The rookie stood frozen in the dance studio, her reflection staring back at her from the mirrored walls. Sweat beaded on Seo-ah's forehead despite the air conditioning, her chest rising and falling with each labored breath. The music had stopped playing minutes ago, but the rhythm still pounded in her head alongside her racing thoughts.

  "Two years," she whispered to herself, sinking down to the polished floor. Two years of training, of pushing her body beyond its limits, of sacrificing everything for a dream that seemed to be slipping through her fingers. The monthly performance review results weighed on her like concrete, the words "above average" feeling like a death sentence in an industry that demanded perfection.

  She lay back on the cool floor, spreading her arms wide as she stared at the ceiling. The conversation she'd overheard in the shower room earlier replayed in her mind-her seniors laughing about their backup plans. Part-time jobs. Arranged marriages. Hostess work. None of those options would help her mother in the hospital.

  The sudden click of heels against the hallway floor pulled her from her thoughts. Sharp, purposeful steps that echoed through the empty corridor. Seo-ah sat up quickly, smoothing her practice clothes and wiping her face. At this hour, on a weekend night, it could only be one person.

  The door swung open, revealing Ji-hyun, the agency's infamous "Ice Queen"-the CEO's secretary. Despite her nickname, Ji-hyun looked stunning in her fitted black dress that hugged her curves and ended mid-thigh, her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail that emphasized her sharp features. At twenty-four, she carried herself with the confidence of someone who had already lived several lives in the entertainment industry.

  "You're still here?" Ji-hyun asked, her voice surprisingly soft despite her intimidating presence. Her eyes swept over Seo-ah's disheveled appearance, taking in the exhaustion etched across her face.

  "I was just finishing up," Seo-ah replied, scrambling to her feet and bowing slightly. "I'll clean up and leave right away."

  Ji-hyun tilted her head, studying the younger woman. "No need to rush. I was actually looking for someone to talk to." She leaned against the doorframe, her expression unreadable. "Would you mind joining me for a drink? I think we both could use one."

  Seo-ah hesitated, her heart racing. This was Ji-hyun, former A-list actress and now right hand to CEO Min-ho, the thirty-year-old genius who had transformed the agency into a global powerhouse. Rumors swirled about her relationship with Min-ho, about how she'd been one of the first trainees to receive a "private assessment" that had changed her trajectory completely.

  "I... yes, of course," Seo-ah finally managed, unable to believe her luck. Perhaps this was the opportunity she'd been hoping for.

  Ji-hyun's lips curved into a small smile. "Good. Follow me when you're done here."

  As Seo-ah quickly shut down the studio, turning off lights and gathering her things, she couldn't help but wonder what awaited her. The whispered rumors among trainees, the stories of special assessments and alternative paths to success-could there be truth to them after all?

  Ji-hyun led her to the private elevator that accessed the top floor-a floor most trainees never saw. As they ascended in silence, Seo-ah felt a strange mixture of anticipation and nervousness building in her chest. Whatever happened next could change everything.

  The private elevator doors slid open, revealing a floor that looked nothing like the rest of the agency. Instead of the stark, minimalist design of the training areas, this space was luxurious-plush carpeting in deep burgundy, ambient lighting that cast a warm golden glow, and artwork that Seo-ah recognized as pieces from famous Korean artists worth millions of won.

  "This way," Ji-hyun said, leading her down a hallway lined with framed platinum records and award show photographs. "Don't worry, no one else has access to this floor at night except for CEO Min-ho and myself."

  Seo-ah followed, her heart pounding against her ribs so hard she was certain Ji-hyun could hear it. The secretary's hips swayed hypnotically as she walked ahead, the confidence in her stride making Seo-ah feel both intimidated and strangely aroused.

  Ji-hyun opened a door to what appeared to be a private suite. Inside was a spacious room with a sitting area furnished with cream-colored leather sofas, a small bar stocked with premium liquors, and several doors leading to other rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking panorama of Seoul's glittering skyline.

  "Make yourself comfortable," Ji-hyun said, gesturing to the sofa. "Would you like something stronger than water? You look like you could use it."

  "Yes, please," Seo-ah replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She needed something to calm her nerves, which were frayed from both anxiety and an unexpected excitement building within her.

  Ji-hyun poured two glasses of premium soju and handed one to Seo-ah. Their fingers brushed during the exchange, sending an electric current up Seo-ah's arm. Ji-hyun's touch lingered a moment longer than necessary.

