Chapter 7
Chairman Tae Jae-woong had Seung-jo by his side, and so did Madam Hong Na-ae.
Even reporters were often seen following behind Seung-jo’s secretary.
“They say President Tae Sang-yoon is just a puppet! The real boss is Executive Director Tae Seung-jo. The truth is, the position belongs to him, but because he’s a younger cousin in the family hierarchy, they gave Sang-yoon the title to save face!”
Hae-joo let out a small sigh as she recalled the murmurs often whispered among Taehwa Group employees.
Every time she heard such things, Seung-jo felt like an even more distant man — beyond just a superior. It also made her feel sympathy for how relentlessly hard he worked.
Even today, wasn’t it President Tae Sang-yoon who showed up drunk and caused a scene?
And every time something like that happened, it was whispered that Executive Director Tae Seung-jo was the one who cleaned up the mess.
How much does he really take on…
Hae-joo gazed at the space imbued with Seung-jo’s scent, her expression full of tender emotion.
They said he never rested more than 30 minutes at a time. A cigarette or two was his only brief respite.
So today, Hae-joo decided she would quietly make dinner and leave, hoping he could get at least a little sleep.
She took off her coat, rolled up her sleeves, washed her hands, and tied on an apron — causing the housekeeper to fret anxiously.
“Oh no, I’m paid by the Executive Director — I’m going to get scolded for this!”
“I’ll just say I insisted. Please, don’t worry and head home.”
Hae-joo began cooking a clear seafood soup — Seung-jo’s favorite. The butler, who had lingered out of curiosity, clicked his tongue in amazement.
The fresh, neat ingredients and Hae-joo’s skill made the meal look like something out of a high-end Korean restaurant.
“Executive Director Tae is so lucky to have a girlfriend like you. You’re kind and respectful, not like most young women these days.”
“Butler, it’s not like that between me and the Executive Director.”
The butler just smiled quietly. Not wanting to intrude, he quickly grabbed his coat and bag and left the residence.
Hae-joo carefully continued preparing the meal, and time passed in a flash.
“Ah… Did I go overboard?”
What was supposed to be a simple dinner had become an elaborate feast. She had kept adding dishes one by one.
Rather than feeling proud, Hae-joo felt a little embarrassed. It almost looked like she really was his girlfriend.
Trying to rein in her overflowing feelings, Hae-joo sighed and began cleaning up, preparing to leave quietly.
It’s probably best if you rest today.
She left a note next to the still-steaming food. She doubted Seung-jo would eat it with a smile — more likely, he’d frown. But the thought of him still made her smile shyly.
As she carefully walked down the marble hallway, shoulder bag in hand—
“I thought you were a naïve little puppy, but you’ve got a feline side too.”
“…!”
Hae-joo’s eyelids fluttered. Seung-jo had appeared, leisurely walking in, his eyes fixed on her.
“Oh, Executive Director… you’re back early.”
She clutched her bag strap and gave an awkward smile. Seung-jo’s gaze dropped to her hand.
“Didn’t I say I’d be sleeping with Seon Hae-joo tonight?”
He raised an eyebrow and casually showed her his brightly lit phone. A message from the butler was displayed.
“You even sent the butler home early — and where were you going?”
“You looked so tired today. I thought it’d be good if you could sleep even just an hour more…”
That’s when Seung-jo grabbed her wrist and silently led her back into the residence.
His eyes swept over the warm kitchen and dining table.
When he picked up the note beside the food, Hae-joo — still held by the wrist — blushed deeply.
“Seon Hae-joo always does things this way.”
“I-I just thought I should let you know before I left…”
“You know exactly what I want, and you’re very good at teasing me with it.”
He lifted his gaze from the note and stared directly at her. His breathing was slightly rough as he brushed her cheek with his fingers.
“Executive Director… mmph!”
He leaned in and kissed her. His rich, masculine scent overwhelmed her as their lips pressed together.
It was a fierce kiss. With his hand firmly gripping her cheek, Seung-jo bit her lower lip and kissed even deeper.
His tongue moved intimately, stealing all her breath. The wet sounds filled the room, and Hae-joo’s knees nearly gave out.
“Disgustingly good… your lips.”
He murmured in a low groan as he pulled back briefly, then lifted her easily and set her on the edge of the wide dining table.
“I missed this strawberry scent after just a few hours.”
He slowly ran his tongue over her lips — it was the lip gloss she always wore in dry autumns.
“Such childish taste… but it turns me on.”
His cool exterior didn’t match his aroused voice.
“Your underwear preferences, too.”
His strong, slender fingers slid between her thighs.
He traced over her panties, past the white lace and down to a little ribbon, chuckling softly.
“Haa…”
Overwhelmed by the intensely sensual Seung-jo, Hae-joo gasped and lowered her head in embarrassment. His dress shirt and slacks were both strained tight with desire.
“Taehwa’s top employee Seon Hae-joo is also very good in bed.”
“Please don’t say things like that.”
“It’s a compliment. I’m saying you deserve a reward.”
“A reward?”
“That piece of paper and some incentive bonus don’t satisfy me.”
He gently stroked her knee, then pulled a women’s wristwatch from his suit jacket.
It was beautifully designed with a slim leather strap — clearly an extremely expensive luxury brand.
Instinctively, Hae-joo moved to hide her wrist.
“Hngh…”
As if reading her mind, Seung-jo caught her fleeing hand.
“This spot is for your mother. And this one is mine.”
He pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck and, noticing the necklace she always wore, fastened the watch around her empty wrist.
“It suits you.”
“Ah…”
Hae-joo trembled. She clutched the necklace her mother had left her — the one Seung-jo had found and returned the day she first confessed her feelings.
She stared at the watch with trembling eyes. Normally, she would have refused it outright.
But she remembered that day — how he had retrieved the necklace, how the design of the watch seemed to reflect her exact taste, as if he had picked it out himself. She was shaken.
“Thank you, but… I told you gifts like this make me uncomfortable. Next time—”
“I told you not to be uncomfortable. This place, your time — I’m going to have all of it.”
Seung-jo lifted her lowered chin. Her flushed cheeks and swollen lips were beautiful.
Gasping, trying to calm herself even though she was clearly just as aroused as him — this side of Hae-joo always drove him wild.
He wanted to completely claim her — every expression she made, every reaction.
That was part of why, even amid his hectic schedule, Seung-jo had personally gone to the brand boutique to choose that watch.
Seeing her wearing it in real life stirred something deep inside him.
“Haa…!”
