In a mansion in the city's most exclusive district, an event for the underworld was underway. Onstage, a man in an elegant suit welcomed the guests settling into their seats.

The host opened the auction — but this was no ordinary auction. Two muscular men dragged a person onto the stage, wrists cuffed, a cloth bag over their head.

"To close tonight's proceedings, we have this premium item. The best of the evening — an omega whose beauty has turned heads on runways around the world." He gestured toward the figure at center stage.

The two men held their captive steady, though the person appeared remarkably calm compared to those who'd come before. One of them yanked the bag off, and a murmur of shock rippled through the crowd. That face was unmistakable — a stunning albino with violet eyes, famous as an international model.

"That's right, gentlemen. We've brought you the beautiful Velkan, and the highest bidder will have the privilege of having him at their disposal whenever they please," the host explained.

Whispers erupted through the audience. Among them, a striking young man with dark hair, dark eyes, and Asian features stared at the figure on stage in disbelief.

Velkan stood in silence, his expression blank. He didn't try to break free, didn't cry — as if he'd already accepted his fate. The bids started rolling in, climbing higher and higher. The young Asian man clenched his fists, calculating when to make his move.

He had to get Velkan out of there. He didn't know how the omega had ended up in these men's hands, but he couldn't let him fall to these degenerates.

"Hear that, little slut? Look how the bids keep climbing for you." The host smirked. "This is what you get for turning down my offer."

Days earlier, the man had attended a fashion show. He'd taken a liking to Velkan and offered him a considerable sum for a single night, but Velkan had refused and mocked him for thinking money could buy a few caresses.

Velkan remained composed despite the man's taunts.

"Doesn't matter who wins. Neither you nor he is leaving here alive," Velkan said.

"Who do you think you are, threatening me like that? You're just a bitch like every other omega," the host scoffed.

"Who am I?" Velkan asked. "Do the names Kovalenko and Von Thaden ring a bell?"

The host flinched. "W-what do those names have to do with anything?"

"Simple. My full name is Velkan Kovalenko Von Thaden." A sly smirk crossed his lips.

The host stumbled backward. The men holding Velkan did the same. The audience exchanged confused glances, falling silent as Velkan snapped the cuffs apart. In one swift motion, he snatched a gun from one of the muscular guards and shot both of them. They dropped. Security rushed in, and Velkan kept firing. The crowd scrambled from their seats. The young Asian man hadn't expected anything like this.

Velkan advanced toward the host. The man begged for mercy. Velkan pulled the trigger. The bodyguards of every man and woman in that room trained their weapons on the stage.

"Sorry, but I can't keep playing with you. I need to get home."

Just as the men were about to fire, soldiers burst from behind the stage curtains, weapons blazing. Velkan disappeared backstage.

While chaos tore through the mansion, Velkan walked toward a car. Someone grabbed his arm. The albino turned and froze at the sight of the person behind him.

"Velkan... are you okay?" the young Asian man asked.

"Let go of me."

Velkan wrenched his arm free and climbed into the nearest car. Without waiting for the man to say another word, he started the engine and sped away.

"Mr. Sasaki — hurry, we need to get out of here," his bodyguard urged.

The young man nodded and followed his men. Better to leave before the military spotted them too. The last thing he needed was his face on tomorrow's news, handcuffed.

Velkan's car rolled through the gates of a mansion. As he stepped out, the imposing estate loomed before him. The guard greeted him, and when he walked inside, only a few dim lights were on. It was the small hours of the morning — of course everyone was asleep. But the kitchen light was on, and when he entered, Seth was pouring himself water.

"You're back. Have you eaten? I can make something quick," the older albino offered.

"I'm fine, Dad. Long day. Got kidnapped, called Aunt Rowena, the whole place went to hell," Velkan replied.

Seth smiled. "What a day. Are you all right?"

"Yeah." He paused. "Dad... I saw him there. He's in the city."

Seth's brow furrowed, but he quickly softened his expression and ran his fingers through his son's hair.

"Whatever happens now, I'm here for you," he assured him.

Velkan nodded, and Seth walked toward the door with his son behind him.

"Did he give you trouble getting to sleep?" Velkan asked.

"He wanted to see you before bed, but sleep won out. Don't leave tomorrow without seeing him, okay?" Seth requested.

"I know."

Seth headed to his room, and Velkan opened the door to another. A lamp cast star and moon shadows across the ceiling. The room had shelves lined with stuffed animals and toys. In a small bed with blue sheets, a little dark-haired boy slept. Velkan stepped inside and sat on the edge of the bed, watching the child's sleeping face.

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

He left the room and went to his own, collapsing onto the bed. He closed his eyes, remembering the moment he'd seen that man. He never imagined he'd see him again — least of all in a place like that.

"Sasaki Hiro," he murmured. "Damn it."

Why did he have to show up again? At least now, Velkan was no longer the naive eighteen-year-old who let himself be fooled. He wasn't that gullible anymore — not after five years.

Velkan woke early. When he came downstairs, Seth was already in the kitchen, and a boy no older than four played in the living room while Orion watched over him.

