Part 18

“Yes.”

• This is Kwon Jiwook.

Forcing the corners of his mouth to pull into a smile, Sung-hyun replied as if it was no big deal.  Sung-hyun didn’t need to mention it to guess why Jiwook had called. 

A statement he had made to Jiwook a while ago flashed through his mind.

He must have looked into it. That’s why he called him directly.

“Can I help you?”

Sung-hyun asked in a skeptical tone.

• I was hoping we could meet today.

“Ah, I have a prior engagement with Ms. Seowoo.”

He deliberately mentioned Seowoo’s name. 

A scoff of disbelief echoed in his ears.

• When do you have time, then?

“Well, if you have something to say, you can say it over the phone-“

• No, it’s not something I can discuss over the phone.

“I’ll check my schedule and get back to you.”

Sung-hyun abruptly hung up the call.

It seemed to be about that day’s incident. The malicious articles were annoying, and the sneaky maneuvers behind the scenes were truly unsettling.

Of course, it wasn’t Jiwook’s doing.

Sung-hyun’s eyes gleamed sharply as he headed back to the set.

***

Jiwook rolled up his sleeves and checked the time. It was already 30 minutes past their scheduled meeting.

He couldn’t shake the thought that Sung-hyun was deliberately making him wait to get back at him. Jiwook’s brow furrowed deeper.

[Let’s meet at midnight. That’s the only time I’m available.]

Cheeky bastard.

Jiwook slowly closed his eyes, letting his anger dissipate.

‘I don’t have the amount of money that was in that briefcase.’

He needed to verify it directly.

Sung-hyun’s words to Jiwook were laden with meaning.

Since Sung-hyun even met with his mother, there must be something going on.

“Haa.”

He sighed and pulled his tie loose.

Sung-hyun and Myeong-hye, Seowoo and Myeong-hye.

And even the incident in the USA.

The fact that his mother was a common figure in all these events was deeply troubling to Jiwook. The stress was overwhelming, to the extent that he couldn’t sleep since the day he learned the truth.

Knock knock.

At that moment, a knocking sound was heard.

“Yes.”

Jiwook responded, and the sliding door slowly opened. Sung-hyun, dressed casually, entered and sat down in front of him.

The previously respectful demeanor was nowhere to be seen. Jiwook lifted his gaze to meet Sung-hyun’s eyes directly.

“I said I would come straight over, but I’m quite late. The shooting ended late, and I parted with Seowoo late.”

His voice carried not a hint of apology. Nonetheless, Jiwook’s face remained impassive.

Staring intently at Sung-hyun, he spoke.

“Seems like you’re dating Seowoo.”

“I confessed to her, but I haven’t received an answer yet.”

Sung-hyun responded nonchalantly.

As expected. His whole body showed interest, and now it seems he had even confessed. 

Jiwook smirked slightly, curling one corner of his mouth.

“Why do you think you haven’t heard a response? Seems like a rejection since she hasn’t responded. Not sure if you don’t know, or you’re pretending not to know.”

“You advised me to give it a good try, so that’s what I’m doing.”

“By all means.”

Sung-hyun’s lips twisted coldly in response to Jiwook’s composed demeanor. 

Not only had his family caused Seowoo all sorts of pain, but they had also obstructed her future. Even Jiwook’s composed attitude was infuriating to Sung-hyun. He could imagine how much heartache she must have suffered alone.

“I have another shooting in three hours, so why don’t you state your business first.”

Sung-hyun said, his voice chilly as he furrowed his brow.

“The matter doesn’t concern me, it seems more like it concerns you, Mr. Ki Sung-hyun.”

“…”

Jiwook’s expression vanished momentarily. Seeing his face turn icy, Sung-hyun burst out laughing. 

Jiwook’s jaw tightened as he watched Sung-hyun laugh loudly.

“Ki Sung-hyun.”

“If you knew, you wouldn’t be sporting such an attitude.”

“What kind of attitude would you prefer?”

“If you want something from me, shouldn’t you at least be polite?”

“Polite.”

Jiwook rolled the word on his tongue, letting out a hollow laugh.

Seeing this ridiculous person behave this way in front of him only worsened his headache.

Somehow, Sung-hyun’s attitude today, as if he held an important key, was particularly grating.

