“Oh my God, how can something so dramatic happen? No, wait – this is more like winning the lottery! Or maybe you’re a modern Cinderella!”

Inha exclaimed, caught up in her excitement. Seol-ah remained silent, her expression a little glum.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I got a little carried away.”

Inha quickly apologized, noticing Seol-ah’s downcast face.

“It’s okay. I understand why you’re comparing it like that. I mean, I’m nothing special and he’s… well, I’m just lucky to have him.”

“Oh, come on, you’re not upset, are you?” Inha teased, playfully poking Seol-ah’s arm as her expression softened. “You’re more than special enough, and if he can see that, then he’s the lucky one,” she added with a reassuring smile.

“No, it’s just that your comment was pretty spot-on, so it caught me off guard,” Seol-ah said with a sigh. “But it’s true, so there’s no point denying it.”

“Don’t be like that. Honestly, anyone who hears your story would react like I did. Don’t you think?”

Inha asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“You’re right. It’s just that hearing it from others makes it all feel more real, and that’s what’s a little depressing,” Seol-ah admitted with a faint smile.

“Why be down about it? Don’t let it get you down. No matter what anyone says, be proud. You may hear this Cinderella stuff a lot in the future, but will you let it get to you every time?”

“No, you’re right. I’ll try to be more self-confident. Honestly, I think the truth about our relationship will come out at dinner tonight. That’s why I wanted to tell you first – so you wouldn’t feel betrayed.”

Inha’s eyes softened as she reached over to give Seol-ah’s arm a reassuring squeeze.

“I’m glad you did. And don’t worry, no matter what happens tonight, I’ve got your back,” she said with a confident grin.

“I understand and I appreciate that. If I’d found out during dinner, I would have felt really betrayed. I’m not joking – I’m serious.”

“That’s why I told you before.”

“Yes, I understand. And I’m telling you that I’m grateful. Don’t worry, if anyone says anything tonight, I’ll defend you.”

“Thank you, Senior.”

“Thank me for what? I always take care of my own, right?” Inha added with a grin.

Seol-ah smiled warmly, feeling a deep sense of relief at being able to trust Inha. It felt like a weight had been lifted from her chest. As Inha started the car, Seol-ah leaned back, feeling a little more at ease, ready to face the evening ahead.

* * *

Wang Galbi House.

When they entered the restaurant, it was empty except for their team. Seol-ah wasn’t surprised; she had already guessed that Hwi-gang, with his characteristic flair, had likely reserved the entire place for the event.

“Welcome! Please, have a seat here.”

The owner greeted them personally, showing them to their seats. For now, only the Vision Advertising staff have arrived.

“Hey, why aren’t there any other customers here today?”

Curious, someone voiced the question that was on everyone’s mind.

“Oh, yes,” the owner replied with a polite smile, “Senior Executive Kang from LJ Electronics reserved the entire restaurant for tonight’s dinner.”

“Wow, seriously?”

As the team members expressed their surprise, the LJ Electronics team began to enter the restaurant. Inha, just as excited as Seol-ah, eagerly scanned the room to catch a glimpse of Hwi-gang. Although she had seen him before, seeing him now in this context felt completely different. Yesterday, Hwi-gang had seemed like an unattainable figure – successful, handsome, and impressive. But today, Inha saw him more as a potential in-law, someone who could become part of the family.

Meanwhile, Seol-ah’s brow furrowed in frustration at the thought of seeing Jung-jae again. As each member of the LJ Electronics team entered, she kept glancing sideways to see if Jung-jae had arrived.

However, as everyone settled in and time passed, there was still no sign of Jung-jae.

‘What’s going on? Did he skip out on the dinner? A rookie, skipping the company dinner?’

Seol-ah wondered, feeling both surprised and relieved.

She knew how rigorous the rookie training at LJ Electronics was, so the situation seemed unusual.

‘Could Hwi-gang have pulled him from the dinner?’

As that thought crossed her mind, her tense expression relaxed slightly. It wouldn’t be out of character for Hwi-gang to make such a move.

Unaware that Jung-jae was stuck working overtime on tasks given by Assistant Manager Choi, Seol-ah could only assume that Hwi-gang had orchestrated his absence.

“Hey, why isn’t the senior executive here yet? Have you heard anything from him?”

Inha whispered to Seol-ah, glancing around the room. Seol-ah quickly checked her phone.

“No, no messages. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”

Just then, the doors to the restaurant opened, and Hwi-gang walked in with his assistant by his side. The moment their eyes met, Seol-ah’s heart began to race uncontrollably.

‘Calm down, heart, please!’ she silently pleaded, placing her hand over her chest in an attempt to steady her nerves.

