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Chapter 25
The atmosphere was tense. Yu-geon, wearing that sharp, inexplicable smile of his, lifted both hands lightly toward Yun-jae.
“Don’t misunderstand. I’ll admit Secretary Cha is stunning, but she’s not my type. Too stiff. Talks and moves like a robot. Who’d dare approach a secretary’s office for that?”
“Stop.”
“What?”
“Judgments. Evaluations. Don’t do either.”
Yun-jae’s voice was low, tossed like a stone into the air. Yu-geon’s mouth curled wider.
“Why so prickly? Anyone watching would think she’s your girlfriend, not your secretary.”
“Shut up.”
Cold air stretched taut across the room. Suyeon entered quietly, setting down a glass filled with ice on the table.
“Thank you,” Yu-geon said, never once taking his eyes off her face.
Yun-jae’s brow tightened, his jaw rigid.
Just as Suyeon was about to turn away, the glass slipped between Yu-geon’s fingers. It hit the floor with a sharp crash, scattering shards across the office.
“Oh dear, what a mess.”
“I’ll bring another,” Suyeon said quickly, bending to gather the fragments.
But Yu-geon’s hand shot out, snaring her wrist before she could touch the glass.
“Careful. You’ll cut yourself.”
His grip was firm, almost suffocating.
“If you’re hurt, it’ll sting. Won’t it?”
Yun-jae’s brows knotted, his expression contorting with rage.
“Secretary Cha. Leave it. Just go.”
“But—”
“Didn’t you hear me?”
Yu-geon’s brows twitched at Yun-jae’s sharp tone.
“We’ll clean it up later. Go now.”
“Yes, Senior Executive.”
Suyeon turned, her footsteps soft, but Yun-jae’s gaze clung to her retreating figure.
Yu-geon’s eyes flicked back and forth between them, his shoulders shaking faintly as if laughing to himself.
“Even prettier up close,” he murmured under his breath.
The words were enough to make Yun-jae slam his palm down on the table.
“Enough.”
“What’s wrong with saying something’s beautiful when it is?”
“The words aren’t the problem. The problem is who you’re saying them about—my secretary.”
Yu-geon’s lips curved upward, sly and amused.
“Better stop while I’m being polite.”
At last, the glimmer in his eyes sharpened.
Found it.
Jung Yun-jae’s Achilles’ heel.
Outside the office, Manager Byun had been pacing nervously. The moment Yu-geon emerged, he scurried forward.
“Director, are you all right?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I heard a loud crash. I was worried you might’ve been hurt.”
Yu-geon waved a hand as if it were nothing. Manager Byun forced a strained smile and bowed.
“Shall we go to the president’s office now?”
Yu-geon took a few steps before halting again. One hand in his pocket, the other stroking his chin in thought, he spoke suddenly.
“How long has Jung Yun-jae’s secretary been here?”
“Barely a month, I believe. Why do you ask—”
“Manager Byun.”
“Yes, Director?”
“Answer only the questions I ask.”
“Y-yes, sir.”
A month. Barely that.
And yet, because of one secretary, Jung Yun-jae’s composure had cracked.
Yu-geon’s lips twisted into a cold, mocking grin.
“Madam Kim So-hye had nothing to do with her hiring?”
“That’s correct. All secretary recruitment is now handled exclusively by the chief of staff.”
“Chief Han, huh…”
Manager Byun bowed again. “The president is waiting, Director.”
As Yu-geon resumed walking, laughter slipped past his lips, soft and dangerous.
If Cha Ha-yoon really is Jung Yun-jae’s Achilles’ heel… removing him from Do-won will be easier than I thought.
His eyes gleamed like a predator spotting prey.
The president’s office.
The moment Yu-geon stepped inside, President Jung leapt to his feet, arms outstretched.
“You’re here at last.”
“It’s been too long, Father.”
“I’ve been waiting so impatiently. Why only now?”
He embraced his son warmly, laughter lighting his face. So unlike Yun-jae. Yu-geon had always been affectionate, a mirror of his mother, Kim So-hye. Whatever he wanted, he got.
“Sit, sit. Let’s talk.”
“It’s been years, yet you look younger than ever.”
“Impossible.”
“You know I don’t flatter.”
“Ha! This boy.”
Even as he laughed, the president’s gaze lingered on Yu-geon with unmistakable fondness.
“If I’d known you were coming, I’d have arranged a dinner with your brother too.”
“I didn’t want to trouble you. Besides, I already saw Senior Executive Jung.”
“So soon?”
“I should’ve come to you first. My apologies.”
“Don’t be silly. What matters is you’re here. It must’ve been good to see him again?”
Yu-geon’s lips curved faintly. “You know I don’t lie, Father.”
The president sighed. “Don’t hold his coldness against him. Once he finds a woman, starts a family, he’ll change.”
“Doubtful. He’s never been interested in women.”
“That’s why your mother already picked out someone suitable. I was going to tell Yun-jae today.”
Yu-geon’s eyes narrowed, amusement dancing there.
“Will he even care? Even if she’s perfect?”
“She is. Famous painter’s daughter. Only child. Lovely temper, plenty of charm. Beautiful too. Everything’s in her favor.”
“Then perhaps we’ll hear wedding bells by year’s end.”
“Call him your brother, at least when it’s just us.”
“We’re in the office, Father.”
“Ha! Always so proper.”
The president chuckled, deeply content, sipping his tea.
Yu-geon leaned closer. “About the redevelopment project.”
“You mean Yong-su Valley?”
“Yes. It’s been stalled since before I left overseas. Still no progress?”
“Don’t mention it. Nothing but headaches. A handful of residents and endless opposition. Sometimes I want to bulldoze it all down.”
“You can’t leave it like this forever. Losses must already be piling up.”
“There’s no solution. Nothing works.”
“Then let me handle it.”
The president’s brows furrowed.
“If we don’t act now, it’ll rot into a disaster. Better to execute the plan before it’s too late.”
“That’s supposed to be your brother’s project…”
“Don’t you know me better than that, Father?”
For a moment, the president considered. Then, with a loud slap of his knee, he broke into laughter.
Later.
Yun-jae sat alone in his office, silence pressing down. The image of Yu-geon gripping Suyeon’s wrist replayed in his mind, veins bulging at his temple.
Suyeon entered softly.
“Your lunch bento is ready, Senior Executive. Shall I serve it now?”
“Eat with Chief Han and Secretary Kwon. I’ll pass.”
“Then I’ll leave it here.”
“Secretary Cha.”
“Yes?”
“From now on, unless I give permission, don’t let the Director into my office.”
“Understood.”
“Your hand. Did you hurt yourself earlier?”
“I’m fine. Also… this.”
She held out the bouquet Yu-geon had given.
“What should I do with it?”
“Leave it.”
After she left, Yun-jae stared at the flowers, lips curling in disgust.
“Insane bastard.”
He tossed the bouquet straight into the trash.
That evening.
“My son! Oh, how long it’s been!”
Kim So-hye’s syrupy voice filled the house the moment Yu-geon stepped inside.
“And I’m invisible, am I?” President Jung teased.
“Today, I only see our son,” she answered, clinging to Yu-geon’s arm.
“You’ve grown even more beautiful, Mother.”
“Don’t say that. I’ve missed you so much I could hardly sleep.”
“You two are so affectionate, I’m jealous,” the president laughed, shoulders shaking with mirth.
“I cooked everything myself today. Come, let’s eat before it gets cold.”
Her steps were light as she led Yu-geon to the table, swaying with youthful grace. The president watched, grinning ear to ear, utterly charmed.
