CHAPTER 26…………………………….

Serin lightly clinked her glass.

“Geonwoo is always so busy. Still, I’m sure he always thinks of you, ma’am.”

“Well… do you think so?”

“Of course.”

“How are you always so bright and sweet with your words? Chairman Son really raised you well.”

Serin lowered her head shyly. The tips of her cheeks turned red, and a timid smile spread across her lips.

“Then… does that mean you’ll accept me as your daughter-in-law?”

It sounded like a joke, but there was a quiet sincerity hidden in her words.

“Oh my, saying something so obvious.”

Misook laughed and lightly tapped Serin’s hand.

“If you became my daughter-in-law, I wouldn’t wish for anything more.”

A faint smile bloomed on Serin’s face.

Leaning forward slightly, she spoke again.

“I want to marry Geonwoo soon so I can see you, Vice Chairman, and Chairman more often… as family.”

Misook’s eyes softened even further.

At that moment, the name “Hana” did not exist at their table at all. There was only the ideal future daughter-in-law and the mother-in-law welcoming her.

Soon after, the food arrived. A fragrant truffle aroma spread through the air, and pasta plated on a white dish shimmered under the light.

As they ate, the two chatted about various things.

Misook naturally asked about Serin’s family, hobbies, and daily life, and Serin listened carefully, answering politely.

The atmosphere grew gentler, and it seemed their mutual fondness was settling firmly into place.

Knock knock knock—

A short knocking sound broke the stillness of the executive office.

Hana, who had been staring at her monitor, lifted her head. The door opened, and Miju cautiously peeked inside.

“Executive Director, aren’t you going to eat?”

Only then did Hana’s gaze drop to the bottom of the screen. The clock displayed noon.

She hadn’t even realized how much time had passed while reviewing meeting materials all morning.

“Oh, I’ll go later. You should eat first, Miju.”

“Yes, Executive Director.”

Miju greeted her lightly and closed the door.

Silence fell again.

Only Hana’s fingertips moved busily across the keyboard. A few clicks, short typing sounds… and after a moment, her eyes slowly blurred as she stared at the screen.

That was when she suddenly felt hungry.

Click—

The door opened again with the sound of the handle turning.

“Let’s go.”

Hana reflexively looked up.

Geonwoo was standing at the doorway. Neatly dressed as always, his face expressionless.

The timing was usually precise, though today felt slightly late. She had already been told he might be delayed due to an outside meeting, so she didn’t think much of it.

“Yes.”

Hana answered briefly and quietly stood up.

She picked up her bag and followed him out.

Geonwoo didn’t wait.

As always, he walked ahead first, and Hana followed behind.

Their footsteps echoed rhythmically down the hallway.

The elevator was silent.

Geonwoo stood with his arms crossed, staring straight ahead, while Hana watched only the changing floor numbers beside him.

Neither spoke, but the silence wasn’t unfamiliar.

It was, in fact, familiar.

When they stepped out into the lobby, a car was waiting.

Geonwoo took the driver’s seat, and Hana slipped naturally into the passenger seat.

The moment she fastened her seatbelt, the engine started with a low hum.

The car glided smoothly out of the city’s forest of buildings.

Lunch-hour traffic was slightly heavy, but Geonwoo changed lanes with relaxed ease.

Hana glanced at his profile briefly, then turned her gaze out the window.

Sunlight brushed across the glass.

Not long after, the car stopped in a quiet alley in front of a sleek, stylish restaurant.

A valet approached, and Geonwoo casually handed over the keys.

The two walked side by side into the restaurant.

“This way, please.”

They were guided down the hallway to the table reserved under Geonwoo’s name.

Hana followed quietly behind.

The restaurant was known for its Italian course meals inspired by modern reinterpretations of Korean cuisine.

The atmosphere was luxurious yet calm.

But the moment Hana stepped into the hall, her feet suddenly stopped.

“Oh my, Geonwoo!”

A bright, delighted voice rang out.

Hana turned her head.

A woman had just risen from a seat by the window.

Holding a small handbag and smiling warmly—it was Misook.

Beside her stood Serin, eyes widened in surprise as well.

Misook’s gaze landed on Hana standing behind.

For a brief moment, her expression stiffened.

Hana forced a smile and bowed slightly.

Misook only nodded, her face still hardened.

The smile remained on her lips, but the eyes beneath it were cold and sharp.

The moment that gaze brushed past her, Hana’s fingertips twitched instinctively.

“Are you here to eat?”

Geonwoo spoke first.

Only then did Misook’s face brighten again.

“Yes, I had lunch with Serin.”

As she spoke, Misook gently linked arms with Serin affectionately.

Serin held onto her arm naturally, as though they’d been close for a long time.

Serin offered Geonwoo a light greeting.

“Seeing you again.”

There was subtle warmth in her voice.

But Geonwoo didn’t even look at her.

As if Serin didn’t exist, his eyes stayed elsewhere.

“Then go on inside.”

Geonwoo said calmly, turning his gaze toward Hana.

“Let’s go.”

A short, firm command.

Geonwoo walked ahead.

Hana remained still for a moment, looking back at Misook and Serin.

Misook’s smile was still there, but it was no longer warm.

It wasn’t meant for Hana—only a composed expression of someone assessing the situation.

Serin lowered her head with a delicate, awkward expression.

She said nothing, but an uneasy air clung to her shoulders.

Hana slowly turned and followed after Geonwoo.

The table they were led to had a view of a small garden outside.

Soft lighting, a quiet and cozy corner by the window.

Geonwoo sat down, removed his jacket, and draped it over the chair beside him.

Hana sat across from him in silence.

A waiter approached, poured water, and presented the menu respectfully.

“Shall we prepare today’s course for you?”

Geonwoo gave a brief nod.

The waiter smiled and withdrew, leaving a quiet stillness over the table.

Hana lifted her glass and carefully took a sip.

The cold water slid down her throat, but inside, she still felt as though she were burning.

Geonwoo sat with his arms crossed, staring out the window.

“…I guess she’s the CEO of Jet Hotel.”

Hana spoke carefully.

She already knew, but said it as though casually confirming.

Geonwoo nodded without looking.

“She seems very close with your mother.”

Her voice was smaller now, quieter.

Even she didn’t know why she was saying it.

Only then did Geonwoo slowly turn his head to look at her.

“Seems like it.”

Just one word, but it left a strange lingering weight.

Hana said nothing more.

She set the glass down and lowered her gaze.

Her fingertips fidgeted with the rim.

“Don’t worry about it. Whatever those two have going on, it has nothing to do with us.