Gazing at the brilliant rays of the morning sun, Min deeply breathed in the crisp air. The view of Seoul’s towering skyline felt so surreal. For the past eight years, he had detached himself from all emotions, desperate to stay sane in a foreign country where Min was forced to survive all on his own. Yet, that dreaded memory of his family’s tragic deaths always haunted him when he least expected it. 

Min had naively believed he could atone for the deaths of his beloved family by doing anything and everything his grandfather asked… But the heir finally realized how wrong he had been. His grandfather didn’t care what happened to his only remaining grandson. Min was merely a pawn in this deadly game for the throne of S&H Group. 

Closing his eyes, Min gritted his teeth, still haunted by the recurring dream he had two nights ago. But, pawn or not, if what his grandfather implied was true, Min had to reach the top of S&H. The heir was determined to find out why he was chased out of the country like a fugitive. 

The door to the rooftop suddenly creaked open as light footsteps made their way to the new executive director. 

“What are you doing up here? It’s cold out!”

Smirking at Joon-woo’s attire, which consisted of a bulky padded coat and a thick scarf, Min chuckled as he gazed back at the morning sun, “I wanted some fresh air.”

“... Ugh, those leeches. They’re already here.” Joon-woo muttered, gazing down at the streets below.

The main street leading up to the corporation was unusually packed with cars as reporters from various news media outlets flooded the area, causing an insane amount of traffic. Assembling near the entrance of S&H’s headquarters, the reporters eagerly waited for the “missing heir.”

Min stoically observed the chaotic scene. Honestly, why was everyone so obsessed about the sole surviving grandson of S&H Group? Well, then again, the only information available was his legal name: Jake Yoon. Anything else regarding the former vice-chairman’s second son had been locked away in secrecy– as if the youngest member of the chaebol family never existed. 

It didn’t matter what the media did–the conglomerate heir was determined to maintain his anonymity as long as possible. Heading back inside, Min turned to face Joon-woo, his face sporting a mischievous smile.

“Joon-woo, are you ready?”

“... Do we really have to go this far…?”

“Just think of it as saving a life.”

“Are you kidding me?! That’s even worse!”

“Pfft. Relax, you’ll be fine.”

“Ugh. I still can’t believe you’re doing this to maintain anonymity… Your dedication is really something.” Joon-woo grumbled, straightening his suit and tie, already feeling nervous about what was to come.

“Haha, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

~~~

Joon-woo glared at Min, who merely smiled while holding the door open for him. Suppressing the urge to sock his annoying best friend in the face, the fake heir stiffly exited the car as cameras flashed like fireworks, following Joon-woo’s every move. Oh God, he really was doing this…!

“Director Yoon! Why did the chairman allow you to finally come out from the shadows?!”

“What will your contribution be to S&H Group? Is there anything you wish to implement–”

“Director Yoon, I heard you’ll be getting married soon. Is that true?!”

Joon-woo and Min flinched at the last question– taken aback by what the reporter was asking. Hesitantly, the secretary glanced at Min and balked at the heir’s terrifying expression. Oh, dear lord. There’s going to be another bloodbath tonight…! 

A sigh of relief escaped Joon-woo’s lips once they were safely inside the building. He glanced back at the clamoring reporters, who were barely being suppressed by the company’s security team. Shaking his head, he looked over at Min and pouted. How could this jerk look so unfazed when his best friend was suffering because of him?!

“...Asshole.”

“Why are you so moody? Is it because I didn’t praise you?” 

“What am I, five?! I don’t need your stupid praise!”

“Pfft. Good job; who would’ve thought you’d be a star actor?”

“You–”

“Director Yoon.” 

Min paused, shifting his dark, beady eyes at the vice-chairman, who grinned at him expectedly, along with the twelve directors of the board standing behind him. The elderly man stood tall and upright like a military officer as he studied his apprehensive nephew. Min masked his irritation with a curt bow before brushing past the disgruntled board. He had hoped he wouldn’t run into that repulsive man, but his great-uncle would never miss an opportunity like this.

“...Min, do you think you’ll be okay?” Joon-woo whispered, glancing back at the flabbergasted directors.

“I’ll be fine. Now, let’s get going, ‘Director Yoon.’”

“Ha… If you say so….”

~~~

The vice-chairman’s gaze hardened before he let out a heavy sigh. That kid and his temper! Did it hurt to say hello to the board of directors?

“... He’s definitely different from his father. How could he be so rude?” One of the directors scoffed in disdain as he trailed after the amused vice-chairman.

“Haha, forgive my grandnephew! Unfortunately, he’s still young and doesn’t know how to socialize very well.”

“Still, his arrogance is through the roof! It’s not like it’s a guarantee that he’ll become the next chairman when there’s someone more competent for the position!”

Stopping in his tracks, the vice-chairman’s easygoing smile turned into a menacing glower as he side-eyed the loud-mouthed director. 

“...I can tolerate ignorant people, but not those who are both ignorant and stupid.” he hissed, his stern gaze studying the terrified man, “Every eye, ear, and mouth in this company all report back to my elder brother. Do you plan to ruin it all before we get anything done?”

“I-I apologize…! I–”

“I don’t give second chances.”

Leaving the shaken director behind, the vice-chairman glanced over at his grandnephew. This company would never go into Min’s hands. Never.