Gangnam, Seoul.
A black Bentley Mulsanne glided through the midnight city lights.
In the backseat, two figures sat side by side—Celeste Langley, CEO of Langley Group Asia, and her vice-chairman and long-time shadow, Daniel Nam.
Celeste stared out the window, slowly swirling the wine in her glass.
Daniel paused the notes he was typing on his laptop, his gaze shifting to her.
"…You used it today, didn't you?"
Celeste didn't answer. She simply tilted the glass slightly.
The ambient light shimmered in her dark eyes.
"Yeah," she said finally. "Just a little. Needed to loosen up their network."
"I figured. The congressmen's tone completely changed. Even Howard, that stiff assistant who always scowls—he smiled and poured you wine. Called you 'Madam.' Gave me chills."
Celeste smirked faintly.
"Those guys think in dollar signs. They were weighing whether I'm a risky investment or a charming partner. That's when you drop a touch of allure. Just enough to fog the math."
Daniel slowly shook his head.
"…Celeste."
"Mm?"
"I know it helps. I know it works. But seriously... those sleazy bastards drooling next to you? Every time, I swear I feel today might be the day."
Celeste turned to him with a raised brow. "What day?"
"The day I shoot them all and go to prison."
She burst out laughing. "You're insane."
"I'm serious. Chris brought his wife to that dinner and still tried to get your number. Disgusting. I almost lost it."
Celeste chuckled and leaned back, glass resting by her thigh.
"If you ever snap, I'll pull every string I've got to bail you out, Vice Chairman."
"I'm not joking. It pisses me off."
Celeste put the glass down and let her eyes drift back to the city lights.
"…Alright, alright. Calm down. I'll keep it off in Korea for now."
Daniel blinked.
"…Really?"
"Yeah. No major lobbying left here anyway. Let's try minimal usage—for now."
"You're serious?" He grinned.
"Okay. You promised. Witnessed by me and Steve."
"Exactly. So stick close and support me well, Vice Chairman."
Soon, the car pulled into the underground garage of Celeste's private building.
A 20-story fortress. Three layers of biometric security.
Floors 1–10: subsidiaries' offices. Floors 11–15: executive residences.16th: staff-only restaurant.17th: private lounge bar.18th: fitness, pool, and spa.19–20th: Celeste Langley's penthouse.
In the elevator, Daniel stretched and groaned.
"Ugh… At least the trip paid off. No more overseas meetings for a while."
Celeste pinched his cheek with a grin.
"You're already tired when you didn't even go to work today? Really, Mr. Vice Chairman?"
Daniel caught her hand and laced their fingers together.
"Mario Kart rematch. Winner gets a wish?"
"You're on. Slowpoke."
"Oh wait—did we run out of beer? Should've messaged Howard ahead of time."
"That's why I said we should install a draft tap."
"Who the hell installs a beer tap at home?!"
The elevator chimed with a soft 'ding.' Another war had just begun.