  "You're nervous. I understand-I was too, my first time here," Ji-hyun said, sitting close enough that Seo-ah could smell her expensive perfume-notes of jasmine and something darker, more sensual.

  "What exactly happens during a private assessment?" Seo-ah asked, taking a sip and feeling the alcohol burn down her throat, warming her from the inside.

  Ji-hyun's lips curved into a knowing smile, her eyes darkening slightly. "Min-ho has an eye for talent beyond just singing and dancing. Some trainees have qualities that are better suited for other paths-acting, modeling..." She paused, her eyes traveling over Seo-ah's body with deliberate slowness. "You have a perfect figure. Your face photographs beautifully. Your singing is above average, but your presence-that's what's special about you."

  Seo-ah felt her cheeks flush under Ji-hyun's intense gaze. "I just want a chance. My mother is in the hospital, and I-"

  "You don't need to explain," Ji-hyun interrupted gently, placing a hand on Seo-ah's knee. "We all have our reasons." Her fingers traced small circles on Seo-ah's skin, each movement sending tingles up her thigh. Ji-hyun set down her glass and stood, extending her hand. "Come with me. I want to show you something."

  Ji-hyun led her to another door, which opened into what looked like a luxury dressing room. The walls were lined with clothing racks filled with designer outfits from Chanel, Gucci, and local Korean designers, while glass cases displayed jewelry and accessories that must have cost more than Seo-ah's entire family had ever earned.

  "These are just some of the perks," Ji-hyun said, running her fingers along a silk dress in a deep crimson shade. "But the real opportunity is what Min-ho can offer your career. He has connections throughout the industry-film directors, fashion houses, music producers. One word from him can open doors that would otherwise remain closed forever."

  She guided Seo-ah to the back of the room, where she opened a drawer with a small key she kept on a chain around her neck. Inside was an array of lingerie-delicate, revealing pieces in silk, lace, and sheer fabrics in every color imaginable.

  "The private assessment isn't just about your talent on stage," Ji-hyun said softly, her voice taking on a husky quality that made Seo-ah's skin prickle with goosebumps. "It's about your willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. To please. To surrender."

  Seo-ah's breath caught in her throat as Ji-hyun's hand brushed against her arm, then trailed down to her waist, coming to rest on the curve of her hip. The touch was light but possessive.

  "Are you willing, Seo-ah?" Ji-hyun whispered, her lips close enough to Seo-ah's ear that she could feel warm breath against her skin. "Min-ho is waiting, but first, I need to make sure you're ready. That you understand what's expected."

  Seo-ah hesitated only for a moment before nodding, her desire to succeed, to help her mother, overriding any reservations. "Yes. I'll do whatever it takes."

  Ji-hyun smiled and selected a sheer babydoll top in pale blue that would contrast beautifully with Seo-ah's skin tone, and a matching garter belt with open-slit panties that concealed nothing. "Change into these. I'll be changing too."

  As Seo-ah began to undress, her hands trembling slightly, Ji-hyun made no move to turn away. Instead, she watched with approving eyes as Seo-ah removed her practice clothes, revealing her body inch by inch.

  "You have a beautiful body, Seo-ah. Min-ho will be pleased," Ji-hyun said, her gaze lingering on Seo-ah's full breasts and the curve of her hips. "Your proportions are perfect-better than mine were at your age."

  When they were both changed, Ji-hyun led Seo-ah to a full-length mirror. The lingerie left little to the imagination, and Seo-ah barely recognized herself in the reflection-she looked older, more confident, despite the nervousness she felt inside. The sheer fabric clung to her curves, her nipples visible through the delicate material.

  "I should tell you," Seo-ah said quietly, avoiding Ji-hyun's eyes in the mirror, "I've never... I'm still..."

  "A virgin?" Ji-hyun finished for her, placing her hands on Seo-ah's shoulders and meeting her gaze in the reflection. "Don't worry. I'll be there with you. Min-ho appreciates innocence, but he also values enthusiasm." She reached for a small bottle on a nearby shelf, its contents a pale pink liquid. "Drink this. It will help you relax."

  Seo-ah took the bottle and drank its contents without question. The liquid was sweet with a bitter aftertaste, like strawberries mixed with something medicinal.

  "Now," Ji-hyun said, taking Seo-ah's hand, her fingers intertwining with the younger woman's, "let's not keep Min-ho waiting any longer."

