Episode 10
In the CEO’s office at Seowon Development.
Jaehyun was conducting a scheduled video conference with managers of overseas branches. Switching fluently between English, Chinese, and Japanese, he sharply reviewed the performance and plans of each branch.
> “A 15% increase over the last quarter is good, but still far from our target. Submit a detailed revision plan by next week.”
“By next week?”
“Is there a problem?”
“N-no, sir.”
Jaehyun’s strict instructions had the branch managers scrambling, their faces tightening with tension.
> “The Southeast Asian market’s growth is slowing. Completely review the local marketing strategy and focus on securing new distribution channels. Also, prepare a specific roadmap for entry into the Chinese market.”
His bold and cold leadership was well-known even outside headquarters.
> “And—”
Just then—
Buzz.
There was a vibration from inside his jacket pocket, but Jaehyun calmly continued as if nothing happened.
> “Improving the European branch’s poor performance is also urgent.”
Buzz-buzz.
But the caller was persistent.
Annoyed, Jaehyun reached into his pocket, checked the phone, and then tossed it onto the back desk with a hardened expression.
The branch managers grew even more tense at his visible displeasure.
> “Let’s continue. This time, the Middle East market strategy—”
After the full three-hour meeting ended, a trace of fatigue appeared on Jaehyun’s face.
He had already been overworking himself, but lately, he had been pushing even harder to forget about Seon. Even he realized it was excessive.
The phone rang again. It was the same caller.
It was clear the person wouldn’t stop until he picked up. Jaehyun reluctantly answered.
> “Keep it short.”
His voice was ice cold.
> —“Are you very busy? It’s been a while. Come home for dinner with the family.”
> “Why should I?”
> —“Why not? Have you forgotten we’re family?”
> “Family?”
Jaehyun let out a bitter laugh. The word “family” from that person disgusted him.
> “I don’t have time.”
Even if he did, he had no intention of visiting the main house.
> —“Jaehyun, I heard there was an accident at the factory recently. Something that serious, and you didn’t even stop by?”
The tone could fool someone into thinking they had a warm, mother-son relationship.
Jaehyun was about to hang up, finding no reason to continue the pointless conversation—
> —“Do I have to bring this up with your wife instead?”
At the mention of Seon, his expression stiffened.
> “What did you say?”
> —“I heard about the accident and couldn’t just sit still. I finally got to meet your wife, and she’s a sweet girl. I didn’t even bring up your accident, but her face looked so burdened and worried.”
That sly voice kept creeping in, despite his silence.
> —“She’s helping me prepare dinner right now. If you’re too busy, I guess we’ll just eat without you.”
The thought that Seon was already at that house made his blood boil.
Yet, his body was already rising, grabbing his coat.
When Jaehyun arrived at Chairman Cha’s residence, Seon was sitting nervously in the living room. In that unfamiliar, imposing house, she couldn’t relax for even a moment.
As he entered, Jaehyun’s gaze casually but sharply scanned her condition.
Behind her composed face, he sensed unease.
Jaehyun clicked his tongue, annoyed at himself for trying to read her expression.
> Why does this woman make me so uneasy?
> “Jaehyun.”
Just as he realized he was paying her too much attention, Seon came smiling toward him, making all other thoughts fly away.
Meanwhile, Seon, sensing Jaehyun’s displeasure, approached him cautiously.
She knew why he was upset.
The story of his childhood—his father’s affair and his mother’s tragic death—was no secret.
Afterward, Chairman Cha drove his unfaithful son to a U.S. branch and raised young Jaehyun as the heir.
> “Oh my, Jaehyun. You’re finally here.”
Just as the saying goes, speak of the devil—Im Jeongsook, the woman who had an affair with Chairman Cha and tore the family apart, appeared with a bright smile.
She had returned to Korea with Cha several years ago. But to Jaehyun, she was still less than a stranger.
> “Your wife’s been waiting a while.”
> “Not really…”
> “This dinner shouldn’t have happened in the first place.”
His biting remark made Im Jeongsook’s eyes flicker.
> “Don’t be like that. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a family meal.”
Soon, heavy footsteps echoed, and a man entered the living room.
It was Jaehyun’s father, Chairman Cha Jeongdo.
No matter how disappointing a son is, a father is still biased. The Chairman had appointed him to lead a small affiliate company.
Everyone knew Cha wouldn’t be satisfied with just that.
This dinner was another attempt—meant to improve relations with Jaehyun and influence the Chairman.
> “Alright, everyone’s here. Let’s eat.”
Jaehyun did not bother to hide his disapproval at his father’s voice.
The atmosphere at the table was heavy.
> “Eat up. Seon, have plenty.”
> “Yes. Thank you.”
Seon picked up her spoon awkwardly. She couldn’t even tell if the food went into her mouth or not.
Even meals with just Jaehyun weren’t this uncomfortable.
> “Jaehyun, how’s the company these days? I heard the overseas branches are doing well.”
> “Jaehyun really takes after you—he’s got a brilliant business mind.”
Im Jeongsook, receiving no reply from Jaehyun, shifted her focus to Seon.
> “Seon, are you getting along well with Jaehyun? He’s so obsessed with work—I worry he might neglect you.”
Though flustered for a second, Seon calmly answered:
> “Yes, we’re doing well.”
> “Really? That’s good. But… still no news?”
> “News?”
> “Of course I mean baby news! It’s been three years since you married. At that age, kids usually just come naturally. How come nothing from you two?”
At that blunt remark, Seon froze.
Clink.
A glass hit the table.
Startled by Jaehyun’s sharp aura, Im Jeongsook fell silent—but the damage was done.
> “Ahem!”
Chairman Cha cleared his throat and tried to change the subject.
> “When you were little, Jaehyun, you were so smart for your age. You spoke fluent English at five, without anyone teaching you!”
Hearing something new about his past, Seon perked up.
There was no one else who would tell her stories of his childhood.
But when she saw Jaehyun’s indifferent expression, she quickly turned her head away.
As the meal neared its end, Im Jeongsook opened her mouth again.
> “Seon, Jaehyun is so picky—it must be hard for you.”
> “No, not at all. He treats me very well.”
> “Really? But that’s not what I’ve heard…”
Im Jeongsook’s eyes gleamed as she leaned in.
> “Rumors say you two sleep in separate rooms, barely see each other even once a month… Some even say Jaehyun is seeing another woman.”
These were rumors Seon had already endured. But they could still shock Jaehyun, who had lost his memory.
Worried more for Jaehyun’s reaction than herself, she glanced at him.
But his face remained unreadable.
> “It’s not easy being the daughter-in-law of a chaebol family, right? In our world, everything becomes gossip.”
> “That’s enough.”
Jaehyun’s cold warning made Im Jeongsook flinch and swallow dryly, though she continued slyly.
> “Well, you two don’t really talk much. Anyway, Seon, you need to be more proactive. Our Jaehyun gets so focused on work that he might neglect the family. A husband is only as good as his wife.”
Then, a sudden laugh cut through the tension. Im Jeongsook turned, wide-eyed, toward Jaehyun.
Seon sensed Chairman Cha’s plan was about to fail.
> “Why are you laughing?”
> “It’s astonishing how someone who destroyed a family dares talk about family values.”
As expected, the atmosphere instantly froze over.
