Chapter 53…………………….

“…Yes, he’s doing well.”

“That’s a relief. You two seem to be getting along, so it makes me happy too.”

At Aera’s words, Hana gave a careful smile. It wasn’t enough to say things were truly good yet, but there was definitely a different atmosphere between them compared to before.

Aera’s gaze soon shifted to Chaeyeon, a mix of playfulness and expectation in her eyes.

“By the way, Chaeyeon.”

Aera spoke up.

“When are you actually going to get married?”

“Ah! Mom, I told you not to talk about that.”

Chaeyeon replied with an annoyed tone.

“Why? At your age, it’s time to get married. You should be dating a lot too.”

“I’m busy. I don’t have time for that.”

“What do you mean no time? You make time.”

Aera said with a smile. Kihoon chimed in.

“She’s right. Work is important, but you should take care of your personal life too.”

“…Okay.”

Chaeyeon answered half-heartedly. She didn’t want to continue this topic. Just then, the main dishes arrived—steak and fish. The four of them began eating.

“Hana.”

Kihoon suddenly called her.

“Are you all set for tomorrow morning’s meeting?”

Hana paused mid-bite.

“…Meeting?”

“Yeah. The board meeting at 10 a.m. tomorrow.”

“Oh, that… the chairman said we’d move it to Friday…”

Hana said cautiously. Kihoon raised an eyebrow.

“I did?”

“Yes. So everyone’s preparing for Friday.”

Kihoon looked momentarily blank. Then he quickly forced a smile.

Seeing that, Hana slightly furrowed her brows. His smile looked rather unnatural.

“Oh, right. Friday. I got it mixed up.”

Aera quickly changed the mood.

“Our chairman has been so busy lately. With so much work, I guess he’s a bit out of it.”

“Yeah, my schedule’s been packed these days.”

Kihoon took a sip of wine.

Watching him, Chaeyeon frowned. Mixing up the day? From someone like Kihoon?

“Kihoon, this steak is really good. Try it.”

Aera shifted the topic.

“Really?”

Kihoon took a bite.

“Mm, not bad.”

The meal continued, but the awkward atmosphere didn’t fade.

“Chaeyeon.”

Kihoon spoke again.

“When did you say you’re going to Vietnam for the inspection?”

“It’s not confirmed yet, but probably next week.”

“Good, go as soon as you can.”

“Yes.”

A moment later, Kihoon asked again:

“By the way, have you set the schedule for the Vietnam inspection?”

Chaeyeon blinked and hesitated. She had just heard that question. No—this was the second time it had been repeated.

“…I just told you. It’ll likely be confirmed for next week.”

“Oh, right?”

Kihoon gave an awkward smile.

“Sorry, it slipped my mind.”

Aera stepped in again.

“Chairman, on a nice day like today, let’s stop talking about work, okay?”

“Right. Today’s a good day.”

Kihoon nodded.

Hana quietly continued eating, but kept glancing at him. Something felt off. Asking the same question twice in such a short time…

Chaeyeon sensed it too and looked at Aera. Aera forced a bright expression, but worry lingered in her eyes.

Something’s… strange.

Chaeyeon thought to herself.

“Oh my, everyone’s glasses are empty.”

Aera picked up the wine bottle and began refilling them. The deep red wine flowed smoothly into the glasses, reflecting a soft glow.

Kihoon lifted his glass with a slight smile, but his eyes looked distant. He seemed unable to focus on the moment—like he was missing something important, an emptiness just out of reach.

After the main dishes, dessert was served: chocolate cake and a fruit platter. A small candle was lit on top of the cake.

“Alright, Chaeyeon. Make a wish.”

Aera said brightly. Chaeyeon stared at the candle for a moment, then closed her eyes.

What should she wish for?

Honestly, nothing came to mind. She just wanted this gathering to end quickly.

Phew.

She blew out the candle. As the small flame disappeared, the four of them naturally clapped. A gentle celebratory mood filled the table.

Aera silently smiled as she placed slices of cake onto each plate. Kihoon and Chaeyeon ate, easing the awkwardness for a moment.

Hana also smiled quietly as she took a bite. The sweet chocolate filled her mouth, but there was a strange bitterness lingering in her heart.

Chaeyeon glanced at Hana. Their eyes met briefly, but Hana quickly lowered her gaze and focused on the cake. There was an indescribable mix of emotions in her eyes.

After the meal, the four of them slowly stepped outside the restaurant.

The sun had already begun to set, and the streetlights stretched long across the road.

“Thank you so much for today. The food was really delicious.”

Chaeyeon bowed slightly to Kihoon.

“It’s your birthday. I should at least do this much.”

Kihoon shook his head with a smile.

“Hana, thanks for coming even though you’re busy.”

Aera added from beside him.

“Not at all. I really enjoyed the meal too.”

“Then we’ll head off first. Get home safely, everyone.”

The driver opened the door, and Aera and Kihoon got into the car. Chaeyeon and Hana stood watching for a moment.

Their hair swayed lightly in the wind, and faint conversation from inside the car drifted out.

Just as Chaeyeon reached for the car door, Hana softly called out:

“Chaeyeon.”

“Yeah?”

As she turned, Hana took out a small box from her bag.

“Happy birthday. It’s nothing special.”

Chaeyeon accepted it, her eyes widening slightly. She opened the box and smiled. Inside was a bottle of perfume.

“Thank you. I’ll use it well.”

The two looked at each other for a moment. No words were exchanged, but something between them was quietly conveyed.

Tuesday evening, at an upscale bar.

Serin sat alone in a secluded VIP room. Gently swirling the red wine in her glass, she glanced at the clock.

It had already been five minutes past the meeting time.

“He’s late.”

She muttered irritably. At that moment, the door opened.

“Sorry. Traffic was a bit bad.”

A low voice with a sly smile. Taeo stepped in casually.

Wearing a casual jacket, he sat across from Serin as if meeting an old friend, then called over a waiter with a faint smile.

“One whiskey, please. Light on the ice.”

“Yes, sir.”

After the waiter left, a quiet stillness settled between them. Serin placed her glass down and got straight to the point.

“Seduce Seo Hana.”

Taeo’s smile froze for a moment.

“…Excuse me?”

“Seduce her. Make her fall completely for you.”

Serin’s voice was cold.

“Then Jung Geonwoo won’t be able to hold on any longer. He’ll have no choice but to divorce.”

Silence fell.

Taeo slowly tilted his head, mulling over her words. A subtle smile crept onto his lips.

“So the princess of Jet Group specifically called for me…”

He let out a low chuckle.

“And I thought it must be something big. Turns out, it’s a request like this.”

Serin’s eyebrow twitched slightly. Taeo leisurely picked up her wine glass and took a sip.