Chapter 230 - Impending Danger

"Song Tamlin seems to have a particular affinity for you," Junhyung commented as he rolled around on the chair. He and Ash were at their new office, planning for their next move. 

"He sure is bold for openly inviting you," he went on. 

"As the owner of Aroma Inc., he probably saw it as fitting," Ash stated lazily. He was messaging his clients through his phone. "Since all top level businessmen and celebrities will be there. Why should I be left out?" 

"Won't your ex be there?" Junhyung sneered. "That leader of Abyss. What's her name again?" 

"Does it matter?" Ash asked, still typing on his phone. "I was only using her." 

"Were you?" Junhyung questioned. 

"What do you mean?" 

"She wasn't really a part of your plan," Junhyung said. "When she approached you, you were simply playing along to get more information on Abyss." 

"Obviously," Ash muttered, his focus still on the phone. 

"Doesn't it bother you though? Your ex is now married to your enemy."

When Ash did not pay any heed to him, Junhyung inched closer. "Did you actually feel anything for her?" he taunted. "Aren't you regretting the fact that you left her. And…" 

He leaned closer to Ash, whose attention was on his phone. 

"Did you really not feel anything when she miscarried your child-" 

He stopped and looked down. A cold gun was pointed towards his stomach. 

"You talk too much," Ash said quietly, still typing on his phone with one hand. "I really hate talkative people." 

Junhyung glared at him but did not dare to say another word. If he died in that office, it would be very easy for Ash to get rid of his body and leave no trace behind. 

"Focus on our mission," Ash threatened. "If you value your life, then keep your mouth shut and prepare for the party."

Junghyung gave a stiff nod. Ash quietly retreated his gun and slid it back into its sling. Junhyung, relieved to be alive, quickly hurried out of the room. 

Once outside, he glanced back. His face was full of rage but he was helpless against such threats. He had learned a long time ago, that in order to survive in this heartless world, one has to team up with the strongest players in the game. He chose to be with the Cartel in order to crush those people who were responsible for his current state. And he blamed only one person for his destruction. 

Kwon Jiwon. 

As Junhyung turned around to leave, all he could think about was how to destroy that man who took away the life he deserved. And he knew exactly how to destroy his enemy. 

…. 

Eli was busily going through the files regarding a recent robbery when she heard a strange commotion outside. A group of lady officers were crowding the entrance. 

"Oh my god!" one of the female officers squealed. "It's him! It's really him!" 

"He looks so handsome in real life," another one said with a dreamy gaze. 

"Why is he here? Did he do a crime?" 

"What the hell?" Eli frowned. She got up to see what was happening. 

"What are you guys doing here?" she asked them. "Why are you blocking the door?" 

"Eli, thank god!" one of the officers named Suji exclaimed. "You won't believe who's here!" 

She pointed towards the waiting room. Eli glanced there only to have a mini heart attack. Dasom was sitting there, chatting with Hyun Jung. 

"Detective Lee is friends with EXOTIC!" Suji sighed. "He's so lucky." 

Eli felt a nerve twitch in her head. Why was this idiot here? 

She was about to turn away when Hyun Jung called out to her. 

"Eli!" he shouted. "Come here!" 

The other officers turned to look at her. Some of them threw jealous glares at her. Eli wanted to throttle Dasom for putting her in such a position. How was she going to explain why she was being called? 

Ignoring the stares, she slowly approached the two men. 

"You called me, Sunbae?" she asked. 

"Yes," Hyun Jung said. "You'll be escorting Dasom to Song Tamlin's party tomorrow." 

Eli stared at him in horror while Dasom held back his laughter. Her face was red with embarrassment. She threw him a dangerous glare. At that moment, she felt like burying him alive. 

"Why me, Sunbae?" she gritted her teeth. "I'm sure he can get someone else as his date. Besides, I have a lot of work." 

"Don't worry," Hyun Jung said. "Captain Kim gave us permission to attend. I'll be there as well." 

"Is something going to happen there?" Eli frowned. 

"We are not sure," Dasom chimed in. "But Ash will be there and we think he'll be up to something at the party." 

"Which is why all of us are going as guests," Hyun Jung stated. 

"Who are you going with?" Eli asked. 

"You'll see tomorrow," he shrugged. "I'll leave the two of you to plan for your date." 

"It is not a date!" Eli exclaimed. Hyun Jung stared at her. 

"I mean, it's just work," she hastily explained. "It's not a real date. We're there for work." 

Dasom had great difficulty holding his laughter while Hyun Jung was confused. 

"Okay," he said slowly. "I'll… I'll just leave you two to do your own planning." 

He quickly made his escape, feeling very perplexed. Dasom stood up. He held out a red card

"I'll pick you up at seven o'clock tomorrow," he winked. "Here's your card. It's a c.o.c.ktail party so wear a nice gown." 

"G-gown?" she stuttered. She did not own any gowns! 

"You need one?" he smirked. "I'll gladly buy you one. Although…" 

He leaned in closer. "I prefer you without any clothes." 

Eli had to fight the urge to shoot him on the spot. Dasom winked at her and stepped back. 

"Never again," she said firmly. 

"Never again what?" he asked, feigning innocence. 

His devilish smile was only making her cheeks turn into a deep shade of magenta. 

"Seven o'clock," he said as he walked away. He grinned as she stomped her foot. 

Eli could feel the judgemental looks of the other female officers. They glared at her as she made her way towards the desk. She despised their assumptions and had an urge to tell them off. 

Tomorrow's party will be a disaster, she screamed internally.