Why's everybody looking at me like that?

I thought you were all rich and big-time in Europe?

They stared at me with envy, like a bunch of hicks without a Bugatti at home.

We'd arrived at the party.

Gabriel, waiting at the entrance as the host, went white when Vivian stepped out of the car.

The Bugatti Veyron was worth every cent.

The guests having drinks in the courtyard—their faces proved it.

I'd spent a little money for today.

I'd grabbed the suit without much thought, but on my wrist I wore a Patek Philippe—a leather-strap watch with a blue face and gold-and-diamond trim, 500 million won.

I didn't get how any watch could cost 500 million.

The vanity and extravagance of the rich were beyond imagining.

I'd just gone for it, this once.

If you make a lot of money, you have to spend it, too, for the world economy to keep turning.

Don't the Swiss kids need to sell these so they can buy fondue up in their barren mountains?

It was about time for a splurge anyway.

It looked like I'd be going to parties and gatherings like this a lot from now on.

Vivian turned down a watch.

The unusual watch on her wrist was enough, she said.

Instead, I got her earrings, a necklace and a bracelet.

She'd picked only the cheap ones, so it all came to less than 30 million won.

It looked like I'd have to buy my parents a watch each soon, too.

Mom would be making a glittering debut in Korean society, so she especially had to have one.

"Gabriel. Thanks for inviting us."

Vivian, styled for the party, threw Gabriel some lip service.

She wasn't wearing makeup, but her skin had its own dewy glow.

Watching Vivian and Gabriel, I thought, my life sure was something else.

I'd wanted to smash the Ana Group and enjoy a quiet trip abroad, and everywhere I went, something big blew up.

"W-welcome... Vivian."

Gabriel, why's your voice shaking?

Scared? Heh heh.

"Thank you for inviting me, Gabriel..."

"Dropoix. Gabriel Dropoix."

The friend…