Soft music from the speakers filled the pauses in their conversation, while waiters passed by carrying trays of food from one table to another.Scarlett watched Tyson over the rim of her nearly empty glass. She was still thinking about Tyson’s earlier offer. As someone involved in business, of course she preferred things to be transparent rather than shrouded in secrecy.“About the project you mentioned earlier,” she said lightly, though there was genuine interest in her tone. “If you’re serious about it, I’d like to see the concept. Do you have a big picture in mind?”Tyson glanced at her briefly before setting down his spoon. “I do. But it’s not time to reveal it yet. I want to make sure everything’s ready first.”Scarlett smiled faintly and nodded in understanding.Tyson responded with a small nod of his own, but his thoughts weren’t fully there. His gaze drifted toward the hallway where the Ladies’ Room sign was hanging. He’d been glancing that way from time to time, but there was

As the door closed behind them, the noise from the restaurant below felt almost jarringly normal, too loud and too bright compared to the tense air they had just left behind.Anna immediately pulled her hand from Tyson’s grasp. The movement was quick, but not harsh.“Thank you,” she said softly, her voice hoarse, barely audible. She didn’t dare look at him, her head lowered, eyes fixed on the floor as if the act alone could hide the humiliation burning in her chest.Without waiting for a response, Anna walked away, heels clicking lightly against the polished floor. She moved fast, almost desperate, as though she could erase her existence from the place if she just left quickly enough.She stopped briefly at their table, grabbed her small purse, then slid a few folded bills beneath the empty glass.Tyson watched in silence, not out of anger, but understanding. He knew that kind of shame, the kind that made a person cling to the last piece of dignity they had left… by leaving first, wi

Anna sat down first, lowering herself to the edge of the court with a tired but relieved motion. She gazed up at the night sky that was empty, starless, lit only by the faint glow of the city. It felt quiet, but not truly peaceful. Something was still spinning in her chest, something she hadn’t fully let go of.A few steps later, Tyson appeared, his breathing still a little heavy. He carried two bottles of water and tossed one toward Anna.“Thanks,” Anna murmured, her voice hoarse but gentle. She drank quickly, as if trying to swallow the tangled feelings caught in her throat.Tyson sat beside her an arm’s length away. Not too close, but close enough to feel it. The only sounds were the faint hum of night insects and the soft wind that tousled Anna’s hair.Several minutes passed before Anna spoke. “You know,” she said suddenly, her tone light. “I was actually embarrassed at that time.”Tyson turned slightly, just enough to show he was listening.“At the private box,” Anna continued w

The hospital felt far too quiet for midday.Anna walked ahead, her steps slow but steady. Tyson followed a few paces behind, his expression as unreadable as ever, yet his eyes sharp, like it trained to notice the smallest details, the kind of vigilance that came from someone who rarely let anything slip past him. He carried a small bag filled with gifts: fresh fruit and flowers arranged neatly in a simple basket.Before they left, Anna had called Naomi—Steve’s cousin—who told her that Steve was still unconscious and being treated in a VIP room on the eighth floor. Naomi also mentioned that her uncle and aunt had been taking turns keeping watch by his bedside.The moment they reached the door, the air grew heavy. The scent of antiseptic mingled with the faint fragrance of flowers from the many wreaths lining the hallway.Inside, there were only three people: Mr. and Mrs. Han, and Naomi.Mrs. Han sat beside Steve’s bed, gently stroking her son’s hand, which was connected to tubes and m

Tyson originally started the car with the intention of returning to the De Leon family house, just as he had told Anna earlier.But as soon as they drove out of the hospital grounds, his mind shifted direction faster than the speedometer needle. His gaze went blank for a few seconds before turning toward the road sign pointing to the city’s main business district.“Not going home?” Anna asked softly when Tyson took a different turn than expected.“No,” he replied shortly. “There’s something I need to do at the company first.”His tone was flat, but enough for Anna to know she wouldn’t get any further explanation. She simply nodded and turned her gaze back toward the window.It didn’t take long before the car came to a stop in front of a tall glass building that reflected the midday sun with arrogance—De Leon Corporation.The family’s logo loomed large above the main entrance, cold and expensive, like a symbol of power that always looked down on others.Anna stared at the building, the