Days passed quietly after Jihyun's return abroad.
Kang Taewon buried himself completely in work, his focus sharper than ever. Under his lead, Kang Group began to rise again, but even with all his effort, a storm eventually hit.
News of Mr. Kang's arrest spread through social media like wildfire. Questions flooded in, reporters swarmed the company, and public pressure mounted.
Yet, instead of collapsing, the board of directors made a decisive move. With the help of senior directors, Taewon was officially appointed as Chairman of Kang Group.
Though the scandal still lingered, attention slowly shifted. The media crowned Taewon the "nation's crush" the youngest, most charismatic chairman. His face was everywhere: television, magazines, social media.
Kang Group's problems hadn't disappeared, but Taewon stood at the center, turning crisis into strength.
While Taewon faced the weight of leadership, Jihyun lived comfortably abroad at least on the surface.
(Until one night)
During his heat, when Jihyun's body was already weak and vulnerable, someone targeted him.
He was drugged, his scent manipulated, and before he realized, he was surrounded. Harsh hands grabbed him, voices whispering about selling him off to buyers. His body burned, vision blurred, fear choking him as he tried to fight.
But fate spared him. The police raided the place before he was taken. The entire trafficking team was arrested, and Jihyun was found terrified, trembling, drugged.
By order, he was sent back to Korea immediately.
At Han Villa, he collapsed into tears, his body and mind wracked with trauma. For a week, he barely spoke, barely ate, sleeping through days and nights as if trying to erase everything. His once-bright smile was gone.
(One week later)
Morning light spilled into his room. Mr. Han entered quietly and sat beside him. Jihyun was still curled under the blankets, but his father gently placed a hand on his head. No fever. Just exhaustion.
"Wake up," Mr. Han said softly.
Jihyun sat up slowly, his eyes heavy.
"I'm going to the office,"
his father told him.
"Eat something today, and go outside for a while. You've been locked in here since you came back. You'll only get sicker if you keep hiding."
Jihyun's lips trembled. He reached out and hugged his father tightly.
"Dad… I'm sorry."
Mr. Han patted his back firmly.
"You're not wrong for choosing your own path. But sometimes, you need to listen to adults. You never listen to me, nor Minjoon.
Jihyun-ah Life abroad isn't as easy as you thought. The comfort you find in your homeland you won't get anywhere else. You're not part of that culture, and fitting in takes years. You went as a stranger. And That's why you struggled."
Jihyun's eyes stung. His father's voice softened but stayed firm.
"More than that, Jihyun, you must learn to hear people out. If you start listening truly listening to those who care about you, you'll understand not everyone wants to use you or hurt you."
Jihyun clung tighter, whispering,
"This time I promise I will, Dad."
"Good." Mr. Han pulled back and handed him a card.
"Buy yourself something. Anything you want. But don't go alone take Soobin or one of your friends. Don't shut yourself away anymore."
Jihyun nodded faintly. "Yes, Dad."
With that, Mr. Han left for the office, leaving Jihyun staring at the card in his hand, unsure if he was ready to step outside again but knowing he had to try.