The Gala of Secrets

"In a game of power, knowing the rules is not enough—you have to know when to break them."

Joon-hyuk never liked wearing a mask.

But tonight, he had no choice.

The Kang family’s exclusive gala was not just a social event—it was a gathering of the most powerful and dangerous people in Korea. CEOs, politicians, heirs, and influencers… all in one place, each with their own hidden agenda.

And Joon-hyuk was about to walk straight into it.

A Dangerous Entrance

The entrance to the Kang estate was overwhelming—a massive glass structure, shimmering under golden lights, with black luxury cars arriving every minute.

Joon-hyuk stepped out of his taxi, his sharp black suit perfectly tailored, making him look like he belonged. But in his mind, he was already calculating.

Who would recognize him? Who would try to use him? Who was the real threat?

A soft voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Wow… I almost didn't recognize you."

He turned.

Han Soo-ah stood at the entrance, wearing a sleek, off-shoulder navy gown, her long hair cascading down her back.

For a split second, Joon-hyuk was stunned.

Not because she looked beautiful—he already knew she was attractive.

But because she fit into this world too well.

She wasn’t just a scholarship student. She wasn’t just some ordinary girl.

She was hiding something too.

Soo-ah smirked at his silence. "What? Too stunned to speak?"

Joon-hyuk snapped back to reality. "I was just wondering how much you bribed someone to get in here."

She laughed. "I have my ways. Now come on, date. We have a party to crash."

The Dance of Power

Inside the grand ballroom, the air was thick with power and manipulation. Chandeliers sparkled above, and expensive perfume mixed with the scent of aged wine. Every conversation was a business deal in disguise.

Joon-hyuk and Soo-ah walked in, drawing attention.

A few people looked at them—some out of curiosity, others out of suspicion.

Then came the voice he had been expecting.

"Well, well. Look who decided to show up."

Kang Min-ho.

Dressed in a crisp white suit, looking every bit like the arrogant heir he was.

"I almost thought you wouldn't come," Min-ho said, swirling the champagne in his glass. "But I guess even nobodies know when to follow orders."

Joon-hyuk smiled slightly. "And I guess even rich boys need their daddy's help to feel important."

Min-ho’s eyes flashed with irritation. But before he could respond, someone else spoke.

"Now, now, boys. Let’s not fight in public."

A deep voice. Smooth. Dangerous.

Joon-hyuk turned—and for the first time, his heartbeat stopped.

Kang Joon-seok.

Min-ho’s father. CEO of Kang Corporations. One of the most powerful men in the country.

And a man Joon-hyuk could not afford to cross.

A Father’s Game

Joon-seok looked at him with a polite, unreadable smile. "Lee Joon-hyuk, isn’t it?"

Joon-hyuk forced himself to stay calm. "Yes, sir."

Joon-seok nodded, taking a sip of his drink. "I’ve heard a lot about you. Top of your class, full scholarship… quite impressive."

Joon-hyuk said nothing.

"Tell me," Joon-seok continued, watching him carefully. "Who are your parents?"

A trap.

Joon-hyuk knew this game too well. If he hesitated, he lost. If he lied, he lost.

So he smiled slightly. "No one important."

Joon-seok chuckled. "No one important? Then why do I get the feeling that you’re much more than you appear?"

Joon-hyuk kept his expression neutral. "Sometimes, people just like to imagine things, sir."

For a long moment, Joon-seok simply stared at him.

Then, he smiled.

"I suppose we’ll find out soon enough."

The Warning

As the night continued, Joon-hyuk tried to stay in the background. He needed to figure out why Kang Joon-seok was interested in him.

But as he reached the balcony for some air, a voice froze him in place.

"You need to leave before it’s too late."

He turned—and saw Han Soo-ah.

Joon-hyuk frowned. "What?"

She looked serious. "You don’t understand, do you? You’re in danger, Joon-hyuk. This isn’t just a party. It’s a test."

"A test for what?"

Soo-ah hesitated, then whispered—

"To see if you’re really Lee Tae-sung’s son."

To be continued…

Things are getting intense! Soo-ah knows something big

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