Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 53
If only it weren’t for this damned insomnia.
If only it weren’t for this damned aversion to women that came with the insomnia.
His uncle Kwon Jae-sung and cousin Kwon Si-jung, whose caliber and abilities couldn’t hold a candle to his own, wouldn’t have had the chance to run amok.
The damage caused by these unwanted symptoms was enormous.
Though Si-heon’s judgment and abilities were so superior that comparing them with those two was embarrassing.
His nerves, sensitized by insomnia, sometimes failed to suppress his impulses.
A few months before discovering Ga-eun at the hotel jazz bar, Si-heon had mercilessly cornered an executive during a meeting until the man fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face.
He couldn’t tolerate how the man kept touting an inefficient and irrational proposal as if it were some brilliant idea, when he had clearly taken bribes from their business partner and was utterly useless to the group.
“I’m curious. Would you answer something for me, Director Seo Jung-su?”
“Y-yes, any-anything…”
“While gorging yourself on that salary, do you find life amusing when you go around defecating such dog-like ideas from your mouth?”
“D-Director Kwon, how could you say such…”
“I’d like you to answer this too. Between spewing dog-like ideas from your mouth and crawling on the floor like a dog at last night’s business dinner, which do you find more entertaining?”
“That… that never happened!”
“A young woman who was there filmed it. She posted it briefly on her SNS. Chief Noh, show the photo.”
“Yes, Executive Director.”
Director Seo Jung-su, who immediately bowed his head in fear, rushed to Kwon Jae-sung the moment the meeting ended.
Kwon Jae-sung, who had been watching for an opening, wouldn’t miss this chance to tear into his threatening nephew.
“Father, it’s true that Si-heon’s abilities are exceptional. I won’t deny that. However, his cruel tendencies and violent personality will surely harm the group.”
“Si-heon was taught and raised by me, Kwon Soon-yeol personally. Are you saying I made him this way?”
“You know that’s not what I mean. He drove out an executive who was loyal to the group, treating him like a disposable part. It directly contradicts your teaching that we should take good care of those we’ve taken in.”
“…”
“Also, I heard he went to the construction site recently. He nearly killed those who were illegally occupying it, under the pretext of punishment. If rumors spread, the Hwanhee Group’s carefully built image will revert back to that of the Hwanhee Gang.”
“I wonder who’s spreading these rumors that would tarnish the carefully built image of Hwanhee Group.”
“I-I…! Just look at his attitude! You keep protecting him, Father, and now he has no manners whatsoever! This arrogant brat who doesn’t even know how to respect his elders will surely cause disaster!”
Those who had aligned themselves with Kwon Jae-sung and those who harbored resentment toward Si-heon banded together in protest.
At times like these, Si-heon’s aversion to women, which always came up like a package deal, would also come under concentrated fire.
S****l dysfunction, homosexuality, injuries from gang fights that wouldn’t let him forget his roots – the accusations went on.
Sensing their opportunity, they pushed their absurd rumors as if they were facts.
Even the original stubborn Hwanhee Gang members, who acknowledged Si-heon’s abilities but disapproved of his unmarried status, began to stir.
Even Chairman Kwon Soon-yeol couldn’t completely ignore those who had contributed significantly to building the current Hwanhee Group.
If Si-heon were to marry in these unfavorable circumstances…
Most of the rumors could be silenced.
“Can you be close to this woman you’re marrying?”
“More than just that.”
“More than just that?”
“I can sleep.”
Si-heon smirked as he watched Kwon Soon-yeol’s eyes and mouth widen.
He seems surprised. Even showing such a human expression.
“Not only do I feel no aversion to her, but I can sleep deeply in her presence.”
“Hmm…”
Kwon Soon-yeol rubbed his forehead with his fingertips.
