"Well, if you trust me that much, I will live up to your expectations, stepfather," Lady Novelle said in a voice laced with a diabolic undertone. Her eyes glinted with a cold, calculating intensity that sent shivers down the spines of those who knew her well.
Her stepfather, unfazed by her chilling tone, smirked with a hint of pride. "That's the Lady Novelle I know," he replied candidly, as if her dangerous edge was a source of reassurance rather than concern. He then stood up, his presence commanding attention from everyone in the room. "Be ready for tomorrow," he announced, his voice carrying a weight that left no room for argument.
The next evening, at precisely 7:30 p.m., Lady Novelle and her family were poised and ready, waiting in the grand foyer of their estate. The air was thick with anticipation, as if the walls themselves could sense the significance of the night ahead. Lady Novelle, ever the picture of elegance and control, stood at the center, her eyes fixed on the door, awaiting the arrival of her mother, Jinwoo, and Haru.
Her mother, dressed in an exquisite gown that mirrored her daughter's grace, approached Namwoon, a concerned look on her face. "Where are Jinwoo and Haru?" she asked, her tone gentle yet tinged with impatience.
As if on cue, Jinwoo and Haru appeared at the top of the sweeping staircase. "Mom, we're here. Sorry for being late," Jinwoo called out, his voice lighthearted despite the tension in the room.
Before Jinwoo could react, his father strode over and delivered a light slap to the back of his head. "You're always late!" he scolded, his tone a blend of frustration and humor.
Jinwoo rubbed the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. "Well, at least I'm consistent!" he quipped, his playful nature shining through even in the face of mild reprimand.
"Sorry about that," he added quickly, though the grin on his face showed he wasn't too worried.
His father sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. "You two are going to be the death of me," he muttered, the exasperation in his voice softened by a deep, underlying affection. Despite his words, it was clear that he was more amused than truly upset, resigned to the lively chaos his children often brought into their lives.
As the family prepared to leave, Lady Novelle's demeanor took a sudden turn. Her expression hardened as she turned to Haru, her voice cold and cutting. "If you lie down, then I'll leave you. I don't need you anyway," she hissed, her words dripping with venom.
Haru, equally angry, met her glare with one of his own. "If that's all, then go ahead. It's your pride at stake, so leave on your own," he shot back, his voice steady but filled with defiance.
Namwoon, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward, his face creased with worry. "Don't be angry, Lady Novelle," he pleaded softly. "They're just upset. Please, calm down." He hoped his gentle words would soothe her, though he knew how difficult it was to temper her fiery spirit once ignited.
Lady Novelle's mother, sensing the tension, placed a comforting hand on her daughter's arm. "Yuri, you look so beautiful," she said warmly, her voice filled with maternal pride and love.
Just then, Jinwoo noticed Yuri and couldn't resist a playful jab. "Ah, our dear Yuri looks stunning tonight," he said, his tone teasing but affectionate.
Yuri's father intervened, his voice sharp and commanding. "Enough now," he said sternly, a clear warning to keep the peace.
He then turned to the group with a more practical instruction. "Your mother and I will take another car. The rest of you should take the limousine," he ordered, his tone brooking no argument.
"I'll take Sebastian with me," he continued, referring to his trusted driver, "and Kai will stay here with Jung and Taewoon."
At that moment, Choi Han, the Secretary to Chairman Yoon Dae, appeared through the exit door. "The car is ready, sir," he informed them efficiently.
With a final nod, the parents departed, leaving Jinwoo, Haru, Yuri, and Namwoon to follow in the limousine. As they made their way outside, the sleek, black vehicle awaited them, its polished surface reflecting the golden glow of the estate's lights. Sebastian, the ever-reliable chauffeur, stood by the door, ready to escort them to the evening's event.
The group climbed into the limousine, and as they settled in, Haru casually perched herself on Jinwoo's lap, a familiar and comfortable position for the two. However, Lady Novelle's eyes narrowed in anger as she took in the sight, her jealousy flaring up uncontrollably.
Namwoon, sensing the brewing storm, leaned towards Yuri. "Lady Yuri, please don't be angry," he whispered, his tone gentle and calming.
Yuri sighed deeply, her irritation ebbing away. "Okay, I'm not angry," she conceded, though her tone carried a hint of lingering annoyance.
Jinwoo, ever the provocateur, couldn't resist another comment. "What? Our Yuri is getting angry? How rude! It's like you're jealous of us," he teased, his voice light and mocking.
Yuri shot him a withering look. "No, I'm not. And watch your mouth," she snapped back, her tone sharp with warning.
Namwoon intervened again, his voice soothing. "Lady Yuri, please calm down," he urged, hoping to keep the peace as they neared their destination.
After a short drive, they arrived at the grand venue. The limousine pulled up to the entrance, where a red carpet stretched out before them, lined with elegant decorations and flanked by security. As they stepped out, the grandeur of the evening hit them, the air buzzing with excitement and the soft murmur of conversations.
At the entrance, the director of the LA Group, a man with an air of authority and charm, was personally welcoming each guest. His eyes lit up when he recognized the Yoon family, particularly Lady Novelle. "Are you Lady Novelle?" he asked, his tone bright with admiration.
"Yes, I am Lady Novelle," she replied, her voice carrying a proud and confident edge. She stood tall, every inch the formidable figure she was known to be.
"Welcome to the party! I hope you enjoy the evening," the director said with a warm smile, clearly honored by her presence.
Jinwoo and Haru, having slipped away to the bar, returned with drinks in hand, carefully making their way through the crowd. The party was in full swing, the atmosphere alive with laughter, conversation, and the soft hum of music playing in the background. The lights twinkled like stars in the dimly lit room, casting a warm glow on the elegantly dressed guests.
They approached Namwoon and Yuri, who were standing near one of the large, arched windows that overlooked the city. The view was breathtaking, but tonight, the real spectacle was within the room. Jinwoo handed Namwoon his drink with a grin, while Haru passed a glass to Yuri, who accepted it with a grateful smile.
As they began to sip their drinks, they couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in the room's energy. Conversations hushed slightly, and heads turned towards a striking figure standing at the center of a small gathering. It was Lady Novelle, a name that carried weight and whispered stories wherever it was spoken. She was the kind of woman who commanded attention effortlessly, her presence magnetic and her beauty undeniable.
Nearby, a group of businessmen had their eyes on her, clearly captivated by her aura. One of them, an older gentleman with silver hair and a tailored suit, spoke up first. "That's Lady Novelle," he murmured to his companions, his tone tinged with awe. "When I first heard of her, I imagined someone dangerous, someone who could freeze the blood in your veins. But now that I see her… she looks like any other woman. Beautiful, yes, but… normal."
Another man in the group, younger and bolder, took a swig of his drink before responding. "Who's to say that kind of beauty isn't dangerous?" he remarked, his eyes lingering on Lady Novelle. "In my experience, it's the ones who look the most harmless that you should watch out for."
Yuri, who had been quietly sipping her drink, overheard the conversation and couldn't help but smirk at the men's speculation. Before she could dwell on their words, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind, pulling her into a warm, affectionate embrace.
"Yuri!" a cheerful voice rang out, full of energy and delight. "It's been so long! How have you been?"
Yuri turned her head slightly, a smile already forming on her lips as she recognized the voice. It was one of her closest friends, a girl whose bright personality was as infectious as her laughter. Yuri couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness as she leaned into the hug, grateful for the familiar comfort amidst the enigmatic atmosphere surrounding Lady Novelle.