Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Ding-dong—

The elevator stopped on the 39th floor, and as Seo Jaehee stepped out, the doors of elevator No. 3 opened simultaneously, revealing Vice Chairman Kim Seoncheol.

Both Jaehee and Jongin noticed him immediately and greeted him with a polite bow.

“Director Seo, arriving at work now?”

“Yes, Vice Chairman.”

“What time is the executive meeting today?”

“Morning…”

“It’s at 11 a.m.,” Jaehee interjected before Kim Seoncheol’s secretary could answer.

Impressed by Jaehee’s confidence and promptness, Kim Seoncheol smiled warmly.

“Well, since we’ve run into each other, why don’t we chat for a bit in my office? I won’t take much of your time. I know you’re a busy man.”

“Certainly.”

Accepting the suggestion without hesitation, Jaehee turned to Jongin and whispered firmly, “Go to my office.” He then followed Kim Seoncheol to the Vice Chairman’s office.

Once seated, with tea served by the secretary, Kim Seoncheol got straight to the point.

“I was planning to contact you anyway, Director Seo. I heard about the incident at the site?”

“It’s nothing serious.”

“Judging by the cast, it seems like it was quite severe.”

“It doesn’t affect my mobility. The cast is just for protection.”

“I heard you needed over twenty stitches?”

“Only on my palm. The stitches will be removed the day after tomorrow.”

“Well, that’s fortunate. But you must be more careful in the future, especially at construction sites. There are many hazards there.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Jaehee dismissed the concern with a lighthearted wave of his cast-covered hand, his tone casual. Kim Seoncheol, who usually clashed with Chairwoman Woo Ilhwa on various issues, seemed unusually warm toward Jaehee.

While part of Jaehee’s deference came from professional courtesy, he suspected this friendliness had ulterior motives, especially given the change since the chairman’s banquet.

“There’s another matter…”

Kim Seoncheol placed his teacup down and rose to retrieve a binder from the desk.

“Take a look.”

“Yes, sir.”

Expecting to see approval documents, Jaehee opened the binder, only to find a photo of a woman.

With her elegant makeup and formal attire, it was clear this was for a matchmaking setup.

“You know Minister Kim Jungcheol, right? My youngest brother.”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“This is his eldest daughter. My niece, Kim Heeyeon. She’s a brilliant young woman with a master’s in economics from the UK.”

“…”

“What do you think?”

The explanation left no room for doubt about his intentions. Jaehee remained silent, then closed the binder with a faint smirk before responding coldly.

“What are you suggesting?”

“Don’t play dumb. I’m asking if you think my niece would make a suitable match for you.”

“You’re arranging a matchmaking meeting?”

“I like you, Director Seo. Despite studying abroad in the U.S. on your own, you’ve grown into an exceptional man. You’re discerning, insightful, and capable.”

“…”

“If I had a daughter, I’d make you my son-in-law immediately. Unfortunately, I only have two sons.”

“You don’t even consider my opinion?”

“That’s why I’m trying to connect you with my beautiful niece. I’m doing this for you.”

“That’s overstepping.”

“Overstepping? I’m thinking about Hyesung Group’s future and how you can help secure it. Didn’t you ask for my support?”

“This isn’t the kind of help I need.”

“Marriage is part of business strategy, you know.”

Sensing Jaehee’s discomfort, Kim Seoncheol leaned back into the sofa, his gaze sharp and authoritative, his intent unmistakable.

“Political and economic alliances are essential in management. Becoming Minister Kim’s son-in-law would further solidify Hyesung Group’s future.”@@novelbin@@

“Why should my marriage be used to bolster Hyesung Group’s standing?”

Jaehee let out a low, sardonic laugh. His tone was cutting, and Kim Seoncheol’s lips curled into a venomous smirk, his expression akin to a snake’s.

“As the future head of the group, you must prioritize the company above all else. If there are no personal impediments, your dedication should be unwavering.”

“The company is the company, and I am myself.”

Jaehee’s unwavering stance silenced the Vice Chairman momentarily.

“I won’t sacrifice myself for the company like you or the Chairwoman. My priority is myself and the person I love above all else.”

There wasn’t a trace of hesitation in his declaration.

“That’s why I’ll marry someone who lights up my life.”

