Chapter 5
It turned out that Kwon Seung-won’s stalker was none other than Clara Baek.
Clara Baek was one of the most talked-about rising artists.
A graduate of Beaux-Arts de Paris, she had been writing an art column for a world-renowned women’s magazine for a year. Her recent exhibition had received rave reviews, and her name was spreading fast in art circles.
“Crazy people are usually great at art. Just look at senior Gun-woo.”
“Hey, even if Gun-woo’s crazy, he’s nothing like Clara Baek. She’s insanely famous among Korean art students in France — a total eccentric.”
“Her Korean name’s Baek Min-jeong, but if you call her that, she supposedly foams at the mouth and freaks out. Rumor says she sleeps with different men before painting to awaken her artistic passion — says she draws inspiration from primal human instincts.”
Those were the kinds of messages that had circulated in her university group chat last winter, when news broke that Clara Baek would be exhibiting at the Seoho Art Museum.
Now, Yoon-ah finally understood why Executive Director Kwon hadn’t reported his stalker to the police. At first, she’d wondered why such a simple case hadn’t been handled legally — but if the stalker was Clara Baek, that changed everything.
Just as he said, she was mentally unstable, but she also had enough social influence to cause a media storm.
“We’ve arrived.”
The driver looked at her through the rearview mirror. Turning her head, Yoon-ah saw the softly lit sign that read “Dohyang.”
“Thank you,” she said politely, slinging her bag over her shoulder as she stepped out.
After telling the host she had a reservation under Yang Su-jeong, an employee smiled and guided her to a private room upstairs. At the end of the second-floor hallway, the staff knocked and bowed before stepping aside.
“Come in.”
A man’s deep voice came from inside. Looking around nervously, Yoon-ah carefully opened the door.
It was a cozy space. In front of the window that overlooked the glittering city lights sat Executive Director Kwon Seung-won, dressed sharply in a black suit. He turned his head from the window to her.
“Have a seat.”
“Ah… hello, Executive Director.”
Yoon-ah bowed slightly and sat across from him.
The warm lighting and classic wooden table gave the restaurant a refined, gallery-like atmosphere — or maybe it was because of the graceful man sitting across from her.
“Sorry for the sudden meeting. My schedule’s tight,” he said.
“That’s all right.”
“Before we start the lessons, there’s something I should clarify. About that woman you saw yesterday…”
He frowned faintly, turned back to the window, then let out a dry laugh.
“She’s an artist. Her name’s Clara Baek.”
Though she already knew, Yoon-ah nodded silently.
“She used to be Seung-jae’s art instructor.”
“What? Clara Baek gave lessons?”
That was unthinkable. Clara Baek, who once caused controversy by writing “Artistic sense is innate, so don’t bother practicing—just sleep more,” had never taken on students.
“You seem surprised.”
“Ah, no, it’s just…”
“Anyway, I’m assigning you a bodyguard starting today. It’s just a precaution, nothing to worry about.”
“Oh… I see.”
“Even if it’s inconvenient, please bear with it until this situation is over. It’s part of your responsibility too.”
“Yes, of course.”
He wasn’t wrong. Yoon-ah had to admit she regretted ever getting involved — she should’ve just let that crazy woman take her photos.
“I’ll also provide additional compensation — consider it a hazard allowance.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. I’ll just be more careful…”
“Please review and sign this, then send it to Manager Yang.”
Before she could finish, he slid an envelope toward her.
“I hope you’ll stay by Seung-jae’s side for as long as possible. I’m simply offering appropriate compensation — nothing more.”
“Ah, yes… understood.”
Appropriate compensation? Just how much was that supposed to mean?
Curious, Yoon-ah discreetly opened the envelope, but the door swung open.
A waiter entered silently with a serving cart, bowing politely before setting dishes in front of Kwon Seung-won — beautifully plated delicacies: abalone rice pot, grilled beef patties, taro soup, and assorted side dishes.
The aroma filled the room, making Yoon-ah’s mouth water. But when it came to her, the waiter placed only one porcelain bowl before her.
She looked up in confusion.
“It’s pine nut porridge. Easy on the stomach,” he said casually, lifting his spoon as though nothing were amiss.
Yoon-ah was too stunned to say anything.
When she got home, Yoon-ah collapsed onto her bed.
She should wash up, but instead she just blinked at the ceiling and fished her phone out of her pocket.
As she scrolled through unread messages, the image of that man eating a luxurious meal alone replayed in her mind.
He gets abalone rice and beef, and I get a bowl of watery porridge?
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. That wasn’t just rude — it was insulting.
Now it made sense why, during her interview, the housekeeper had secretly given her a separate meal — she must have known what kind of man Kwon Seung-won was.
Sure, the old lady had only given her half a bowl of rice and some soup, but at least she’d tried.
Forget it. I should just quit this whole lesson nonsense.
But reality hit. For all his twisted manners, the man was generous with money. The “hazard allowance” he’d offered was far more than she expected — and it would keep coming until the issue was resolved.
He’s just a business partner. That’s all. Feeling offended over something like this is ridiculous.
She took a deep breath and opened her food delivery app — but it was late, and most places were closed. To make matters worse, her parents weren’t home.
“I’m going on a trip with my high school friends, so watch the house.”
Her dad was also away for medical volunteer work.
Sighing, she finally got up.
I’ll just go to the convenience store. Rice ball, cup ramen, maybe a salt bread and banana milk.
Dragging herself out of the quiet house, she felt her strength drain — after surviving on a muffin for lunch and porridge for dinner, she was starving.
Just as she stepped outside, she heard a car door open behind her. Turning instinctively, she saw a tall, broad-shouldered man emerge from the darkness.
He walked toward her with the stride of an athlete, and Yoon-ah froze. Was he… coming for her?
Then the man smiled kindly.
“Executive Director Kwon sent me. I’ll be accompanying you from now on. Please act as usual and don’t mind me.”
“E-Executive Director Kwon…?”
“Yes, he instructed me to protect you. If you’d like, I can confirm with him right now—”
“N-no! That’s fine!”
Panicking, Yoon-ah stopped him from taking out his phone and forced a smile, pointing across the street.
“I’m just heading to the convenience store over there. It’s well-lit, with CCTV and a security booth nearby…”
Her tone made it clear she wanted to go alone, but the man simply looked at her with a harmless, steady gaze — as if silently saying, “Lead the way.”
