Cameras flashed incessantly, and the crowd's cheers echoed off the walls of the grand venue as Korea's most successful businesspeople stepped onto the red carpet one by one. The air was thick with anticipation, scented with expensive perfume and the faint tang of champagne. This was the Jeong Summit, the country's most anticipated annual event.
An exclusive gathering where titans of business, influential politicians, and elite celebrities converged, it was a night people would kill to attend. Limousines glided past the velvet ropes, and flashes of designer gowns and tailored suits shimmered under the lights.
Hosted by the formidable Jeong family, entering this party was like stepping into a world that radiated power, prestige, and untouchable success—a world where anyone who failed to impress could be easily forgotten in its shadows.
As the guests made their way down the red carpet and into the grand venue, two white limousines glided to a stop at the entrance, immediately capturing everyone's gaze. The moment the person in the first limousine stepped out, a reporter shouted, "It's Jeong Taesung!"—and chaos erupted among the crowd.
Jeong Taesung, the founder of Jeong Group, belonged to one of Korea's most powerful and influential families.
Following Jeong Taesung was his wife, Kim So-ra—the most envied woman in Korea. She exuded radiance, beauty, and luxury. Like her husband, she was also recognized as a highly competent figure in the business world.
The camera flashes erupted as the couple stood side by side, posing with natural poise. Slowly, they began their walk toward the grand venue. Then, another limousine pulled up to the entrance, its presence shifting the crowd's focus.
One by one, six figures emerged, their auras instantly overpowering the scene. They moved with a rare blend of confidence and grace, the kind that silenced murmurs and captured every lens—the Jeong siblings.
A tall, handsome figure emerged, clad in a well-tailored navy blue suit that perfectly complemented his broad shoulders and long legs. His hair was slicked back neatly, emphasizing a sharp jawline and striking features. Jeong Minjung, the eldest of the Jeong siblings, had earned recognition for his excellence in dancesport, moving with the poise and precision that hinted at his skill.
Beside him stood Jeong Eunkyung, the second child, draped in a long red dress that hugged her figure and accentuated the curve of her slim waist. A golden necklace caught the camera flashes, turning it into the centerpiece of her ensemble. A genius fashion designer, each step commanding attention.
While Eunkyung and Minjun dazzled with their presence, Jeong Ara appeared in a flowing golden-rose dress that highlighted her soft, feminine figure. As she lifted the hem of her dress, her pale, delicate hands drew every gaze—the very hands that painted masterpieces.
As the three continued toward the grand venue, cameras quickly shifted to Jeong Nari. She stood with unshakable poise, shoulders back, her gaze sweeping the crowd. Her simple jet-black dress fell gracefully to her knees, each step light and flowing, as if she were gliding across ice, revealing the sculpted charm of her legs—a testament to years as a figure skating prodigy. Every movement was precise, controlled, and mesmerizing, and became the media's center of notice with the same effortless command as her siblings.
Following Nari was Jeong Jiu. Unlike her confident siblings, she avoided the cameras, offering only a brief, practiced smile before looking away. Fingers tapped lightly against one another—a quiet habit that eased her nerves—she quickened her pace, determined to stay out of the spotlight.
But the wind had other plans: her long emerald dress caught it perfectly, cascading around her in dramatic waves. Like a soft, lingering melody, Jiu didn't need the spotlight to be noticed; her presence alone reflected the artistry she poured into every performance as a talented musician.
And last in line, capturing every gaze with seamless charm, was Jeong Jia, the youngest. She glided down the red carpet in a radiant yellow dress, the fabric flowing like liquid sunlight with each step as she waved gracefully to the crowd.
Her smile outshone the flashes of cameras, confident and magnetic, each gesture carrying the ease of someone who knows she is the main character of her story—just as she crafts her own tales as a talented writer.
Even amidst the admiration surrounding her, Jia radiated a playful, captivating energy that made her impossible to ignore.
Despite growing up in a fiercely competitive family, the Jeong siblings chose paths outside the business world. Rival businesspeople dismissed them as harmless, even if one held the title of heir or heiress. Yet each sibling commanded respect—not only for their personal achievements but also for the undeniable influence carried by the Jeong family name.
As the crowd cheered and cameras flashed relentlessly, the Jeong family moved together into the grand venue, stepping into the world they had always inhabited. Guests rose, applauding and smiling as the family passed, their presence commanding every gaze.
The Jeongs made their way to their table with composed grace. While the rest of the family took their seats, Mr. Jeong strode to the stage, acknowledging everyone with a warm yet authoritative greeting.
"Good evening, esteemed guests, colleagues, and friends. Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate success but the vision, dedication, and perseverance that drive it—the essence of the Jeong Summit."
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as Mr. Jeong's commanding voice filled the hall, setting the tone for a night of influence and connection.
"This summit is a reminder that true leadership is measured not just by achievements, but by the ability to inspire, guide, and create lasting impact. Each of you has shaped industries and ideas in ways that extend far beyond these walls. On behalf of the Jeong Group, I thank you for your presence and collaboration. May tonight spark new ideas, foster meaningful connections, and celebrate the promise of what we can achieve together. Have a remarkable evening."
