but we thought—like always—he was exaggerating." Han let out a small chuckle, the sound laced with embarrassment, and for a moment, it seemed like the tension in the room eased. But the elder Jeon wasn't as quick to let go of the tension.

His disapproving gaze lingered on Daehyun, not pleased with the way Daehyun had spoken about his grandson. Han shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing briefly at Taehyung, his expression full of tension before he continued. "Mr. Kim," he began, his voice dropping into a

more serious tone, "firstly, we're all deeply sorry for everything my son said and did to your family." His words were sincere, weighed down by regret. "Especially to your son. I remember the promise I made to you, but…" He trailed off, visibly struggling.

"But I fear I am not capable of fulfilling that promise. I am ashamed of that, but I am caught in a difficult situation." Daehyun, who had been listening closely, didn’t hesitate to cut in. His voice was firm, but respectful. "Mr. Jeon, I respect you deeply.

You are an esteemed businessman, a man of integrity. But if you've come here to ask for Taehyung… to offer him to your son, then'm afraid I must refuse." The silence that followed was palpable. Taehyung could feel his chest tightening, but it wasn't from fear—it was the

overwhelming sense of his father standing by him, of his father protecting him, even in a situation like this. It felt both reassuring and humbling at once. Han, trying to ease the tension, opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off by the elder Jeon,

his voice low, commanding, and unapologetically blunt. "Mr. Kim," the elder said, his gaze hard and unblinking. "we are Jeons. We do not apologize for anything. But my son here," he gestured toward Han, who sat stiffly beside him, "is a gentleman. I, however, am not." He paused,

his voice growing more pointed. "I'll speak plainly—my grandson wants your son. And believe me when I say it's a blessing then it is blessing. No one gets a Jeon like this. Your son is lucky that he has the privilege of being chosen."

The words hit Taehyung hard. It felt like a slap to the face. His stomach twisted, and he could taste the bitterness rising in his throat. The way the elder Jeon spoke, like they owned everything, made Taehyung's blood boil. He gripped his fists behind his dad, trying to stay

calm, but he couldn't help how angry and uncomfortable he felt. Daehyun, however, stayed calm. His posture was relaxed, completely different from the elder’s harshness. He took a breath and spoke, his words slow but firm. "With all due respect," Daehyun started,