“The group has already turned sixty before we knew it,” Chairman Yoon said as he stood on the dark gray stage with a hint of blue, drawing the attention of the crowd. The audience laughed here and there when he referred to the 60th anniversary as “hwangap”, a word for a person’s 60th birthday. This commemorative party was being held in a closed manner according to Chairman Yoon’s wishes, rather than being open to the outside.

Of course, there were also events being held separately outside, but the “real” one was happening now.

“Well then, I hope you enjoy yourselves to the fullest as we put in special effort.”

As Chairman Yoon’s speech officially kicking off the party ended, people scattered toward whatever interested them.

As it was a party being operated in secrecy, Chairman Yoon had arranged for reporters to be unable to attend. Many of the invited figures had occupations that drew people’s attention, so a party without cameras granted them freedom.

Of course, there were watchful eyes and loose-lipped individuals everywhere, so the atmosphere wasn’t completely unrestrained. This was especially the case for gatherings where the entire Cha family got together like today.

“……”

Min Hae Yeon looked at Chairman Yoon receiving greetings from people together with Cha Ki Jung after finishing his speech. Then, the moment Chairman Yoon turned his body toward her direction to look at the person greeting him from the right, their gazes collided.

As expected, Chairman Yoon revealed a hint of contempt that Hae Yeon could feel even from a distance. Former Director of Education Cha Ki Jung was too busy shaking hands with guests to notice.

“Haha. You look great today as well, Representative Cha.”

Hae Yeon’s attention was diverted by a middle-aged man with a genteel impression.

Do Ha, a popular figure at any party, was grabbed by someone as soon as Chairman Yoon’s speech ended. The people who had been waiting for an opportunity by his side checked who had grabbed him and clicked their tongues, postponing their plans.

“Mayor Jo.”

The figure with graying hair here and there was Jo Byung-jae, the mayor of Pyeongtaek City. Mayor Jo smiled warmly and complimented Do Ha’s attire.

“Well, what wouldn’t suit a figure like Representative Cha?”

As Mayor Jo said, Do Ha was wearing a beige-colored three-piece suit that added dignity due to the color giving a bright impression, lending vibrancy to his static looks.

The suit, tailored to his physique, stretched taut and loosened repeatedly according to his movements, revealing Do Ha’s fit body.

“Representative Cha. I’ve heard a lot about your wife being a beauty, but the rumors were not exaggerated.”

Mayor Jo’s gaze turned to Hae Yeon who was standing arm in arm next to Do Ha.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Jo Byung-jae. I look forward to working with you in the future as well, ma’am.”

“I’m Min Hae Yeon. The pleasure is all mine. I look forward to working with you too. I’ve heard a lot about you from my husband.”

Hae Yeon was wearing a cream-colored evening dress today. The elegant style covering up to her instep and the pearl necklace she wore as a point accessory suited her unusually fair and long neckline, accentuating her elegance.

In particular, unlike others, it was short-sleeved and covered her collarbones and neck, so there was little exposure. However, the lines that distinctly stood out as the dress clung tightly to her body stimulated the imagination while being ascetic.

“Hmm, I’m curious about what Representative Cha said about me, but I’ll have to hold back for now since I have something else to discuss.”

“Ah. I suddenly thought of someone I need to meet as well.”

Sensing that Mayor Jo wanted to talk to Do Ha separately, Hae Yeon smiled and yielded her spot. Mayor Jo laughed apologetically at her polite yet witty response.

“You have a wonderful wife, Representative Cha.”

“Thank you. I think I used up all my luck when I met my wife.”

It was a rare sight to see from Do Ha. Mayor Jo was taken aback at first by Do Ha’s joke that was different from usual, then laughed heartily. They had been married for 4 years, but it was a line befitting newlyweds who were still head over heels.

“I didn’t know this side of you existed, Representative Cha. That’s right. It’s good if you get along well. By the way, isn’t the alcohol a bit rough?”

Looking around, Mayor Jo made a meaningful remark.

“Ah. Then I’ll get you a new one. Let’s go over there.”

The two headed toward the table with glasses, and the people who had been eavesdropping while pretending not to be disappointed. Among those watching them from afar was Han Yoon Seo, who barely contained the frown that threatened to form between her brows.

