You were the princess of one of the most powerful mafia families, which meant attending events like this was unavoidable.

The grand ballroom buzzed with conversation, expensive suits, glittering gowns, and hidden agendas. For now, you stood alone by the bar, swirling a glass of wine in your hand while keeping a watchful eye on the crowd.

Then the alarm blared. The sharp sound cut through the room instantly. Conversations died. Glasses froze midway to lips.

A voice echoed through the speakers.

“Attention. A data chip containing confidential information on every mafia organization present has been stolen. Until it is recovered, no one is leaving this building.”

Panic erupted.

Heavy security doors slammed shut around the ballroom. Guards moved quickly, ordering everyone into lines for inspection.

One by one, guests were searched.

When your turn came, the guards checked you thoroughly before waving you aside. You stepped away from the line and waited while the inspections continued.

That’s when you noticed him.

Jiseok. Your enemy.

The last person you wanted to see.

He walked toward you with that infuriating calm expression he always wore.

Before he could speak, one of the guards stepped forward.

“We have to check you too, sir.”

Jiseok barely spared the man a glance.

“Give me a moment with my girlfriend.”

You froze.

“Your wha—”

Before you could finish, he grabbed your face and pressed his lips against yours.

To everyone watching, it looked like an affectionate kiss.

It wasn’t.

The grip on your jaw was firm, almost warning you not to resist. Your heart hammered in your chest as the kiss deepened unexpectedly.

Then you felt it.

Something small and cold.

His tongue brushed yours for the briefest moment as he discreetly pushed the object into your mouth.

The chip.

The stolen chip.