  They left the dressing room and walked down the corridor, the plush carpet soft beneath their bare feet. With each step, Seo-ah felt a strange warmth spreading through her body, starting in her core and radiating outward. Her skin became hypersensitive, and she was acutely aware of the air against her exposed skin, the fabric brushing against her nipples, the growing wetness between her thighs.

  By the time they reached Min-ho's door, Seo-ah was breathing heavily, her body flushed with a desire she had never experienced before. Every nerve ending seemed to be on fire, and she found herself pressing her thighs together, seeking relief from the building pressure.

  Ji-hyun knocked once before opening the door, revealing a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of Seoul's nightscape. The room was minimally furnished with a large bed covered in black silk sheets, a bar area, and several leather armchairs. Standing by the bar counter, drink in hand, was CEO Min-ho, wearing only a luxurious black silk bathrobe that did little to hide his muscular physique.

  "Sir," Ji-hyun greeted him with a bow, and Seo-ah quickly followed suit, feeling dizzy as she straightened up again.

  Min-ho's eyes traveled over Seo-ah's body with deliberate slowness, and she felt herself growing wetter under his gaze. The drug Ji-hyun had given her was taking full effect now, making her feel both lightheaded and intensely aroused.

  "You've brought me a gift, Ji-hyun," Min-ho said, his voice deep and commanding, sending shivers down Seo-ah's spine.

  "A promising trainee who needs your guidance," Ji-hyun replied with a smile, her hand still holding Seo-ah's. "I believe she has potential beyond the stage."

  Min-ho set down his drink and approached them, his movements predatory and confident. Up close, he was even more imposing-tall, with broad shoulders and intense eyes that seemed to see right through Seo-ah.

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  "And what do you think, little one?" he asked, lifting Seo-ah's chin with his finger. "Are you ready to show me what you're capable of?"

  The door closed behind them, sealing the three figures in a world of luxury and desire. Min-ho's eyes gleamed with approval as he took in Seo-ah's trembling form, her nipples visible through the sheer blue fabric, her thighs already glistening with arousal.

  "Come closer," Min-ho commanded, his voice deep and resonant in the spacious room.

  Seo-ah took hesitant steps forward, guided by Ji-hyun's gentle hand at the small of her back. The drug was now fully coursing through her system, making her hypersensitive to every sensation-the cool air against her skin, the soft carpet beneath her feet, the heat radiating from Min-ho's body as she approached.

  "Tell me," Min-ho said, circling her slowly, "why do you want this opportunity?"

  Seo-ah swallowed hard, finding her voice. "I need to succeed, sir. For my mother. For myself."

  Min-ho nodded, stopping behind her. His fingers traced the curve of her shoulder, sending electric shivers down her spine. "And you understand what's required? What Ji-hyun has explained to you?"

  "Yes," Seo-ah whispered, her voice barely audible.

  Ji-hyun moved to stand before her, lifting Seo-ah's chin with gentle fingers. "Show him how eager you are," she murmured, her eyes dark with desire. "Show him what a good girl you can be."

  Something primal awakened in Seo-ah. Perhaps it was the drug, or perhaps it was the desperation to succeed, but she found herself sinking to her knees before Min-ho, her eyes fixed on the obvious bulge beneath his silk robe.

  Ji-hyun smiled approvingly, joining her on the plush carpet. With practiced grace, she tugged at the sash of Min-ho's robe, letting it fall open to reveal his muscular torso and impressive erection.

  "Watch me first," Ji-hyun instructed, her voice husky. She leaned forward, taking Min-ho in her hand, stroking him slowly before wrapping her lips around the tip.

  Seo-ah watched, mesmerized, as Ji-hyun worked her mouth over Min-ho's length, her technique clearly perfected through countless encounters. Min-ho's hand tangled in Ji-hyun's hair, guiding her movements as his breathing grew heavier.

  "Your turn," Ji-hyun said after a moment, pulling back and turning to Seo-ah. "Don't be shy. Use your tongue, like this." She demonstrated with a slow lick from base to tip that made Min-ho groan.

  Trembling with a mixture of nervousness and drug-induced arousal, Seo-ah leaned forward. The scent of Min-ho's skin-clean, masculine, with hints of expensive cologne-filled her nostrils as she tentatively extended her tongue, tasting him for the first time.

