Prologue
Everything was perfect.
At last, the shareholders’ meeting unanimously approved me as the new CEO.
The news spread quickly.
It had been expected ever since I became vice chairman three years ago, but the industry’s reaction was one of surprise—no one thought I’d take the top seat this quickly.
I had deliberately asked Secretary Yang to bring me a printed economic newspaper.
It had been a long time since I last held a fresh newspaper, the ink scent still lingering.
“In an era where third-generation chaebols are constantly involved in scandals and poor management, losing their CEO positions to professional executives—Jeon Seong-guk, the sole heir of Samjeon Group, has finally claimed the throne.”
Jeon Seong-guk, the man who took over Samjeon Group, one of the top five conglomerates in the country—that was me.
Tomorrow, the chairman’s office of Samjeon Group would be mine.
I tossed the newspaper onto the table.
Then, from the highest suite in Samjeon Hotel, I gazed down at Seoul.
Everything was beneath my feet.
I loosened my tie and took a sip of wine.
Forty years had led to this day.
Even being born into a chaebol family didn’t guarantee the highest seat. Only a select few, through relentless effort and cutthroat competition, could claim it.
From the moment I could talk, I was taught that anything less than elite meant being thoroughly ignored, even within my own family.
I climbed to the top with sheer ability—outstanding grades, a degree from the country’s best university, studies in Japan, and an MBA in the U.S.
Neither my dim-witted younger brother nor my sharp-eyed but passive younger sister could ever keep up. My academic performance had always been the best.
I kept my ambitious uncle’s family in check with a balance of carrot and stick. I personally handled the aftermath of my reckless cousins’ misdeeds.
Even my loveless arranged marriage was a calculated move to solidify my political and business connections.
A universally acknowledged genius.
An exceptional track record in management.
A powerful marriage alliance with the political world.
I had spent forty years crafting the perfect resume—flawless qualifications to inherit Samjeon Group.
Would you believe me if I said I hadn’t wasted even a single minute—not even in the bedroom, ensuring my wife, daughter of a powerful politician, remained satisfied?
The corners of my lips curled up.
Tonight, the wine tasted especially sweet.
And right now, I was completely alone.
My father’s words echoed in my mind: Learn to enjoy your victories alone.
The throne of Samjeon Group was the loneliest seat of all.
That was why I chose to spend the night in solitude rather than celebrating with family.
I slowly drank my wine, looking down at the city beneath me.
My heart pounded.
I am now the king of Samjeon Group! The king of this world!
—Zap.
A sharp pain shot through my chest.
What’s this?
I took another sip of wine, clearing my throat.
I had been running myself ragged, charging toward the shareholders’ meeting. I hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep in over a month.
—Zap.
Again, the pain struck.
I clutched my chest.
…No way.
A terrible premonition flashed through my mind.
My grandfather, the founder of Samjeon Group, had also died suddenly of a heart attack.
I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed Secretary Yang’s number.
As the dial tone rang, my wrist lost strength, and the wine glass slipped from my grasp.
Clatter—
Red wine spread across the carpet.
—”Chairman, this is Secretary Yang.”
A calm voice came through the phone.
When I didn’t respond, Secretary Yang’s tone grew slightly urgent.
—”Chairman? Are you alright?”
I couldn’t say a word. I lay collapsed on the floor, staring at the spreading pool of red wine.
My eyelids grew heavier.
Secretary Yang had answered.
Someone would find me soon.
Just a little longer…
Just hold on a little longer…
Today was supposed to be perfect.
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