"You'll be staying here for a while," Josh said as he tapped a series of numbers into the smart lock on the door.

"Make sure you remember the passcode-696969."

Ivy blinked in disbelief. "Seriously? Was there no other number combination you could've used?"

Josh shot her a sideways grin and chuckled. "Easier to remember this way."

He stepped inside without another word, leaving Ivy frozen at the doorway. Her eyes widened as she took in the vast space before her. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls framed a breathtaking view of Seoul's glittering skyline at night. The city lights sparkled like a sea of stars, their reflection shimmering on the gleaming white marble floors. At the center of the living room sat a luxurious black leather L-shaped sofa, perfectly paired with a sleek glass coffee table topped with a vase of white roses-elegance in its purest form.

"Is this... your apartment?" Ivy finally stepped in, cautiously, as if afraid her presence might taint the perfection of the place.

Her gaze swept across the open-concept kitchen fitted with stainless steel appliances, then moved to the large bookshelf tucked in the corner. A spiral staircase with glass railings spiraled upward, making her eyes widen even more.

Josh shrugged off his jacket and hung it by the door. "Yeah. Not too shabby, right?"

"Not too shabby?" Ivy spun around to face him, disbelief etched across her face. "This place looks like a five-star hotel suite! Who are you, Josh?"

He only gave a casual shrug, strolling toward the small minibar near the window. "Getting curious about me now, are you?"

Ivy frowned. That was her mistake-she'd agreed to the deal without knowing anything about this man beyond his name: Joshua Miller. She had no clue about his background, his job, or what kind of world he came from. Was he a mafia boss? An international criminal?

"Just a regular guy who happens to have a comfortable place to stay," Josh said, pouring red wine into two glasses before handing one to her.

She accepted it with a cautious look. "Regular guys don't live in places like this," she said, narrowing her eyes as if trying to read him.

"Are you some CEO? Company owner? Chairman of the board? Or... a loan shark?"

Josh laughed. "A CEO? A loan shark? You're imaginative, Ivy."

She stepped closer, her stare more intense. "Then tell me who you really are. I have a right to know-especially if I'm going to be staying here."

Josh took another sip of his wine, then gave her a mischievous smile. "Me? I'm just a man who really, really likes the number sixty-nine."

Ivy let out a groan. "You're seriously not going to tell me?"

He shrugged again, completely unbothered. "You'll find out eventually. For now, just think of me as your mysterious benefactor-kind enough to give you a place to stay and help you get your revenge. And in return, you give me what I want."

Ivy sighed, turning her gaze to the enormous window. The dazzling city lights managed to distract her for a moment from the irritation building in her chest.

"Well, thanks for the luxury accommodation, Mister Mysterious. But don't think I won't find out who you really are."

Josh chuckled as he walked over to the sofa and flopped down.

"Be my guest. Though I'm pretty sure you'll be too busy tending to my needs to worry about uncovering my secrets."

Ivy exhaled deeply. As frustrating as it was to talk to Josh, she had to admit-thanks to him, her dignity was still intact. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to say it.

"Thanks for coming with me to get my things from the house."

Josh glanced her way, offering only a brief nod in reply. "You deserve someone better than that guy, Ivy."

She fell silent.

"Don't worry. That house will be yours again," Josh said with a confident smile.

"Now then, I have some things to take care of. And I've already got a plan for how I'm going to help you get your revenge."

His grin stretched wider-equal parts playful and dangerous.

"I don't want much," Ivy said softly, her hands wringing together in her lap. "I just want that house back. No matter what it takes, I believe you can do it for me."

Josh studied her with mild surprise.

"I'm curious-why are you so attached to that house?" If Ivy simply wanted a decent place to live, Josh could easily give her one-something bigger, more luxurious, more comfortable. So why was she clinging so tightly to that particular house?

"I worked hard to save up for it, Josh," Ivy said with a bitter laugh. "I won't just sit back and let that man enjoy the fruits of my labor with his mistress."

But then her face dropped, her expression shadowed by regret.

"Unfortunately, I have no legal claim. The house was registered in Rico's name."

