Page 102 of Ruthless Touch

My escape plan is simple: suffer through dinner, watch Ho-seok propose to his girlfriend as our families beam with pride, then sneak out before anyone notices I’m gone.

The familiar pressure behind my eyes warns of an incoming headache, so I dry swallow a painkiller and steel myself for the performance ahead.

The restaurant entrance looms before me like the gates of hell, all gold trim and crystal chandeliers.

That’s when I lock eyes with Yoon Mi-sook, my father’s ex-wife and Ho-seok’s mother, who’s socializing near the host station like she owns the place. She’s a petite woman—a couple inches under five feet—but she carries herself with a natural haughty air.

Her dark hair is pulled into one of her signature sleek updos that draw attention to the thick silver streak in the front. She’s dressed tastefully as always, wearing designers head to toe.

She and the woman she’s speaking with sip from champagne as they cast judgmental looks around the large dining room.

When she spots me, she excuses herself and approaches with a tight smile on her lips.

“Gun-woo,” she says in Hangul, her tone icy cool. “I must admit I wasn’t sure if you were coming. Tae-hwan said you’ve been on another bender. I found that unsurprising.”

I try to grin back politely, but it comes out as more of a grimace. “I’ve been busy. You understand that, right, ajumeoni? I have to work for money. But it would be nice to be able to do without, like yourself.”

Her lips purse together until they’re nothing more than a thin line. “Yes, youdowork. You are just like Tae-hwan in that regard. I am grateful Ho-seok did not choose that for himself. He’s the number one doctor in Incheon.”

“That’s good to hear. Ho-seok is number one at everything. I’m glad it gives you bragging rights, ajumeoni. That’s very important when there’s little else to gloat about. Excuse me a moment.”

I leave her glaring daggers at my back as I spot Joon-gi across the room, predictably chatting up some young woman who looks like she could be the daughter of a politician or business mogul. I make my way over, dreading whatever ridiculous pickup line he’s probably using.

“What are you doing?” I ask when I reach them.

Joon-gi laughs good-naturedly, scratching the back of his neck with boyish charm. “Love is in the air, my friend. How could I not talk to all the beauties here?”

“For one night, I would like you to stop picking up women.”

“You’re lucky you have the sexy assassin at home,” he replies with a knowing grin.

I quickly shush him, glancing around to make sure no one overheard.

He waves a dismissive hand. “The syndicate is none the wiser. Latest intel still points to KD being our guy. You’re not even on the radar, Gun-woo. And the lieutenants aren’t concerned about your feline—they think she’s nothing more than a puppet.”

His intel should be enough to ease my mind, but I refuse to let my guard down. There have been one too many close calls, and I’m not all the way convinced we’re in the green yet.

Something about tonight feels wrong, like I’m not seeing the full picture.

Joon soon wanders after a curvy server carrying a tray of champagne flutes, leaving me with my achy head full of suspicious thoughts.

I could sneak my phone back on for a quick second and send a text to Elise.

Just to make sure she’s okay. Just to ease my mind and the odd premonition I have.

My hand slides into my pocket to pull out my phone when Ho-seok approaches first.

“Gun-woo-ya, you made it. We were unsure you’d show.”

I look up to see my brother in front of me, looking professional and impressive even in how he stands. His shirt is crisp, his slacks perfectly pressed, his hair neatly parted like he just stepped out of a magazine spread.

He’s like an Asian Ken Doll and seems to know it, which then relegates me to the grungy little brother role.

I stuff my hands in my pockets and shrug. “It’s an important occasion. I wanted to support you.”

Ho-seok eyes me skeptically, his head tilting in judgment. “I heard from Appa that he had to force you to come.”

I crack a grin, letting out a laugh with it. “You know me. I’m not one for formal events. But congratulations, hyung. This is a big deal—marriage, huh? Are you sure Shin Na-kyung is the woman for you?”