Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 85
Ga-eun wasn’t surprised, as she was already well aware of this. However, the Gye Young-cheol family acted flustered, as if Chairman Kwon had just announced the cancellation of the engagement.
“Well, I’m sure our daughter-in-law knows how to conduct herself properly. That said…” Kwon Soon-yeol deliberately paused, waiting for a beat before continuing slowly.
“I’d like our daughter-in-law to manage the soon-to-be-completed gallery under the Hwanhee Cultural Foundation for the time being.”
The Gye Young-cheol family gaped in surprise, their eyes and mouths wide open. Even Ga-eun stared at Kwon Soon-yeol with large eyes, as if this was unexpected.
“I hear you’re quite talented as a curator. According to Si-heon.”
“Oh, no. I’m merely average. I’m not qualified for such an important position.”
“Ho ho. This must be what they call perfection. Even equipped with modesty.”
“…”
“I heard you handled Ja-myung artist’s exhibitions too. It’s rare to see him so satisfied. That alone makes me confident in entrusting this to you.”
Ga-eun looked at Si-heon with troubled eyes. As soon as their eyes met, he gave a slight nod. As if telling her to accept.
‘What are you thinking?’
He could have at least given her a heads up.
…This wasn’t just exhibition planning, but gallery management.
It was too overwhelming and enormous a task for her.
However, having agreed to the contract promising divorce once his wishes were fulfilled, she had to follow his lead.
“…I understand. I’ll do my best.”
Kwon Soon-yeol smiled lightly, as if he’d known she would say exactly that, while Si-heon stoically watched her bow her head.
“Oh… my goodness. To think our daughter would be entrusted with such an important role. This is such an honor.”
Woo Ji-hyang carefully chimed in while reading the expressions of Kwon Soon-yeol and Si-heon.
“You truly have excellent judgment. Our Ga-eun is so talented not only in planning but also in management. Our small Jane Art Gallery became this famous all thanks to Ga-eun.”
‘What kind of scheme is this now?’
Ga-eun shared the same thought as she caught Si-heon’s contemptuous glance from across the table.
“She worked so hard helping her sister. My eldest daughter is the Planning Director, and though it’s embarrassing to say, she’s very capable. The sisters worked together in perfect harmony to get where we are today.”
Chairman Kwon Soon-yeol, Kwon Si-heon, and Kwon Hee-sung who looked just like them – the pressure from these three men was immense. Yet as Woo Ji-hyang’s tension rose, so did her greed, knowing no bounds.
It felt like squandering heaven-sent opportunity if she didn’t take courage now. After all, hadn’t Chairman Kwon himself said it? That the position of the wife could change at any time. Perhaps if So-yeon lingered in Kwon Si-heon’s sight, he might notice her one day. Perhaps the position of the wife might change. Perhaps she might end up running the gallery.
She instinctively knew that after this formal meeting, she wouldn’t easily see Chairman Kwon and Si-heon again. The title of in-laws was merely a façade – in their eyes, they were just another subcontractor. And once Kwon Si-heon’s affection for Ga-eun cooled, they might not even be like that.
“Besides, our So-yeon also helped significantly with Artist Ja-myung’s exhibition, so…”
Before Woo Ji-hyang could continue, Si-heon cut in faster.
“We shouldn’t trouble them unnecessarily.”
“Oh my, trouble? Now that we’re family, it’s only natural that…”
“Capable and trustworthy staff will assist Ga-eun well. So there’s no need to worry.”
“That’s, that’s not what I…”
“Thank you for your concern.”
His eyes, like the unreachable heavens, warned that nothing good would come from speaking further.
And so the matter was settled.