Ah, so that's how it was. Josh nodded to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips. "So that's the real reason."

Ivy gave a silent nod, then let out a long sigh.

"But maybe I need to learn to let it go. The house might never be mine again, and I don't want to keep getting my hopes up."

Her shoulders slumped.

"I'll just have to work hard and buy another place someday. I mean... I can't exactly live with you forever, can I?"

Josh burst out laughing. "Why not? You have a problem living with me?"

"Living with you is part of our arrangement, and only until it's over," Ivy replied flatly. "I have no intention of staying with a man who's clearly surrounded by women."

Josh laughed even harder. "That's pretty bold coming from someone who's only known me for a few days."

Ivy chuckled under her breath. "It's just an observation-based on the endless phone calls you keep getting. Most of them sound like women."

Josh's laughter filled the room. He even had to wipe the corner of his eye as a tear escaped. "Alright, alright. I really have to go now. I've got things to take care of."

Ivy didn't stop him as he moved toward the door. But just before he disappeared from view, she spoke up. "Would it be okay if I bought some ingredients for dinner?"

Josh paused and turned around. "Go ahead. Treat it like your own place."

"Is there anything you'd like to have for dinner tonight?"

That question caught Josh off guard. In thirty-five years, no one had ever asked him something like that. He'd lived most of his life alone. But ever since Ivy entered his world, everything felt slightly... different. Like unfamiliar ripples stirring emotions he didn't recognize.

"You want to cook for me?"

"Is that a problem?" Ivy asked, tilting her head in confusion. She just wanted to show her gratitude. But judging from Josh's reaction, she might've overstepped somehow.

"No," Josh said after a pause, shaking his head slowly. "Do what you want."

"Alright then." Ivy's tone brightened. "I'll let you know when dinner's ready. Try not to come home too late, okay?"

Josh blinked. There was something different about the way she said that-something that made him pause.

"Are you... waiting for me?"

"Of course. Think of it as my way of saying thank you-for staying with me and helping me earlier," Ivy said sincerely.

Josh's gaze sharpened, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Ah, and here I thought you were hoping I'd come back to do... something else."

He stepped closer, his movements steady and purposeful. Ivy, still seated on the couch, felt her breath catch. His towering presence loomed over her, and she could feel his warmth, the weight of his stare locking her in place.

"W-what are you doing?" she asked nervously as his hand braced on the back of the sofa, effectively caging her in.

"I have a meeting with the lawyer who'll help transfer the house back into your name," Josh said, his voice low and serious. "I'll make sure you get it back. But in return, you know what I want... don't you?"

***

"How do I look?"

Rico stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his suit for what must have been the tenth time. His eyes gleamed with confidence, reflecting the burning ambition simmering in his chest.

Clara smiled with quiet satisfaction, her gaze full of open admiration for the man standing before her.

"You're more than ready to meet the Director," she said with conviction.

Rico let out a soft chuckle.

"I have to make the best first impression, right? I've heard he's not exactly the easiest person to approach. But as the new marketing manager-and with your father's support-I'm confident I'll become someone Director Josh can rely on."

Clara nodded eagerly.

"I believe in you, babe."

Rico looked at his reflection once more.

Today was the beginning of everything. The CEO of MAC Corp was arriving for his official introduction, and tomorrow, Rico would start his new role as Marketing Manager at MAC Corp's Seoul branch. A strategic position, no doubt. This was his year-when all his hard work would finally pay off.

As a newly promoted employee, Rico had been granted a rare opportunity: to meet the company's top executive before officially working under his leadership. It was a chance he had no intention of wasting. If he played his cards right, who knew? By next year, he could be aiming even higher.

"Let's go. We don't want to keep him waiting," Rico said as he strode out, heading toward the 30th floor-the CEO's domain. Starting tomorrow, his own office would also be relocated there, closer to the heart of MAC Corp's power.

In the elevator, several high-ranking executives joined them, all bound for the same destination. Conversations buzzed about the new CEO-some filled with admiration, others exaggerated to the point of flattery. Classic corporate brown-nosing.