  "Good girl," Min-ho murmured, his hand moving to cradle the back of her head. "Take your time. We have all night."

  Ji-hyun moved behind Seo-ah, her hands sliding around to cup the younger woman's breasts through the sheer fabric. "Relax your throat," she whispered in Seo-ah's ear. "Let him guide you."

  As Seo-ah grew bolder with her movements, Min-ho's breathing became more ragged. Ji-hyun's hands wandered lower, slipping between Seo-ah's thighs to find her dripping center.

  "She's so wet," Ji-hyun reported, her fingers sliding easily through Seo-ah's folds. "The drug works well on her."

  Min-ho smiled, pulling back from Seo-ah's eager mouth. "Let's move this to the bed. I want to see what our new talent is truly capable of."

  He led them to the massive bed, its black silk sheets a stark contrast to Seo-ah's pale skin as she was positioned in the center. Ji-hyun crawled onto the bed beside her, her experienced hands continuing to explore Seo-ah's body.

  "Have you ever been touched like this before?" Ji-hyun asked, circling Seo-ah's clit with practiced fingers.

  Seo-ah shook her head, gasping as waves of pleasure radiated from Ji-hyun's touch. "N-no," she managed. "Never."

  "Then we'll be your first," Min-ho said, positioning himself between her spread legs. He ran his hands up her thighs, pushing them wider apart. "Ji-hyun, prepare her."

  Ji-hyun nodded, sliding down to place her mouth where her fingers had been. Seo-ah cried out at the sensation of Ji-hyun's warm tongue against her most intimate place, her back arching off the bed.

  "She tastes divine," Ji-hyun murmured, looking up at Min-ho. "So innocent. So responsive."

  Min-ho watched, stroking himself as Ji-hyun worked Seo-ah into a frenzy. When Seo-ah's thighs began to tremble, signaling her approaching climax, he gently pulled Ji-hyun away.

  "Not yet," he said, his voice commanding. "I want to feel her first orgasm around me."

  Seo-ah whimpered at the loss of Ji-hyun's mouth, her hips lifting involuntarily, seeking more stimulation. The drug had removed any inhibitions she might have had, leaving only raw need in its wake.

  "Please," she begged, not entirely sure what she was asking for, only knowing that she needed more.

  Min-ho positioned himself at her entrance, the head of his cock pressing against her virgin opening. "This will hurt," he warned, his eyes locked with hers. "But the pain will pass quickly."

  Ji-hyun moved to cradle Seo-ah's head in her lap, stroking her hair soothingly. "Breathe deeply," she instructed. "And relax."

  With one powerful thrust, Min-ho breached Seo-ah's virginity. She cried out, tears springing to her eyes at the sharp pain. Ji-hyun wiped them away, murmuring words of encouragement.

  "The worst is over," she promised, bending to kiss Seo-ah's forehead. "Now comes the pleasure."

  True to Ji-hyun's word, the pain soon gave way to a building pressure as Min-ho began to move within her. Each thrust sent waves of sensation through Seo-ah's drug-heightened body, building upon one another until she felt she might shatter.

  "She's so tight," Min-ho groaned, his pace increasing. "So perfect."

  Ji-hyun smiled, her hands continuing to caress Seo-ah's breasts, pinching and rolling her nipples. "I knew you'd approve. She has such potential."

  The combination of Min-ho's thrusts, Ji-hyun's skilled hands, and the drug flowing through her veins soon pushed Seo-ah over the edge. Her first real orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave, her inner walls clenching around Min-ho as she cried out, her body arching off the bed.

  "That's it," Min-ho encouraged, not slowing his pace. "Let go completely."

  As Seo-ah's climax began to subside, Min-ho pulled out, flipping her onto her stomach with ease. "On your knees," he commanded, guiding her hips up.

  Ji-hyun helped position her, whispering in her ear, "This angle will feel even better. Trust me."

  Min-ho entered her again from behind, the new position allowing him to penetrate even deeper. Seo-ah moaned into the sheets, overwhelmed by the fullness, the pressure against spots inside her she never knew existed.

  "Look at how well she takes you," Ji-hyun observed, her hand sliding between Seo-ah's legs to circle her clit once more. "A natural talent indeed."

  The night continued in a blur of positions and sensations. Min-ho took his time, demonstrating his stamina and skill, bringing Seo-ah to climax again and again until she was limp with exhaustion. Ji-hyun participated throughout, sometimes guiding, sometimes joining, her experienced touch adding another layer to Seo-ah's pleasure.

