Chapter 6: Facing the World
The next morning in the penthouse began with the soft glow of Parisian sunlight and the scent of fresh coffee. The heavy tension of the previous night had shifted into a comfortable silence, but the peace was destined to be short-lived. As soon as Si Jin powered on his phone, it was flooded with notifications.
Kim Si Jin: (Standing by the window, scrolling through his tablet) Isabella has made her move.
Joon Jimeya: (Walking over to him, anxious) What do you mean? What did she do?
Si Jin turned the screen toward Joon. A headline from a famous gossip magazine flashed: "Is Kim Si Jin's 'Golden Touch' only for a common servant? The untold truth of a Parisian night!" Accompanying the text was a photo from the previous night, showing Si Jin gripping Joon's hand firmly.
Joon Jimeya: (Panicked) I told you... people would talk. Si Jin, your image... your career...
Kim Si Jin: (Stepping closer and gripping Joon's shoulders) My career is built on my talent, not on public opinion. And as for you...
The Press Conference Bombshell
By afternoon, a massive media swarm had gathered outside a major Parisian hotel. Si Jin had called a sudden press conference. Joon stood trembling behind the curtain, but Si Jin's opening words rooted them to the spot.
Reporter: Mr. Kim, is it true that you have a relationship with your artist? Is she really just your "servant," as is being whispered?
Kim Si Jin: (Sitting before the microphones with absolute dignity, his voice icy and sharp) First of all, mind your vocabulary. Joon Jimeya is not my "servant"—they are my muse. And as for our relationship...
(The entire hall fell silent. Camera flashes ceased for a split second.)
Kim Si Jin: They are the only person I have ever allowed into my private world. If the world has a problem with them, then consider that you have a problem with Kim Si Jin.
Isabella's Defeat
Standing in a corner of the hall, Isabella's face turned pale with rage. She had thought that by humiliating Joon, she would draw Si Jin toward her, but the tables had turned completely.
Isabella: (Whispering to herself) This isn't possible... he's risking everything for an ordinary person?
Kim Si Jin: (Rising from the stage and walking directly toward Joon) My "Golden Touch" was incomplete until I found the hand I wanted to hold.
In front of everyone, he took Joon's hand—this time, the grip wasn't just a display of ownership, but a promise of protection. He led them out of the hall, leaving the stunned media behind.