Tyler shook his head like a rattle-drum. “During dinner, the young lady gave me some kind of diamond card, said it was for a bar opened by The Bolton Boy, and that it’s safe here.”

Brian Bennett stroked his chin. “Oh? Michael Bolton, huh. He’s got an eye for things, opening a bar like this... I bet it’s just to pick up celebrities, claiming it’s safe—who doesn’t know what he’s really after. What’s my sister up to? She used to complain endlessly about celebrities, and now she’s sending one to me?”

Tyler also stroked his chin. “I heard Madam wants a grandchild so badly she doesn’t even care about the woman’s background anymore.”

Brian Bennett rolled his eyes and didn’t respond.

Tyler pouted. “I don’t like it here, it’s too quiet. There’s no thumping, captivating rhythm, no sexy girls doing pole dances—what kind of bar is this...”

Brian Bennett was about to retort when his eyes suddenly narrowed and he stopped in his tracks, saying coolly, “There may not be a pole, and the girls aren’t sexy enough, but it’s still interesting.”

Following his gaze, Tyler saw two women sitting in a corner, sipping beer and chatting. When he saw one of their faces, Tyler gave a knowing, suggestive smile and sensibly found himself an empty seat elsewhere.

Brian Bennett walked straight over to the two women, stopped at their table, and said coolly, “I heard you never go to clubs, but it turns out that was just talk.”

The women were in the middle of a conversation when they were suddenly interrupted. One of them turned, about to scold him, but her angry expression froze and her face turned pale. After a long moment, she managed to say, “You’re back in the country?”

“That’s right. On my first night back, I run into you—what a coincidence. Aren’t you going to buy me a drink, Sophie Carter XI?”

Sophie Carter’s face was pale, and she bit her lower lip without saying a word.

The other woman quietly asked, “Unni, who is this?”

Brian Bennett turned to her and smiled. “My surname is An. It’s an honor to share the same name as your husband. Emily Parker Miss, you’re even more beautiful than on TV.”

Emily Parker didn’t look pleased. Who is this guy, making such a flippant comment about sharing her husband’s name the first time they meet? But seeing Sophie Carter’s pale face, she sensed something was off, so she suppressed her displeasure, politely stood up, and shook his hand. “So you’re Mr. Brian Bennett. Hello.”

Brian Bennett sat down next to Sophie Carter as if it were his own place and said coolly, “Sophie and I are old friends; we haven’t seen each other in four or five years. Emily XI, you don’t mind if I sit for a while and catch up, do you?”

Emily Parker glanced at Sophie Carter, who kept her head down and didn’t react at all, making her even more curious. Who is Sophie Carter? The nation’s goddess, known as Korea’s number one natural beauty, queen of commercials, her Seoul University degree adding an extra aura of nobility and confidence, and her distinguished family background keeping all the playboys at bay. When has anyone ever seen her look so helpless and pitiful?

Seeing Brian Bennett sit down and even pick up a glass of wine, Sophie Carter sighed helplessly. “Emily, I’m sorry, let’s call it a night. I’ll get back to you about your matter tomorrow.”

Emily Parker nodded thoughtfully, gave Brian Bennett a deep look, picked up her bag, and left.

Brian Bennett moved to Emily Parker’s seat, sitting face-to-face with Sophie Carter. They stared at each other for a few seconds before he smiled. “I thought you were trying to get rid of me.”

Sophie Carter replied expressionlessly, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Brian Bennett’s smile faded, and he said coolly, “Did you get it? The freedom, independence, and autonomy you wanted?”

Sophie Carter gripped her glass tightly and didn’t answer.

Brian Bennett sneered. “I heard things haven’t been going well between you and Tree Entertainment. See? Even without me, there are still people controlling you, still making you do things you don’t want to do. The difference is, they’ll exploit and use you—I won’t.”

Sophie Carter said coldly, “I can start my own independent agency.”

Brian Bennett laughed. “There are countless entertainers in Korea, and many of them live no better than prostitutes. Why do you get to appear before the public as the nation’s goddess, without even a single scandal? By now, you should understand—it was never Tree Entertainment protecting you. You hate me for using power to take you, but haven’t you always relied on power to live? You want autonomy? Even I don’t have that—how could you?”

Sophie Carter bit her lip hard, her slender hand gripping so tightly that veins stood out.

“Twenty-eight already, not young anymore. Think it over for yourself.” Brian Bennett finished his drink and turned to leave.

“No matter how clear I am, there’s no turning back.” Sophie Carter suddenly spoke. “Do Uncle and Aunt really want a daughter-in-law who’s always getting intimate with other men on screen?”

Brian Bennett stopped, smiled, but his words were cutting. “Being a concubine is still fine.”

Tears streamed down Sophie Carter’s face as she said softly, “When you went to America, I was relieved. But for some reason, I started missing you more and more. I regret it, but it’s too late.”

Looking at her tear-streaked, beautiful face, Brian Bennett’s thoughts drifted back to the day they first met. It was this same beautiful face, even more youthful and lively than now, full of spirit, with a hint of curiosity and hope for the future—so beautiful it seemed almost unearthly.