Rico smirked to himself. He knew how to navigate this game. If he didn't, he wouldn't have climbed the ladder so quickly.

When they arrived at the conference room on the 30th floor, the atmosphere was noticeably more formal than usual. The space had been transformed into a welcoming room for the new CEO-the youngest son of the Miller family, heir to a global business empire.

Soft murmurs passed between the executives. Some faces bore curiosity, others radiated ambition. Rico kept his focus on one thing only: making sure he stood out in the eyes of the man at the top.

Then the door opened.

Silence fell instantly. Every conversation, every breath seemed to pause. A man stepped inside, and with him came a presence that seized control of the room.

Dressed in an impeccable suit that hugged his tall frame, his gaze was sharp, radiating self-assurance. He wasn't fazed by the hushed murmurs or the admiring glances thrown his way.

"Good afternoon."

His voice was deep and commanding, unhurried yet full of weight. He looked around, scanning every face in the room-as if committing them to memory, sizing up who was worth his time and who was merely background noise.

And then, his eyes met Rico's.

Rico, already primed with his best smile, quickly bowed politely, determined to make a strong first impression.

Bingo. I've got you.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of the man's lips-barely noticeable, yet enough to send a shiver down Rico's spine. To Rico, that subtle smile felt like a stroke of luck. Who knew? Maybe they'd hit it off quickly, and Rico could become the new CEO's trusted confidant.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Joshua Miller, your new CEO here at MAC Corp's Seoul branch, taking over from my older brother, Jackson Miller."

"You're really lucky," Jimmy, one of Rico's colleagues, said right after the introduction with the new CEO of MaC wrapped up. "I think your performance over the past year has made our new CEO place a lot of hope in you, Mr. Rico."

Rico let out a small chuckle, careful not to look too self-satisfied.

"You flatter me, Mr. Jimmy. I don't think I'm the only one who caught Mr. Josh's attention. You know he holds pretty high standards for his team."

"You're right."

The casual conversation flowed easily, with Rico and Josh at the center of it all. And it wasn't without reason-Rico had unexpectedly become the highlight of Joshua Miller's first appearance that afternoon. The strikingly handsome CEO had praised Rico's impressive work and expressed a desire to collaborate closely with him while leading MaC's Korean branch.

Rico felt all his efforts to climb the corporate ladder had finally paid off. He'd done everything-everything-to secure his position, even shamelessly courting Clara Jung, the daughter of one of MaC's board commissioners. In the ruthless game of corporate politics, especially in a company as massive as MaC, failing to play smart meant getting crushed or stuck in obscurity.

But that wasn't Rico's fate. He dreamed big. He wanted a title, a place high enough to command respect-from allies and rivals alike.

Clara walked into Rico's office moments later, her steps light, a smile she couldn't quite hide blooming on her face. Joy lit up her delicate features. The maroon business suit she wore stood out beautifully against the soft cascade of her dark brown hair.

"You were incredible," Clara whispered, awe in her voice. "Everyone was looking at you, Darling. Even Mr. Josh seemed to really take notice."

Rico glanced at her, still reclining in his chair. "They only saw what I wanted them to see."

Clara stepped closer, stopping right in front of him. Her gaze brimmed with admiration-like a girl head over heels in love. "But still, you stood out from everyone else. I've always known how brilliant you are, Rico. But seeing others acknowledge it... I felt so proud."

Rico offered a faint, knowing smirk. He was well aware of how deeply Clara loved him-and that made everything easier. Her feelings were a tool, and he intended to use them to their fullest.

"Then keep feeling proud, Clara. This is just the beginning," he murmured, gently pulling her closer to him.

Clara bit her lower lip. "My father's hosting a dinner tonight. Some of the board members and top execs from HQ will be there-including Mr. Josh. I want you to come with me."

Rico laughed softly, running his hand slowly down Clara's back. "Is that a request, or an order, hmm?"

Clara couldn't hide how flustered his teasing made her. Her cheeks grew visibly red. "A request. I want everyone to know who's by my side."