  When Min-ho finally approached his own release, he pulled Seo-ah close, her back against his chest as he thrust up into her from below. Ji-hyun knelt before them, her mouth on Seo-ah's breasts, her fingers working between the younger woman's thighs.

  "You've done so well," Min-ho murmured in Seo-ah's ear, his pace becoming erratic. "Now take everything I have to give you."

  With a final, powerful thrust, he buried himself deep inside her, his release flooding her insides as Seo-ah experienced one last, shattering orgasm.

  As they collapsed together on the sweat-dampened sheets, Min-ho's hand came to rest possessively on Seo-ah's hip. "I think we've found our newest star," he said to Ji-hyun, who smiled in agreement.

  "Welcome to the inner circle," Ji-hyun whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Seo-ah's temple. "Your real training begins now."

  The afterglow of Seo-ah's initiation hung in the air, the room thick with the scent of sex and sweat. As she lay on the silk sheets, her body still tingling from multiple orgasms, she watched through half-lidded eyes as Min-ho and Ji-hyun exchanged a look that spoke volumes.

  "She did well for her first time," Min-ho said, his voice low and commanding. "But I think she should see what a more... experienced session looks like." His eyes darkened as he turned to Ji-hyun. "Show her what you can take."

  Ji-hyun's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Yes, sir." She rose from the bed with feline grace, her naked body gleaming in the low light.

  Min-ho stood, his muscular frame imposing as he approached Ji-hyun. Without warning, he gripped her throat, not hard enough to cut off air, but firmly enough to establish dominance. Ji-hyun's eyes fluttered closed, a soft moan escaping her lips.

  "Watch carefully, Seo-ah," Min-ho instructed without looking back. "This is what happens when you prove your loyalty."

  He guided Ji-hyun to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Seoul's glittering skyline. The city lights created a backdrop of twinkling stars far below them as he pressed her against the cool glass. Ji-hyun gasped at the temperature contrast against her heated skin.

  "Anyone could see us," she whispered, but her voice held excitement rather than concern.

  "Let them," Min-ho growled, positioning himself behind her. "Let them see what belongs to me."

  From her vantage point on the bed, Seo-ah could see Ji-hyun's breasts pressed against the glass, flattening slightly with the pressure. Min-ho kicked Ji-hyun's legs apart, widening her stance before entering her with a single powerful thrust.

  Ji-hyun cried out, her hands splaying against the window for support. Min-ho established a punishing rhythm, each thrust forcing Ji-hyun harder against the glass. His hand tangled in her hair, pulling her head back to expose the column of her throat.

  "You like being watched, don't you?" Min-ho hissed into her ear, loud enough for Seo-ah to hear. "You like knowing our new girl is seeing how well you take my cock."

  "Yes," Ji-hyun moaned, her eyes finding Seo-ah's across the room. "I love it."

  Seo-ah felt a renewed stirring between her legs as she watched. The gentleness Min-ho had shown her was completely absent now, replaced by raw dominance. She found herself wondering how that intensity would feel, how it might push her pleasure even higher than what she'd already experienced.

  Min-ho suddenly pulled out, spinning Ji-hyun around to face him. In one fluid motion, he lifted her, her legs wrapping around his waist as he impaled her once more. Ji-hyun's head fell back, exposing her throat, which Min-ho immediately attacked with his teeth, leaving marks that would be visible for days.

  "Touch yourself," he commanded Seo-ah without looking at her. "Show me you're learning."

  Seo-ah's hand moved between her legs almost automatically, finding herself still slick and sensitive. She began circling her clit, mimicking the way Ji-hyun had touched her earlier, her eyes never leaving the couple by the window.

  Min-ho carried Ji-hyun away from the window, still inside her, demonstrating his strength as he moved to the center of the room. He lowered her to her feet only to bend her over the back of a leather armchair, her ass high in the air.

  "You want it rough?" he asked, his palm coming down hard on her right cheek, leaving a red handprint.

  "Please," Ji-hyun begged, pushing back against him.

  Min-ho looked over at Seo-ah, who was now actively pleasuring herself. "Bring me the oil from the nightstand."

  Seo-ah scrambled to obey, her legs shaky as she retrieved a small bottle of lubricant. She handed it to Min-ho, who poured a generous amount onto his fingers.

