Outside the Shinpyeong Party headquarters in Yeouido, staff had come out to wait for the distinguished guest due shortly.

"There he is."

When an unfamiliar black car pulled up in front of the building, one of them pointed and called out.

Party Leader Chan-hyeon Park straightened his jacket and marshaled his people.

"Everyone stay sharp — no missteps in front of the Ilhyeon Group's Vice-Chairman."

"Yes, sir."

Confirming they had all tensed up as instructed, Chan-hyeon Park drew a deep breath.

"Money or a firm commitment… we have to come away with it today."

Having muttered it to himself, he opened the car door himself.

"Welcome, Vice-Chair—"

His face went rigid mid-greeting.

Because the man stepping out was not Vice-Chairman Mun-jong.

Seong-ho got out and looked around at the assembled staff.

"Have you all come out on our account? There was really no need…"

"President Kim — what brings you here…"

"The Chairman told me to come. You asked to see the Vice-Chairman, I understand?"

"So… the Vice-Chairman isn't coming?"

"He has a busy schedule. Whatever you'd like to say to him, you may say to me. Shall we go in?"

Chan-hyeon Park, whose mind had gone briefly white at Seong-ho's utter composure, hurried to show him inside.

"My apologies. My thoughts were elsewhere for a moment… Please, come in."

Chan-hyeon Park led, with Seong-ho and Byeong-jin following.

The rest of the Shinpyeong Party staff went in behind them, wearing bewildered expressions.

Having brought Seong-ho up to the party leader's office on the eighth floor, Chan-hyeon Park ordered tea from his secretary.

"Bring tea. And tell the Floor Leader and the Secretary-General to come up at once."

As the secretary was bringing the tea in, the Floor Leader and Secretary-General entered.

"Has the Vice-Chairman arrived?"

Both men, expecting Mun-jong, registered surprise at finding an unexpected figure in the office.

"This is—"

"Say hello. This is President Seong-ho Kim of Ilhyeon Heavy Industries. You know him?"

"Of course. The Chairman's youngest son-in-law, formerly at Ilhyeon Securities… But what brings you here, President Kim…?"

"We'll get to that in due course… Now,…