Suhyuk slipped through the crowd like he was crashing a cozy family dinner,pulling Jinwoo straight into the circle of George Langley, Marcel Langley—and Celeste.
"George! Marcel! What's up with the fashion tonight?You two are killing it."
He plopped down into the seat across from them without skipping a beat.
"Anyway, I've got something to tell you from yesterday at the hotel lobby—I've got a new shoe design for the next season. Made it with Celeste in mind.Size 235, right?"
Celeste gave an incredulous laugh.
"Enough already. You gave me five pairs of boots last time.What do you think I am, a centipede?"
"Those were last year's.This one's different. It's the official Celeste Edition.Scan the tag, your name pops up. Digital, darling."
George and Marcel chuckled, clearly used to Suhyuk's flamboyant energy.
Next to him, Jinwoo stood silently.
Black tuxedo. Crisp white shirt.He looked like he belonged—but his gaze was quietly sharp, locked in place.
Suhyuk turned toward him and gestured casually.
"Oh, right! This guy—He's a friend I brought from Korea. An actor. Jinwoo."
In an instant, all eyes turned toward Jinwoo.
Celeste inhaled sharply.Daniel, still standing beside her, stepped in close and muttered under his breath—
"…Did you seriously follow her here? Are you insane?"
Jinwoo didn't respond.He kept his gaze fixed on Celeste,a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
While Celeste froze, George set down his wine glass with deliberate calm.
"So, you're an actor from Korea?"His tone was warm—but unmistakably protective.
Marcel tilted his head, smiling politely.
Jinwoo offered a slight bow.
"Yes. My name is Jinwoo Joo.I met Celeste through… a rather unexpected connection."
Marcel raised an eyebrow.
"Unexpected?That's not something we hear often in reference to our daughter."
George smiled.
"And this unexpected connection…did it happen to end in a signed contract, by any chance?"
Celeste quietly whispered, "Dad…"But George just grinned, clearly enjoying himself.
Jinwoo remained composed.His eyes didn't leave Celeste's as he spoke.
"Yes.To me, it was that kind of moment—The kind you only get once.And if you miss it, you regret it forever.No matter what form it takes, I just… wanted to stay close."
Marcel gave a small nod, intrigued.George narrowed his eyes a little further.
"And did you tell our daughter that?Directly?"
"Yes," Jinwoo said calmly."I did.Directly. Honestly."
Celeste's ears flushed red.She tried to look away, but her gaze snapped back to him.
Daniel let out a quiet, frustrated breathand lowered his head.
Suhyuk, who'd been watching with delight, muttered under his breath:
"This is better than TV show. Somebody get me popcorn."
At that moment, George's assistant stepped in quietly.
"Mr. Langley, the Speaker of Parliament and Minister Philippe just arrived.They're waiting for you in the VIP lounge."
George sighed and rose from his seat.
"Well, looks like I'm back on duty."He glanced at Marcel. "Come on, old man. Let's disappear."
Before walking off, he turned to Celeste and Daniel.
"I don't care how busy you two think you are—You're both coming home for Thanksgiving this year. I mean it."He emphasized I mean it with a dramatic glare.
Daniel pointed at Celeste playfully.
"She's the one who works around the clock, not me.Uncles, please save me."
George clucked his tongue, then turned to Jinwoo one last time.
"Mr. Jinwoo," he said, with a twinkle in his eye,"Our daughter may be terrifying, and exhausting…"
He winked.
"But she's worth it.If you're free this Thanksgiving,join us for dinner."
Jinwoo blinked in surprise.
"M-me? Oh—uh, yes! Of course. That'd be… an honor."
George patted him on the back, then disappeared into the crowd with Marcel.
Celeste sat still, her gaze quietly following Jinwoo.
She smiled despite herself.
Daniel sighed and drained the rest of his wine in one go.
With a thud, he dropped into the seat beside her.
Suhyuk continued grinning, thoroughly enjoying the show.
Daniel jabbed him sharply in the ribs.
"You think this is funny?"
Suhyuk shrugged.
"This is why I don't watch dramas.Real life's better.Especially you three? Guaranteed 30% viewership."
"Shut. Up."
Daniel growled and stomped off toward the bar.
Suhyuk followed, teasing.
"Aww… are you sulking?Jealous the big sister might get stolen away?You're so cute when you're all grumpy, Vice Chairman~"