Friday afternoon.

The beauty shop was unusually busy today. Though the shop’s large size made it seem sparsely populated, there were quite a few more celebrities than usual, adorning themselves to stand out as much as possible.

Eom So Yeon, who had finished her makeup, was taking a brief rest on the main sofa before entering the dress fitting room.

The social party to be held this evening at the Elstella Hotel is a major upper-class event held every spring, with many celebrities from various fields expected to attend.

Rookie actress Eom So Yeon, whose presence is expected to be more than just a supporting role in the blockbuster drama “Lord of the Sun”. People were very curious about her, who had begun to make a name for herself as CN Entertainment’s ambitious hidden card.

Considering it his role to cater to their interest from a business perspective, CEO Gu Won Hoo designated So Yeon as his partner to attend the party together. So Yeon also readily accepted the proposal, sensing the company representative’s intentions.

However, as it was her first time attending such a large official event, So Yeon couldn’t shake off her nervousness since yesterday afternoon.

“Try drinking this at least.”

Do Soon, who had just returned from the pharmacy, handed So Yeon a bottle of liquid Cheong-sim-hwan with the lid removed.

“I don’t like bitter things.”

“This one’s tolerable. Just try it, I tell you.”

Although So Yeon generally disliked medicine, she couldn’t refuse Cheong-sim-hwan. She had to take this at least to somewhat compose her frozen expression.

“That’s right, gulp it down! How is it, tastes okay, right?”

“It’s bitter.”

What’s with that smiling expression while saying it’s bitter? Chuckling, Do Soon brought up the topic from yesterday once again.

“If you insist, it might be unavoidable, but do you really have to go that far?”

As a manager, it was natural to be concerned, even though blood ties were not something to be hidden or spoken of.

Yesterday around 2 PM, So Yeon returned home after spending a night at Seo Jun’s villa. Of course, nothing special happened.

They had a comfortable conversation like friends, and as it got late, they decided to spend the day at the villa, sleeping in separate rooms. The next day, right after a somewhat late breakfast, Seo Jun carefully drove So Yeon to the front of her house.

Seo Jun’s attitude was quite gentlemanly. Looking at him, So Yeon glimpsed a possibility. The hope that if he continued like this, she could create good memories with Tae Seo Jun, even if just for the duration of the drama project.

So she had been in a good mood all day, but an even better thing happened yesterday evening.

So Yeon had a long phone call with her mother.

‘Hyun Woo has been talking a lot more lately and often asks for his mother. So I’ve been thinking hard about it. I did something unforgivable to both the child and you, who left your flesh and blood behind. I think it’s right for mother and child to live together now. However, since you have to work, we should keep the nanny by Hyun Woo’s side. I’m planning to stay with him until he adjusts to life in Korea, what do you think?’

As soon as her mother asked, So Yeon covered her mouth and cried loudly. That sobbing sound was enough of an answer from her daughter, so Mrs. Jo Yeon Hee promised to return to Korea with Hyun Woo next month.

However, to live with the child, there were things that needed to be sorted out. For this reason, when Do Soon received the call and went over to So Yeon’s house, she was confronted with So Yeon’s unshakeable determination.

So Yeon said that what she regretted most was not being able to bring herself to speak when signing the exclusive contract with , and that she must reveal the fact that she has a child before it’s too late, even if it results in any disadvantages.

Having resolved to become a proud mother to Eom Hyun Woo, her determination seemed to have grown even stronger overnight as So Yeon spoke without hesitation.

“I should have said it earlier, and I can’t let my selfishness cause harm to the company or Director Yoon’s work.”

“Should I tell them on your behalf?”

Perhaps the exclusive contract with the company might be terminated. Also, she might face a situation where the current drama appearance plans fall through and she has to pay damages.

Do Soon, worried about So Yeon who was willing to bear all of that, thought it might be better if she herself negotiated with the company.

But So Yeon firmly said that even that, she would do herself.

“No. This is something I need to resolve.”

“My heart is pounding just thinking about what the CEO might say. But you said next month, right? When your mother comes to Korea with your little barnacle.”

“Yes. Now I don’t have to be separated from Hyun Woo anymore.”

“Are you that happy?”

