The gates of the Kang Family Estate slowly opened as a sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided into the driveway.
The estate, home to South Korea’s most influential business family, stood like a palace.
Marble fountains decorated the entrance, while perfectly trimmed gardens stretched as far as the eye could see.
The moment the car stopped, dozens of servants formed two orderly lines.
The chauffeur hurried to open the rear door.
A pair of polished black Oxford shoes stepped onto the marble floor.
Kang Tae-jin stepped out.
Standing at over six feet tall, he wore a perfectly tailored black three-piece suit over a crisp white shirt.
His charcoal tie sat neatly beneath his collar, while platinum cufflinks reflected the afternoon sunlight.
A luxury watch rested on his wrist, completing his elegant appearance.
His flawless fair skin, sharp jawline, straight nose and piercing dark eyes made him look almost unreal.
He didn’t need to speak.
His presence alone demanded respect.
Every servant lowered their head.
“Welcome home, First Young Master.”
Without acknowledging anyone, Tae-jin walked past them and entered the mansion.
“Little Tae.”
His footsteps stopped.
Only one person in the entire Kang family dared to call him by that childhood nickname.
Old Madam Kang.
Although she was in her late seventies, she remained graceful and energetic.
Dressed in an elegant emerald-green hanbok embroidered with golden flowers, she sat comfortably on an ivory Louis XVI armchair with a cup of tea in her hand.
Seeing his grandmother, the coldness in Tae-jin’s eyes eased ever so slightly.
“Grandmother.”
“Come here.”
She gently patted the luxurious chair beside her.
Tae-jin sat down.
“I have something to ask of you.”
He looked at her quietly.
“Tonight is my old friend’s birthday banquet.”
“I want you to accompany me.”
“No.”
The answer came immediately.
Old Madam Kang narrowed her eyes.
“Why?”
“You’re still recovering.”
She scoffed.
“Recovering?
I’m only in my late seventies.”
She spread her arms dramatically.
“Do I look like someone who’s about to turn eighty?”
Tae-jin remained silent.
“If you refuse…”
She looked away with an exaggerated sigh.
“…I’ll return to the hospital and wait for my death.”
Silence filled the room.
After a long pause…
“…Fine.”
Old Madam Kang smiled proudly.
“I knew my Little Tae wouldn’t refuse me.”
Tae-jin stood.
As he reached the door, she spoke again.
“Tell the second branch to attend as well.”
He gave a small nod before leaving.
The Second Branch Residence
Unlike the elegance of the main mansion, the Second Branch residence felt quieter.
Inside the living room, Kang Dong-min, the Second Master of the Kang family and Tae-jin’s uncle, calmly read the morning newspaper.
Across from him sat his son, Kang Min-jae, the Second Young Master.
Unlike his father, Min-jae always wore a gentle smile.
It was the kind of smile that made people trust him…
Perhaps too easily.
Suddenly, a servant rushed inside.
“Second Master!”
Dong-min lowered his newspaper.
“What happened?”
“The First Young Master is coming.”
Min-jae frowned.
“My cousin?”
Before anyone could speak again—
Bang!
The front door opened.
Kang Tae-jin entered.
His expression remained as cold as ever.
“Kang Tae-jin.”
Dong-min frowned.
“Is this how you greet your elder?”
Tae-jin’s sharp eyes met his uncle’s.
The room instantly fell silent.
“There is a birthday banquet tonight.”
His voice was calm.
Cold.
Unquestionable.
“Be ready by 6:50.”
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away.
The mansion doors closed behind him.
Only then did Dong-min slam his newspaper onto the table.
“That arrogant brat!”
“I’m his uncle, yet he orders me around as if he’s already the head of this family.”
Min-jae smiled faintly.
“Father…”
“It’s Grandmother’s order.”
Dong-min clicked his tongue.
“I know.”
He stood up.
“I’m going upstairs.”
He stopped halfway up the staircase.
“Tell your mother and your sister to get ready.”
“Yes, Father.”
After Dong-min disappeared upstairs, the smile on Min-jae’s face slowly vanished.
He walked into his bedroom.
Locked the door.
Reached into his pocket and took out his phone.
He dialed an unregistered number.
The call connected almost instantly.
“The plan…”
Min-jae’s lips curved into a faint smile.
“…will be carried out tonight.”
A deep voice answered from the other end.
“Understood.”
The call ended.
Min-jae lowered the phone.
Looking out of the window toward the main Kang mansion, he smiled.
This time…
There wasn’t the slightest warmth in it.