THE SPEECH

"And how exactly am I supposed to trust you?" Minjae snapped, her eyes burning with distrust. "How do I know you're not one of them? My own sister couldn't even survive at the hands of those she considered allies!"

Sang Tae furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?" He asked but Minjae didnt say a word.

He sighed. "Please Just open up Miss Minjae, tell me whats going on and Let me lend you a helping hand...."

"Tell me, where was your helping hand when it was most needed?" she interrupted, her voice rising in anger. "You were her personal assistant! What did you do to help?"

Sang Tae's expression darkened. "I did everything I could! The organization got to her because she wasn't as thick-skinned as she should've been. That's why I devoted all my time to helping her!" His voice rose slightly, frustration seeping through.

Minjae scoffed. "And where exactly did your help lead her?"

Silence took over,

Sang Tae was speechless.

"Miss—" he started, but she cut him off sharply.

"You better pray you're not one of them," she warned in a low, fierce voice. "Because I will hunt down every single person involved. And you won't be an exception."

She gave him a hard glare before turning on her heels and walking away, leaving Sang Tae standing there, conflicted and apologetic

While both of them left with their car, it was unknown to them that someone was taking pictures of them.

The grand ceremony hall was filled with elegance and power. The most influential families were present—government officials, CEOs of prestigious firms, and even foreign dignitaries. Ambassadors from various nations sat among them, alongside the top managers of Chains Tech Group, representing the firm's thousands of employees.

Tonight, they gathered for a singular purpose—to celebrate the new head of one of the most formidable organizations in the country.

Only a select few reporters had been permitted to cover the event.

The hall itself was a masterpiece of luxury, decorated by the finest interior designers. The dominant colors—violet and gold—stood out magnificently, a symbol of the Chains Firm's prestige. The event took place in the most exclusive hotel in the country, a venue so expensive that even some rich people found it difficult to afford. Yet, the Chains Firm had rented the entire building for the occasion.

Onstage, the host stood at the podium, welcoming the esteemed guests and beginning the ceremony.

At the back stage, Minjae has just walked out of her hotel room fully dressed in the Violet suit,

As she walked out she was met by kim Ann soo, Who seemed to have just arrived too__Minjae's tall, commanding figure effortlessly outshined Kim Ann Soo, making her appear small and inferior in comparison.

"Good evening, Miss," Kim Ann Soo greeted politely.

Minjae merely nodded and continued walking.

Kim Ann Soo quickly caught up, pulling out a small folded paper.

"This is the speech that has been drafted for you," she said, extending the paper toward Minjae,

Minjae barely glanced at it. "Do I have to read this?"

"Yes, ma'am. To ensure there are no mistakes during your speech." Kim Ann Soo hesitated before adding, "Because of the reporters and media."

Minjae let out a short, knowing hum. "And the Blue House."

Kim Ann Soo turned to her, startled. Minjae continued.

"Last I checked, the activities of the Chains Firm were conducted privately. No media involvement. And yet, suddenly, the president issues a rule demanding transparency for the sake of public trust?"

Kim Ann Soo hesitated, nodding reluctantly.

Just then, a group of men approached Minjae. Among them were Sang Tae, Mr. Baek, Mr. Chang, and two bodyguards. Jung Shin followed closely behind.

"Where's Mr. Geum?" Minjae asked. He was supposed to be present. Traditionally, both Geum and Baek would escort the new Chairperson, alongside a shareholders' representative. This time, Mr. Chang had been chosen, a role he had eagerly accepted.

"I'm right here," Sang Tae responded. "I was asked to represent the family."

Minjae studied him for a moment before a faint smirk appeared on her lips. "And if I'm not mistaken, Mr. Geum himself is also absent."

Before Sang Tae could reply, Mr. Baek interjected.

"Oh, about that—he informed me that he wouldn't be able to attend due to some health issues." He gave a small chuckle. "You know… old age."

Minjae wasn't convinced, but she said nothing. Instead, she glanced at Sang Tae, Who looked rather conflicted.

They were now getting closer to the stage as they could hear the host voice clearly

"…With great honor, I now welcome Chairlady Choi Min Jae!"

Minjae took the speech paper from Kim Ann Soo and stepped onto the stage, followed by her escort.

As she walked, Sang Tae quickened his pace to whisper beside her.

"Please… don't do anything rash. There are too many eyes."

There was no time for further explanation. And Minjae didn't respond. She simply strode to the podium as the escorts stepped back.

Facing the massive audience, she took a moment to observe them. 'Too many eyes indeed.'

There was no time for further explanation. Minjae didn't respond. She simply strode to the podium as the escorts stepped back.

Facing the massive audience, she took a moment to observe them. 'Too many eyes indeed.'

This was unlike any previous Inauguration Ceremony in the organization's history. The number of attendees had doubled, maybe even tripled.

Some were here to celebrate.

Some were here to see the infamous Choi Tigress in person.

And some… were simply waiting for her to fail.

Minjae's gaze locked onto the section where the elite members sat.

These were the same faces that had likely orchestrated her parents' murder. The same people responsible for putting her sister into a coma.

Her jaw clenched.

For nearly a minute, she didn't speak. The silence stretched.

Sang Tae shifted nervously. Then Minjae's gaze flickered toward him.

He gave her a small, pleading nod.

Slowly, she turned back to the audience. A deep breath. A practiced smile.

Then she began reading from the prepared speech.

"I am deeply grateful to all of you for placing your trust in me as the new Chairlady of CHNs Organization. This organization has always been dedicated to progress, peace, and innovation. As its leader, I promise to uphold that tradition and lead both the company and the country to new heights. Thank you."

Applause filled the hall.

Sang Tae, Mr. Baek, and a few of her supporters exhaled in relief.

But just as the host prepared to take over, Minjae raised a hand—stopping her.

"Now, let me speak from my heart." she said on the mic as , the elite members and the excorts beside her shared a nervous and awkward glances. She then picked up the small paper from the stand, folded it and then streched it towards kim Ann soo Who hesistated awkwardly for a moment before collecting the paper from her. Then Minjae turned back to the mic, this time she wasnt smiling but wasnt frowning either, she had a neutural expression

"I believe that not everyone here today trusts me. Some of you are not here to celebrate but to judge whether this organization has been placed in the right hands. I will not stand here and claim that I am the perfect leader for CHNs. Instead, I will let my actions speak for themselves.

Each of you—our allies, partners, council members, shareholders, and dedicated staff—plays a vital role in the success of this organization. I cannot elevate CHNs to greater heights alone, nor can I contribute to this country's progress without collaboration. I am not the president, but I firmly believe that if we work together, we can achieve something far greater."

she quietly observed as some people nodded listening attentively, the Big room was very quiet, all that could be heard was camera sound shuttering, she continued