26.1

“Can people really live like this?”

Chaeyoon looked at Joo-eun, who was leaning back against the sofa, with a worried expression.

It was her first time seeing a pregnant woman in her final month, up close, and the cultural shock was significant. Her belly was tight as if it was about to burst, and Joo-eun was breathing heavily, gasping for air.

“I look like a monster, don’t I?”

Joo-eun made a face of despair.

“Where else can you find such a pretty monster? You just look so exhausted.”

“Yeah. It is tough. I can’t lie down or sit properly.”

Hearing this, Eunho asked Seokhyun,

“Is it really okay?”

“It’s okay. They said it’s because the baby is too big.”

“What should you do then?”

Chaeyoon asked, alarmed.

“If it gets too hard, we’ll get surgery. We’ll decide at the next doctor’s appointment next week.”

“No, they say natural birth is better for the baby.”

Joo-eun insisted, in response to Seokhyun’s comment.

“It’s because I’m worried you’re struggling too much.”

Seokhyun said in a sad voice.

“No, I can endure it.”

But Joo-eun was adamant.

“Oh, our Cha Joo-eun, already becoming a mom. Putting the baby first already.”

Chaeyoon cooed, lifting Joo-eun’s spirits.

“That’s what happens when you become a mom.”

Joo-eun’s expression became quite mature.

“I should have come earlier, sorry for arriving when it’s a tough time for you.”

Eunho looked apologetic.

“No, I’m really glad you came. Will you come to see me when the baby is born?”

“Of course.”

Eunho nodded.

“When are you leaving, Chaeyoon?”

“Maybe next Friday?”

“You’ll leave without seeing the baby’s face.”

“I’m also sad. But I have loads of work to do. I might get to see you again before I leave though.”

Chaeyoon had a tight schedule to meet with ladies who had placed jewelry orders.

“I can’t even see you off with this body.”

“So, this is how marriage drives people apart. It won’t be easy for you to move around after having the baby either.”

“That’s why you should finish your studies and come back soon.”

“You’ll be too busy with your lovely husband and a baby to look after. Do you really need friends?”

“I don’t need a friend, but you do. You don’t even have a boyfriend.”

“Who says I don’t have a boyfriend?”

“So, you do?”

“I’m not telling.”

Chaeyoon should have told Joo-eun about her relationship with Seonho, but Eunho was watching the conversation with keen interest, so she vaguely brushed it off.

If she said she had a boyfriend, he would’ve pried, and it wasn’t something she could disclose publicly yet.

“I heard Seonho was coming too, didn’t he make it because of that issue?”

It seemed Joo-eun had also seen the news.

“Probably.”

“That article, is it true?”

Joo-eun tilted her head, curious.

“It’s likely true.”

Eunho gave her a knowing look.

“How do you know?”

“Everyone in the know knows that Chairman Yoon and the Vice Chairwoman are a window couple. And the details in the article suggest it could be from a whistleblower.”

“A whistleblower?”

“I’m sure there’ll be another article with more conclusive evidence next time.”

Chaeyoon was inwardly surprised at Eunho’s ability to make such sharp deductions from nothing.

“Are they trying to bring down Chairman Yoon? If it was about money, they would have made a deal first.”

Seokhyun spoke in a very serious tone.

“I’m not sure. Chairman Yoon’s siblings don’t have much influence. They don’t have the capability either. Chairman Yoon wouldn’t have made it to his position if it weren’t for the Vice Chairwoman, right?”

Eunho tilted his head.

“So everyone knew. The Vice Chairwoman was the real power behind the throne, that the Vice Chairwoman is Princess Pyeonggang.”

Chaeyoon murmured under her breath.

Chaeyoon learned from the documents Seonho had investigated that it was Seonkyung’s capabilities that allowed the company to be as structured and successful as it is. Chairman Yoon’s efforts were at best maintenance; most initiatives that performed poorly were discontinued.

“The Princess Pyeonggang? Ah, that’s why Seonho’s mom was so powerful.”

Joo-eun nodded, finally understanding.

“I don’t understand. With such a person at his side, why would Chairman Yoon look elsewhere?”

Chaeyoon shook her head in disapproval.

“There’s a saying that the Vice Chairwoman was resented for being more capable than her husband. It’s foolish, really. It’s a relief that the honorary chairman had the foresight.”

Eunho commented.

“There’s also that worry. What will happen to the company after the honorary chairman passes away? He needs to stay healthy until Seonho is ready to take over.”

Seokhyun added.

“Does Seonho really have that much capability?”

Joo-eun asked, surprised.

“It would have been better if Seonho was the eldest. It’s a bit unfortunate. He’s still too young. His older brother seems to be unable to let go of his greed, maybe because of the age difference.”

Eunho’s assessment was stern.

“If the honorary chairman passes away now, I am a bit worried about the company.”

Seokhyun agreed with Eunho’s remarks.

“That’s why it’s said it’s hard for a chaebol to last past the third generation.”

Despite the seriousness of the topic, Joo-eun’s face changed strangely.

“Sorry to interrupt the conversation. I need to use the restroom.”

Joo-eun extended her hand to Seokhyun.

“Can’t go to the restroom by yourself?”

Chaeyoon teased.

“Let’s see if you don’t end up the same.”

Joo-eun glanced at Chaeyoon before heading into the restroom.

“Joo-eun seems really struggling; I think I should leave soon. What about you?”

“I’m planning to stay the night. It’s been a while since I last visited.”

“Really? I was thinking about having dinner with you. I also have something to talk about with you.”

“Something to talk about? Can’t we do it now?”

“It’s a bit awkward here…”

Eunho looked uncomfortable.

“Before you go to England, I need to talk to you…”

Eunho was about to continue when the restroom door burst open, and Seokhyun rushed out with a panicked expression.

“What’s wrong?”

Chaeyoon jumped up from her seat.

“To the hospital…, where did I put the bag?”

As Seokhyun fumbled and headed to the master bedroom, Chaeyoon went to the bathroom.

“Joo-eun, are you okay?”

“No, I’m not okay. My water broke.”

Joo-eun’s voice was also filled with panic.

“What? What does that mean? Is it serious? Should I call 911?”

Chaeyoon tensed up, trying to keep her wits about her.

“No, we just need to go to the hospital.”

“Wait, let me call Mom first.”

Chaeyoon picked up her phone to use her mom’s help.