“He’s here, he’s here! Oh my, oh my. He looks even more handsome today. Is it because we’re seeing him up close? Or maybe it’s because I know he’s going to marry you? Why am I so excited?”

Inha gushed, unusually animated as she stepped forward.

As the Vision Advertising representatives—including the CEO, manager, and Inha—came forward to greet him, Hwi-gang returned the gesture with polite formality.

“Thank you for accepting my suggestion for this dinner, Mr. Park.”

The CEO shook his hand with a warm smile.

“The pleasure is ours, Senior Executive Kang. We appreciate the generous invitation.”

Hwi-gang nodded, his expression composed, but Seol-ah couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift in his eyes when he glanced in her direction—a flicker of something familiar and reassuring. It was a silent acknowledgment, one only she would notice, and it made her chest tighten with an odd mix of excitement and nervousness.

Park Tae-jun, the CEO of Vision Advertising, bowed slightly as he shook Hwi-gang’s hand. While protocol dictated that a senior executive should show deference to a CEO, the reality was quite the opposite. The power differential between Hwi-gang and Tae-jun was as great as heaven and earth. Hwi-gang had the kind of influence that could bring down Tae-jun’s company with a single word.

“I should be the one thanking you,” Tae-jun said, aiming to keep up the proper etiquette. “Not only did you arrange this dinner, but you’re also covering all the expenses. Next time, we’ll take care of it.”

“Don’t mention it. As long as Vision Advertising delivers a stellar campaign for us, that’s all that matters.”

“Of course,” Tae-jun responded with a smile.

After their brief exchange, everyone took their seats. However, Hwi-gang’s expression darkened slightly when he noticed Seol-ah sitting at a distance from him, causing him to furrow his brow in mild annoyance.

“Shall we start with a toast?”

Hwi-gang suggested once the restaurant staff had finished grilling the meat and stepped back. At his cue, everyone filled their glasses and held them up.

“Mr. Park, would you do the honors with the toast?”

“Me? Are you sure?”

Tae-jun responded, looking slightly surprised.

“Of course. Everyone’s waiting,” Hwi-gang replied, giving him a nod.

Tae-jun stood up and raised his glass.

“Here’s to the successful collaboration between LJ Electronics and Vision Advertising. Cheers!”

“Cheers!” the group echoed, clinking their glasses together.

After the toast, everyone dug eagerly into their food. Seol-ah, aware of Hwi-gang’s lingering gaze, made a point of ignoring it, concentrating instead on chatting with her colleagues as she enjoyed her meal.

About ten minutes later, Hwi-gang suddenly stood up. Seol-ah was too engrossed in her conversation with a member of the LJ Electronics team to notice him approaching.

“So, as I was saying, we’re planning to…”

Seol-ah paused mid-sentence as she noticed her colleague’s eyes shift, looking past her. Curious, she turned around.

“!”

Before she could fully process the situation, Hwi-gang was already at her side. He addressed the LJ Electronics employee seated next to her with a polite yet firm tone.

“I need to have a word with Jin Seol-ah. Would you mind giving up your seat?”

“Of course, Senior Executive. No problem,” the employee replied promptly, standing up and offering his seat without a moment’s hesitation.

After thanking the man, Hwi-gang took the now-empty seat next to Seol-ah. By this time, the room had become noticeably quieter as the others turned their attention to them.

Seol-ah, feeling the weight of her colleagues’ eyes, found herself unable to speak freely with Hwi-gang sitting so close. She looked at him, trying to convey with her eyes, ‘What are you doing? Go away!’.

But Hwi-gang ignored her silent plea and spoke calmly.

“Don’t we have anything to talk about?”

“!”

Seol-ah’s face went pale with shock, and the employees of both LJ Electronics and Vision Advertising turned their attention to her, waiting in stunned silence for her answer.

“I think this is the perfect opportunity to announce our relationship.”

Hwi-gang continued, his words sending waves of surprise through the room.

The entire group was left speechless, their jaws dropping in disbelief. Meanwhile, Inha, who was already in the know, casually sipped her drink as if she was watching an entertaining show, completely unfazed by the revelation.

“N-no, let’s talk outside.”

Seol-ah whispered urgently, tugging at Hwi-gang’s sleeve under the table. She desperately wanted to avoid making a spectacle of the situation. But Hwi-gang showed no sign of moving.

“Why go outside? Let’s just talk in here, Seol-ah,” he replied nonchalantly, using her name with a casual intimacy that no one could fail to notice. His relaxed demeanor was in stark contrast to Seol-ah’s growing anxiety.

“Did you hear that? He just called her Seol-ah!”

“Yeah, I heard it too—so tenderly.”

“If they’re on a first-name basis like that, could they be… a couple?”

“Definitely. You can hear the warmth in his voice. No other explanation.”