At Do Soon’s question, So Yeon, who missed her son terribly, scrunched up her nose bridge.

“Yes. So, so much.”

“Well, if you’re happy, so am I.”

What more needs to be said when a mother wants to live with her child? Do Soon quietly patted So Yeon’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Do Soon…”

So Yeon felt so reassured to have Do Soon, who meant more than just a manager.

“Ms. Eom So Yeon, please come this way.”

“Yes.”

A shop employee who had just appeared guided So Yeon to the dress fitting room.

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On a day like today, how nice it would be to see the three brothers standing side by side in front of people as the heirs of .

Yeo Jin’s gaze, always uneasy about having to pretend one of her sons doesn’t exist, landed on Seok Ho’s composed eyes.

“Yong Jun and Lee Jun are out there as couples in the spotlight, but Seo Jun doesn’t even have a partner yet, and we have to keep quiet about him being my son. I’m just saying this because I’m frustrated. How long do we have to keep this up?”

“You know better than anyone that he’s not one to be just an actor forever. And who else would trust that boy if not us?”

“That’s true.”

Cha Yeo Jin nodded slightly.

“Of course I’m anxious too, it’s about my child after all. But everything has its time.”

Tae Seo Jun was a stubborn left-hander.

But now he uses his right hand almost as well as his left, to the point where he could be called ambidextrous.

Like his exceptionally handsome face and physical condition, Seo Jun’s intense pursuit of perfection is innate, and the youngest son, who has never been docile like his two gentle older brothers, is very different from the foundation.

To summarize Chairman Tae Seok Ho’s words again, it was about having patience and waiting until the youngest realizes for himself how wonderful and valuable it is to build and protect a family with a partner in life.

“Anyway, he never listens to me, so you try to persuade him.”

“I’m always keeping a close eye on Seo Jun. Don’t worry and go down to the banquet hall now.”

“I’m sure you will.”

Yeo Jin had stopped by the chairman’s office to see her husband briefly before the party started, but her complaints had gone on a bit long. As she got up from her seat, Yeo Jin gently placed her hand on her husband’s shoulder and asked.

“So, where is Seo Jun now? I heard he’s going abroad for filming soon, I should see his face before that.”

“It’s darkest under the lamp. But don’t just look for the disobedient son, take care of me too.”

“Of course.”

Smooch!

“I’ll be going now.”

After giving her husband a light kiss and a charming smile, Yeo Jin quickly left the chairman’s office.

“Heheh…”

Slowly caressing his cheek where his wife’s warmth lingered, Seok Ho chuckled and gently pressed the intercom connected to his direct secretarial office.

−Yes, Chairman.

“About what I asked you before. How’s it going?”

−Since benitoite is such a rare gemstone, it took some time to look into it.

“So, when?”

−You should be able to check it personally by next Wednesday.

“That’s sooner than expected, good. I understand. Good work.”

A pair of mandarin ducks.

Is this what a happily married couple looks like?

Tae Seok Ho was eagerly counting down to the upcoming wedding anniversary, ambitiously preparing a gift for his wife along with his thirty-sixth proposal.

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“Oh my…!”

A short exclamation burst from the shop master’s mouth as she gazed intently at So Yeon. She was thoroughly impressed by Eom So Yeon’s perfect appearance from head to toe.

Until now, most famous celebrities, be they actors or models, had passed through this beauty shop, but it had been a long time since encountering such self-luminous, transparent skin and outstanding beauty.

The not-too-heavy makeup and half-up hairstyle were adorably charming, and the rose gold dress enveloping her slender yet curvaceous body, with its see-through fabric studded with sparkles, amplified So Yeon’s elegant figure several times over.

The fit around her slim waist and tightly lifted buttocks was slightly provocative. After skillfully adjusting that part, the shop master sat So Yeon down in a chair and asked.

“Well, how is it?”

Though it was her own handiwork, Eom So Yeon’s completed style was beautiful enough to warrant the highest praise without exaggeration. Because of this, the shop master widened her eyes with thick eyeliner and exuded confidence.

“Of all the styling I’ve had done, I like this the most. Thank you, ma’am.”

So Yeon conveyed her sincere gratitude after taking in her reflection in the mirror, and the shop master, who finished her work by adding a tiara decoration to the loosely braided updo, pulled up her lips in satisfaction.