“It seems like you want me to grovel. I have no intention of doing so.  It seems you and my mother have done something extraordinary, so let’s hear it.”

Despite having a rough idea, Jiwook still maintained a defiant and upright demeanor. His arrogance twisted Sung-hyun’s insides. 

Sung-hyun pulled something out of his jacket pocket and placed it on the table. Pressing a small button, a familiar voice began to play.

‘The money in the bag right now is 2 billion.’

‘Whether it’s a scandal or marriage. If you succeed, I’m thinking of adding more.’

Jiwook’s lips twisted coldly at the sound of his mother’s voice.

The briefcase Sung-hyun had mentioned. That must be what he was talking about.

2 billion. Even hearing it with his own ears, he couldn’t believe the situation.

‘Try your best to woo her.  Since she’s a divorcee, I’ll add more money to the deal. I’ll even promise to support whatever you do in the future. If you cause any trouble, I can cover it up as much as needed.’

As the lengthy conversation ended, Sung-hyun lifted the recording device with a scornful smile.

“I knew K Group was significant, but I see it’s significant in other ways too.”

Jiwook didn’t know how to respond to Sung-hyun’s sarcastic tone. 

It seemed that Myeong-hye, angered by Sung-hyun’s rejection, had orchestrated the scandal articles. He never imagined she would go to such lengths just to pry Seowoo away from him.

Indeed, it was his mother who had caused the accident in an attempt to divorce her from his son.

“I’m sure you already know, but I refused. I’m not so desperate for money that I would accept such dirty money. I refuse to associate with someone who treats the woman I like like that.”

It was a harsh accusation, but it was true. 

Listening, Jiwook steadied his breath before speaking.

“If you recorded this, there must be a reason. Tell me what you want, Ki Sung-hyun.”

“I want you to stay away from Seowoo.”

“And if I can’t?”

“I might give this file to the journalists.”

It was likely that this would affect not only K Group but also Seowoo. 

However, Sung-hyun was certain. Even if this fact became known, there would be more sympathy for Seowoo than condemnation. 

It was better than her living among shameless people like Jiwook’s family. And Sung-hyun no longer wanted to see her entangled with her ex-husband.

“Then go ahead and hand it over.”

The unexpected response caught Sung-hyun off guard. His eyes narrowed and Jiwook continued calmly, his face devoid of emotion.

“I have had enough of that wretched household anyway.”

Jiwook couldn’t even protect his own blood, his child, and his pregnant wife—all for the sake of preserving one company. 

He had been trying to win back her heart as he regretted it, but it all seemed meaningless now. If the company was destroyed over this, he was prepared to accept that as well.

“What are you thinking, shaking up Seowoo again?”

“Ki Sung-hyun. I don’t know how much you like Seowoo to keep being presumptuous like this.”

He paused for a moment to catch his breath, furrowing his brow and showing a hint of annoyance.

“Isn’t it a bit ridiculous to keep making a fuss when Seowoo herself has no feelings for you?”

Jiwook was aware that Seowoo and Sung-hyun were not in any significant relationship. He also knew that his actions and his family towards her were unforgivable. Yet, he was confident.

Confident that he could win back her heart.

Confident that he could return to Seowoo’s side.

“I was curious about what you wanted, but go ahead and hand it over. Thank you for your time.”

Jiwook rose from his seat without any hesitation. Sung-hyun looked quite taken aback by his attitude.

Witnessing everything with his own eyes and ears seemed to clarify Jiwook’s previously cluttered mind.

“Ah.”

As Jiwook was about to leave the room, he slowly turned to face Sung-hyun directly.

“I think you’re under a misconception.”

“…”

“Seowoo and I didn’t divorce because we wanted to.”

He didn’t want that divorce, and he doesn’t think Seowoo did either. She had been influenced by Myeong-hye’s threats and ultimately, out of exhaustion. That’s why she made that choice.  Jiwook was sure. 

There must have been something she couldn’t tell him.

“I’m telling you this out of pity. There’s no need for you to try. It’s useless.”

He spoke the words in a measured, deliberate manner.

“I’m sure Yoon Seowoo feels the same way as I do, for your information.”

Leaving those final words, Jiwook walked away.

“Damn it.”

Sung-hyun cursed under his breath and ruffled his hair. His eyes sparkled menacingly as he clenched the recorder.