Calmly extending his arm, he linked with Clara's, their bodies drawing close.
Her deep-V, form-fitting dress revealed a plunging white valley.
Wow~
Was this the abyss's gaze? Epic.
"Jin-woo?"
As he stared into the abyss, someone called his name.
Turning, he saw Kim Ji-yeon, radiant as a high-society lady.
"Sister-in-law?" He was stunned. Why was she here?
Kim Ji-yeon's arrival made everyone tense.
Her aura was overwhelming, her bold confidence humbling anyone meeting her gaze.
They weren't from the same world—next to her, they felt like street nightingales, vulgar.
"Hello, I'm Jin-woo's sister-in-law, Kim Ji-yeon."
"Hello." They nodded stiffly, waiting for the crabs.
Her presence killed the team-building vibe.
Lee Jin-woo sighed helplessly. "Granny, one more table, please. Kamsahamnida!"
Sitting alone with Kim Ji-yeon in a corner, the long table's mood finally livened.
But everyone's focus stayed on them, their chatter distracted.
"Why're you here?" Last time's lesson wasn't enough? Want another?
He didn't buy that she missed his seriousness.
If she hadn't fled, he'd have had her then and there.
Sensing the fire in his eyes, Kim Ji-yeon feigned calm, twirling her hair. "What, I can't come?"
Her provocative tone poured fuel on his inner flames.
"Ji-yeon, you're playing with fire, you know?" He leaned forward, his aggressive pressure hitting her.
Biting her lip, she said stubbornly, "Jin-woo, I'm here for your help."
She caved, unable to hold out.
Keep going, and she feared she wouldn't leave. The once-snotty kid was now a man.
So dominant, she couldn't resist, yet her heart raced.
A feeling she'd never known.
"Speak. What's up?" He sat back, biting into a fresh soy crab.
Glossy crab roe burst with tender, savory meat.
Pure, satisfying bliss.
"Phew~" Relieved he eased off, Kim Ji-yeon shared her plight.
Since taking Ssangyong Chemical and Ssangyong-Rosewood Hotel, she'd poured everything into work.
Leaving the power center had pros and cons.
Her former Ssangyong heiress privileges were fading over time.
To hold her rights and status, she relied on the chemical and hotel businesses.
She hadn't disappointed.
Chemicals stayed stably profitable, if unremarkable.
The hotel, under her care, was gaining traction.
In a recent poll, Ssangyong-Rosewood was named a top-potential luxury hotel.
Good news, but trouble followed.
"You know our family's greed for money."
He nodded casually. He knew chaebol families' power struggles.
For profit, siblings turned foes, children enemies—normal.
Raised on "profit above all," nothing mattered more.
Those deeming profit trivial were weeded out early.
Like raising venomous insects, only the last king inherited.
So, when the hotel lost money, her taking it was fine.
Now a premium asset, it drew eyes.
The last family gathering was ugly.
"When Father was here, he could control them, but…"
Succession was every chaebol's survival issue.
The founding, expanding generation was nearing life's end, time short.
Ssangyong was no exception. After her father's death, guarding her assets was Kim Ji-yeon's greatest test.
"What do you want me to do?" He tossed the question back.
She came to him—she must have demands.
"Help me…"
Her eyes brimmed with longing, full of expectation.
Help for nothing? That's just freeloading.
He freeloaded off others—when was it their turn?
"Ji-yeon, I'm afraid I can't help."
He gestured to the group. "You see, I've got a fledgling entertainment company."
"Chairman Son, Lee Boo-jin… I know you're connected. Jo Young-joon works for you, right?"
She'd done her homework. He chuckled, "Who told you?"
Who cared so much about a discarded, self-reliant bastard like him?
"Jin-woo, in our circle, what secrets are there?"
Fair point—he had no comeback.
In this circle, where profit ruled, secrets were just a matter of time.
"What's in it for me?"
Since she laid it bare, he didn't hold back.
What could she offer for his help, and what were his gains?
As she said, in this circle, profit was king.
Kim Ji-yeon left, slightly disappointed.
He didn't outright reject her, but his final demeanor showed low interest.
Ssangyong-Rosewood Hotel, 20% stake, didn't move him.
So, what did he want?
And…
What did he get from Chairman Son?
Back at the long table, Lee Jin-woo joined the staff's chatter.
Discussing the company's future and their prospects, amid "cheers," all bought into his bright vision.
He didn't know how much they truly believed.
But he knew his vision was real, not empty promises.
In the future, they'd reap rich rewards.
If they kept pace with the company, not becoming burdens.
If they did, he'd clear them without hesitation.
No one could derail his plans.
"President, thank you again for the treat."
"Hm, safe travels."
When Clara emerged, he added, "Sung-min-ssi, awaiting your good news."
"Ne, I'll reply soon. Thank you for your warm hospitality. Kamsahamnida!"
"Hm, go~" Waving casually, Clara left with her manager.
Watching the sated, tipsy staff depart in groups, he returned inside. "Rep Yoon, ready?"
"Coming." Yoon Hye-na pocketed handwritten receipts, thanking the granny again.
With Han So-hee and Lee Joo-bin, they propped up the "dead-drunk" Son Yoon-joo.
"Ugh~ So much booze, really." Lee Joo-bin, pent-up all night, was a powder keg.
Any spark could set her off.
Han So-hee glanced at the president, seeing no reaction.
Head down, she helped Son Yoon-joo out.
At the Land Rover, Lee Joo-bin and Han So-hee awaited orders.
"Get in. Rep Yoon, drive them back." He took the back seat; Lee Joo-bin swiftly followed.
Snug beside him, she smirked at Han So-hee, flaunting.
Han So-hee didn't bite, quietly taking the front.
As the car started, she discussed the script he'd mentioned.
"Thank you for your trust. I'll work hard, never betraying you or the company."
Her earnest zeal made Lee Joo-bin grind her teeth.
Aish~
She was doing it on purpose—retaliating for her earlier flex.
Next second, Han So-hee's eyes gleamed with smug provocation.
Aish, shibal!
As former friends, their rivalry burned hotter.
She met Oppa first—why treat her like this?
Lee Joo-bin couldn't fathom her mistake.
The company's first film, and she had no role—not even a cameo.
Meanwhile, Han So-hee was the female lead.
In a male-driven film, technically no female lead.
But her role and screen time? Practically the lead!
"President, we're here." Yoon Hye-na parked at the company.
Silence answered, save for heavy breathing.
No one wanted to leave—Lee Joo-bin and Han So-hee still vied.
"So-hee, head back. Rest early." His words brought joy to one, sorrow to another.
Han So-hee exited quietly, waving gently, jogging into the building.
He raised the window. "Home."
Son Yoon-joo, slumped on his lap, trembled slightly.
He smirked inwardly, leaning back, eyes closed, feigning sleep.
Tomorrow, Jo Young-joon would head to New York.
For months, he'd stay, ensuring funds flowed into the market.
After that, they'd just wait.
(End of Chapter)