The headlines had not cooled since the charity gala.
"Taesan Group's Young Chairman Breaks Global Records."
"The Youngest Billionaire of the Century."
"Daniel Park Expands Empire to Europe and Southeast Asia."
Within months, Daniel's wealth skyrocketed beyond imagination. His holdings were no longer limited to Korea—Taesan Group had investments in international shipping, biotech, digital finance, and cutting-edge real estate. Every boardroom in Seoul whispered his name, every old conglomerate feared the speed of his rise. By twelve, Daniel was no longer just a prodigy; he was an economic storm rewriting the rules of power.
Yet money was only one piece of his empire. Behind closed doors, Union dominated the schools, and Cheongryong expanded across cities with an iron grip. Both shadows and light bowed to him.
---
That evening, Daniel visited Prosecutor Lee's residence. It was a modern estate nestled in the heart of Gwangseong, where silence weighed heavy as if the walls themselves kept secrets.
When the door opened, Lee was not alone.
A woman sat elegantly in the living room, legs crossed, sipping tea with eyes that could slice through lies. Her presence radiated authority, cloaked not in brute strength but in cold calculation.
Choi Gangmi.
Daniel recognized her instantly. A private prosecutor, brilliant and ruthless. More importantly, a core member of Workers, one of Seoul's Four Crews.
Lee stood, his tone careful.
"Daniel… meet Gangmi Choi. She came to discuss a matter with me. But since you're here, she wanted a word with you as well."
Gangmi's lips curled into the faintest smile. "As if I needed an introduction. The so-called young emperor of Gwangseong. Head of Union. Master of Cheongryong. Don't look so surprised—I know everything."
Daniel, sitting calmly on the couch, leaned back slightly. His lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes sharp yet almost amused as they locked onto hers.
"Knowing doesn't mean controlling."
Gangmi leaned forward, her voice sharp, laced with authority.
"You've grown too quickly, boy. Your Union crushes middle schools, your Cheongryong swallows cities, and now your company threatens Korea's old guard. Other factions are restless. You keep expanding, and they won't just be restless—they'll come for you. If you're smart, you'll stop here."
Silence filled the room. Even Prosecutor Lee seemed uneasy at her blunt warning.
Daniel finally rose from his seat, his gaze cold, his words sharp like steel.
"A dragon doesn't concern itself with the opinion of sheep. Tell your Workers this—my path is mine alone. And anyone who dares stand in it… will burn."
Gangmi studied him carefully. For a moment, her expression hardened—then softened into the faintest smirk.
"You're either the boldest child I've ever seen… or the most foolish. Let's see how long your fire lasts."
She stood, smoothing her coat, and walked toward the door. As she reached the threshold, she glanced back once more.
"Careful, Daniel Park. Dragons attract hunters."
The door shut, leaving only silence.
Lee exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. "You've caught the Workers' eye. That… is no small matter."
But Daniel only smirked faintly, a cruel glint in his eyes.
"Good. Let them watch. Let them come. I'll show them… that this dragon doesn't bow."
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✨ End of Chapter 65 ✨