Chapter 8
“……I apologize if I caused any offense.”
“No, usually people wrap things in pleasant words just to win a contract. You could have done the same, Deputy Joo.”
Jihyuk’s observation was reasonable.
In truth, that report was Eunbin’s gamble.
If it had landed in the hands of a narrow-minded executive, they would have been offended at the very first page and tossed it in the trash.
But if the owner couldn’t even handle constructive criticism, Eunbin didn’t want to work with them anyway.
It was a confidence grounded in reason. She preferred to work with discerning clients who could see the essence of things rather than flattering words that sounded nice.
“I believed that in order to create change, a clear-eyed diagnosis of the current situation was necessary.”
Eunbin’s firm answer caused Jihyuk’s eyes to narrow slightly, as if intrigued.
Then, almost imperceptibly, the corners of his firm mouth curved upward—a smile that suggested he was quietly impressed.
“I’m not seeking an apology. It’s not a wrong statement.”
Nodding to affirm her point, Jihyuk continued.
“The fact is, our hotel chefs are very proud; they rarely heed outside opinions. This renovation has faced considerable resistance on-site, which has caused some difficulties.”
He paused for a moment, studying Eunbin.
“But what’s interesting is that, despite the sharp criticism in Deputy Joo’s proposal, the internal response was surprisingly positive. Even the chefs acknowledged it as ‘painful, but an analysis we cannot refute.’”
Of course, that wasn’t entirely true.
The stubborn head chef was still dissatisfied, but Jihyuk packaged it as “positive consideration.”
More importantly, Eunbin’s proposal was genuinely excellent.
“To persuade the team on-site, accurate analysis and alternatives are needed. And I believe the person who drafted this plan is capable of doing that.”
His gaze fixed on Eunbin—not just friendly, but one of recognition and professional necessity. He acknowledged her skills and saw her as a partner he needed.
“Therefore, we are officially requesting Deputy Joo Eunbin to be dispatched to the site.”
“……Excuse me?”
“I would like you to engage directly with the chefs and bring this plan to life. Of course, your willingness is the most important factor.”
For a moment, all the executives’ eyes turned to Eunbin.
Their gazes felt like lasers, silently urging her: “Deputy Joo, please go. The company depends on it.”
The proposal she had meticulously prepared had become, unexpectedly, an invitation into the lion’s den.
But she had no excuse to refuse.
Honestly, a part of her wanted it—this was her chance to see her plan realized.
Even though it meant she’d have to see Jihyuk as a superior at the client company from now on…
Eunbin made her decision and spoke firmly.
“I’ll do my best, despite my limitations.”
“That’s settled then.”
Jihyuk leaned back with a satisfied smile.
Her heart skipped a beat; that smile reminded her of the one he had worn that night when she had been under him, trembling.
“Starting tomorrow. Every day.”
The meeting ended successfully.
The executives fussed over escorting Jihyuk to the elevator.
Eunbin lingered at the back of the bustling group, her expression drained, eyes fixed on the floor.
A dispatch… the future ahead felt completely uncertain.
Ding—
The elevator arrival chime sounded.
Amid the movement of people, someone slid quietly to Eunbin’s side.
Startled by the familiar scent, she looked up just as Jihyuk leaned slightly toward her and whispered near her ear.
“Remember our promise.”
His hand brushed across the back of hers.
In that brief instant, a small, solid object was placed in the palm of her hand.
Before she could respond, Jihyuk smoothly turned away.
He offered the executives a composed smile until the elevator doors closed.
Through the narrowing gap of the closing doors, his gaze locked on Eunbin.
His lips seemed to form the words: “See you tomorrow.”
Once he was gone, Eunbin fled to the restroom.
With trembling hands, she opened her fist.
It was a luxurious velvet case. Carefully, she lifted the lid.
“……?”
She blinked, unable to believe her eyes.
Inside were not her worn, simple earrings.
They weren’t extravagant, but they radiated elegance. A delicate floral design with a small, transparent diamond set in the center—tastefully refined.
It was uncanny how perfectly it reflected Eunbin’s usual preference for simple, understated jewelry.
“Wh-what is this?”
As she fumbled with the case in astonishment, her phone vibrated.