"You don't need to ask if I'll come," Rico replied without missing a beat. "I'm always by your side."

Clara looked relieved, glowing with happiness. She didn't realize that in Rico's mind, the only person who truly mattered... was himself.

"Since you're already this close to me," Rico murmured, his voice low and lazy, "could you help calm me down for a bit? Before I get to all the tasks Josh dumped on me?"

Clara let out a soft laugh but didn't object. "Alright." She leaned down-lower, and lower-until her face was level with the seat of Rico's chair.

"Should I start with my hands, or... my mouth?"

Rico licked his lips, impatient. "Whatever you do, I'll love it."

***

In his calm, minimalist office, Josh stood by the tall window, watching the Seoul skyline dim as night crept in. The sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness, followed by a cautious voice.

"I've prepared a full report on Ricardo Dallas," Dylan said as he placed a tablet on Josh's desk.

Josh didn't take it right away. He kept his gaze fixed on the window, his voice cool and quiet. "Are you sure it's accurate this time, Dylan?"

Dylan hesitated. "I understand you're still upset about the Pamalove Bar incident. But I swear, I double-checked everything this time. It won't happen again."

Josh finally turned and picked up the tablet with deliberate slowness. His eyes scanned the screen sharply before shifting to Dylan.

"One mistake can be forgiven. Two means you didn't learn." His tone was cold, almost surgical. "Don't force me to consider a replacement. But... for now, I still trust you. For now."

Dylan bowed slightly, swallowing hard. "Thank you, sir. You won't be disappointed."

Josh opened the report. Photo after photo, financial records, promotion history, and a detailed list of Rico's business trips scrolled by. He flipped through each page with unshaken focus.

"Promoted too fast," Josh muttered. "His first three years were mediocre at best."

"He's close to Clara Jung. Their relationship goes beyond professional. And-"

"-backed by Jaeyoon Jung, one of the board commissioners," Josh cut in, his voice low but razor-sharp. "Clara's family has long-standing ties with MaC's central holding. No wonder their golden boy suddenly rose to the top."

Josh exhaled slowly and set the tablet down on the desk. "What's next on my schedule?"

"You've been asked to attend a formal dinner tonight," Dylan informed him. Josh gave no response. After a pause, Dylan added, "I've arranged everything."

Josh didn't respond right away. He kept staring out the window, as if calculating a deeper move behind his silence. A faint smile touched his lips-barely noticeable.

"If someone like Rico can rise through dirty tactics," he murmured, "let's see how high he can climb before he falls."

Dylan didn't fully understand what Josh meant, but as his most trusted man, questioning Josh wasn't in his job description.

"Keep a close eye on Rico, Dylan. If necessary, assign someone specifically to monitor him."

Dylan frowned. "Is... Rico really that much of a threat to MaC?"

Josh let out a short laugh. "No."

"Then why go through the trouble?"

"Because of a promise." Josh grabbed the blazer he had draped over the back of his chair. "Come on. Let's not be late for dinner. I'm hungry."

"Yes, Mr. Josh."

The Seoul sky was beginning to darken, and the city lights flickered on, casting a soft glow across the streets. Their reflections danced along the sleek surface of a black car cruising toward Gangnam. Inside, Josh leaned back in the rear seat, a wireless earbud tucked neatly in his ear. Jack's voice came through the call, smooth and familiar.

"So, how's Seoul?"

"Do I really need to answer that?" Josh replied with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

His brother chuckled on the other end. "Well, I haven't heard you complain since day one, so I'll take that as a sign you're settling in."

Josh let out a long breath. "You wouldn't be calling unless it was important. Just tell me-what is it?"

"I heard you're attending a dinner party tonight?"

"Something like that."

Once again, Jackson Miller laughed-carefree, as always. "Sounds like little brother is starting to understand the game. These dinners tell you who's loyal and who's quietly planning the downfall of the company Dad built."

Josh didn't respond to that.

"I heard it's at a restaurant in Cheongdam?"

"Yeah. Mr. Jung recommended the place. Dylan said it's popular with the exec crowd. Not exactly my scene."

