Everyone turned to see the lone figure walking elegantly towards the living room. A tall, slim woman in her early thirties came into view. She had the same blonde hair as Myung but her eyes were a darker shade and unlike him, she had a more mature look which made her seem older than her real age. She wore a long purple coat with black boots. Her hair was cropped short and she wore minimal makeup.

Sunye immediately knew who it was. The woman was Lee Hyeri, the Prime Minister's oldest daughter and the only one of his children who was known to the public. Jonghyun and Myung were never by their father's side during any of his publicised appearances but Hyeri was always with him by his side. She was an aspiring politician herself and counted among her father's inner circle.

​​

But that was not why Sunye knew her. There was much more to their relationship. Hyeri stopped in front of Jonghyun, flashing him a smile but the latter did not return it.

"Hello, Jonghyun," she whispered before giving him a tight hug. She glanced at Sunye from over his shoulder.

"And who is this…"

She let go of him and walked towards Sunye. SD and the others watched the woman approach Sunye. Even though it seemed like Hyeri was being nice and charming, her poisonous venom was somehow seeping through that viscous smile. He peered his eyes at the woman who was clearly not amused with Sunye's presence.

"That's Han Sunye," Jonghyun gritted. Hyeri widened her eyes in a mixture of shock and amusement.

"Han Sunye…" she feigned ignorance. "If I'm not wrong, you are that girl right? The one who survived the palace coup?"

Sunye took a deep breath, trying not to betray her emotions. She was not fond of that woman and the feeling had been mutual.

"Yes," she finally said. "How have you been, Lady Lee?"

Sunye might have scarcely met the Prime Minister during her days at the palace but Lee Hyeri was a different issue. She was only a year older than Kim San and was infatuated with him for a long time. Extremely jealous of Sunye, she had tried to sabotage their friendship but Kim San loathed her to the point that he begged the Emperor to ban Hyeri from the palace. A week before the coup took place, Hyeri had been advised never to return.

"Ah so you are our little Sunye!" Hyeri laughed. "You've grown up! And now…"

She glanced at Jonghyun with her sharp, catlike eyes. The disdain in them could not be hidden. Her beloved Jonghyun, the Crown Prince she had loved and protected for so many years, was once again dallying with Sunye.

"I remember you as the precarious adoptive child of the Head Chef," Hyeri smiled, hiding her scathing words. She emphasized on the words 'Head Chef' to remind Sunye of her position which was lower than hers. "You had lost your memories right? Did you manage to track down your family?"

"As a matter of fact, I have," Sunye shot back. "They passed away years ago."

She did not elaborate on it because giving her too much information might cause Hyeri to look into her background and discover that she was the sister of the country's most famous idol, Kwon Jiwon who had left the entertainment business only to retire to a quiet life. Sunye did not want to reveal that her deceased parents also left her all of their wealth so she was pretty much wealthy on her own accord. If Hyeri found out about this, she might force her brother to come out of hiding. It was the last thing Sunye wanted.

"Ah," Hyeri said, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. But before she could pry, Jonghyun stepped in.

"I think Sunye is very uncomfortable talking about her parents," he said loudly. "Dear sister."

Hyeri's nostrils flared. Myung was wary of his older sister while Orea was observing the woman with increased interest. She inched a little close towards SD.

"Is it me or does this woman seem to be one of the TV vamps who want to snatch the ML from the FL?" she slightly smirked. "Are we having a drama now?"

"TV vamps have more class," SD softly sighed.

"You sure you wanna do this?" Orea muttered. "It seems like we're about to be enrolled in a free family drama."

"No choice," SD whispered. He cleared his throat and said loudly, "Sir, I believe that the Prime Minister will arrive any moment now."

Jonghyun, who was glaring at Hyeri, looked away. Sunye merely nodded icily, the hostility between the women very apparent. She glanced at SD who kept up his passive front.

"I'll be in my room with Orea," Myung said. "We have a project to complete."

"Father is going to arrive for dinner any minute!" Hyeri shot at him but he ignored her and addressed Orea.

"Come," he said. Orea meekly nodded and followed him. SD shared one last nod at her as she was led away. Before they could leave, another person entered the hall. He wore a long, dark suit. His jet black hair was brushed back and he donned a serious expression. His cold eyes were focused on the guests who had arrived and he walked with small, calculated steps.

Sunye felt as if the room's temperature had dropped a lot. The man in front of them looked like an employee of the Prime Minister but by his demeanor and haughtiness, it was obvious that this man was much more than that. She did not like him and his cold eyes only made her shiver. He was a couple of years older than her and she sensed something off about him.

Cruel. It was the only word which came to her mind. He was cruel and heartless.

She glanced at Jonghyun who looked almost angry at the appearance of that man. SD, on the other hand, hid his glee. Orea was also trying to suppress her excitement.

Their target for the night had finally arrived.

"I am Sam Cheng," he said with a bow. "The Prime Minister is on his way from a charity function and has requested all of you to be seated at the dinner table. Please follow me."

"We're going to study," Myung declared but Sam shook his head.

"The Prime Minister has requested your presence, Young Master," Sam said in a professional yet cold way. Even though he sugarcoated his words as a 'request', SD and Orea deduced that it was anything but such. He was ordering Myung.

Myung's jaw clenched in anger but he kept his cool. Sam Cheng was PM Lee's right hand man and snapping back at him was equal to treason.

"Shall we go?" Sam asked, motioning them to follow him.