The woman in the photograph seemed to be watching them.Though her eyes faced the camera, each person felt that smile fall directly on them.
Hana's fingers tightened on the edge of the table.It wasn't just any photograph—It was her.The girl who had been missing for six months.The ghost that Los Angeles never stopped whispering about.
"Why is her picture here?"Mia asked quietly, tension threading through her voice.
No one answered.The silence pressed down like a damp cloth, suffocating the room.
The host, however, continued to smile, calm and composed.
"You recognize her," he said. "That is important."
Leo's brows lifted."Important for what?"
The host did not reply.Instead, he raised a hand and pointed at the framed portrait.
"Each of you… is connected to her," he said, enunciating every word.
Mark scoffed, leaning back in his chair."I don't know her at all. What sort of mind game is this?"
The host shook his head."You may not realize the connection. But tonight, you will."
The chandelier flickered twice.Everyone stiffened, eyes darting to the corners of the room.
Leo rose sharply, scanning the area with a professional's alertness."Is someone else here?"
The host finally spoke again, his voice dropping to a near whisper.
"Jisoo Han…"
He spoke the name like an invocation.
"She invited you here.""She left each of your names.""And her final message contained only one line—"
He paused.The air thickened as every gaze locked onto him.
"Find out… who hurt me."
Hana's breath hitched.The words felt like a cold hand reaching from the photograph, closing around her throat.
Mia leaned back, exhaling shakily."So this is…"she said slowly, "a trial?"
The host's smile finally faded, replaced by something quieter, heavier.
"No," he said.
"It's her last wish."