"Appa! I'm already in this mess—"
"As a staff member. Not as my daughter." His tone left no room for argument. "We've worked hard to keep your identity separate. To let you live your normal life as a makeup artist just like you wanted. But if you're photographed with LUMEN right now, people will dig in the wrong places. And they'll find the connection to HAN MYSTÈRE. To us and definitely not on your terms."
Soorin wanted to argue. But he was right.
"What about Daehyun? He'll wonder where I went—"
"Who?"
"A close friend I made in the styling team. He's been supportive and helpful to—"
"We'll handle it. Say you're sick. Family emergency. Whatever."
"And you know who—"
"The dragon has his members. His manager. He'll be fine."
But Soorin knew better.
Haejin wouldn't be fine.
Her mother squeezed her hand. Blue eyes concerned. "Just for a few days. Until the media frenzy dies down. Then you can go back to your work."
Soorin nodded. What choice did she have?
