Hotel The Grand Ballroom – 6th Floor
Beneath the chandeliers, two silhouettes stepped onto the gleaming red carpet.
Celeste, the CEO of Langley Group Asia.
Daniel, her legally adopted younger brother and Vice CEO.
She wore a backless white satin gown that flowed like poured light.
He was in a black tuxedo with a bow tie, his presence as sharply tailored as the suit itself.
They had arrived in the same car, and now stood side by side—perfectly poised—before the press.
"Langley siblings, this way please!"
"Madam President, your gown is absolutely stunning tonight!"
"Vice President, did you personally select any of tonight's auction items?"
The shutters snapped like rainfall, but Celeste simply dipped her chin in a serene smile.
At her side, Daniel rested a hand at her elbow—the gesture impeccably formal.
Yet she knew.
The pressure was precise, calculated.
His fingertips tapped her inner arm just once, fleetingly.
A silent message: Breathe. I'm here.
VIP Reception
The evening unfolded like a well-rehearsed play.
They moved together, yet always with a measured distance, exchanging business cards, smiling for donors—wearing the flawless masks of the "perfect siblings."
Their seats were at the center of the main table.
Between them stood a tall acrylic display case holding the gala's key auction piece.
Daniel swirled his wine lazily.
Celeste kept her eyes on the podium script in her hands, but in truth, she was watching the slow turn of his fingers on the glass.
Then, without a word, he lifted his glass toward her in a subtle tilt.
His lips didn't move—but his eyes did.
Tonight, as always… I'm on your side.
Celeste didn't look at him.
She simply raised her own glass in mirrored angle—as if to say: I know.
Backstage – CCTV Blind Spot
A staffer appeared at their table.
"You're on in fifteen minutes, Madam President, Vice President. We'll be ready to escort you backstage shortly."
Daniel glanced down at his watch, feigning boredom, then leaned close.
"Guess we'll get a quiet corner for a change."
Celeste's reply was barely a movement of her lips.
"…Five minutes. Somewhere no one will find us."
The backstage waiting room was more storage than luxury—folded blankets, half-empty water bottles, staff notes scattered on a folding table.
The door shut with a muted click, and the lights inside were dim.
Daniel stepped toward her without haste, slipping an arm around her waist.
His breath ghosted the back of her ear.
"You look so—"
The rest dissolved into a brief kiss to her forehead, then her temple, and finally, a hesitant brush against her upper lip.
Celeste closed her eyes, laying her hand gently—but firmly—over the back of his.
"…There you go again. You really are a pervert."
No one saw the small curve of her lips.
Daniel chuckled low.
"You show up like this, let every man stare… and you expect me to keep my cool? Impossible."
Jealousy and hunger tangled in his voice.
Celeste turned slightly, eyes glinting.
"Didn't you once tell me, 'How could I look away from someone so beautiful'? Then let me return the favor—how could I possibly look away from someone this handsome, sitting right beside me?"
His gaze sharpened instantly.
Something dangerous flickered in the depths.
"…Say that again."
His voice was quiet steel.
"Say that again, and I'll forget we're supposed to be on that stage."
His fingers slid up the line of her back.
Celeste didn't step away—she drew in a short breath instead.
"Ten minutes left. You'll manage, Vice President."
He stepped back, touching his jaw with a brief laugh.
"When this is over… you're not getting away from me."
A knock at the door.
"Madam President, Vice President, the stage is ready for you now."
In a breath, the current between them smoothed into composure—as if nothing had happened.
On Stage – Foundation Gala Main Hall
Flashes burst, applause swelled.
Celeste ascended the podium with an elegant smile, Daniel following with quiet authority.
"Tonight is more than just a gala,"
her voice was poised, unhurried.
"Today is a day to transform the sorrows we've kept to ourselves into a gift of love for others."
The audience responded with warm applause.
Daniel inclined his head, then spoke into his mic.
"And we promise—through the name of this Asia Foundation—to lay a hand on the heart of each person we can reach."
They bowed together.
Perfect.
Impeccable.
Untouchable.
10:37 p.m. – Inside the Limousine
After the event, they stepped into the same limousine.
Daniel pressed a button—a soft mechanical hum, and the glass partition began to rise, sealing them off from the driver.
The pane turned opaque, muting the outside world.
Amber mood lighting filled the cabin, the ceiling dotted with faint starlight LEDs.
Seoul's city lights blurred past, but here—it felt like a moving suite.
Celeste leaned back in her seat.
Daniel loosened his tie, exhaling like a man breaking free.
"…I can't hold back anymore."
He caught her wrist, guiding her gently but firmly toward the side wall.
"Do you even know how hard it was to keep my hands off you all night?"
His lips found the curve of her neck, his breath hot, his tongue teasing in slow, deliberate trails.
Celeste gripped the lapel of his jacket.
"…Idiot... Not... here. Just wait..."
"I've been waiting. All day."
Before she could lift her head, his mouth claimed hers—all thought dissolving into heat.
Her gown slipped from one shoulder, exposing the line of her skin.
Daniel eased her onto the sofa, sliding a hand beneath the satin to strip away her underwear.
Kneeling between her legs, he murmured—
"…You've been driving me crazy since the moment we walked in."
And then—he pushed deep inside her.
The soundproofed air filled with the rhythm of muffled gasps, the wet meeting of skin, her nails in his shoulder, her head thrown back.
"…God… you're going to ruin me."
One arm locked around her waist, the other covering her mouth in a careful press.
"If it's too much… just say so."
She nodded, eyes closed, her body answering with small, shivering movements.
His breath grew rougher, his hold on her tighter, each thrust faster, harder.
"…I can't—hold it—"
The rhythm broke into urgency, his voice shaking.
And then, with a low, guttural sound, he stilled—shuddering as he spilled into her.
He buried his face in her shoulder, breathing deep, as though trying to steady himself.
"…Every time I see you… I forget how to be human."
"…You pervert… you actually did it. In the car."
He laughed quietly, pressing a kiss to her damp shoulder.