The pearl-white Mercedes-Benz S-Class glided into the underground parking lot of Crown Star Mall, the most luxurious shopping mall in Seoul.
It was a place where celebrities, CEOs, and members of the Five Great Families often shopped.
Seo-ma switched off the engine and immediately rubbed her stomach dramatically.
“Pretty Hana…”
Kim Hana looked at her and laughed.
“What is it this time?”
“I’m starving.”
Hana raised an eyebrow.
“You’re always hungry.”
Seo-ma gasped dramatically.
“Excuse me!
I’ve been supporting you emotionally all morning.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes!
And don’t forget, I’m buying your dress.”
Hana folded her arms.
“So?”
“So…” Seo-ma grinned.
“You should buy me samgyeopsal.”
Hana stopped walking.
“Seriously?”
Seo-ma nodded enthusiastically.
“Yes!
Since I’m paying for your dress, I deserve Korean barbecue.”
Hana sighed helplessly.
“Fine.”
“Yay!”
Seo-ma happily linked arms with her best friend.
“I knew you loved me.”
A while later…
The two girls walked out of one of the mall’s most popular Korean barbecue restaurants.
Seo-ma gently patted her stomach.
“I’m full.”
“I can see that,” Hana teased.
“But…”
Seo-ma’s eyes sparkled.
“I want popcorn.”
Hana stared at her.
“You literally just finished eating.”
“So?”
“Dessert goes into a different stomach.”
Hana couldn’t help laughing.
“Fine.”
“Let’s get the caramel cheese popcorn.”
Seo-ma pumped her fist into the air.
“Best day ever!”
Kim Family Villa
At the Kim Family Villa…
Old Madam Kim, the respected matriarch of the Kim family, sat gracefully in the living room with her ebony walking cane resting beside her.
Despite her strict appearance, she had always shown genuine affection toward Kim Hana.
Just then, Soo-min walked inside.
“Grandma.”
“You’re back.”
Old Madam Kim looked up.
“Did you tell Hana about tonight’s birthday banquet?”
“Yes, Grandma.”
Soo-min smiled sweetly.
“Good.”
Old Madam Kim slowly stood.
“I want to buy something for all my grandchildren before tonight.”
Soo-min’s smile almost disappeared.
“Grandma…”
“Are you buying something for Sister Hana too?”
Old Madam Kim looked directly at her.
“Of course.”
“Do you have a problem with that?”
Yes, I do.
Ever since Kim Hana entered this family, everyone praises her.
Her face…
her figure…
and now even Grandma treats her like treasure.
“No, Grandma.”
“Good.”
Old Madam Kim adjusted her cane.
“Go upstairs.”
“Tell Li-won to get ready.”
“Yes, Grandma.”
A few minutes later…
A black Mercedes-Maybach S-Class slowly pulled into the VIP parking area of Crown Star Mall.
Old Madam Kim stepped out first.
Behind her were Soo-min and Li-won.
The three entered the mall together.
Soo-min looked around before pointing toward one of the mall’s most famous luxury boutiques.
“Grandma, I’m going to Étoile Couture to see if they have anything suitable for tonight.”
Old Madam Kim nodded.
“Go ahead.”
“I’ll stay here with Li-won.”
“Okay.”
Soo-min walked toward the boutique.
Meanwhile…
Kim Hana and Seo-ma were happily walking toward the popcorn stand.
Seo-ma suddenly stopped.
“Ouch!”
Kim Hana, who had been checking a message on her phone, bumped into her back.
She rubbed her forehead.
“What was that for?”
Seo-ma pointed ahead.
“Look…”
“It’s Grandma.”
Kim Hana looked up.
Sure enough…
Old Madam Kim was standing only a few meters away.
The elderly woman looked over.
The moment she saw Hana, her face lit up with joy.
“Hana!”
Kim Hana smiled warmly and walked over.
“Hello, Grandma.”
Old Madam Kim gently held Hana’s face in both hands.
“My dear…”
“You look absolutely beautiful.”
“I thought I wouldn’t see you until tonight.”
“I came shopping with Seo-ma.”
“I’m here too, Grandma!” Seo-ma pouted.
Old Madam Kim laughed.
“I know.”
“How could I forget you?”
Before anyone could say another word…
“Sister Hana!”
Li-won ran over excitedly and threw her arms around Hana.
“I missed you so much!”
Hana smiled and gently ruffled her hair.
“I missed you too, little princess.”
Seo-ma leaned close to Hana and whispered,
“Where there’s luxury…”
“…there’s Soo-min.”
She shook the bucket of caramel cheese popcorn in her hand.
“Good thing we bought popcorn.”
“I have a feeling today’s drama is about to begin.”
Just then…
Soo-min returned from Étoile Couture with an annoyed look on her face.
“Grandma!”
She crossed her arms and pouted.
“All the dresses in Étoile Couture are so last season.”
“I couldn’t find a single one worthy of tonight’s banquet.”