Lina had no idea what to expect.
Kael's family lived in a traditional estate nestled deep in the hills outside the city. No skyscrapers. No flashing lights. Just a long driveway, a stone path, and a house that looked like it had never once bowed to time.
The gate opened before she could even press the intercom.
Kael stepped out from his car beside her, dressed in black slacks and a forest-green shirt rolled at the sleeves.
"You okay?" he asked.
"No," she said honestly. "But I'll survive."
"Good." He looked down at her. "Because my grandfather doesn't care about fame. He cares about spine."
---
The house smelled like pinewood and tea leaves.
And the man who met her at the door was exactly as she imagined: tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in quiet wealth. But it was the sharpness in his eyes that made her pause.
"Lina Vale," he said, extending a hand. "I'm Han Joon-seok. Kael's grandfather. We've been hearing a lot about you."
Lina bowed politely. "Thank you for inviting me."
"You weren't invited," he said plainly. "Kael insisted."
She blinked.
Then the old man's face cracked into a small smile. "And I wanted to see what kind of woman could make him defy tradition."
---
Dinner was traditional Korean fare—grilled fish, rice, side dishes arranged with precision. The setting was intimate, quiet. Kael's grandmother, soft-eyed and gentle, asked Lina small questions about her work, her goals, her favorite color.
But the grandfather?
He watched.
Measured.
Until finally, he asked, "Do you love him?"
The chopsticks froze in Lina's hand.
Kael tensed beside her.
And the old man raised a brow.
"Not asking you to declare it. I just want to know if you're the type who runs when things get difficult."
Lina set her chopsticks down.
"I don't run," she said softly. "Even when I should."
That answer made the old man smile fully.
Kael let out a breath like he hadn't realized he'd been holding it.
> [System Update: New Bond Established – Han Joon-seok]
Trait Unlocked: Legacy Endorsement – Kael's Family Trust Acquired
---
After dinner, Kael walked her through the garden behind the house. The moon hung low, golden and full.
He looked at her. "You didn't flinch once."
"I flinched. I just did it politely."
He chuckled under his breath.
Then fell silent.
She glanced at him. "What?"
"My grandfather's approval means everything. He's the reason I exist the way I do. Strong. Distant. Guarded."
She nodded. "He built you to survive."
"He did. But you—" Kael stopped, searching her face.
"You're teaching me how to live."
---
That night, Lina sat in her apartment, scrolling through an email from a global entertainment agency offering her a spot on a competitive international variety show.
And below it—one from Mira.
Subject: "Ready to Play Again?"
Attached: A picture of Lina and Kael at dinner.
Taken through the garden fence.
> [System Alert: Privacy Breach Detected – Source Unknown]
Recommending AI Firewall Boost | Trust Protocol Under Review
Lina exhaled.
War was coming.
And she was done running.