It wasn’t a problem that Cha Do Ha was doing well.

That wasn’t something Yoon Seo could prevent, and pouring out emotions like anger or jealousy would only make her look unseemly. What Yoon Seo was displeased about was the person standing next to Cha Do Ha.

He was the mayor of the hottest city in the country these days, and there were widespread rumors that he would become the ruling party’s next presidential candidate. Mayor Jo himself was remarkable, but the problem was that connecting with him meant one could also tap into Mayor Jo’s golden network.

“Mmm, Chairman Yoon must have put in quite the effort. The alcohol is all top quality and sticks to the inside of my mouth.”

At the drawling voice that came from beside her, Yoon Seo sighed.

How did he figure out in such a short time that the alcohol at the party venue was high-class? Yoon Seo wondered if Do Hoon even knew the names of the key figures among those invited here.

She couldn’t leave him behind since she never knew when he might cause an accident, so Yoon Seo was very regretful about having to stay still in front of this field of connections. In the end, just as she was thinking of abandoning Do Hoon and going to socialize alone,

“…..The chairman is here…..”

“Oh my, that’s true…..”

“…..Look over there….. Brought them…..”

The banquet hall suddenly began buzzing with excitement.

Yoon Seo, who had received makeup from someone called from a famous shop in Gangnam, raised her cocktail glass with an indifferent face. Around the time the red liquid flowed down her throat, Yoon Seo moved her gaze to where everyone’s eyes were directed.

“Ha! I told you it would be fun.”

Do Hoon, who had noticed the cause of the commotion before Yoon Seo, giggled enough to make his glass shake.

“Gilmyung has already turned sixty, Chairman Yoon.”

“It’s only sixty, Chairman Lee. Our company will be running toward the future.”

Yoon Myung-gil, the chairman of Gilmyung Jepang, the host of the party and second in the industry, and Lee Bon-geun, the chairman of Mibon Food who was leading the industry, each looked at each other with meaningful smiles.

Veteran commander, Lee Bon-geun.

That was the current nickname of Chairman Lee Bon-geun. A seasoned general who had fought countless battles. He had been called by a different nickname when he was young, but now it was set as “veteran.”

He was famous in the industry as a workaholic, so he had his children late in life. Despite being older than Chairman Yoon, he was still active on the front lines. Throughout his life, he was someone who never allowed any gaps for himself.

“You still haven’t fixed that nasty habit of yours.”

Chairman Yoon quietly spat out those words while standing behind Chairman Lee, who was exchanging greetings with other people. It was a clearly different tone from when they had politely greeted each other earlier.

To others, it didn’t look like the two were conversing but each standing with their backs turned, greeting approaching guests.

Drawing attention alone even at this party, Chairman Lee had his two children, outstanding in both ability and looks, standing on either side of him, making him the focus of people’s gazes.

There were quite a few people who mocked Chairman Lee’s appearance of always bringing his two children to important meetings, parties, and events. It was because it gave the impression of displaying splendid trophies on both sides.

Chairman Lee often committed such actions that subtly stimulated his children’s competitive spirit. Of course, the opinions of the parties involved were of no concern to him.

“Why don’t you just decide on one successor like me?”

Chairman Yoon said while still keeping his back turned.

“That way, they might run away saying they don’t want the successor position like someone else.”

At Chairman Lee’s words, Chairman Yoon’s smile deepened. There was no way he wouldn’t know who that “someone” Chairman Lee mentioned was referring to, so he smiled even more.

“Since that someone who ran away has become so successful on their own, wouldn’t they be better than Chairman Lee’s children who are embraced every day?”

When he responded nonchalantly, Chairman Lee chuckled lightly behind his back.

“I believe, Chairman Yoon, that the one who will succeed me needs will, not just ability.”

Chairman Lee turned around and glanced at Chairman Yoon, smiling benevolently. If one only looked at his expression, he seemed like a kind and friendly grandfather from the neighborhood.

However, his close associates didn’t fall for it, knowing the snake-like temperament hidden inside.

“Well then, I’ll get going now. I originally intended to just greet you and leave.”

“What brings you to move that heavy body of yours?”

“Hoho, please take good care of my children.”

Maintaining his kind grandfather mask until the end, Chairman Lee left the banquet hall. The moment he entered to now as he exited, the people who had been watching began commenting one by one.

