CHAPTER 6

*

Surprised at her sudden intuition, Yeonseo balled her fists to hide the sweat on her hands.

“Seungbin has always been quite considerate.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Ever since he was a kid, he couldn’t leave a poor thing alone. He’s so compassionate and people-pleasing.”

Seungbin’s care felt like volunteer work nailed into her. It sounded like a warning not to have any far-fetched dreams.

She had never doubted it before. But after hearing such words from Taeheon, Director Woo’s pale cheek felt like a snake’s skin.

“Right, mother hasn’t mentioned anything unusual in the past week, has she?”

“No, she has been the same as usual.”

Finally, it has begun.

Yeonseo lifted the cup placed in front of her. The surface of the omija beverage, with water droplets forming, was chillingly cold.

In truth, she preferred it warm. Her stomach would ache on the way home as she empties the icy cold drinks that was always served here.

She pursed her lips and placed the cup back down. If Director Woo’s attitude was anything but friendly, she had no reason to be polite.

“Has she met any acquaintances recently? How has she been? Is she feeling any discomfort?”

“Yes. As I mentioned before, Mrs. Yoon, Director Kim, and Mr. Yu came to visit.”

“Okay. Did anyone else come by?”

“No one else did.”

“Did anyone mention about someone else…?”

Yeonseo’s fists balled up tightly at what she was finally seeing.

“I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to mention this, but does any of this have anything to do with Mrs. Kang’s health?”

“Hmm?”

Somewhere in the background, the ticking of an analog wall clock could be heard. Perhaps the question was too sudden.

Director Woo remained silent for a while. Instead, he looked at Yeonseo meaningfully.

Sweat started to broke out on the back of Yeonseo’s neck under Director Woo subtly penetrating gaze. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down if it meant protecting Mrs. Kang.

She had to try to figure it out.

Even if Taeheon criticized it as a pointless act if he found out, she didn’t fully trust him anyway.

“Did you hear anything from Taeheon, by any chance?”

“I did meet Mr. Taeheon yesterday, but he didn’t say much……. What’s wrong?”

Yeonseo pretended not to know, marveling at her acting skills. She didn’t expect Director Woo to have such keen intuition.

“Why do you suddenly want to know this, Ms. Yeonseo?”

Director Woo had his usual gentle smile on his face, treating her like a child.

“Well, it’s just that, I was concerned that despite outwardly welcoming guests, Mrs. Kang might be under stress. The health check-up results weren’t good, after all.”

“And?”

“I asked because I don’t think meeting multiple people has a positive impact. If I’ve overstepped, I apologize.”

Yeonseo chuckled awkwardly, lowering her gaze.

“I can certainly think of it that way.”

“Then why don’t you cut back on the meetings?”

“If she just stay at home, she’ll be more relaxed. If she limit the meetings, she might lose vitality in the company instead.”

She calculated that it might be better for Mrs. Kang if she didn’t meet people. That way, Director Woo wouldn’t be able to weave schemes. But she was gracefully rejected, as expected.

Yeonseo smiled mischievously.

“Upon hearing your words, Director Woo, you’re right. I apologize.”

“By the way, about Seungbin.”

“Yes?”

“He’s my son, but he’s a bit of a handful.”

She couldn’t quite grasp what he was trying to say.

“I’m worried that he’ll try to get his hands on you. He may not seem like it, but he’s involved in complicated relationships with women… There’s no way he would just pass up a beauty like you without any interest…”

Yeonseo was taken aback by the unexpected remark and instinctively raised her hands.

“No, absolutely not. That will never happen.”

Director pulled out his wallet and handed her several 50,000-won bills. It was a first for Yeonseo, so she just stared at it dumbfoundedly.

“Take a taxi back. I’ll personally give my regards to Seungbin.”

“You don’t have to worry. I wouldn’t have anything to do with him.”

“Okay, I trust you.”

She felt choked up, as if she had suddenly become a bad person. It would be an overinterpretation to consider a few fifty thousand won bills as a reflection of her worth.

After taking a deep breath, Yeonseo spoke.

“I will make good use of what you’ve given me.”

It’s not bad to receive money twice, right?

She was already receiving a salary from Director Woo.

Well, with the money, Yeonseo ought to buy the macarons that Mrs. Kang likes. After bidding her farewells, Yeonseo left the prison-like study.

She didn’t forget to take the herbal medicine handed to her by the caretaker.

*

Yeonseo met her friend Jiyeong after a long time and they had lunch together before stopping by a cafe to chat. Jiyeong couldn’t help but admire how much Yeonseo’s complexion had improved.

Without being chased by debt collectors, without having to starve, and without being beaten by her father, she had gained weight.

Eating well and sleeping well may be easy for some, but for Yeonseo, it was the most desperate thing she longed for. However, the thought of using Mrs. Kang’s situation to satisfy her cravings made her heart heavy.