“So Yeon, you haven’t had any work done on your face. I can tell just by looking. How can your skin be so fair and clean? It goes without saying. You really should be thankful to your parents for giving birth to such a beauty.”

“Oh my, you’re exaggerating.”

“No need to be modest. CEO Gu asked me to take special care, but you’re born with such beauty that I hardly need to do anything.”

“…”

So Yeon blushed, feeling embarrassed and flustered by the continued praise.

“You know what? No matter how beautiful the celebrities here are, they can’t beat Eom So Yeon in terms of aura or appearance.”

The shop master leaned close to So Yeon’s face and spoke in a whisper, perhaps conscious of the people outside the fitting room.

“No way.”

“I’m just telling you how it is. You’ll definitely stand out the most at today’s party. So don’t be nervous and fully enjoy people’s envious gazes. You’re worthy of it. It would be even better if you’re confident and proud. Confidence will make you even more captivating.”

“…”

So Yeon kept looking at herself through the mirror.

It might be just empty words due to her profession, but perhaps it was because the middle-aged woman’s low and calm voice instilled courage.

A mysterious energy swirled in her brown eyes, now filled with confidence.

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The chandelier light from the high ceiling brightly illuminated the spacious banquet hall.

The distinguished guests who entered the venue in luxurious attire were truly splendid, and those belonging to the so-called top 1% naturally blended into their own kind, bursting into effervescent laughter as if to flaunt their position.

Eom So Yeon, who had just arrived at the Elstella Hotel, entered the grand main lobby of the hotel, escorted by CEO Gu Won Hoo.

Click, click…

The reporters lined up along the barricade line frantically pressed their camera shutters towards So Yeon and Won Hoo.

So Yeon hesitated momentarily at the chaotically flashing camera flashes, but as she reached the photo zone, she regained her relaxed smile as if nothing had happened.

“CEO Gu Won Hoo, please link arms naturally with Ms. Eom So Yeon!”

“You’ve been cast in a significant role for your debut work, how do you feel about it!”

Despite the barrage of questions from reporters, So Yeon and Won Hoo waved their hands like a couple, striking plausible poses but refraining from speaking.

Not only was this not an interview session, but after having a far from light conversation in the car on the way here, the two couldn’t help but keep their lips sealed.

He had heard that Eom So Yeon had a child. At that moment, Won Hoo’s head tingled as if struck by a mouse. So Yeon’s expression was too solemn for it to be a joke, but accepting it as the truth was shocking and hard to believe.

‘Is it true?’

‘Yes. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier.’

Won Hoo asked again and again, and each time, So Yeon’s unwavering answer was repeated.

‘This isn’t something we can just keep to ourselves, so let’s discuss it with the drama production company. But that doesn’t mean anything will change. CN’s PR team will just have to work even harder than now.’

Just before getting out of the car, Gu Won Hoo’s conclusion was, as expected of him, to face the issue head-on.

As Won Hoo and So Yeon changed their posture to face the reporters, it happened.

“Uh, over there!”

“Gasp!”

“Whoa!”

As the distinctively present Tae Seo Jun strode into the photo zone, surprised voices erupted from here and there.

His sudden appearance was unexpected by anyone, including Won Hoo and So Yeon. But because he rarely appears at official events, the reporters, more bustling than ever, competed to cover the story, asking the two men to stand on either side of Eom So Yeon.

As the three stood side by side as requested by the reporter, the reporters’ reactions heated up even more.

“What brings Director Tae here?”

“Just. I came because I was bored.”

“What’s with your outfit?”

“It’s not like I came stark naked or anything.”

A white shirt and black slacks instead of a tuxedo. Seo Jun’s attire was a complete deviation from the dress code.

But despite his party-indifferent attire, his handsome face and physique that perfectly pulled off anything he wore played a part. If we were to pick just one person who was the most dazzling among those who passed through the photo zone today, it would undoubtedly be Tae Seo Jun.

He was the man who made one feel anew how unfair the world is.

“…!”

What, what is this…!

So Yeon, listening to the conversation between the two pole-like men, felt dizzy for a moment.

Seo Jun had grabbed her hand behind her back.