With that resolute statement, Jaehee rose from his seat. Kim Seoncheol’s expression darkened with anger as he glared up at Jaehee.

“You seemed mature, but you’re still naïve. Your mother would surely agree with me. She’d be grateful for a connection with Minister Kim.”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear any of this.”

Even the mention of Woo Ilhwa didn’t shake Jaehee’s resolve. Bowing briefly, he left the Vice Chairman’s office.

***

Jaehee left the Vice Chairman's office maintaining his resolute demeanor, but his steps toward his own office felt noticeably heavier.

There was one thing weighing on his mind.

Woo Ilhwa.

"Your mother would surely agree with me."

As Kim Seoncheol had said, Woo Ilhwa was someone who always placed Hyesung Group as her top priority, even above family. It was almost certain that she would take an active interest in Jaehee's marriage for political and business reasons.

The fact that she had refrained from interfering so far was almost something to be grateful for.

“If I declare that I’ll marry Lee Suin, will things get messy?”

The thought of crossing the aisle with Suin, heading off to a honeymoon on a secluded Pacific island, was already taking root in his head. Having taken things beyond just a kiss, Jaehee found the possibility of his mother opposing such a union increasingly frustrating.

“Doesn’t matter.”

Even if he were to face an impenetrable fortress of resistance, he had no intention of giving up.

After all, how hard had he fought to win Lee Suin?

“Have I won her completely yet?”

He regretted holding back yesterday, stopping halfway, thinking to wait for a better moment. But now, he felt differently.

“If I change my mind today and take the next step, would she accuse me of being fickle?”

Would that matter? For him, the ultimate goal was marriage.

Resolving himself, Jaehee arrived at his office. The secretarial department was quiet, with only the sound of computers humming in the empty space.

Spotting Suin’s bag on her desk, he walked into her private office. The faint sound of movement came from behind the open door to the dressing room.

Suin was there.

Classical music played softly from the building’s speakers, masking his approach. Jaehee stood still, watching the room quietly. Without a sound, he closed the dressing room door behind him and waited.

Click.

Finally, the closet door folded shut, and Suin turned around to find him standing there.

“Good evening,” he greeted, his tone unhurried.

Startled, Suin flinched. Before she could react or prepare herself, Jaehee wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

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

“And if he doesn’t? Should I tell him not to come back at all?”

“Unless you enjoy being hit, let go.”

“I wouldn’t say I enjoy it,” Jaehee replied, resting his cheek against hers, his voice dripping with playful defiance. “But if it’s you, I’d welcome it.”

Suin glared at him, visibly exasperated, and shook her head as though giving up. The innocent motion only spurred his desires further.

Lowering his lips, Jaehee bit her lower lip lightly.

“Mm—!”

Suin’s eyes widened in shock, her words muffled.

“What are you doing?” she mumbled through her trapped lips, her voice barely coherent.

Her widened eyes carried a flurry of protests: Are you insane? This is the office! What if someone comes in? Have you lost your mind?

“Yes, yes,” Jaehee murmured, nodding as though he understood completely. Yet, his lips remained firmly on hers, teasing and nipping at her soft flesh. His tongue darted out, tracing the edge of her teeth.

“Huh.”

A shiver ran through Suin’s body as she pushed against his chest, desperate to create some distance. At the same time, she jerked her head back, breaking their contact.

The recoil sent his lips snapping back like a rubber band, the sudden motion leaving her free.

Smack!

Freed, she delivered a firm slap to his chest.

“You’re unbelievable! Always overstepping!”

“Ah…”

Jaehee grimaced, folding his cast-covered arm slightly, and let out a pained groan.

Alarmed, Suin froze.

“Did I hurt you?”

Her hands instinctively reached for the cast, her expression filled with guilt.

“I must have hit it wrong. What should I do…?”

“Ah…” Jaehee groaned again, bowing his head as though the pain was unbearable.

Watching him bite his lip, his face drawn in discomfort, Suin felt a pang in her chest.

Her heart pounded with guilt and worry.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

As she stammered, almost on the verge of tears, Jaehee suddenly lifted his head. His hand darted out, grabbing the back of her head, and he pressed his lips to hers once again.

“Ah!”

She had been tricked.