"Well, if Dylan said it's worth it, you might as well enjoy it-even if it's reluctantly. After a week of reading reports, you deserve something decent to eat."

Josh offered a faint smile. "It's more than just reports. I've been studying the habits of the board members here. Some of them are way too comfortable... too powerful."

Jack chuckled again. "I figured. Each branch has its own culture. But MaC Korea has always had a reputation for being... a little closed off, hasn't it?"

"Closed off, and riddled with internal compromises. Too many decisions are made for political reasons. I want a system that's transparent, performance-based-not built on favoritism."

Josh heard Jack clear his throat briefly. "You're the CEO now. If you want to change the ship's direction, I'm behind you. Don't hesitate."

"Since when have I ever hesitated? But I won't move too fast. No need to stir the pot before I understand how deep it goes."

"When you're trying to fix a broken system like MaC Korea's, the ones who resist the hardest are usually the ones who've been feeding off the chaos. Don't overthink it."

Josh let out a short laugh. "Still the brute force type, huh?"

"I work at HQ. With Dad breathing down my neck, I don't have the luxury of playing nice. If I don't push hard, I get crushed."

The car slowed, then pulled to a stop in front of a restaurant marked by a sleek wooden sign that read Mingles.

"I've got to go," Josh said. "I'll keep you posted if anything comes up."

"Good luck, CEO."

The call ended.

Josh stared at the restaurant façade for a moment, already arranging the next steps in his mind.

"This way, sir," Dylan said, holding the door open.

The moment Josh stepped into Mingles, the chill of the evening melted away, replaced by the warm ambiance of wood-accented interiors and soft, golden lighting. The high ceilings were adorned with minimalist geometric chandeliers-elegant in their simplicity. A gentle stream of instrumental jazz floated through the air, subtle enough not to overpower conversation, yet present enough to ease the formality of the room.

A long dining table had been arranged in the private area of the restaurant. Around it, a mix of sharply dressed executives in tailored suits and women in graceful evening gowns began to rise as soon as Josh appeared at the entrance. Some of them had already been standing, waiting.

"Good evening, Mr. Miller."

"It's an honor to have you with us tonight."

"I've been looking forward to meeting you in person, Mr. Josh Miller."

Greetings poured in one by one.

With a faint, polite smile that barely curved his lips, Josh returned each of them with brief but courteous nods. Behind him, Dylan followed half a step behind, eyes scanning the room-marking who smiled too eagerly, who stared too long, and who looked just a bit too anxious.

As Josh made his way to the central seat at the long side of the table-the one clearly reserved for him-he noticed Rico and Clara were already there, seated across from each other, Clara's chair subtly angled toward Rico.

Clara stood quickly, offering a smile that was a shade too warm to be purely professional. "It's such a pleasure to finally have you join us, Mr. Miller. We've all been looking forward to this evening."

Josh gave a slight nod, his expression neutral-pleasant, but distant.

Rico quickly chimed in, raising his voice just enough to make sure those nearby could hear. "We're truly honored by your presence, Mr. Josh. Hopefully, this dinner marks the start of an even stronger collaboration."

"Let's hope so." Josh's reply was polite but detached, much like the way he glanced at Rico-briefly, without emotion-before turning his attention back to the wine glass in front of him.

A server appeared with the appetizers: delicate jeon filled with fresh oysters, paired with chilled mulkimchi elegantly plated in handcrafted ceramic bowls. The tang of fermentation and traditional spices filled the room, rich and unmistakably Korean.

"This is the finest hanjeongsik in Seoul, Mr. Josh. We thought you might miss the authentic flavors of home, considering you grew up overseas," said Commissioner Jaeyoon with an affable tone.

Josh simply nodded, disinterested. He had a feeling this dinner would drag on longer than he'd like.

"If I'm not mistaken, your mother is from Busan, isn't she? A daughter of the Choi family, if my memory serves me right?" This time, it was Commissioner Kwon speaking-his gaze sharp, as if what he'd just shared was some rare gem of insider knowledge.

