A convoy of sleek cars pulled up to the entrance of a majestic building, a hub for elite businessmen. 

 

“We've arrived, Sir,” the billionaire's assistant announced, his voice steady. A bodyguard promptly opened the door, and Byun Baekhyun stepped out of the luxurious limousine, his presence commanding attention.

 

Reporters swarmed, cameras clicking, as Baekhyun emerged, his tall, imposing figure exuding confidence and power. Chiseled features, a perfectly chiseled jawline, and piercing brown eyes seemed sculpted from granite. 

His dark hair was styled to perfection, complementing his tailored black tuxedo, crisp white shirt, and black bow tie. His charisma was palpable, and his dazzling smile captivated the crowd.

 

“Sir, this way, please,” a man said, bowing his head, and Baekhyun followed, flanked by his bodyguards. 

 

This meeting, held every three months, was a platform for millionaires and wealthy businessmen to flaunt their wealth and discuss business growth. 

But for Baekhyun, it was a poignant reminder of the cruel world he had once endured. The meeting brought back painful memories of betrayal, lost love, and broken heart.

 

Today, however, was different. Baekhyun's eyes gleamed with a hint of determination, suggesting that this meeting would be unlike any other.

 

The door swung open, and Baekhyun stepped inside, his confident stride commanding attention. He made his way to the head of the table, his seat of honor, and settled in, his eyes scanning the room.

 

The other businessmen filed in, taking their seats in a hierarchical order, with Mr. Jang, the newest billionaire, sitting farthest from Baekhyun.

 

Mr. Jang, beaming with pride, greeted him with a toothy smile. “Welcome, Mr. Byun.”

 

Baekhyun acknowledged him with a nod, his gaze sweeping the room. The air was thick with anticipation, and the whispers of the other businessmen ceased.

 

The presenter began to read from the records, his voice steady. “Gentlemen, let's review the investments for the past quarter. Mr. Jang, your net worth has reached an impressive $1 billion, congratulations.”

 

The room applauded politely, but Baekhyun's gaze remained fixed on the presenter, his expression unreadable.

 

The presenter continued, “However, the rest of the gentlemen have failed to make significant investments, with most of their wealth remaining stagnant.”

 

The room grew quiet, the tension palpable, as the presenter revealed the lackluster performances of the other businessmen.

 

Finally, the presenter turned to Baekhyun. “Our leader, Byun Baekhyun, has made a groundbreaking investment in his company's advanced automotive technology division. The development of electric and self-driving cars, as well as high-speed motorcycles, has appreciated exponentially. The technology has far surpassed existing competitors, making it a game-changer in the industry.”

 

The room was silent, except for the occasional gasp or murmur, as the presenter revealed the staggering returns on Baekhyun's investment. 

“The projected revenue for the next quarter is expected to reach unprecedented heights, solidifying Baekhyun's position as a pioneer in the automotive industry.”

 

Mr. Jang's smirk faltered, his eyes darting to Baekhyun, who remained impassive. The presenter's voice trembled as he announced the astronomical figures, his net worth now in the trillions.

 

The room erupted into shocked gasps and whispers, eyes fixed on Baekhyun in awe. Mr. Jang's face turned ashen, his wife's smile frozen on her face…

 

The shock on their faces was exactly what Baekhyun had desired. He had proven to them that he had irreversibly broken free from the shackles of poverty. The cruel memories of his past were firmly behind him, and he would stop at nothing to maintain his position as the supreme leader of the hierarchy. His unwavering resolve was a testament to his unshakeable determination.

 

“Congratulations, Sir,” the presenter said, bowing his head.

 

Baekhyun's smile was triumphant, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Thanks, Sam. You've done an excellent job.”

 

With a nod, Baekhyun stood, his suit rustling as he adjusted his cuffs. “I have a meeting in an hour to discuss the global expansion of our automotive technology. I bid you all farewell.”

 

His bodyguards flanked him as he exited the room, leaving behind a sea of stunned faces and hushed whispers.

 

~~~~~~

 

The billionaire hierarchy in Korea was a huge deal, a centuries-old institution where the wealthy elite fought tooth and nail to maintain their status. Those listed were the crème de la crème (the best of the best) of entrepreneurs, with multimillion-dollar empires. 

While some were born with a silver spoon, others had to work extremely hard to join the ranks. 

 

Byun Baekhyun was a self-made man who rose from humble beginnings to build a phone and laptop company through sheer determination.

 

Baekhyun was born into a middle-class family, an only child with a plethora of responsibilities. He had little, but he made the most of it. He started a company that dealt in various types of phones and laptops. It wasn't easy, but he persevered, investing all he had into his business. With time, his company gained recognition, thanks to his relentless efforts in advertising and promoting his brand.

 

Along the line, Baekhyun fell deeply in love with a beautiful and intelligent woman named Sana. She was his rock, providing emotional support and encouragement, pushing him to expand his business. 

 

After a few months of dating, Baekhyun tied the knot with Sana, and she became an integral part of his life. He was more determined than ever to succeed, wanting to provide a better life for his family.

 

Baekhyun included Sana in every aspect of his life, making her a shareholder in his company. He kept no secrets from her, being completely open and honest. Two years into their marriage, Sana became pregnant, and Baekhyun was over the moon. He showered her with love and care, ensuring she lacked nothing during her pregnancy. Time flew by, and Sana gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Haneul. Baekhyun was smitten with his son and loved him dearly.

 

However, a year and seven months later, Sana became overly inquisitive about every little detail of Baekhyun's company. She wanted to know everything, from the growth to new ideas, and even the smallest details. It was an obsession, and Baekhyun was blinded by love, failing to notice anything amiss.

 

One fateful morning, Baekhyun woke up to an empty bed. Confused and disturbed, he searched for Sana, only to find her gone. He tried calling her, but her phone was unreachable. It felt like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from. Baekhyun informed his friend, Kim Jongin and the police about his wife's disappearance, but unfortunately, no good came out of it, and Sana remained missing.

 

Days later, Baekhyun received a series of debit alerts from his bank account very early in the morning, leaving him shocked, confused, and scared. He watched in horror as his account was drained, and all his hard-earned money vanished. 

 

Baekhyun crumbled, unable to believe what was happening. He was about to call his best friend, Kim Jongin, when he received a call from his company, informing him of a robbery that same night. Everything, including the newly imported phones, laptops, and equipment, was stolen, leaving Baekhyun with nothing.

 

As he struggled to come to terms with the crisis, a text message came from a familiar number, his wife, Sana's number.

 

I know by now you've noticed that your money is gone, and the company is empty. You have nothing left, Baekhyun. I came into your life because you had a promising future and one of the best bu