Just as Haejoo received the coffee she had ordered, she and Soyeon left the café and were walking back to the company.
“That huge congratulatory wreath in front of the hotel at the anniversary celebration yesterday! It said Seongjin Group on it, and apparently, it means there’s a chance Seongjin and Taehwa Group might become in-laws!”
“What?”
Haejoo suddenly stopped walking as they neared the company. At that very moment, a luxury sedan pulled up in front of the building.
“Dad! Can’t I go in too? I really want to see him…”
A middle-aged man and a stunningly beautiful woman stepped out of the car.
“Tsk, everything has its time. It doesn’t look good for a woman to be too forward! Didn’t Madam Hong say she’d set up a good meeting with the Executive Director? Serin, just wait in the car for today.”
On the left side of the first-floor lobby of Taehwa Group was a stylish brunch café and an employee lounge, among other convenient facilities.
On the right, there was an indoor fountain and a sleek exhibition space featuring Taehwa Group’s first-generation automobile. Since the area was open to the public as well as employees, it was always bustling. Haejoo, who was returning to the office, looked a little uncomfortable as Soyeon chattered on.
“She really seems to be Seongjin Group’s daughter! Director Kang Serin!”
The two people who got out of the car entered the Taehwa Group lobby. The middle-aged man headed straight for the elevator, while the young woman walked toward the motor show exhibition.
Soyeon, watching them carefully while waiting for the elevator, kept on talking excitedly.
“When I went to the expo last year, my senior secretary told me to memorize the faces of major businesspeople. I remember her clearly because she was the most beautiful person at the event!”
“Then you must be right, Soyeon.”
“Yes! I’m sure that woman is Director Kang Serin, and the man earlier seemed to be Chairman Kang Jichan of Seongjin Group!”
Haejoo, who kept up with economic news, also recognized the middle-aged man as Seongjin Group’s chairman.
“They say Chairman Kang has cherished his daughter since she was little and doesn’t like exposing her to the media. So before that expo, all I heard from my seniors was how stunning she was!”
“…Yes, she’s truly beautiful.”
Haejoo responded while glancing at Serin, who was inspecting the motor show area from afar.
Her long, flowing hair suited her very well.
Her face had a refined, urban cat-like elegance, and the hairstyle gave her an innocent charm that made her all the more alluring.
She wore a short, tight-fitting dress that showed off her curvaceous figure — she looked stunning and glamorous.
“She has everything… everything! That face is to die for, and how is her chest so big too? No wonder men lose their minds…”
“Soyeon! That’s not appropriate!”
“Sorry! I’m just really jealous, even as a woman!”
Soyeon laughed awkwardly, having gotten carried away. Haejoo, too, found her eyes drawn naturally toward Serin’s voluptuous chest.
“A woman that attractive… Even the Executive Director wouldn’t be able to resist, right?”
“…”
A dull ache tugged at Haejoo’s chest. She couldn’t help but think of Seungjo, who had been gently caressing her breasts and kissing her skin just that very morning.
Could Kang Serin really be marrying the Executive Director?
Haejoo felt something heavy sink in her chest.
She had so many questions, but her lips stayed tightly shut.
She recalled Seungjo’s cold words — that their relationship was just physical and that she shouldn’t meddle in his private life.
“Anyway, you must’ve been just as shocked seeing Kang Serin in person. But don’t you think she and Director Tae Seungjo would make the perfect couple if they got married? Actually, no — even with a beauty like her, our sexy director is still too good for her!”
“…Let’s stop staring and go, Soyeon.”
Just as Haejoo took Soyeon’s hand to step into the elevator, she happened to lock eyes with Serin, who had been looking at the exhibit with a composed expression.
“Beautiful people must recognize each other, huh? I think she just noticed our company’s most beautiful Miss Sun Haejoo!”
“Stop joking, Soyeon. I’m hardly a beauty.”
Soyeon whispered excitedly, but Serin’s gaze as she scanned Haejoo from head to toe was rather intense and rude, making Haejoo feel a bit uncomfortable.
She was grateful when the elevator finally arrived. Haejoo gave Serin a polite nod and stepped inside — just as her phone rang.
It was a call from Aunt Soon in Seongbuk-dong.
— Haejoo? Madam isn’t feeling well. Her legs are bothering her badly, and she’s asking for you. Come by Seongbuk-dong after work.
“What brings you here so suddenly?”
When Seungjo entered the Executive Director’s office, the face of Seongjin Group’s Chairman Kang Jichan lit up.
Seungjo had come straight from back-to-back morning meetings, having even skipped lunch. His already sharp features looked even more tense, but Jichan simply laughed heartily.
“Of course, I know how busy Director Tae is — even toddlers know that! Haha!”
“Even toddlers have a sense of propriety. You’ve come a long way without an appointment.”
Seungjo unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat on the sofa, completely unfazed by Jichan’s presence.
Even in front of a chairman, Seungjo sat in the top seat like it was only natural — radiating the arrogance of someone in control, which oddly suited him perfectly.
Jichan looked slightly annoyed but quickly forced a smile.
“What, now! You’re not a restaurant. Do I have to make a reservation to see you every time? You’re too cold, too rigid!”
Seungjo’s strict work ethic was well-known in the business world.
Some people had even tried to humiliate him just to knock his pride down a peg — only to end up utterly disgraced by him.
Jichan wasn’t looking for conflict — he desperately wanted to get on Seungjo’s good side.
“Yesterday, Serin and I couldn’t attend the anniversary celebration, and I’ve felt bad about it ever since!”
“I received the wreath. It was very extravagant.”
“You make it sound so cold. Madam Hong and I go way back, you know. Just sending a wreath didn’t sit well with me.”
“Must be 20 years of friendship between you two by now.”
“It has been 20 years since I’ve been acquainted with Madam Hong. My late father used to go on and on about her and Taehwa Group when I was young. Said she was truly extraordinary.”
Jichan looked at Seungjo with greedy eyes.
A man who will succeed no matter what.
Jichan’s instincts flared up strongly.
“Director Kim at Seongjin Hospital still has his touch. You look quite healthy.”
“You know everything, don’t you? Hahaha!”
Jichan laughed loudly, though he felt slightly embarrassed inside.
Two weeks ago, he had gotten drunk at his favorite bar, fallen down some stairs, and fractured a bone.
Since he had been partying with young women, he couldn’t let the news get out — so he was secretly receiving treatment at a hospital owned by Seongjin Group.
“I did warn you to be careful. Even fallen leaves get slippery when they pile up.”
Seungjo chuckled knowingly — a laugh that said he was fully aware of Jichan’s debauchery behind his wife and daughter’s back.
“Ahem, it feels great to have my future son-in-law worry about his father-in-law like this!”
Jichan, flustered in front of a much younger man, raised his voice awkwardly.
“Future son-in-law? That’s the first I’ve heard of it. You sound very confident.”
“What do you mean, first time? Don’t pretend you didn’t know. Didn’t Madam Hong give you a hint?”
