Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 38
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At the director’s office of Jane Art Gallery.
Upon arriving at the gallery, Ga-eun requested a meeting with Ji-hyang, who gladly granted her “daughter’s” request.
Even personally serving tea when there was no need.
“Ga-eun, try this. Mrs. Koo gave it to me three days ago—it has a wonderful aroma. You should drink more tea than coffee from now on. It’s better for your health.”
Since when did you care so deeply about my health?
But Ga-eun swallowed her words along with the tea.
Wasting energy on pointless power struggles was best left to So-yeon.
“…Thank you.”
“Of course. It’s natural for a mother to take care of her daughter. So, what’s the matter? Feel free to tell me if you need my help.”
Ga-eun watched Ji-hyang elegantly lift her teacup to savor the aroma before speaking.
“I want to plan an exhibition.”
“What kind?”
“To welcome spring more brightly and flagrantly, I’d like to exhibit Artist Ja-myeong’s flower bouquet paintings.”
“Ja-myeong… I heard they’re a recluse who never meets anyone.”
“I’ll try visiting them myself.”
Ji-hyang set down her teacup with a sharp tap, expressing her displeasure with a forced smile.
“Ga-eun. Now doesn’t seem like the time to focus on such things. Don’t you think? Once wedding preparations begin in earnest, you’ll be short on time, and—”
“Before the wedding, I want to leave a record of an exhibition I planned.”
Ji-hyang briefly frowned at Ga-eun’s interruption but quickly recovered her smile.
Why not allow it?
Seeing how strongly she insisted…
‘It must be real.’
She wouldn’t gamble with her aunt’s life, after all.
Though impudent, the thought of becoming in-laws with the Hwanhee Group made it tolerable.
In-laws with the Hwanhee Group—her, Woo Ji-hyang!
So this was how her good deed of taking in and raising that illegitimate child was being repaid.
She couldn’t help but smile thinking of the rosy future ahead.
‘Should I verify if it’s real? Perhaps contact the Hwanhee Group?’
Then Woo Ji-hyang had a change of heart.
If what Ga-eun said was true, Kwon Si-heon of Hwanhee Group would not tolerate her reckless behavior.
‘Better not stir up trouble. Losing my source of income would be disastrous.’
He was supposed to come pay his respects soon anyway.
With that thought, Woo Ji-hyang smiled.
“Well, now that she has the title of Lead Curator, she should have credentials to match.”
As a curator, Ga-eun’s abilities were exceptional.
Even she had to acknowledge the significant role this young woman played in bringing the small art gallery to its current state.
That’s why she had created the impressive title of Lead Curator, and yet…
When exhibitions reached their final stages, Ji-hyang would subtly exclude Ga-eun and instead credit Gye So-yeon.
It was an arrangement where Ga-eun would shoulder all responsibility if problems arose, while Planning Director Gye So-yeon would reap the benefits.
“How long will it take? Since you have a wedding coming up, it would be better if the scale wasn’t too large. The wedding preparations should take priority, after all.”
Ga-eun bit the tender flesh inside her lip.
…How despicable.
Ji-hyang must have been excited thinking about the benefits that would fall to her.
And yet here she was, putting on an act of concern.
Ji-hyang’s specialty was hiding her greed behind a facade of caring for others.
And Ga-eun’s specialty was pretending to fall for it every time.
“If we select only spring-themed paintings, it won’t take long. The exhibition will run for three days minimum, a week at most.”
While mentally considering what to wear to this week’s gathering where she would share this joyous news, Ji-hyang smiled with affected kindness.
“Let me know if you need any help.”
“I think I’ll head to Go Yun-gu now to meet the artist.”
“Are you sure you’ll be fine alone? Should I send someone with you?”
“No, I want to plan this entirely on my own.”
“Alright then.”
Ji-hyang lifted her red lips in a slight smile.
“Once you’re done with recruitment, go straight home. You can even go on a date with Director Kwon if you’d like.”
* * *
Lunchtime.
A large, majestic black sedan glided into the parking lot of Jane Art Gallery.
The man who stepped out of the seemingly bulletproof, massive, and solid vehicle matched the car perfectly.
His body, clothed in an immaculate black suit, was as thick and sturdy as an ancient tree.
Hair pulled back tightly and tied low, slanted eyes visible above half-lowered sunglasses. The scar beneath them was clearly from a knife.
It would be impossible to call the man’s appearance pleasant, even as a courtesy.
He seemed better suited to a back alley at midnight or dawn than the downtown area in broad daylight, and appeared to be someone none would dare challenge.
Yet this man, who seemed unlikely to bow to anyone, deeply lowered his head as he opened the back seat door.
“Director, we’ve arrived.”
