Startled by his risky move, So Yeon sneakily glanced at Seo Jun, protesting with her eyes, but to no avail. Her shimmering gaze only encouraged him to intertwine their fingers more tightly, firmly clasping her hand.

In truth, Seo Jun’s internal state was the complete opposite of the smiling facade he maintained during the photo session.

Since hearing from Director Bong a few hours earlier that Gu Won Hoo’s partner was Eom So Yeon, Seo Jun had been extremely unsettled. It was more than just annoyance; it felt like something precious was being taken away from him, irritatingly scratching at his nerves.

He had come down to the lobby from his room for this reason, but stepping out in front of the reporters was an impulsive act. He couldn’t stand seeing So Yeon standing intimately with another man.

So he had to do this.

To trouble her. To make her feel uncomfortable and look only at him.

“……!”

Please let go of my hand! Stop this!

Even with her eyes wavering, it felt as though her voice was audible.

“…….”

If you dislike it so much, try to pull away.

Their secret struggle continued until they left the hotel lobby.

It’s easy to start but hard to restart. Before, when there was nothing to protect, he fearlessly jumped in, but now it was different.

There was something precious in his life that he had to protect at all costs. Despite the path being a minefield, So Yeon chose it willingly and never crossed her own line. Or rather, she must not.

But in front of Tae Seo Jun, those boundaries kept crumbling and blurring.

Feeling like a frog in a slowly heating pot, Soyeon had no choice but to be swayed by him.

The nominal purpose was to foster friendships among famous figures and businesspeople from various fields.

However, each person at the party had their distinct agenda.

The tycoons were there to build networks that could maintain or expand their companies’ capabilities, while the creators and artists of popular culture mainly aimed to secure investors or enhance their visibility.

Another group focused on finding suitable matches for their children. These wealthy ladies were intensely engaged in very personal conversations in a private room adjacent to the banquet hall.

“Any news about the Elstella chairman and vice-chairman’s grandchildren?”

“Now that you mention it, the eldest son married two years ago, and the second son at the end of that year.”

“So far, both daughters-in-law have been completely silent. Mrs. Cha must be worried.”

Mrs. Kim delved into someone else’s family affairs, and the other ladies at the table joined in.

Obliviously, unaware of how uncomfortable their words might be for the listeners.

However, perhaps born grace strengthens with time, as even the fine lines around Cha Ye Jin’s eyes seemed elegant despite her discomfort.

“Soon enough, I suppose. But children’s matters are really between the couple, and it’s not my place to meddle.”

Ye Jin spoke softly, her lips curling into a relaxed smile.

The ladies marveled at her youthful appearance, seemingly untouched by the two decades since her fiftieth birthday. But even more enviable than her robust beauty was the immense wealth of the Elstella matriarch, which could afford almost anything in the world.
Perhaps her envy was excessive. Mrs. Kim blurted out unfiltered speculation.

“It’s strange given the time that has passed. Could it be that both sons are just for show…”

“Hmm!”

Ye Jin warned her with a cough, and only then did Mrs. Kim abruptly stop her thoughtless words.

The atmosphere, which had been decent, became ambiguous due to Mrs. Kim’s remarks.

“Hohoho…”

Mrs. Min entered the private room with a laugh, bringing her only daughter, Oh Min Jung, among the ladies.

“Oh my, everyone is already here.”

She had called her daughter from the bustling banquet hall to introduce her in this high-society marriage market. There couldn’t be a better place to find a capable son-in-law.

“You’re a bit late. Please, take a seat.”

Ye Jin offered a vacant seat with a gentle gesture, and Mrs. Min seated Min Jung there, then took the seat next to her.

“But I didn’t see Chairman Tae around.”

“He dislikes crowded places.”

That wasn’t exactly true. Tae Seok Ho disliked people who clung to him and fawned over him. Ye Jin tactfully rephrased that fact.

“Oh, is that so? I hoped to greet him on this occasion, but that’s unfortunate.”

“Husbands will naturally interact among themselves.”

Every time Mrs. Min spoke, the luxurious jewels on her neck and ears sparkled, signifying her wealth.

Ye Jin’s gaze passed over Mrs. Min to the person next to her, prompting Mrs. Min to nudge Min Jung’s side. It was a signal to make a good impression on Mrs. Cha.

“Hello, I’m Oh Min Jung.”

Min Jung bowed respectfully, but the flesh of her chest, barely concealed by her pink dress, was slightly visible. Ye Jin responded with a proper expression, pretending not to notice.

“Yes, nice to meet you.”

“You were pretty as a child, and now even more so.”