The restaurant, scented heavily with the aroma of freshly cooked rice and spices, was abuzz with the lively hum of conversation and laughter. Waiters in smart uniforms moved briskly across the spacious hall, efficiently attending to the patrons enjoying the exquisite cuisine this evening. The atmosphere was warm and inviting; soft warm-white lighting bounced off the dishes on the tables, making every plate sparkle invitingly. Gentle instrumental music played in the background, adding a layer of relaxation to what promised to be a special dinner.

Kawin stepped out of his luxurious car, which had pulled up right in front of the establishment. He shucked off his suit jacket, tossing it onto the passenger seat. He then straightened his dress shirt, deftly unbuttoned the cuffs, and rolled his sleeves up to his elbows with practiced ease. He scanned the interior of the restaurant with sharp, calculating eyes that held a hidden agenda, a subtle, charming smirk playing on his handsome face.

Inside the elegant dining room, a group of three or four middle-aged men were engaged in an animated discussion around a table. A discreetly dressed waiter approached silently and meticulously poured expensive red wine into the tall glasses lined up before each man. Upon completing his duty, he quickly withdrew, allowing the momentarily interrupted conversation to resume.

The white-haired man with a dark mustache, wearing a black polo shirt, raised his wine glass, savoring the taste. Across the table, a smaller man with a thin, sunken face leaned in, initiating the conversation with a noticeably agitated demeanor.

“Kawin taking over from Pichet… Honestly, I’m still not convinced he can handle it.”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions. Shouldn’t we give the man a chance to prove himself first?” The seemingly neutral words came from Pitak Pattanagunthas, Pichet’s younger brother and a ten-percent shareholder in the company. He took a calculated sip of wine, a cunning smile plastered across his face.

“And you, Pitak? How much confidence do you truly have in the new CEO?” asked another middle-aged man in the group.

Pitak gave a small, knowing sneer before setting his glass down. “I always like to give everyone an opportunity. However, the moment Kawin makes a mistake, I will certainly step in to straighten things out—the way they should be.”

“I agree. But looking at his qualifications, I must say, he doesn’t strike me as trustworthy,” another partner chimed in.

“Relax, gentlemen. I certainly won’t allow things to get any worse than they are. Not if Kawin is going to come in and destroy everything we’ve built with our own hands.”

“We trust in you, Pitak,” the smaller companion affirmed.

Pitak’s lips curved in satisfaction, and he let out a hearty laugh. “I must thank you for placing your confidence in me, as well.”

“Of course. I can already see your potential in the future—the position of Chief Executive won’t be far out of reach.”

“Indeed,” Pitak acknowledged with a wide smile, clinking his wine glass with the senior executives.

Amidst the cheer and flattery, Kawin strode purposefully into the restaurant. The atmosphere instantly shifted. His long, steady steps and calm, commanding presence were imbued with an irresistible charm. Every eye in the room was drawn to him, stunned by his outstanding good looks amidst the crowd. His gaze, however, was fixed on the suspiciously assembled group of senior partners. After receiving a tip-off from his informant, he had rushed to this location to confront the reality hidden within the circle of men behind the company’s recent mysteries.

The moment Kawin reached the table, the lively chatter died. All eyes were glued to him in shock, as if a ghost had unexpectedly materialized before them.

“Good evening. What a pleasant surprise to run into Pitak and all the other the senior executives here at this restaurant,” Kawin greeted them with a knowing, playful smile, clearly enjoying the situation.

The senior executives collectively looked away, shifting nervously. Their sudden, erratic movements only intensified Kawin’s suspicions.

“Kawin, my dear nephew! You’re here for dinner too?” Pitak greeted him warmly, though his mannerisms were visibly fraught with guilt.

Kawin’s mouth twitched slightly, a subtle hint of amusement. He glanced at Pitak’s face, which seemed genuinely smiling, but whose eyes betrayed a clear sense of distrust.

“Yes, I am.”

“Well, please enjoy your meal then. I’m afraid I must excuse myself; some urgent business just came up. I have to rush off now.” Pitak abruptly stood up, his voice ringing with a forced, covering laugh. The other senior executives quickly scrambled to their feet.

“Yes, we must be going too,” the elders murmured, awkwardly patting the young man’s back.

Kawin suppressed a laugh. He extended his hand and gave them a slight bow. “Take care, gentlemen.” Kawin smiled, his eyes tracking the backs of the executives as they hastily retreated.

Once they were all gone, Kawin walked toward the innermost section of the restaurant—a highly private area that was still open to foot traffic. He slowly lowered himself onto a chair at the table, rested his arm on the table, and tapped his temple with a finger. His gaze was distant, as if he were looking deep into his own thoughts. He could sense the hostile tension radiating from the board members and Pitak. Their assembly in this location was no coincidence. He mused that someone like Pitak wouldn't reveal his true self so easily; he must have a more sophisticated plan to fully expose his real intentions.

“Oh!  Kawin! Do you remember me?” A voice cut in.