  "Have you ever watched someone take it here?" he asked Seo-ah, his slick fingers circling Ji-hyun's puckered entrance.

  Seo-ah shook her head, mesmerized.

  "Then pay attention," he said, slowly working one finger into Ji-hyun's ass. "This is advanced training."

  Ji-hyun moaned deeply as Min-ho prepared her, adding a second finger, then a third, stretching her carefully despite the roughness of his earlier actions. When he deemed her ready, he positioned himself at her entrance.

  "Breathe," he instructed, and Ji-hyun took a deep breath as he pushed forward, breaching the tight ring of muscle.

  Seo-ah watched in fascination as Min-ho's thick length disappeared inch by inch into Ji-hyun's body. The secretary's face was a mask of concentration and pleasure, her mouth open in a silent cry.

  "This is what happens when you earn my complete trust," Min-ho said to Seo-ah, his eyes meeting hers as he began to move inside Ji-hyun. "This is what you can aspire to."

  Ji-hyun's moans grew louder with each thrust, her hands gripping the chair so tightly her knuckles turned white. Min-ho's pace was relentless, his hands leaving bruises on her hips.

  After several minutes, he pulled out, leaving Ji-hyun gasping. "On the bed," he ordered. "Both of you."

  Seo-ah quickly positioned herself on her back as instructed. Ji-hyun crawled onto the bed, straddling Seo-ah's face, her glistening sex inches from the rookie's mouth.

  "Show her what you've learned," Min-ho said, positioning himself behind Ji-hyun.

  As Min-ho entered Ji-hyun's ass once more, Seo-ah tentatively extended her tongue, tasting another woman for the first time. Ji-hyun's flavor was different from her own-tangier, more complex-but not unpleasant.

  "That's it," Ji-hyun encouraged, her voice strained as Min-ho began to move. "Use your tongue like I showed you."

  Seo-ah grew bolder, lapping at Ji-hyun's folds, finding her clit and circling it the way Ji-hyun had done to her. Above her, Ji-hyun was being thoroughly used by Min-ho, his thrusts pushing her down onto Seo-ah's eager mouth.

  The dual stimulation soon had Ji-hyun trembling, her thighs quivering on either side of Seo-ah's head. "I'm close," she gasped, her hand reaching down to tangle in Seo-ah's hair, holding her in place.

  "Not yet," Min-ho commanded, slowing his pace. "Not until I say."

  Ji-hyun whimpered, her body tense with the effort of holding back her orgasm. Min-ho continued his measured thrusts, occasionally reaching around to pinch Ji-hyun's nipples or slap her ass, keeping her on the edge.

  "Please," Ji-hyun finally begged, her voice breaking. "Please, sir."

  Min-ho's rhythm increased, his own release approaching. "Now," he growled. "Come for us now."

  Ji-hyun shattered, her cry echoing off the walls as her body convulsed. Seo-ah felt the secretary's release against her tongue, the flood of wetness evidence of her pleasure. Min-ho followed moments later, his fingers digging into Ji-hyun's hips as he emptied himself inside her.

  The three collapsed onto the bed, a tangle of limbs and sweat-slicked skin. Min-ho positioned himself in the center, with Ji-hyun and Seo-ah on either side, their heads resting on his chest.

  "You both pleased me tonight," he murmured, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on their skin. "Ji-hyun, your instincts about our new recruit were correct."

  Ji-hyun smiled, her eyes meeting Seo-ah's across Min-ho's chest. "I knew she had potential the moment I saw her."

  Seo-ah felt a strange mix of emotions-satisfaction, exhaustion, and a new sense of belonging. The path ahead was clear now, different from what she had imagined when she first joined the agency, but potentially more rewarding.

  "Rest now," Min-ho said, his voice softening as he pulled them both closer. "Tomorrow, we discuss your new contract, Seo-ah."

  As sleep began to claim her, Seo-ah's last conscious thought was that she had found her place at last-not on the stage as she had planned, but here, in this exclusive inner circle where the real power resided. Her mother would get the treatment she needed, and Seo-ah would never have to worry about being just "above average" again.

  Beside her, Ji-hyun was already asleep, her face peaceful, all traces of the "Ice Queen" gone. Min-ho remained awake a while longer, his eyes on the ceiling as he contemplated his newest acquisition and the possibilities she represented.

  The city continued to sparkle beyond the windows, unaware of the bargains made and futures altered in the luxury suite high above its streets.