bouncers. The minister's home was a palace of marble and glass, filled with people in luxurious outfits. The air hummed with the sound of laughter, music, and the clinking of champagne glasses.
"We're in," Minjae's voice was low and calm. "Alex, Dohee, what do we see?"
"The minister's son, Jung-woo, is in the main hall," Alex replied, his voice a calm command. "He's talking with some people near the bar. We need to find his room, his private study, and his office."
Minjae and Micha began to mingle, blending into the crowd. After a moment, Minjae spoke again, his voice dangerously low, a hint of genuine anger in his tone. "Hey, chemical girl, the minister's son is watching you. He's coming this way. Act normal."
Micha, without even a flicker of surprise, turned and saw Jung-woo, his eyes fixed on her. He was handsome in a slimy, arrogant way. He walked up to her, a confident smirk on his face.
"Hey, beautiful," he said, his voice slick with alcohol. "You're looking incredible tonight. Can I get you a drink?"
Alex's voice was immediately in Micha's ear. "Go ahead, Micha. Get close to him. See if you can get information out of him while he's distracted."
Micha smiled, a beautiful, innocent smile that felt completely fake. "Of course, handsome. Let's go."
At the bar, Micha deftly poured him a drink, her eyes never leaving his. They talked about the party, about the guests, about everything but the case. She saw his gaze linger on her, his eyes full of a raw desire.
After a few drinks, Micha leaned in, her voice low and playful. "You're a very interesting person, Jung-woo. You seem to know a lot of people."
"Oh, I do," he slurred slightly, his guard starting to slip. "My father is a very powerful man. He makes sure all our little problems disappear."
Micha's heart rate picked up. "Little problems? You mean like that woman who kept talking about your girlfriend?"
Jung-woo laughed, a loud, careless sound. "That girl? The poor one? No, she wasn't a girlfriend. She was just a mistake." He chuckled. "You're much more attractive than that poor girl, Nayeon. No wonder she tried to make a fuss. She was pathetic."
Micha's blood ran cold. She forced herself to maintain her smile. "Tell me more," she whispered, her voice a seductive promise. "Tell me all about that pathetic girl. I find it very... interesting."
"I'll tell you all about it," he said, his eyes glazing over with a mixture of alcohol and desire. "But you have to promise me something."
Micha, her stomach churning, knew what she had to do. "Anything, darling. What is it?"
"Promise to kiss me," he slurred. "If you tell me what you did to her... I'll kiss you, darling."
"It's on video," he said, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial whisper. "The police didn't get it. It's on a USB drive."
Micha's eyes widened. "A USB drive? Where?"
"In my room," he said, a greedy look on his face. "In my room, on my desk. Come with me. I'll show you."
Micha knew this was a trap, a dangerous move, but the evidence was right there. "Okay," she said, her heart pounding in her chest. "Let's go. But you have to promise me that kiss."
He grinned, a triumphant look on his face, and took her hand, leading her towards his room.
With the evidence in sight, will Micha be able to get it without falling into Jung-woo's trap? And will Minjae and the others be able to intervene in time?