UFL 12🦅

Chapter 12

Unlike the streets packed with people weary from the heat, the place she stepped into after getting out of the car was strangely deserted.

Instead of passersby, Suyeon found herself staring at what looked like a towering mountain—no, a colossal wall rising from the open plain.

A wall so high, so unyielding, that no one could easily approach it.

This was where Jung Yoonjae, the twelve-year-old heir, had grown up.

The stark contrast from her own world left Suyeon with the unsettling illusion that she had crossed into a different realm altogether.
An absolute distance—unreachable, insurmountable—pressed down on her chest.

Following the secretary’s lead, she walked past carefully pruned gardens and statues sculpted like works of art. Beyond them rose a massive building—so vast that even walking the gardens alone might take half a day.

Inside, as the grand doors opened, her gaze fell on Kim So-hye, clad in a sleek black dress that clung to her frame, glittering accessories adorning her every move.

“Madam, Secretary Chae Ha-yoon has arrived.”

So-hye’s eyes flicked toward Suyeon, locking onto her.

“Nice to meet you. I am Chae Ha-yoon, secretary to Vice President Jung Yoonjae of Do-won Construction.”

So-hye’s lips curled into a sharp smile as she swept her eyes from the tip of Suyeon’s shoes to the crown of her head.

Compared to the women she had quietly stationed around Yoonjae until now, this one was striking—too striking. A beauty one might want to hide away, untouched, in some unreachable corner.

“Sit.”

At Suyeon’s arrival, several housemaids hurried forward with wine and delicate finger foods. A rich aroma filled the space as they poured So-hye’s glass. With a casual flick of her hand, So-hye dismissed them, leaving only silence between the two women.

“I must have surprised you, calling you here so suddenly.”

“It’s no problem.”

“Do you like wine?”

“I don’t really drink it for pleasure.”

“This one is different. Only six hundred bottles exist in the world. I acquired it through an auction—it’s very famous among collectors.”

Suyeon listened quietly, not interrupting.

“If you’re assisting important people, shouldn’t you at least have basic knowledge, even if you don’t enjoy it? Of course, for those who don’t understand its worth, it’s just… alcohol.”

The edge in So-hye’s words was sharp, but Suyeon replied in an even, unshaken tone:

“Romanée-Conti. A 1945 vintage. Known for its deep sweetness and velvet-like texture. Only three bottles made it to Korea, if I recall—and I see Madam owns one.”

So-hye’s brows twitched at the flawless recital.

“I thought you were ignorant of wine, but it seems you know it well.”

“I said I don’t drink it for enjoyment, not that I don’t know it.”

A vein pulsed faintly at So-hye’s temple. Rumors that Chief Han himself had recruited this secretary seemed to hold truth. The older woman’s gaze sharpened, growing cold.

“You’re much prettier than I expected. I wonder if my son will even be able to focus on work with you around.”

“May I ask why you called for me today?”

“As you said yourself, you serve Vice President Jung. And I am his mother. What’s so strange about me wanting to meet his secretary?”

“Of course. It isn’t strange.”

Leaning back, So-hye studied her. At twenty-eight, Suyeon had a youthful face, luminous skin, and unaltered natural beauty that stood out in a world obsessed with surgery. Even a man as aloof as Yoonjae would find his heart stirred.

“Impressive résumé. Plenty of awards, long experience as a secretary.”

Her lips curled with a cryptic smile.

“You’ve had offers elsewhere. So why Do-won? Don’t tell me…”

Her gaze narrowed, cutting through the space like a blade.

“…was it for my son? It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve seen secretaries enter under the guise of employment, only to try seducing Yoonjae.”

She sipped her wine, throat moving slowly. The sight made Suyeon’s stomach turn.

This was the world ruled by money. A hierarchy carved out by wealth, where people believed they had the right to trample others.

But Suyeon’s belief was firm—no amount of money granted anyone the right to strip away another’s dignity.

“If you want an honest answer: I applied because the salary was higher here.”

The unexpected reply drew a laugh from So-hye’s lips.

“Did I hear that correctly? You joined for the money?”

“That’s right.”

“Then perhaps we’ll get along very well.”

She leaned closer, eyes gleaming.

“Secretary Chae, would you consider working for me instead? I’ll pay you three times your current salary.”

“I’ve heard you already have a personal secretary, Madam.”

“Not that. I need someone for… special tasks. To report Yoonjae’s schedule, his personal matters, to me first. Think of it as collaboration for Do-won’s future.”

Suyeon’s gaze sharpened.

“To put it plainly: you want a spy. A double agent. A hunting dog.”

“Quick to catch on. I like that.”

“Then I’m afraid you’ve approached the wrong person.”

“What?”

Her calm refusal drew a bitter laugh from So-hye. But Suyeon’s eyes were like ice, her voice steady.

“I do like money. I do need it. But I will never live on my knees for it.”

“So obeying me would be degrading, is that what you mean?”

“I will not betray my employer without cause. I serve Vice President Jung Yoonjae—not you, Madam. Everything I’ve heard today, I’ll consider as though I didn’t hear at all.”

“You dare dismiss my words?”

“I will not be your hunting dog.”

So-hye’s hand trembled, veins bulging against pale skin, her eyes bloodshot with rage.

“If I had known you’d insult me with this proposal, I wouldn’t have come. I only answered because you are Yoonjae’s mother.”

“You insolent—how dare you raise your voice here!”

In an instant, So-hye rose and hurled her glass.

The wine poured over Suyeon, soaking her hair, staining her white blouse a dark, blood-red.

“You like money, don’t you? This wine is expensive. Drink it like this. When else would trash like you ever taste something so rare?”

Her blouse clung to her, ruined. Yet Suyeon only bowed her head slightly.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now.”

“Stop right there! Don’t think you’ll stay as his secretary forever. One word from me, and you’re gone!”

She stepped out, her blouse dripping, the straps of her camisole faintly visible beneath. Her lips pressed tight as she forced her feet forward.

A slow sound of leather shoes echoed behind her. A shadow stretched long across the floor.

“Secretary Chae.”

Lifting her head, Suyeon froze.

Standing before her—was Jung Yoonjae.