Chapter 38: Chapter 38

“Y-yes, Director.”

Ihyeon was caught off guard.

He had intended to finish the interaction with a curt nod, but the unusually pleasant demeanor of Seo Jaehee threw him off.

“How’s everything going, Deputy Baek? Doing alright these days?”

The tone was entirely different from the predator-like growl he had encountered before. Now, Jaehee spoke with polished courtesy and a warm gaze.

“Any difficulties with work? Anything bothering you?”

“No, sir.”

Suspicious of the unexpected kindness, Ihyeon’s reply was stiff.

Yet Jaehee clapped him encouragingly on the shoulder.

“If there’s anything troubling you, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll take care of it personally.”

“You, sir?”

“Of course. You’re a valuable asset to Hyesung, and more importantly, you’re my senior from high school.”

The flattery was almost too much, elevating Ihyeon with respect that bordered on reverence.

“…I see.”

Despite the sugary words, Ihyeon’s sharp gaze caught sight of Jaehee’s cast.

He couldn’t help but think of Suin. How did she feel every time she saw it?

No doubt a mix of guilt and gratitude—emotions most people would naturally feel.

But Seo Jaehee?

He was the type of man who would use that accident as a chain to bind Lee Suin tighter to him, wielding it with the utmost control.

“Director.”

Ihyeon couldn’t just stand by. Determined to draw a line, he made a bold suggestion.

“Can we finish the conversation we started before?”

“There’s no need anymore.”

Jaehee cut him off immediately, leaning his head slightly and flashing a sly, crooked grin.

“Why not?”

“I don’t need it anymore.”

“It was about Suin, wasn’t it? About how you felt uneasy about her and me. I don’t want to clash with you over that.”

“Let’s not, then.”

What was this?

The calm arrogance in his response completely threw Ihyeon off balance.

It felt like firing an arrow only for it to hit a sponge cake instead of the target—soft, sweet, and utterly unyielding.

“In fact, I’ll be rooting for you from now on.”

Jaehee’s expression was almost pitying, as though he were offering Ihyeon a consolation prize.

“…Rooting for me, sir?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

There was a saying about not spitting on a smiling face, but why did Jaehee’s smile make him want to do just that?

Unable to contain his irritation, Ihyeon pushed back.

“Then may I ask for a favor?”

“Go ahead.”

“I’m organizing a field support event and need Suin’s assistance. Could you free up her schedule to help me?”

“That’s not happening.”

As expected, Jaehee’s cooperative facade disappeared the moment Suin was mentioned. He dismissed the request without hesitation.

Ding—

When the elevator stopped at the 15th floor, Jaehee’s smile turned sharp.

“Take care, Deputy Baek.”

And just like that, Ihyeon was unceremoniously ushered out.

Standing in the hallway, Ihyeon clenched his teeth in frustration.

Seo Jaehee’s arrogance was infuriating, as if he didn’t even see Ihyeon as a real threat.

For the first time in his life, Ihyeon felt a burning desire to win against someone.

***

—Director Seo has arrived at the office.

Jongin’s text popped up on Suin’s phone as she parked in the underground lot.

“I should’ve taken the day off.”

After last night’s lingering tension and unresolved feelings, she had reluctantly forced herself to show up for work. But, of course, Jaehee was already here.

Let’s just get through today, she thought, sending a quick reply before checking her reflection in the rearview mirror.

Her fingers grazed the faint shadows under her eyes as she adjusted her high-neck blouse, scrutinizing her appearance carefully.

Was anything visible?

Were the marks showing?

It was a pointless concern. The blouse wasn’t sheer, and her bra was securely in place, but she couldn’t stop worrying.

“I hate this,” she muttered.

The memory of last night in the bathroom came rushing back—how she had frozen when she saw the state of her chest.

Her skin, flushed and marked, looked like a field of camellias. The intensity of his kisses had left vivid red welts, and her sensitive peaks still stung, waking her several times during the night.

Even now, the lingering soreness dictated her outfit, every layer carefully chosen to hide the evidence.

As she stepped out of her car, she spotted a familiar, unwelcome figure emerging from the vehicle across the lot.

“Lee Suin.”

Yoo Ahjin’s sharp tone carried a distinct edge, her clutch tucked under one arm as she approached.

“I was about to call you.”

“Why?”

“I ran into Seo Jaehee yesterday. We were so happy to see each other.”

Ahjin’s exaggerated expression was met with nothing but a calm nod from Suin.

Overnight, Suin had gained a strange sense of composure.

Was it confidence?

“His arm’s in a cast, you know. I heard he got hurt because of you. Couldn’t you be more careful? Why’d you have to hurt poor Jaehee like that?”

“Yeah.”

“…That’s all you have to say?”

“Yep. Got anything else?”

Ahjin’s smug expression faltered at Suin’s nonchalant response.

Her eyes narrowed as she scanned Suin from head to toe, searching for a weakness.

“Do you drive to work now?”

“Sometimes.”

“Is that your car?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Is it a company car?”

“Nope. It’s mine. Why does it matter?”

“It matters. I thought maybe the company gave you one, considering how cozy you are with the executives.”

Ahjin’s envious jab earned her a low chuckle from Suin.

“You know, Yoo Ahjin…”

Suin’s patience snapped. Her voice turned cold as she met Ahjin’s gaze.

“You’re being rude.”

“What?”

“Even among friends, there are boundaries. And you and I? We’re barely that. Whatever thin connection we had ended long ago.”

“Hey—”

“This is the workplace. If you’re going to address me, it’s Chief Lee Suin, not ‘hey.’”

Ahjin’s face turned an angry shade of red, veins bulging as she struggled to respond.

“Do you think you’re so great?”

Suin smirked, unfazed by the childish outburst.

Ignoring her entirely, she turned and walked away.@@novelbin@@

“Chief, good morning!”

A colleague greeted her cheerfully, holding the elevator open.

“Good morning, Deputy Kim.”

As she stepped inside, leaving Ahjin fuming behind her, Suin felt a rare sense of satisfaction.

***

“Good morning, Chief.”

Suin was greeted by Jongin and Jiye as she entered the Director’s office. Jiye was unpacking a box of packages, while Jongin was tidying up the area.

“The Director is in the Vice Chairman’s office,” Jongin informed her. “They’re having a chat.”

“Got it.”

“Oh, and the Director’s custom shirts just arrived via courier. They said it took longer because the fabric was imported from Paris.”

“I’ll handle it.”

Suin set down her bag and began inspecting the order. She meticulously checked the measurements and quality of the tailored shirts before hanging them neatly in the dressing room.

As she finished, Jaehee appeared at the door.

“Good morning,” he said, leaning casually against the frame with a playful glint in his eye.

Startled, Suin let out a small gasp.

Without warning, Jaehee’s arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close.

“What are you doing? Jongin will be back any moment.”

Suin frowned, trying to free herself, but Jaehee only held her tighter.

“And if he doesn’t come back?”

A mischievous smile spread across his face.

“Should I make sure he doesn’t?”