Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 37
When she turned around, Ji-hyang had hurriedly followed her out, a purse handle dangling from her wrist.
“Let’s go together.”
“…Together?”
“Yes, we’re going to the same place anyway. We should think about the environment now.”
What environment?
As if reading her thoughts, Ji-hyang spoke with affected elegance.
“We must practice noblesse oblige. Once we’re in-laws with the Hwanhee Group, every move will be scrutinized. Wouldn’t it seem questionable if we each took separate cars to the same place?”
Kind eyes. Gentle voice. Graceful smile.
Strange and awkward things she’d never encountered in this house before.
It was astounding to see this woman, who once couldn’t bear to look at her as if she were vermin, now making such ridiculous excuses to travel together.
“Of course, I’ll drive. Ga-eun, you can rest comfortably beside me. You’ll be busy with wedding preparations soon.”
“No, I’d prefer to take my car.”
There was another car belonging to Ji-hyang at the gallery.
Would she insist on returning together after work too?
“Is that so? Whatever makes you comfortable, Ga-eun.”
Ga-eun had no choice but to head to the gallery with Ji-hyang in the passenger seat.
Her previously settled stomach began to churn again.
“How did you meet? I was so curious but couldn’t ask yesterday with everything going on.”
“Si-heon said he wanted to tell you himself. He specifically asked me not to say anything beforehand…”
“Oh, this boy. Of course, I won’t tell Director Kwon.”
“Still, Si-heon says he notices everything, that it shows…”
Shifting her gaze to the side mirror, Ga-eun spoke casually.
“I heard the Chairman himself taught him. The skill of distinguishing truth from lies… if you could call it that. And to always punish if the other person is lying.”
“P-punish? My, my. Having such a lineage must be why he speaks so intimidatingly.”
“I’m scared of grandfather too. It’s probably better to hear everything when Si-heon comes to greet you soon.”
Not content with just ‘Si-heon,’ now she’s using ‘grandfather.’
Though embarrassing even to herself, it was effective in silencing Ji-hyang.
Ji-hyang, who had been trying to pry information from her, could only stare straight ahead with a pale face at the mention of “punishment.”
She must have heard about the Hwanhee Group’s formidable reputation at various social gatherings.
And that they didn’t make empty threats.
Once again, she had received his help without Si-heon knowing.
‘If he ever needs my help, I’ll have to give it, whatever it may be.’
* * *
Si-heon left his office.
Man-su, who had been sitting at his desk, quickly rose to follow.
Though Si-heon’s face remained expressionless as he watched the elevator display, unlike usual, there was no murderous intent in his eyes.
Somehow, his complexion seemed slightly better.
‘He seems to be in a good mood?’
Man-su’s assessment wasn’t wrong.
Yesterday, after lying down with Ga-eun’s hairpin nearby, he’d caught its subtle fragrance.
Surprisingly, he’d fallen asleep while lying there with his eyes closed, breathing in the scent.
Of course, it wasn’t as deep a sleep as when he’d shared the bed with Ga-eun.
It was a shallow sleep, half of his usual, but still sweeter than normal.
“Did you tell the Chairman?”
“Yes. I conveyed it through the secretariat, and received a response ten minutes ago.”
“What did he say?”
“He wants you to come hear it directly at Jungshimwon after work.”
Si-heon nodded.
“The photos?”
“They’re ready. We’ll distribute them at your word.”
“Our Ga-eun’s face shouldn’t be visible.”
“Yes, Director.”
The elevator doors opened with a cheerful ding.
“Tell the PR director too. Have them prepare the wedding article in advance.”