Yoon Seo, who had been observing from afar, also blinked. It wasn’t because of Chairman Lee’s reason for leaving. Lee Su Rin, who had moved positions at some point, raised her cocktail glass slightly from a distance. As if making a toast.

‘Hmm- What is she up to now?’

There were others besides Yoon Seo who noticed Lee Su Rin’s blatant actions. Lee Yoon Ho, who had been standing by Lee Su Rin’s side the whole time as a Mibon affiliate; Min Hae Yeon, who had been keeping a close eye on Lee Su Rin’s appearance; and Cha Do Hoon, who kept drinking and observing everything.

Wrinkles formed at the corners of Do Hoon’s eyes.

‘There seems to be something between her and Yoon Seo.’

Do Hoon, who thought she was worth the anticipation, brought the glass to his lips again. Then, as if a fun thought occurred to him, Do Hoon whispered into Yoon Seo’s ear,

“She does go well with a Manhattan.”

The moment he finished speaking, Yoon Seo whipped her head around to stare at Do Hoon. Manhattan referred to a borough in New York, but it was also a type of cocktail. Characterized by a reddish sunset color and garnished with a cherry.

It was similar to the color of the cocktail in Lee Su Rin’s hand right now. Above all, the nickname for a Manhattan was the “queen” of cocktails.

“You-.”

Sparks flew in Yoon Seo’s eyes as she looked at Do Hoon. Not daunted at all by her gaze, Do Hoon plucked the olive skewered on the wooden pin in his glass and bit into it. With his other hand, he gestured for her to calm down.

“Whoa, whoa. Don’t get worked up. Oh, but do people know that you’re this good at being fake?”

Do Hoon played with his words on the edge, as if deliberately trying to get on Yoon Seo’s nerves.

“Sister-in-law, you’re here?”

Suddenly shifting his gaze behind Yoon Seo, Do Hoon smiled brightly. Only then did Yoon Seo register the sound of heels clicking behind her back. At the tempo of the footsteps, slightly slower than ordinary people and falling at a steady beat, Yoon Seo quickly composed her expression.

“Hello, brother-in-law. It’s the first time seeing you since the city hall event. Have you been well?”

Min Hae Yeon appeared with a neat appearance, not a single flaw to be found. As if Yoon Seo’s existence wasn’t even present, she only addressed Do Hoon.

“Of course I’ve been well. More importantly, sister-in-law hasn’t been seen around Daechi-dong at all these days.”

Hae Yeon and Do Hoon seemed ordinary as they engaged in everyday conversation. However, the two originally weren’t close enough to make such small talk.

“It’s because I’ve been working.”

“Ah, right. It was called Dali Coffee, wasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Yoon Seo was fed up. She didn’t like the sight of people she disliked laughing and talking with each other.

“Oh, right. Sister-in-law. Can you tell Do Ha that I’m making good use of the golf club?”

“…..Golf club?”

“Yeah, golf club.”

Now they were even bringing up golf clubs as a conversation topic. Furthermore, for some reason, Do Hoon was involving Cha Do Ha as he spoke to Min Hae Yeon, so it was too awkward of a picture in Yoon Seo’s eyes.

“I obviously couldn’t miss out on the PGA Top 90th anniversary limited edition. It was a special release, so I couldn’t get it anywhere else, but Do Ha gave it to me as a birthday present.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“Oh my. It seems Do Ha didn’t tell his wife either.”

Yoon Seo’s brow furrowed on its own. She couldn’t understand why Do Hoon was being so talkative today.

Hae Yeon was also confused. Do Hoon had talked to her more than usual. Plus, she had a feeling he was deliberately trying to tell her something by specifically pointing things out.

Originally, Hae Yeon had an excellent memory. She had intentionally memorized all the birthdays of her in-laws when she first got married. If it was Do Hoon’s birthday, it would be November 23rd by the solar calendar.

If he had received a birthday present from his younger brother Do Ha, it must have meant he received it for his birthday last year. This year’s was still far off.

Last year and November.

Hae Yeon’s brows furrowed. Unlike her, Do Hoon was all smiles.

“Come take a look next time, sister-in-law. The engraved initials are really well done, it’s killer.”