"That's true. But I don't use that family name anymore," Josh replied flatly.

"Ah, what a shame. The Choi name is still quite respected-especially the branch from Busan," said Jaeyoon, quickly chiming in. "I actually knew one of your uncles back when I was studying at KAIST."

Josh resisted the urge to sigh. If there was one thing he hated, it was people bringing up his family. "A lot changed after our parents' generation," he said coolly.

The waiter returned just in time, placing the main course in front of them: slow-braised galbijjim, beef so tender it practically fell apart at the touch, and grilled deodeok drizzled with a sweet-spicy gochujang sauce.

Rico seized the moment.

"Mr. Josh, I hope you enjoy the galbijjim. Clara and I tried it yesterday and immediately thought you had to taste it."

"If it doesn't suit your palate, we can recommend someplace more authentic," Clara added with a carefully practiced smile.

Josh turned his head slightly, casting them a fleeting look that carried just the faintest hint of fatigue. Then he turned back to his plate. "Thank you. I'll give it a try."

There was no shortage of small talk-none of it meaningful. But for the sake of his position here in Korea, Josh kept his composure. He allowed himself to be the magnetic center of the table, receiving dishes and drinks as they came, politely engaging just enough to maintain appearances.

Until his phone rang.

The sudden sound broke the rhythm of the dinner, and to everyone's surprise, Josh actually smiled-genuinely, widely. It caught attention. Was it someone special? A lover, perhaps?

"Hey, sweetheart," Josh said brightly into the phone, rising from his seat. Then he gave the others a polite nod as he spoke, "I have to take this. Please, go ahead with dinner. Dylan will handle the bills. Good night."

There was a brief, stunned silence. By the time they remembered to respond with their own "Good night," Josh was already halfway out the door. Dylan quickly stepped in to take his place, wordlessly falling into the role of handling things in his boss's absence.

"Damn," Jaeyoon muttered under his breath. "Our CEO doesn't seem too fond of traditional Korean cuisine."

"You're right," added Kwon In-Hyuk, frowning slightly. "I thought he'd appreciate it more."

"Don't worry too much," Rico said smoothly. "There will be plenty more opportunities-especially with Mr. Jung and Mr. Kwon. I doubt Mr. Josh will turn those down."

Both Jaeyoon and Kwon exchanged knowing glances and chuckled in agreement.

"Your future son-in-law's quite sharp," Kwon commented with a nod of approval toward Rico, who responded with a humble smile.

"I wouldn't surround myself with fools, Mr. Kwon."

Their laughter returned, and the dinner carried on.

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Josh strolled casually, phone still at his ear.

"Would you quit starting conversations like that?" Ivy snapped on the other end. "I'm not your girlfriend."

Josh just chuckled, letting the sound roll off his lips as he walked, not bothering to speak until he was far enough from the sycophants still milling around inside the dinner party.

"So... what you call me?" he asked casually.

"Am I bothering you?" Ivy's voice came through the line, a little anxious.

"Not at all," Josh replied, loosening the knot of his tie with a relaxed motion.

"I made dinner. Will you... be home soon?"

His steps slowed. The cold night air in Seoul brushed against his face, but oddly enough, it felt warm-comforting. No one had ever called him just to say something like that. Not in his entire life.

"Yes," he murmured. "I'll be home soon."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Want me to bring you anything?"

"No need. I've already bought plenty of things using your card. That thing buys a lot, Josh," Ivy teased from the other end.

"Ouch. That answer wounds me."

"What do you mean by that?" Ivy asked, genuinely confused. "Could you just hurry up? It's best served hot."

"Do you miss me that much?" he asked playfully. "So much you can't wait to see me?"

A soft laugh slipped through the line. "Not even a little."

"You're sure you don't need anything else?"

"No, Josh."

That light, easy conversation lingered with him all the way to the black car waiting in the lobby. Dylan stood nearby, silently observing the exchange between Josh and whoever was on the other end of that call.

It was strange-no, it was borderline unsettling.

Since when did Josh speak with that kind of tenderness?

And since when did Josh Miller have someone in his life like that?