The mansion felt… different that evening.
Quiet.
Too quiet.
Elina slowed her steps in the hallway, glancing around.
"…Why does it feel like I'm walking into an exam hall?"
Even the staff moved carefully.
Even her brothers—
Were behaving.
That alone was alarming.
"…Felix is silent. This is definitely serious," she thought.
"Tahee."
Seo Hana's calm voice called out.
Elina turned toward her.
Her mother stood there, composed as always—
But her posture was slightly more formal than usual.
"Your father is coming home today."
A pause.
Memories surfaced quietly.
Kim Dong.
Head of the Kim family.
Powerful. Influential.
A man whose presence alone commanded respect.
"…Ah. The final boss," Elina thought calmly.
"Be respectful," Seo Hana added gently.
Elina nodded.
"…Of course. Respect outside, commentary inside."
The sound of a car echoed from outside.
Then—
Footsteps.
Heavy. Measured.
Each step steady and controlled.
The door opened.
And he walked in.
Tall. Sharp. Imposing.
His aura filled the entire space effortlessly.
Kim Dong.
Everyone stood instantly.
Bogum straightened.
Hyunjin dropped his usual relaxed posture.
Felix stood still—completely serious for once.
Elina blinked.
"…Wow. Why does he actually look like a CEO straight out of a drama?"
Silence.
His steps paused.
Just for a moment.
Elina's eyes flickered.
"…Wait."
But before she could think further—
He continued walking as if nothing had happened.
"Father," Bogum greeted respectfully.
Kim Dong gave a slight nod.
Then his gaze shifted.
Slowly.
Landing on Elina.
Sharp. Observant.
Measuring.
Elina straightened unconsciously.
"…Why do I feel like I'm being evaluated?"
He stepped closer.
The pressure in the air increased.
"Tahee," he said.
His voice was calm, deep, controlled.
Elina met his gaze.
Calm on the outside.
"…If I blink first, do I lose?"
A brief silence passed between them.
Then—
Unexpectedly—
He raised his hand.
And gently placed it on her head.
"Take care of your health," he said simply.
Elina blinked.
Once.
Twice.
"…That's it?"
Behind her—
Felix nearly choked.
Hyunjin looked shocked.
Even Bogum's expression shifted slightly.
Elina tilted her head.
"…Cold face, soft actions? That's illegal too."
Kim Dong's hand paused for a brief second.
Almost unnoticeable.
Then he withdrew it and turned away.
As if nothing had happened.
But—
For just a moment—
The corner of his lips moved.
Barely.
Elina narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…No. I definitely saw that."
She crossed her arms lightly.
"…Alright. Another suspicious person added to the list."
A small smile appeared on her lips.
"…This house is getting more interesting."