London, the Hales family investment office.

Late at night, Isabella's office was still brightly lit.

One side of the monitor showed US stock prices and exchange rates. On another screen was a proposal the investment team had submitted for review.

She was reading, comparing and sending things back, over and over.

Whenever an approved item vanished from the list, a new report came in.

Her father had entrusted her with a hundred billion dollars. When she first heard it, her heart had pounded like mad.

The joy of being recognized by the family and the thrill of being able to make bigger investments had even cost her sleep.

But as her authority grew, so did the decisions she had to make and the weight of responsibility.

How much of the existing assets to keep, when and in what portions to deploy the new money: there was far too much to weigh.

Picking the stocks wasn't the end of it, either.

Even on the same company, the investment team was split.

Some said now was the moment; others put on the brakes and wanted to check the earnings one more time.

The final call was left to her.

"I'll need to check this figure again."

Isabella selected a section of a table with her mouse.

She typed a note asking for the supporting data and sent it to the person in charge.

She opened the next file right away. The black tea on her desk had long since gone cold.

She lifted it for a sip, then set the cup back down and zoomed in on the screen.

While the US market was open, there was no time to waste.

Between trading views with the local portfolio team, the London night flew by.

Knock, knock.

"Come in."

The door opened, and her secretary came in with a tablet.

"There's news about Mr. Ha Tae-ung."

Isabella's hands stopped on the keyboard.

"What about Bear?"

"It's been confirmed that he's visiting New York."

"New York?"

Isabella swiveled her chair around.

"He's not in Korea?"

"No. Today, local time, he visited the Lorenz Building.…