Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 44
“You’re coming here? Now?”
[Judging by your reaction, the artist must be male.]
“…”
[Wait for me. I’ll be there soon.]
“Wait, Mr. Kwon Si-heon!”
The call ended abruptly.
Ga-eun sighed as she stared at the screen showing her call history with Si-heon. She was dumbfounded.
‘How can he be so… arbitrary…’
At times like this, she was reminded anew
He was the firstborn grandson and heir of the Hwanhee Group, born with everything in his grasp and raised wanting for nothing.
‘What should I do? He really seems like he’s coming.’
She didn’t know how long it would take to persuade artist Ja-myeong.
It could take a while, or she might even be turned away at the door.
Given the artist’s past behavior, the latter seemed more likely.
‘It might be better to get turned away quickly and meet him afterward.’
Just as Ga-eun had made this decision and put her phone in her bag, reaching down to pick up the fruit basket on the floor—
“…?”
A large hand reached from behind and grabbed the handle, lifting the fruit basket.
Could it be that he had already arrived before making the call…?
“Wow. I had no idea there was such a beauty in this neighborhood?”
Even at a glance, seven men who were far from being upstanding citizens looked her up and down with crooked smiles.
“What brings a lady like you here? This neighborhood’s full of nothing but dying old folks.”
“Who are you here to see? Mom? Dad? Or maybe grandpa? Grandma?”
“Damn, she’s a killer. Pretty face and a body to die for.”
Ga-eun took a deep breath and steeled her gaze, determined not to show any weakness.
“Give that back.”
The men whistled and hooted at her words.
“Whoa, is she talking back to me?”
“Pyo Chang-seok, she just burned you good, hehe.”
“Totally my type. I love women with attitude.”
Unbuttoned and rolled-up shirts. Colorful tattoos covering their exposed skin like arm warmers. Gold chains as thick as dog collars.
Not everyone dressed like that was necessarily trouble, but…
They most likely belonged to the underground world.
Above all, they reeked of alcohol despite it being broad daylight.
No normal person would roam around dressed like that at this hour, picking fights with strangers.
“I’ve been in a real shxt mood lately. Got bit properly by some mad dog.”
Mad dog.
Si-heon immediately came to mind.
How long would it take him to get here?
‘Probably not too long.’
Just hold on a little longer.
He’ll be here soon.
Ga-eun steeled herself and tried to stay calm.
“Someone is coming to meet me. It would be better not to disturb the neighborhood with unnecessary trouble.”
“My, my. Such a beautiful lady with such consideration for her neighbors – how can we not adore you, hmm?”
The man holding the fruit basket reached out to grab her arm.
SMACK-!
She struck his hand away forcefully and stepped back, glaring at them.
“Don’t touch me. I’m calling the police.”
The men burst into laughter and spoke with exaggerated tones.
“Oh my! How scary! Hey, bring me some underwear. I’m so scared I might wet myself.”
“Better show our lady some love before she calls the cops.”
“Lady, do you know how much money we spread around to the police in this area? Twice their salary, twice. Think those guys who take our money will listen to our neighborhood-loving lady?”
“Making a report will only get you asked for more hush money. This district is practically ours anyway.”
“If you don’t believe us, I’ll let you hear a call with the police. How’s that?”
Their words didn’t seem like mere bluster. One of the group pulled out his phone.
Ga-eun bit the tender flesh inside her mouth.
What should she do? What could she do?
Taking a deep breath, she opened her mouth.
Nothing to lose.
“Kwon Si-heon.”
Steadying her trembling legs, she spoke.
“Hwanhee Group’s Kwon Si-heon. Know him?”
The snickering men froze instantly.
“…What did you just say, Pretty?”
“I asked if you know Executive Director Kwon Si-heon of Hwanhee Group.”
Judging by their reaction, thankfully, they seemed to know Si-heon.
“I’m Mr. Kwon Si-heon’s fiancée.”
As soon as Ga-eun’s words ended, silence fell.
It was a silence reminiscent of the devastation left in a typhoon’s wake.
“…You’re who’s what?”
