"Thank you, Isabella."

"For what?"

"For looking out for me, even at something like this."

"It's nothing."

Choi Harin had become Isabella's partner for the evening. The two of them were walking side by side down the corridor.

Both were dressed to the letter of the code for the dinner that was about to begin.

Isabella wore a deep emerald gown with only the barest touch of jewelry. Choi Harin, true to her fresh, innocent look, wore an ivory silk dress, calm and elegant.

Neither looked anything like she had in ski wear that afternoon.

"Harin."

"Yes?"

"What kind of person is Bear?"

Choi Harin hadn't expected the question. She slowed her steps for a moment.

"Tae-ung?"

"Yes. You've known him longer than I have."

"Hmm……"

A dreamy look came over Choi Harin's face. She was clearly choosing her words.

"He's a wonderful guy."

"That's it?"

"No."

"Then?"

"There's probably only one of him in the whole world! Someone like Tae-ung."

At Choi Harin's answer, Isabella didn't know what to say for a moment.

The truth was, whenever Choi Harin thought of Ha Tae-ung, she felt something she couldn't explain.

It wasn't because he was a rich chairman.

Once he was sure someone was one of his own, he protected them, no matter what!

Even at moments when everyone else lost their nerve and backed away, he alone stepped forward, head high.

And she had never seen him bow his head to anyone easily, without good reason.

Would she ever meet anyone like that in her life, besides Tae-ung?

Choi Harin sometimes found herself lost in that thought.

"He's that special?"

"Yes."

"……" Isabella nodded slowly. She hadn't known Bear long, but strangely, she couldn't argue.

She'd been having similar thoughts a lot lately herself.

The only one in the whole world. Choi Harin's words didn't sound like an exaggeration.

"I knew it."

"Knew what?"

"Nothing."

While they talked, they reached the entrance of the banquet hall.

The two of them stopped at the same moment.

A tuxedoed hotel attendant who'd been waiting there smiled and opened the door for…