Prey - Chapter 8
Quickly regaining her composure, Seol Suhyeon followed Jung Hyunwoo, who had already walked ahead.
Although Director Han sat at the head of the table, it was clear to anyone that Do Jeonghan, sitting next to him with his long legs crossed, was the one who held the true authority in the room.
Seol Suhyeon took a seat next to Jung Hyunwoo, across from Do Jeonghan.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Do Jeonghan, CEO of Cheonkyung Corporation.”
Though he still officially held the title of Director at Cheonkyung, everyone knew he was the de facto leader of the company.
“A-ah, I’m Jung Hyunwoo, Deputy Section Chief of Team 1, General Industrial Division. It’s an honor to meet you!”
Jung Hyunwoo, who was usually composed, fumbled nervously as he hastily pulled a business card wallet from his jacket pocket and handed over a card.
As Do Jeonghan’s long fingers accepted the card, Jung Hyunwoo, visibly tense, swallowed hard.
‘To see Director Do Jeonghan, who regularly appears in the news, right in front of me…’
Jung Hyunwoo felt a surge of excitement at the unexpected encounter.
Do Jeonghan was far more dignified than the rumors suggested. With a face so striking that even a man might wonder how someone could look like that, he exuded an air of innate nobility.
Even though his expression was neutral, not particularly stern, the sense of authority and intimidation he carried was palpable.
Jung Hyunwoo, now extremely tense, began to break out in a cold sweat without realizing it.
“…..”
Seol Suhyeon quietly observed the scene.
Watching Jung Hyunwoo panic actually helped her regain some of her composure.
Do Jeonghan was that kind of person—someone who made everyone feel uneasy, no matter who he met.
Calmly, she pulled out her business card and handed it to Do Jeonghan.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Seol Suhyeon, a manager in the same department.”
As he accepted her card, Do Jeonghan met Seol Suhyeon’s eyes directly, staring into them with intensity.
“…..”
Seol Suhyeon calmly held Do Jeonghan’s gaze as their eyes briefly met. His dark brown eyes, filled with a strange intensity, locked onto her deep, water-like black irises.
As the introduction ended, Director Han broke into a wide smile and began to speak.
“I’m sure you’re curious about why I called you both here today.”
Both Seol Suhyeon and Jung Hyunwoo turned their attention to him.
“It’s because our company has been selected as the partner for the southern redevelopment project that Cheonkyung Corporation will be undertaking in the second half of this year.”
“…What?”
Jung Hyunwoo looked at Director Han with wide, astonished eyes. Blinking in disbelief, he pointed at himself with his finger.
“Are you saying… our team is going to handle that?”
“That’s correct.”
Director Han nodded with a smile.
“Wow! Really?”
Jung Hyunwoo exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement as he looked over at Seol Suhyeon, brimming with anticipation.
While Jung Hyunwoo wore an expression of sheer delight as if he had struck gold, Seol Suhyeon was filled with doubts.
It seemed odd not to form a dedicated task force (TF) team to focus entirely on a project of this scale. There had to be another reason behind it.
Another reason.
The bouquet she received upon moving in and the wedding ring.
She couldn’t help but connect Do Jeonghan’s presence in this room with those thoughts.
“I hear there’s someone with quite an interesting background.”
Do Jeonghan’s gaze landed on Seol Suhyeon.
“Someone who previously worked at our company.”
At the chilling look he directed toward her, Seol Suhyeon’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
“Are you referring to Manager Seol Suhyeon?”
Jung Hyunwoo asked, noticing Do Jeonghan’s intense gaze fixed on her.
“Yes. If possible, I would like Manager Seol Seol Suhyeon to take on this project.”
Do Jeonghan regarded her with an air of arrogance, as if looking at a prey he had cornered.
His expression suggested a calm confidence, as if to say, with such an irresistible offer, how could she possibly refuse?
Seol Suhyeon’s expression turned cold as she spoke up.
“I’ve only recently joined the company, so I’m not capable of handling such a large project. I believe it would be more appropriate for Deputy Section Chief Jung Hyunwoo to take it on instead.”
Her calm words caused both Director Han and Jung Hyunwoo to look at her in surprise.
“What? Me?”
In contrast to Jung Hyunwoo’s astonishment, Do Jeonghan showed no change in his expression.
His voice flowed coldly.
“Is it not for me to decide what is appropriate?”
“Y-yes, of course. You have every right to make that choice, Director Do Jeonghan.”
Director Han quickly interjected, his face showing a mix of confusion and reprimand, as if to say,
“What are you talking about?”
“I simply judged that it wasn’t an issue I should handle.”
Seol Suhyeon stated clearly, her gaze unwavering, even as she observed the distressed expression on Director Han’s face.
