Prey (Lee Seohan) - Chapter 131
Following Jeonghan, Suhyeon thought about the source of the dissonance she was feeling.
Do Jeonghan’s relentless drive for high performance didn’t seem to align with a desire to be recognized as an heir.
He worked like a man possessed, yet he didn’t appear particularly attached to the idea of becoming the head of Cheonkyung, the conglomerate.
‘Is it because he’s always considered it his from the start?’
Even when they were married, Jeonghan didn’t seem desperate to prove himself as Cheonkyung’s successor.
He didn’t appear fixated on the chairman’s seat.
‘If he cared about that more, he would’ve chosen a spouse who would benefit the company far more.’
Despite that, Jeonghan’s formal involvement had significantly influenced Cheonkyung’s stock performance. His exceptional skills were undeniable.
It wasn’t just his natural aptitude but also the result of devoting all his time and energy to his work.
‘Why does this man work so tirelessly? It’s not like he’s driven by a strong thirst for power.’
As Suhyeon pondered, Jeonghan entered the bedroom.
The room, with its large bed, was styled like a luxurious suite.
Lost in thought, Suhyeon followed him into the room before suddenly asking,
“Do you… enjoy working?”
“…Ah.
Seeing Jeonghan’s eyebrows lift slightly as he looked at her, Suhyeon realized her question had been a bit odd.
“W-what I meant by my question just now was…’’
Suhyeon quickly tried to explain with an embarrassed expression, but Jeonghan took a step forward.
“It doesn’t seem like a question from Manager Seol Suhyeon.’’
He took another step toward her, removing his wristwatch and tilting his head slightly. Meeting her gaze directly, he asked,
“Is it a question for your ex-husband?’’
As he stared into her eyes from close up, Suhyeon turned her head slightly, avoiding his gaze.
“I just asked because I’m curious why you’re so immersed in work.’’
Jeonghan’s lips curved into a small smile.
“If you’re curious, I suppose I should answer.’’
Click.
He placed the watch he had removed onto the nearby table. Leaning against it with one arm, he stood there in a relaxed posture.
‘…….’
But Jeonghan said nothing.
Although he claimed he would answer, he remained silent. Unable to bear his prolonged silence, Suhyeon looked back at him.
Jeonghan was still watching her. His face was unreadable, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.
With his usual cold yet contemplative expression, Jeonghan quietly gazed at Suhyeon before speaking.
“Is it for the chairman…?”
Is it?
Suhyeon looked at him in confusion as Jeonghan narrowed his brow slightly.
“Or is it just something you’re doing because it was given to you?”
“…Are you asking me right now?”
Suhyeon squinted at him, meeting his gaze. There was no trace of teasing in his expression.
Jeonghan shrugged his shoulders lightly.
“Honestly, I don’t know.”
Suhyeon’s expression showed sheer disbelief.
“So, you’re saying you’re doing something you don’t even know why you’re doing, to the point that you’re destroying yourself?”
Jeonghan let out a slow, lazy smile.
“I didn’t realize you cared so much about my body,”
He said.
His eyes carried a strange, teasing glint, paired with that slow smile. It held a seductive edge, and Suhyeon swallowed hard, hastily turning her head.
“That’s not what I meant.”
As she tried to pull her body away from him, he slowly grasped her wrist, holding it firmly.
Suhyeon froze for a moment, looking up at him. Jeonghan’s face was serious as he looked down at her.
“Anything would do—I just needed a reason to live.”
He said it in a low, almost muttered voice as if to himself, bringing her hand to his lips and continuing his words.
“I think that’s the right answer. The reason why I work.”
Jeonghan’s gaze met hers as he pressed his lips gently to the back of her hand.
The sensation of his lips against her hand sent a sharp intake of breath through Suhyeon.
I need a reason to live…?
Suhyeon looked at him with confused eyes, unable to understand.
“Someone like you, who was born with everything, thinks this way?”
From the very beginning, Jeonghan had been someone born with the throne—a man who didn’t need to fight for his place. That man, Jeonghan, saying he needed a reason to live and work for that reason simply made no sense to Suhyeon.
Those words felt like something only those who had nothing, or those who struggled without success, would utter.
Despite having a colder business acumen and an unyielding competitive spirit that was even sharper than that of Chairman Do Pil-yong in his younger days, Jeonghan seemed to have no reason to be in need.
“…….”
As he continued to kiss her hand gently, his lips curled upward at the corners.