When the boy heard Velkan greet Seth, he scrambled to his feet and ran to the younger albino, latching onto his leg.

"Mommy... you didn't come home last night," he whined.

"I'm sorry, Luan." Velkan scooped him up. "Mommy had a lot of work, but today I'm taking you to daycare myself."

"Really?" Luan's face lit up. "Grandpa, Luan's going to school with Mommy!"

"Wonderful news. Everyone's going to be so impressed when they see Luan arriving with his gorgeous mommy," Seth replied, pinching the boy's cheeks.

Luan squirmed but beamed, thrilled that Velkan would be the one dropping him off. After breakfast, Velkan let his father know he had a shoot that afternoon, so Seth would need to pick Luan up.

That same morning, after dropping Luan at daycare, Velkan arrived at the agency's photo studio. But when he walked in, Wilson — the director in charge — informed him that the brand had decided to replace him with Lena as their lead model.

Lena was a striking blonde, and she had a following, but she'd never managed to surpass Velkan. She sauntered over with a triumphant grin.

"Sorry, Velki. The brand realized I'm the better choice," she taunted.

"Better than me — sure. But not on the runway. I book jobs on talent, not by putting myself on discount," Velkan fired back.

"Velkan! Show your colleague some respect," Wilson scolded. "She earned this campaign on merit."

"Of course. She must work wonders. You'd know all about her talent, wouldn't you, Wilson?" Velkan's lips curved into a mocking smile.

Whispers rippled across the floor.

"You know your mouth could get both Lena and me in trouble? You need to drop this high-and-mighty act," Wilson snapped.

"Director, Velkan's always like this — insulting me every chance he gets. I just want to do my job," Lena complained.

"You're the one who starts it, Lena. And Director — this place isn't your personal brothel," Velkan warned.

Not wanting to hear another word, Velkan walked away. The brand they'd hired him for was barely a startup anyway. He had better contracts.

"Sir, should I report this to the CEO?" his assistant asked.

"Absolutely. That director's turning this place into his own red-light district," Velkan replied.

The young woman — Natalie — nodded and followed him toward the other studio.

That afternoon, after Velkan finished his photo shoot and headed to the parking lot, a car pulled up in front of him. An older man stepped out, greeted Velkan warmly, and ushered him into the vehicle before climbing in after him. Lena, who had also come down to the parking lot, saw everything and snapped a few photos. She'd recognized the older man — he was the CEO's personal assistant.

"Velkan... you're finished," she muttered to herself.

Two days later.

The agency buzzed with a single topic: Velkan got his best contracts because he was the CEO's lover — a married man with children.

In Wilson's office, Velkan sat in composed silence while a brand representative complained to Wilson about the growing rumors. If Velkan was their model, it would cause problems — if the gossip spread beyond the agency, Velkan's reputation would tank and drag the brand down with it.

"Don't worry, sir," Wilson replied. "I'll assign one of my best models to represent you. Lena Miller — a professional model who rivals Velkan in popularity."

Velkan glanced at Wilson. He knew exactly where the rumor had originated. His expression betrayed nothing, but the fury was there.

"I hope so. Our brand's only been in the country two years. My boss wants the best to boost sales," the representative said.

Wilson turned to Velkan.

"As for you — I'll be speaking with the board. These rumors are damaging the agency's reputation, and it's best you're let go," he barked.

"Using the director's whore for your campaign — that'll definitely get you attention. I doubt it'll boost your sales, though," Velkan told the representative, who was still standing in the office.

The man frowned at the blunt words.

"Watch what you say. You're the one behaving inappropriately here."

The representative left. Velkan and Wilson were alone.

"Well, Velkan, you know what happens next." Wilson's eyes traveled over the albino, and he licked his lips. "But if you play nice, I might put in a good word for you. Let you keep your job."

Velkan rose to his feet, a contemptuous smirk on his face.

"A lowlife like you couldn't earn the privilege of a single touch from me — not even in your wildest dreams."

With that, Velkan walked out, leaving the director screaming behind him.

As he moved through the building, whispers followed him everywhere. He didn't lower his gaze. He didn't lose a shred of his poise.

In the parking lot, Lena crossed his path and grinned.

"Enjoying your new reputation, omega?" she sneered.

Velkan didn't answer. He scanned the area, then closed the distance between them. He seized her by the hair at the nape and slammed her face into her car before she could react. Lena screamed. When Velkan released her, she staggered, dizzy, watching her own blood drip onto the asphalt. Pain bloomed across her face.

"Y-you... I'll have you thrown in prison, you bastard," she spat.

"Go ahead. Try. Let's see if you don't lose that tongue of yours for running it too much," Velkan replied.

"You piece of shit... you'll pay for this. I'll sue you. I'll take everything you have."

"Let's see if anyone believes you after this."

Velkan struck her across the face. She crumpled, unconscious.

"Douse her in alcohol and dump her on a busy street," he ordered.

Two men emerged from behind the car and moved toward Lena.

Velkan, meanwhile, walked to his own car. He'd promised to be home early for dinner with his little Luan.