[Your old pair was worn out. From now on, wear the ones I gave you. They suit you better.]
It was Jihyuk. Another message soon followed.
[There are many eyes watching, so we’ll have lunch another time. I’ll hold onto the old pair—take good care of them.]
In other words, since their meeting was postponed, he intended to keep her old earrings as a “hostage.”
Eunbin stared blankly at her phone screen.
There was no escape, professionally or personally. Her legs felt weak, as if she could collapse on the spot.
“……I’ve been completely outplayed.”
Yet, despite her words, her heart raced. For some reason, she felt a thrill—contrary to her thoughts.
The next day, the lobby of YN Hotel headquarters.
Eunbin stood at the revolving doors, gazing up at the towering building.
The pinnacle of luxury in Korea, the core subsidiary of YN Group, ranked fifth among domestic conglomerates in the distribution industry.
And the man who might be its master: Yeon Jihyuk.
Born as the youngest grandson of the YN Group chairman, he was a figure far beyond Eunbin’s reach if not for her connection as her older brother’s friend.
“Hoo…”
She swallowed hard and clenched her fists. Her palms were damp.
Last night, she had rehearsed countless scenarios in bed, telling herself it was just a work assignment. Don’t tremble.
But standing at the enemy’s doorstep, her resolve crumbled like sand.
From the moment she stepped in, she sensed that escape would be impossible.
It’s okay. I just have to try.
With a determined expression, Eunbin crossed the lobby and stepped into the elevator.
Habitually, she touched her earlobe while checking her reflection in the mirror.
The cold surface of the earrings grazed her fingertips.
Jihyuk’s earrings.
Should I have left them out?
No—if she didn’t wear them, who knew what objection he’d find. Perhaps he would insist on putting them on himself. Just imagining it made her cheeks flush.
And… she had to admit, she liked the earrings. They made her look prettier each time she glanced in the mirror.
Though thinking of him every time was a complication.
Ding—
The elevator stopped, and the doors opened.
A hush, characteristic of the top floors, swept over her.
Eunbin took a shaky breath and stepped forward cautiously.
A woman sitting at the secretary desk in front of the executive office noticed her and stood.
“Welcome, Deputy Joo Eunbin.”
It was Kang Sehee, Jihyuk’s personal secretary.
Perfect makeup, impeccable attire, killer heels, and a rich perfume. Exactly the image of the ideal career woman Eunbin had imagined before starting work.
Reality, however, was different.
Her own makeup was clumsy, lips and eyebrows barely touched up, hair roughly tied back. At least her outfit was decent.
Feeling the disparity, Eunbin instinctively hunched her shoulders.
“……?”
Kang Sehee’s gaze traveled slowly and deliberately from Eunbin’s head to toe.
It lingered briefly on her earrings before returning upward.
The look in her eyes was neither hostile nor entirely curious—sharp and assessing.
Eunbin scanned for any mistake she had made.
But when Kang Sehee spoke, her tone was surprisingly gentle.
“I’ve heard a lot about you. I’ll guide you to your seat. Please come inside.”
“Yes.”
Eunbin followed her down the hall to the far end, where the executive office was located.
They stopped in front of the assistant secretary room adjacent to Jihyuk’s office.
Eunbin slowly surveyed the space.
Amid the busy secretaries, a single vacant desk sat beside the mahogany door leading to Jihyuk’s office.
Clearly, this was her station.
“Um… this is really my desk? In the secretary room?”
Usually, dispatched employees were assigned seats in a department or meeting room.
Sehee answered with a calm, professional smile, as if expecting the question.
“Yes. There’s no extra space in the TF project office.”
“Ah…”
“More importantly, it’s a special directive from the executive. Since this dispatch requires close collaboration, he wants immediate access for communication.”
Immediate communication… Eunbin’s face stiffened slightly.
Was it really necessary to work this close?
She could respond to a call within three seconds. The single door between them made her more anxious, imagining what he might be doing inside.
Eunbin stared at the firmly closed mahogany door.
It looked like the entrance to a lair of a massive, sleeping predator.
“All necessary supplies have been prepared on the desk. Please use them freely.”
“……Thank you.”
Eunbin placed her bag at the desk, her expression forlorn.
Could she manage this? Worries she had tried to suppress now crept in.
