Kim Namjoon, the most influential Alpha in Korea’s business world, sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that evening. The grand ballroom glittered with chandeliers and quiet conversations, but the charity gala he was hosting for investors felt more like a display of power than generosity.

Everywhere he looked, Alphas paraded their Omegas—some for attention, some for the illusion of dominance. Namjoon found it exhausting. He wasn’t interested in flaunting his status or the constant expectations that came with it.

He turned to leave when someone bumped into him, spilling champagne across the front of his expensive black suit. The glass clinked to the floor. The crowd hushed for half a heartbeat.

Namjoon exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing at the smaller figure before him.

"Do you have any idea how much this is?" he growled, his tone more weary than cruel. Then, softer—almost as if surprising himself— "Watch it. You’re lucky I’m in a generous mood tonight."