Lena was hospitalized after reportedly crashing her car while intoxicated. When she woke, she insisted that Velkan had beaten her — that the whole thing was revenge because she'd landed the lead contract for an important brand.

But given the state she'd been found in, people assumed it was the ramblings of a woman desperate to salvage her reputation. Her credibility only sank further when photos surfaced online — Lena in a hotel room with Wilson and several other businessmen.

After that, reporters swarmed the hospital, hunting for an exclusive. Lena remained under observation while an investigation into the leaked material got underway. That morning, Velkan stopped by to visit her, carrying an enormous bouquet of flowers.

"Y-you... you did all of this. I'm going to sue you for assault and defamation," she warned.

"Lena, Lena. From the day you walked into this agency, you haven't stopped spitting venom at me. I warned you plenty of times to knock it off, but you didn't listen." He smiled. "Now — these are the consequences, sweetheart."

"You filthy omega... I'll make you pay. You have no idea how far my connections reach," she threatened again.

Velkan didn't even flinch.

"Terrifying. I'll be waiting for your connections, then."

He left the room, and the reporters immediately mobbed him, asking why he'd come to visit the woman who'd been publicly blaming him for her accident.

"I feel terrible about her unfortunate accident and everything she's going through. I have no idea why she's accused me so unfairly, but it saddens me to see such a talented model end up like this. I hope she recovers soon." His voice cracked with rehearsed sorrow.

"Velkan, that's very gracious of you, but that doesn't erase what everyone's been saying. Can you explain the rumors?" a reporter pressed.

"Rumors? Other than what Lena said about me, I have no idea what you're referring to," he replied, bewildered.

"You've been seen getting into the agency president's car. They say you're having an inappropriate relationship with him."

"Me?" Velkan turned to the reporter. "So if you get into your boss's car, does that make you his lover?"

"N-no, of course not. Sometimes it might just be... going somewhere to discuss work. Things like that," the reporter backpedaled.

"Exactly." Velkan crossed his arms. "That day, there was a meeting with a client from an international brand. The contact wanted to meet me because I'm the lead model, so the president sent his assistant to pick me up. Is that a crime? You people are trying to destroy my career over baseless assumptions and a photo taken out of context. The media never considers the damage it causes. Careers have been ruined by false information, snap judgments — some people have even taken their own lives over it. Doesn't that weigh on your conscience? It's tragic how far journalism has fallen."

Velkan's expression crumpled with sorrow. He wiped a tear that slid down his cheek. The reporters shifted uncomfortably, stung by what the albino had said, and the questions stopped.

"My son really knows how to put on a show. Ever thought about switching careers?" Seth asked, setting plates on the table for dinner.

"They're idiots. It was that or blow their heads off right there," Velkan muttered, annoyed.

"You need to rein in that temper. I know perfectly well you're behind what happened to that model," Seth chided.

"She brought it on herself. I'm positive the rumor was her doing too." Velkan clicked his tongue.

Little Luan, seated beside Velkan and hunched over a drawing, tried to copy the sound. It didn't come out right.

"Luan, no — don't copy your mommy," Seth scolded.

"But Grandpa Lyam does it too, and Mommy copies him," the boy protested.

"Well, you can't. You're a child," Seth insisted.

"Tssshhh." The boy attempted the click again in defiance.

"Oh no, another grump in this house," Seth groaned.

"I'm not a grump, Grandpa," Luan objected.

The next day at the agency, there was a small commotion — whispers and buzzing. Velkan's assistant hurried over to tell him that Wilson had been summoned to the VP's office.

"But we'll get to that later. There's a client who wants to see you," the young woman informed him.

"All right. Take me."

She led him to one of the conference rooms. When Velkan stepped through the door, he froze. Sitting in that room was the same man from the mansion.

"Velkan, this gentleman is the president of the brand Okami — Sa—"

"Sasaki Hiro," Velkan cut in.

Natalie blinked, surprised that Velkan already knew him.

"Hey, Vel. It's been a while." Hiro smiled.

"Natalie — tell this client I'm not interested. Besides, his lead model is Lena."

"That's not very professional, Vel. This is business — you shouldn't let personal feelings get in the way," Hiro remarked.

"Um... I don't know what's going on between you two, but Mr. Sasaki has a point, Velkan," Natalie added.

"Natalie, don't question my decisions." Velkan turned to Hiro. "Mr. Sasaki, with so many famous models to choose from, why me? I'd say you're not being particularly professional either."

Hiro let out a breath at Velkan's resistance but kept his composure.

"This has nothing to do with anything personal. My team chose you — the people running this campaign voted to hire you. As a professional, I think the least you can do is hear the offer. Don't throw away your team's hard work over something personal," Hiro countered.

"Velkan... think about it. Mr. Sasaki's right. A whole team put this together, and the offer is solid," Natalie urged.

Velkan was quiet for a moment. Then he nodded and asked Natalie to hand over the documents as he took a seat. Hiro allowed himself a faint smile, his eyes never leaving Velkan.