"Not really a surprise, is it?" the woman asked.
"Not exactly, I would say," Minjae replied, both women locking eyes, neither willing to look away.
"What made you think you had the right to hold my son hostage?" the woman demanded.
"Ah~" Minjae exhaled with a faint smile. "As much as I'd love to explain in detail, I'm far too exhausted to recount the entire drama that happened today. You just missed a whole session. But not to worry—your son here witnessed everything. He can fill you in." She turned her gaze to Jongin.
"Right, eyewitness?" she asked softly with a smile. Jongin looked away, avoiding her eyes. Minjae turned back to the woman, her expression now sharp—her silence alone radiated a warning.
"Let's go, Mina," she said, not sparing her niece a glance as she started moving. But as she reached the entrance where Jongin's mother stood, the woman suddenly grabbed her hand.
"Choi Minjae, is it?" the woman asked with a sly smile, her eyes running up and down Minjae.
"It seems your surname makes you think you are above everyone else. Do you really believe crossing the line with me is healthy for your reputation? I've heard quite a lot about you, you know."
"You do?" Minjae smirked faintly. "Too bad then, because I have no idea who the hell you are. I guess your reputation isn't loud enough." Effortlessly, she slipped her hand out of the woman's tight grip, as if it were nothing. She then gently held the woman's palm.
"I do find myself liking this eyewitness over here," she said, glancing at Jongin. "But don't mistake that for a good thing. In fact, it's quite unhealthy. If you're truly aware of my reputation, then you know I don't care about aftermaths when I set my mind to messing with someone."
"Are you threatening my son?" the woman frowned.
"Nah~" Minjae teased, tilting her head. "Just saying. What? Already shaken up? You don't have to be. I'm only giving you tips on how to make a proper threat. Next time, do a better job when threatening me. That way, I'll take you more seriously." She gently tapped the woman's palm and walked off, her people following behind.
---
Outside, the sky was already dark, the school lights blazing so bright they made the night feel like day.
"Uncle Sang Tae!" Mina's voice rang out as she spotted him at a distance, standing beside a sleek black car, talking to someone. He turned, and a broad smile spread across his face. Mina ran to him instantly, leaving Minjae dumbfounded. She had never realized Mina and Sang Tae were this close. For the first time, she saw Sang Tae smiling so freely, so unprofessionally. Mina reached him and hugged him tightly.
Watching the heartfelt embrace, Minjae couldn't help but recall the warmth she used to feel whenever she reunited with her grandfather after a long absence. She walked toward them slowly, Jungshin following behind.
"I'm proud of you, Mina," Sang Tae said, caressing her hair while she clung to him, tears welling in her eyes. The moment reminded her of her happier past.
"I didn't realize you two were close," Minjae said, folding her arms across her chest.
"Uncle Sang Tae is always with Mum. We're bound to be close," Mina explained, wiping her tears.
"Hmm. So close it brought you to tears, I see," Minjae teased.
"Stop," Mina laughed softly, while Sang Tae just smirked.
"Come on, get inside the car. You'll catch a cold if you stay out too long." Minjae draped her coat over Mina's shoulders. Mina waved goodbye to Sang Tae before being escorted to the car by two bodyguards.
"So, somehow you still found your way to where I was without my invitation," Minjae said to Sang Tae, her tone dry. "Have I told you you're quite the pain in the ass?"
"Can't help it," Sang Tae shrugged. "As long as I'm still your personal assistant, I have to make sure you don't do things that could damage your reputation."
"Is that why you involved the police? To put the law behind me? You thought I was going to go full Tigress on them today?" she asked. He stayed quiet. She smirked knowingly.
"Not going to lie—I did feel the urge to go wild at them, like I used to. But then I reminded myself of who I am today… where I stand now. I can't afford jailed time for the hundredth time like before. I have bigger responsibilities now you know." She exhaled deeply. "But that doesn't mean they won't pay. I'll make sure they get it from me—the mature Minjae way."
He nodded quietly.
"How did the sales go with Mr. Patrick?" she asked, resuming her stride toward the car Mina had entered, as Sang tae pulled out his coat and drapped it on her shoulder.
"It went well."He said "Although he did say he would've loved to meet you in person," Sang Tae reported.
"Then schedule a meeting tomorrow. Invite Mr. Chang as well. I want him present," she ordered as they reached the car. He nodded again.
Just then, Jongin and his mother walked to their sleek red car. From a distance, Minjae and the woman exchanged one last gaze.
"Who is that woman?" Minjae asked flatly, still watching her enter the car with her son.
"That's Mrs. Hee Do Jin, Chairwoman of HMX Group… and the wife of Mr. Yoo Jung Tae," Sang Tae explained.
"Mr. Yoo…" Minjae murmured, frowning slightly. "The name doesn't ring a bell. Am I supposed to know them? She acted like I should."
"They're the richest family in the country," Sang Tae replied simply.
The Yoo family. Ranked above even the Han and Choi families when it comes to pure wealth, after them next in line is the Choi family. They weren't just wealthy—they were empire builders. With over 38 companies spanning banking, real estate, technology, pharmaceuticals, and luxury fashion, their influence touched every corner of the nation's economy. Politicians courted them, industries depended on them, and families envied them. Their fortune wasn't just money—it was power: the kind that dictated markets and decided who thrived and who crumbled.