After parting ways with Jiyeong , she was on her way to a famous dessert shop, her phone rang from an unknown number.

“Hello?”

Boommm. She couldn’t immediately recognize the man’s voice as she was trying to avoid a car entering the alley.

“Hello? Who is this?”

• It’s me.

The bustling noise around her suddenly quieted down, and she felt like a prisoner trapped in a sudden silence when she realized that it was Woo Taeheon who was calling.

• Sewon Motors Headquarters by 6 PM. When you arrive, call me and meet me at the entrance.

“What?”

• It seems like you went on an outing? Make sure you come when it’s time.

“Wait…!”

The call ended before Yeonseo could finish her sentence. People like this really exist.

Despite the rudeness, Yeonseo dutifully checked the time. It was 5:30 PM, and time was running out.

Hailing a taxi as if being chased, Yeonseo hurriedly moved her feet.

“Driver, please go a bit faster.”

The gray city flashed by Yeonseo’s side. She hesitated in front of the crowded Sewon Motors Headquarter Building, then blended into the crowd and entered the lobby.

With its high ceilings, security guards, and reception desk staff, everything felt grand. Although Yeonseo had worked at one of the top hospitals in South Korea, she had no immunity to this kind of atmosphere.

It was after work, so there were a lot of people.

“Ms. Han.”

Amidst the bustling crowd, a man’s voice reached Yeonseo like a warning. When she turned around, Taeheon was calmly looking down at her from a height of at least a head above. His gaze was cold.

“Sir Taeheon.”

“My schedule has changed. Come up for a moment.”

Upstairs? To the office?

“What are you doing? Follow me.”

The restless gazes were directed at Taeheon and Yeonseo. It seemed like Taeheon was oblivious to it all.

Or maybe he was accustomed to being the center of attention.

As they headed towards the elevator, Yeonseo hesitated, looking down at the floor. Employees getting off the opposite elevator greeted Taeheon.

Taeheon had been abroad for a long time, but many of them recognized him. It made Yeonseo realize the significance of his presence, born into being a bloodline of Chairman Woo.

Taeheon must have walked on a golden carpet from birth. To stand by his side in this world, you have to pass a high standard.

In any case, it was clear that Yeonseo was not someone who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him. Standing hesitantly in front of the employee-only elevator, Yeonseo calculated where she should stand and settled in behind Taeheon like air.

The elevator began its slow descent from the higher floors, and against her wishes, more and more eyes were glancing their way. Eyes filled with curiosity and questions were probing Yeonseo quite uncomfortably.

If she had known this would happen, she should have dressed better.

Amongst the employees dressed in suits, Yeonseo was the only one dressed casually. Her light-colored jeans and cardigan looked oddly out of place.

Yeonseo stood still.

She wasn’t good at fashion. During her university years, she was too busy juggling part-time jobs and studying, so she naturally became ignorant when it came to clothes, cosmetics, and perfumes.

When she worked at the university hospital, she always stuck to simple clothes due to the scrutiny of her seniors. After that, since she stayed in Yongin for a long time, she developed a preference for simple and unobtrusive clothes.

Should I have worn the suit I used to wear for formal occasions?

No, that old-fashioned suit might have concealed me for a while, but it wouldn’t have kept me out of the spotlight as long as I stood by Taeheon’s side.

Ding. The opening of the elevator doors had never been so welcoming. Yeonseo stepped onto the elevator with Taeheon, feeling a sense of relief.

He pressed the button for the 18th floor with his long fingers. The elevator began to move with a whirring sound.

Yeonseo lifted her head slightly, taking in the man in front of her. Broad shoulders and a raised head were the only things visible. Even from behind, Taeheon exuded a sharp aura. The tension in the air was thicker now that they were alone in an enclosed area.

His unique, cool, and solid scent coming from his perfume enveloped the elevator, making Yeonseo feel suffocated. It seemed like he had called her here to ask about the conversation with Director Woo.

Although it seemed like a conversation that could have taken place at home later, Taeheon’s intentions for calling her here were not clear. He was a difficult man to understand.

Afraid of being caught stealing glances at him, Yeonseo lowered her head. Sweat formed on the palm of her hand.

“Ms. Han.”

Snapping back to her senses, Yeonseo realized that Taeheon was calling her from outside the elevator.

“Ah, yes.”

Yeonseo scrambled to her feet.

The smooth floor was clean as if it had just been wiped. Yeonseo cautiously followed him, treading softly in her worn-out sneakers.

Although it was the end of the workday and the floor was quiet, Taeheon’s footsteps were quick, and she couldn’t properly survey her surroundings.

He stopped in front of the office at the very end of the corridor. As Taeheon’s fingerprint was recognized, the office security was deactivated.