A CASE OF HEARTS
Kim Seungmin had always believed that hard work could change a life.
Not miracles. Not overnight wealth. Not fairy-tale luck.
Just hard work.
At twenty-three, he had done everything right. He studied until his eyes burned, survived on cheap meals and sleepless nights, and graduated from law school with first-grade marks and a reputation that made professors speak his name with pride. Every result, every award, every "well done" had carried the same quiet weight in his chest: this was for his family.
For his grandmother who had raised him with cracked hands and endless patience.
For his mother who smiled even when the bills had no mercy.
For his younger sister, who still looked at him like he could fix the world if he tried hard enough.
Seungmin was the first breadwinner in his family, and he carried that responsibility like a vow. He did not complain. He did not ask for comfort. He simply kept moving forward, one interview at a time, one offer at a time, searching for the law firm that would not only hire his mind, but respect the heart behind it.
Then he walked into Bang Corporations.
And met Bang Christopher Chan.
A ruthless lawyer.
A powerful CEO.
A man whose name was spoken with caution in boardrooms and admiration in courtrooms.
A father whose sharpness seemed to disappear only when his daughter was near.
Seungmin had expected another interview.
He had not expected a life-changing offer.
And he certainly had not expected the dangerous feeling that came with looking into the eyes of a man who could ruin him with a smile.