Mr. Adam stood by the window in his office, staring at the busy city while his mind traveled far.
"Williams has traveled again without my permission," he muttered, his frown deepening.
Just then, a knock on the door drew him back to reality. Secretary Kim entered, holding a neat folder of documents.
"Good morning, sir," he greeted with a respectful bow.
"Morning," Mr. Adam replied.
"You may proceed," he said, sitting down.
"Yes, sir." Kim opened the folder to give the report. "First, the board has approved the expansion proposal for our Jeju branch. Construction can begin next month. Second, the quarterly revenue reports from Adam Global Holdings are compiled. I've highlighted the sectors with unusual growth."
He placed the papers gently on the desk.
But Mr. Adam's expression remained distant.
Kim continued, "The Ministry also sent confirmation regarding your invitation to the business summit next week. They would like your response before the weekend."
Mr. Adam hummed absent-mindedly, clearly not focused.
Kim closed the last file. "That concludes today's briefing, sir." With that, he left the office.
Not long after Secretary Kim left, Williams entered.
Mr. Adam looked up, and his expression hardened instantly upon seeing him.
"You traveled without informing me," he said. "Do you have any idea how irresponsible that is?"
Williams froze, then smiled sheepishly. "Dad… I'm sorry. Really. Veronica needed me. It was her best friend's wedding, and if I didn't show up, people would look down on her. It was urgent. I… I couldn't tell you before traveling."
"Williams, you are the heir of the Adam empire. Stop misbehaving and grow up.
"You travel without telling anybody and party without care, even when you know I have enemies everywhere. Do you know how many times you have narrowly escaped death?
"What do you think will happen to me if anything happens to you?" he said angrily.
"You don't even know what is happening in the company. How will you hold this company if I die today?" he continued.
"Williams, please don't kill me before my time. Settle down and marry. Be responsible, Will," he said, dropping to his seat.
"Dad, I have already said that I am sorry. I truly am. It was just too urgent, you know. Don't worry... it won't happen again."
"Dad, meet Veronica," he beamed, drawing her closer. "This is the love of my life."
Veronica smiled sweetly and bowed politely.
"Dad, you see, I want to be responsible. That is why I brought Veronica to introduce to you."
Mr. Adam stared at the two of them, thinking how long this love of his life would last. Williams had introduced many, and none lasted a month.
"And Veronica, this is my dad." After the introduction, he guided her to a chair. "Baby, sit here. Let me help the old man."
Then he turned to his father. "Dad, I'm here to work. You see, I'm changing." He drew the document closer as he sat in the nearest chair. "I'm ready to be responsible."
He… wants to help? Mr Adam murmured staring at him.
Williams focus. The office was quiet. Mr. Adam watched him, hopefully.
Then Veronica leaned in.
"Wiiiilliaaams," she whispered sweetly, brushing his arm, "you promised to take me shopping today… remember? My best friend's birthday is tonight."
Williams sighed. "Can't we go later? I really need to work, for us baby." He said smiling sweetly at her.
"No, baby," she pouted, gently tugging his sleeve. "I need you now."
Williams didn't hesitate long. He closed the document.
"Alright, baby. Let's go." Then he turned to his father. "Dad, tonight's party is very important to Veronica. I want to take her shopping.
"I can't disappoint her. I will come back and finish the work. Don't do anything, Dad... I will be back."
Then he stood immediately. Veronica laced her fingers with his, smiling.
They walked out together, gigglingly softly.
Mr. Adam's jaw dropped.
He stared at the door long after it closed, then whispered,
"This boy… will be the end of me."
------
"Hey, Linda," Ha Rin called as she stepped into the classroom. She found Linda scrolling through her phone.
"Linda, Mr. Kwon wants to see you."
Linda frowned. "What does he want with me? I'm not good enough for his club…"
" Maybe he's changed his mind… because you were too cute that last time," Ha Rin whispered, giving her arm a gentle tug.
As they made their way to the hall, other students were busy with their usual training routines.
"Good morning, sir," Linda greeted politely.
"You sent for me?"
"Yes, I did," Mr. Kwon replied, calling over the students who had fought with Linda the previous week.
He turned to Linda. "This is the best of my students. He will be your teacher for now. Listen to him, and don't be arrogant."
Linda faced the senior student. He gave her a mischievous smile. Mr. Kwon, satisfied, turned away.
Turns out yesterday was just a test after all. She smiled, satisfied with how things turned out, then...trying to catch her new coach offguard, she swung her fist toward him, but he caught her wrist mid-air and twisted gently, forcing her arm into a proper guard.
"Here," he murmured with a smile, guiding her other hand to cover her face. "Like this. Balance your weight, don't lean forward."
Linda frowned and tried to pull back, stubbornly straightening her posture her own way. He caught her elbow and nudged it into the correct position, his fingers brushing her skin.
"Not like that," he whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Relax… see? Let your body flow with mine."
She huffed and jabbed again, faster this time, but he sidestepped, blocking her fist with his forearm. Then he grabbed her shoulders lightly, turning her to face him squarely.
"Focus, Linda. Keep your weight on the front of your feet, not your heels. Step with me," he said, moving slowly beside her and showing exactly how to shift her feet.
Linda tried to mirror him, but her hands shot out in her own pattern, refusing to follow.
He caught her wrists, spinning them slightly, and whispered close to her ear, "Careful… is this how you treat your master?" His warm breath sent shivers down her neck.
She flushed and gritted her teeth. "I'm not your student yet," she muttered, swinging again. He blocked her strike with ease, leaning just close enough that she could feel the mischievous spark in his eyes.
"Hmm… stubborn, aren't we?" he chuckled, letting go of her wrists. "Good. I like spirited students. But don't fight me, I'll make you regret it."
Linda blinked at him, cheeks heating. She wasn't sure if she was annoyed, or excited. Either way, she wasn't backing down.