{KOREAN-ENGLISH}
The Lee family was one of the most powerful dynasties in Seoul. They owned luxury hotels, towering estates, and entire business empires that stretched across the city. Landing a job in their company was near impossible. Their influence was legendary.
"No, sir. Madam is—"
"It's fine, Mr. No," Seo Jun cut him off, his voice calm but distant. "I'll go home. I need to speak with Mother."
Mr. No let out a quiet breath of relief. For once, the young master wasn't giving him a hard time. Not today. Working for Lee Seo Jun wasn't easy,it was terrifying. The man was unpredictable, cold, and utterly intimidating. Still, Mr. No respected him.
"Let's go," Seo Jun said, tossing his suit jacket at Mr. No, who caught it without flinching.
⸻
{Lee Residence}
The black Lamborghini purred as it pulled into the mansion's massive driveway. The Lee estate was like something out of a dream or a nightmare. Immaculate gardens bloomed with rare flowers, and uniformed staff stood in waiting, lined up like soldiers.
As the car came to a halt, the butlers and maids rushed out in formation, bowing in deep respect.
The second son had returned.
Mr. No stepped out first and opened the car door.
Lee Seo Jun emerged, looking up at the sky as if it had personally offended him. He hated being back here. But he didn't let it show.
"Second Young Master," one of the senior butlers said, bowing again. "Madam instructed me to receive you personally."
Seo Jun gave a stiff smile and turned to Mr. No. "I'll see you later."
Mr. No could only nod. He never knew how to act around this man... polite? Friendly? Terrified?
As Seo Jun entered the house, his footsteps echoed against the marble floors. A maid hurried behind him, picking up his shoes the moment he removed them.
⸻
The living room was spotless, like something out of a magazine. Sitting on a designer couch was a woman in her late forties, elegant and poised. Park Su Ho, the matriarch of the Lee family.
"Mother," Seo Jun said, his tone respectful.
She turned her head slowly, frowning. "I've been waiting for you."
"I'm sorry, Mother. Something came up," he replied, straightening his posture.
"I heard you were with a woman last night," she said sharply, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Seo Jun let out a tired sigh and smiled faintly. "Yes, I was."
"Was it An Nari?"
"No."
"You're not seeing her anymore?"
"We're still together."
His mood shifted instantly. The memory of last night hit him hard.
"I'll talk to you later, Mother," he said, already turning away.
"You're leaving again? Won't you eat first?"
"I'll be back. Don't wait,eat with Min Jun."
He was already outside.
"Keys," he said flatly.
Mr. No rushed over, confused. "Sir, let me drive you—"
"Keys," Seo Jun repeated.
Without another word, he snatched the keys from Mr. No's hand, slid into the sports car, and sped off.
⸻
{Later – Elementary School Grounds}
Joon So Min stood in front of a modest kindergarten building, now dressed in simple jeans and a button-down shirt. She had changed the moment she got home, unable to wear something that cost more than her yearly salary.
She had searched online. The clothes were worth over a million won. Unbelievable.
"Dae!" she called as her little stepbrother ran out.
"Big sis!" he shouted with a grin, hugging her tightly.
"Let's go home," she smiled.
"I want instant noodles," he said.
"Okay."
"With kimchi."
She laughed. "Of course."
But as they walked out, her phone rang.
"Hello?" she answered.
"This is Gangnam Police Station. Is this Miss Joon So Min?"
Her blood ran cold.
"What happened, big sis?" Dae asked, noticing her face go pale.
"We're going home," she said quickly, kneeling beside him. "I need to go somewhere, but I'll be back soon. I promise to make noodles and kimchi, okay?"
He nodded, eyes wide with concern.
⸻
{Gangnam Police Station}
Joon So Min arrived, heart pounding. A uniformed officer approached her.
"Miss Joon So Min?"
"Yes, sir," she said, trying to stay calm.
"Come with me."
She followed him, not noticing the man already seated at the desk.
When she did, her breath caught.
Lee Seo Jun.
He was sitting beside the officer, arms crossed, face unreadable.
Her entire body froze.
She never expected to see him again,definitely not here.
"Mr. Lee Seo Jun has filed a report against you," the officer began. "Charges of sexual harassment and drugging."
Her heart stopped.
"What?!" she gasped.
The officer looked uncomfortable, but he didn't retract his words.
"I didn't harass him!" she cried. "He's the one who who dragged me into his suite! He was the one—" her voice faltered. He slept with me like he owned me... and now this?
Gan Ki Woon,that was the officer's name, apparently.
Seo Jun finally spoke. "Gan Ki Woon, right?"
"Yes, sir," the man stammered. Clearly, he feared Seo Jun.
"I'm done here," Seo Jun said, standing. "Do what you must."
Without even sparing So Min a glance, he walked out.
"Wait!" she yelled, springing to her feet. "Hey! I said WAIT!"
She ran after him.
Outside, under the bright sun, she caught up to him near the steps of the police station.
"How dare you?" he growled, turning to face her.
His eyes were cold. Too cold.
"I thought I took advantage of an innocent girl. But now I know better. You used me. Was it for money? Who sent you? Who the hell sent you?!"
So Min stared at him, stunned.
Tears welled in her eyes.
She hadn't expected kindness,but this?
This was betrayal.
This was war.