Chapter 10
“I didn’t receive anything separately.”
“Really? That’s strange. A company like Noble Group seems like they’d treat you to the full package.”
Reporter Jang looked disappointed when she didn’t get the answer she wanted. Then she narrowed her eyes and tested Seobin.
“Are you sure? Then what about that car last time? There was a sedan waiting for you. It looked like the same model Kim Sa-hyuk rides.”
Ever since Sa-hyuk proposed their cooperation, his personal secretary had picked Seobin up every evening in front of the newspaper office.
Even when she said it wasn’t necessary and felt burdensome, the answer was always the same.
“It’s Executive Director Kim’s instruction.”
The secretary stood firm like a wall, ignoring her objections.
In the end, they compromised by having the car wait a block away from the office.
Someone must have seen it once.
“It was just to deliver interview materials. I stopped by the secretary’s office briefly.”
Reporter Jang still didn’t look satisfied.
“That doesn’t make sense. It’s Noble. And Kim Sa-hyuk’s maternal family owns Hotel Meridian, right? I heard they’re planning to pass it down to him. Didn’t you at least get a hotel voucher? Or a meal coupon? I heard he’s using it as a second house instead of staying at his main home…”
Gong Subyo cut in.
“Hey, that’s enough. She said she didn’t get anything. Rich guys are worse. They won’t give you anything until you bow down first. They keep their distance. Then when you’re desperate enough, they throw you something big. Big enough to make everyone jealous. And then what? You can’t help but fall for it. You become loyal like a dog.”
Seobin’s brows twitched.
“Then try acting like my girlfriend. I’ll compensate you generously.”
His voice echoed in her head.
A dog that wags its tail for rewards.
So that’s what I am to him.
Someone to use and discard.
A servant controlled by money.
Bastard.
Disappointment flickered in her eyes.
Was that why, even while claiming to be on a two-week business trip, he still had her brought to his empty suite every night? Just to let her sit there alone for hours?
He even called his personal doctor to treat the bruises Jaegun left on her neck—faint marks that would have faded on their own.
At the time, she thought it was excessive.
Now, after hearing Gong Subyo and Reporter Jang, she understood.
That suffocating, suspicious kindness.
“So that’s how it works? Then I’m already ready to bow down! Someone make me the Noble reporter!”
“Oh please. People who chase money that obviously gets filtered out first.”
“Senior! That’s harsh!”
Ignoring reporter Jang’s complaints, Gong Subyo grinned at Seobin.
“So just keep doing what you’re doing, Bae Seobin! Don’t lower your pride! Stay classy! That’s how you land the big one!”
Seobin smiled politely, hiding her emotions.
But her eyes had grown colder.
***
In his hotel room, Sa-hyuk loosened his tie first.
He had just returned from inspecting land for a theme park joint venture between Noble Construction and Dubai Bank, followed by a full day of meetings.
A midsummer business trip to the Middle East.
It hadn’t been appealing, but now that he had officially stepped into Noble, it was something he had to endure.
He tossed his tie and jacket onto the sofa and headed straight to the minibar.
He opened a bottle of beer and drained it in one go.
“Ha…”
Finally, the thirst eased.
He unbuttoned his sweat-soaked shirt. With each button undone, firm muscles were revealed.
His phone rang.
[Hyung
He glanced at the screen and answered immediately, switching to speaker mode before tossing the phone onto the sofa.
“…Executive Director?”
“I’m listening.”
“Yes. I’m calling about your return schedule.”
“Hyung, stop it. I’m at the hotel.”
“I’m working right now.”
Sa-hyuk sighed as he removed his shirt.
Wookjin, whom he met during his time studying in the U.S., was like an older brother and friend.
But ever since becoming Sa-hyuk’s personal secretary at Noble, he insisted on formal speech during work.
Sa-hyuk hated that.
“Cut it out.”
“Fine, fine. Don’t be so prickly. You did have a packed schedule today.”
Wookjin quickly adjusted his tone.
“So I pulled some strings. I moved your flight up by a day. Not as soon as you’d like, but you’ll be back one day earlier.”
The trip had been arranged by Sa-hyuk’s father, Chairman Kim Hu-yong.
He wanted Sa-hyuk, who was training in the strategy department, to grow in the construction division instead.
“Good to hear.”
“Just hang in there.”
“Yeah.”
Sa-hyuk grabbed another beer and sank into a sofa chair.
“And don’t complain. Seoul’s just as hot. I can’t tell if I’m in Southeast Asia or Korea.”
Sa-hyuk chuckled faintly and closed his eyes.
“I feel a bit better.”
“…And about Reporter Bae.”
His hand froze midair.
“Her external injuries are treated. Just light bruising on her neck and collarbone. No major aftereffects. But the bigger issue is something else…”
Sa-hyuk inhaled deeply, irritation hidden in his breath.
“Are you listening?”
“Yeah. Go on.”
“Her overall health isn’t good. Underweight. Exhausted. Sleep deprived. Chronic gastritis. Mild insomnia. Irregular eating habits. Nutritional deficiency.”
“…”
“The doctor said she needs to take care of herself. Do reporters really work without eating or sleeping? I know some who don’t.”
Sa-hyuk sat up and pressed his fingers against his closed eyes.
“Keep her there. Don’t let her go home.”
“You know that’s impossible.”
He knew.
But still.
He rubbed his face in frustration.
“I’ll handle it when I get back. Just keep picking her up every day. And keep tracking Yoo Inha.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got it, Executive Director!”
Sa-hyuk nodded silently and was about to hang up when Wookjin spoke again.
“Oh, right. Reporter Bae asked for something.”
“…”
“She wants to negotiate some conditions regarding the project you proposed. I told her we’d schedule it after you return. What project?”
A quiet sigh escaped Sa-hyuk.
“I’ll deal with it when I’m back.”
Wookjin continued talking, but Sa-hyuk had already tossed the phone aside.
He leaned back, staring at the ceiling, then smirked.
So you want to turn this into a business, Bae Seobin.
Persistent. Just like before.
He had been the one to provoke her first.
Yet somehow, he felt like the one who’d been hit from behind.
And then—
The doorbell rang loudly.
Impatient. Repeated.
Through the noise came a woman’s voice.
“Oppa! Sa-hyuk oppa! Kim Sa-hy”