The audience rose to their feet, applauding as his words lingered in the air. Brief, yet imbued with weight and purpose, the speech left an undeniable mark on the hall. With quiet grace, Mr. Jeong stepped down from the stage and made his way back to the family's table, where seven radiant smiles awaited him, filled with pride and admiration.
"Congratulations, dear. The night has only just begun, but I already know it will be another success—just like the years before," Mrs. Kim said, her eyes sparkling with pride.
"Oh, I wouldn't want to take all the credit, now would I?" Mr. Jeong replied lightly, his gaze sweeping over his children, each looking at him with quiet reverence. A softer smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you for supporting your old man—even when I get a little grumpy at times."
The moment hung between them, warm and unspoken, a quiet celebration of family, legacy, and the bond that had carried them all through years of ambition and achievement.
The table broke into laughter at his playful remark.
"Oh, Daddy, this is all because of your hard work! I'm so proud of you!" Jia, the youngest, exclaimed, stretching her arms dramatically as if trying to measure the full weight of her pride. Her exaggerated gesture drew chuckles from her older siblings, but it only deepened the smile on Mr. Jeong's face, warm and unguarded—a rare, tender moment amid the grandeur of the evening.
The night of dignity and grace unfolded seamlessly. The Jeong family moved through the venue, exchanging smiles and greetings with dignitaries and guests, each gesture graceful and commanding.
In a quiet corner, a cluster of businessmen's wives lingered, draped in expensive designer gowns and holding delicate glasses of champagne.
Their eyes followed the Jeongs with keen interest, whispers barely audible beneath carefully practiced smiles, curiosity and subtle envy hidden behind the veneer of polite composure.
"Jeong Taesung, a walking fortune," the first lady murmured, her gaze lingering on the couple as if measuring their worth. "I wonder what good deeds Mrs. Kim performed in a past life to deserve such luxury."
"Well, she's beautiful, but what else?" the second lady quipped, sarcasm curling at the edges of her lips. A soft, mocking laugh escaped them, as though Mrs. Kim's class was nothing more than a carefully staged performance.
"Speaking of beauty," the third lady interjected, swirling her champagne with deliberate grace, "I heard she frequents those high-end clinics."
The second lady gasped, leaning closer as though they had uncovered a secret scandal. "Speaking of perfection… Can such beauty be natural?"
The three women laughed again, their voices hushed yet sharp enough to cut through the air like fine crystal.
"Actually…"
A polite yet commanding voice sliced through their laughter, freezing the three women mid-breath. Slowly, they turned—and were met with the poised figure of Secretary Han Jiwon, Jeong Group's most loyal and formidable aide.
She stood tall in her tailored suit, her piercing gaze sweeping over the women, her expression calm and unreadable. Hands resting gracefully at her sides, her mere presence seemed to compress the space around them, forcing the whispers and laughter to die away.
At that moment, the room itself seemed to hold its breath. She hadn't simply entered the conversation—she commanded it, radiating authority that left no doubt who held control.
"Mrs. Kim owns 'that very clinic'" she calmly added. "It is only natural for the owner to check up on her business".
The three women chuckled awkwardly, champagne glasses clinking as they exchanged nervous glances, their earlier bravado crumbling under Ms. Han's poised stare.
"You are most welcome to visit the clinic at your convenience," she continued, her smile perfectly composed, her eyes glimmering with quiet challenge. "The services are designed to enhance one's natural beauty—even in cases where it may have been… underestimated. I'm certain it would do wonders for you."
Ms. Han spoke without changing the expression on her face or the measured tone of her voice. She offered a subtle bow as a sign of respect, heels clicking with elegant precision as she walked away, not once looking back.
The three women remained frozen, their faces rigid with shock and offense, as if her words had cut straight through their carefully cultivated pride. As she melted into the crowd, they exchanged incredulous glances, simmering with disbelief and barely contained anger.
"How disrespectful," the first woman hissed, her voice low, trembling with restrained fury.
As the three ladies remained frozen, a different kind of attention filled another corner of the hall. Two businesswomen observed the Jeong siblings, who stood together near the center, commanding the gaze of many guests.
"Look at them… well-raised children any mother would give anything to raise," one whispered, eyes soft with quiet envy.
"Just like their mother—epitomes of beauty and elegance. And just like their father, success is engraved in their very names," the other replied, a small smile playing on her lips as her gaze lingered on the siblings.
"I can tell they're calm and well-mannered, just by the way they carry themselves. They radiate composure," the first woman sighed, almost dreamily, as though witnessing a rare and flawless spectacle.
"I agree. They have this almost gentle aura. I can't imagine them ever causing anyone harm," the second added, her laugh bright and airy.
The two women continued their quiet praise from afar, entirely unaware of the truths hidden beneath the Jeongs' flawless facade.
Never caused anyone harm, they said…
Or would they?
They appeared to the world as serene, harmless figures, yet even the most dazzling radiance can obscure shadows imperceptible to all, including those who stand nearest.
Amid the sophistication of the evening, Jiu's phone buzzed. In an instant, her expression changed—calmness drained away, replaced by a steely intensity. She lowered the device, eyes locking with her siblings. With one deliberate look and nod, they instantly knew…something urgent was unfolding.
…and the night was about to change.
To be continued…..