CHAPTER 6
There was nothing particularly strange about Do-hyeok’s expression or behavior.
And that made her even more uneasy.
“Could he have figured out who I really am?”
Just as Jae-in was spending her afternoon consumed with anxiety—
Rrrrrr—
The desk phone rang. The moment she saw the caller ID, her heart sank.
A call from the Vice President’s office.
Jae-in answered the phone, trying to keep her expression steady.
“Yes, Vice President?”
—“Come to my office. Now.”
That was all. But she felt her entire body tense without realizing it.
Her steps toward Do-hyeok’s office felt unusually heavy.
Knock knock.
“Come in.”
As she opened the door and entered, her eyes met Do-hyeok’s.
His piercing gaze made her heart drop. The memory of that night three years ago flashed through her mind, but she quickly forced it away.
“You called for me, sir?”
Do-hyeok silently looked at her.
As his gaze swept over her, she forgot to breathe.
“Have a seat.”
Jae-in cautiously sat down, and a strange tension filled the air.
“How was your day, Seo Ki-heon?”
The unexpected question made her pause for a moment.
“I’m learning a lot.”
“What do you think of our company?”
Her thoughts spun in confusion.
What kind of question is this? Is he testing me?
It was impossible to read his expression.
“I think it’s an excellent company. The achievements in the R&D department are especially impressive.”
“So you’re interested in R&D?”
“Not especially. But since I’m working in the VP’s office, I felt it was necessary to understand the basics.”
It was a proper answer. Do-hyeok stroked his chin for a moment, then slowly stood from his seat.
Jae-in watched his back as he walked toward the window.
“Seo Ki-heon.”
“Yes, sir?”
Do-hyeok slowly turned his head.
“Why are you here?”
His gaze pierced straight through her.
Three hours earlier.
“What is this?”
Do-hyeok’s voice was sharp. The icy tone instantly chilled the atmosphere in the office.
Manager Kim lifted his head, visibly nervous. A light sheen of sweat formed on his forehead.
“Is something wrong, sir?”
“This is the meeting record from the new secretary.”
His dissatisfaction was written all over his face as he looked down at the report on his desk.
It didn’t come close to meeting his high standards—several details were sloppy, and important points had been left out.
“If this is the level of work we can expect, I don’t know why he’s even here.”
Manager Kim cautiously examined the document. Even he could see the clear problems. His expression turned troubled.
But he defended Jae-in.
“He’s still new—there are bound to be some growing pains. Why not observe him a bit longer?”
“Have you ever known me to give people second chances?”
Kim’s face turned as white as a sheet.
Because of Do-hyeok’s high standards, many secretaries had already quit. The thought of having to hire yet another replacement made his head pound.
Do-hyeok understood the situation as well.
“What’s your assessment of Seo Ki-heon?”
“I’ve conducted a thorough background check. I believe he’s trustworthy.”
“Trustworthy, huh.”
A bitter smile crossed Do-hyeok’s lips.
That word brought back memories from three years ago.
It was during the time he had quickly risen in the company, earning the chairman’s trust and solidifying his position as heir.
As more executives began to support him, his father Han Seung-guk’s resistance grew stronger.
Do-hyeok had never been close with his father.
After his birth, his parents had separated, and he was raised in a private boarding school in England with his mother. So he had virtually no interaction with his father.
Even the first time he met his father properly as an adult, Do-hyeok remained indifferent.
They shared a name and blood, but no feelings.
However, three years ago, Han Seung-guk’s attitude suddenly changed. He pretended to be a warm father, but behind the scenes, he did everything he could to undermine Do-hyeok.
One of those tactics was a trap involving a young female secretary.
Late at night, the woman entered his office undressed. Do-hyeok immediately ordered her out.
His cold stare made her confess who had sent her.
He had suspected it might be one of his scheming relatives, but shockingly, it had been Han Seung-guk himself.
He had no real affection for the man, but to see even basic familial trust shattered was unexpected.
Since then, he believed he could trust no one and became increasingly controlling of his surroundings.
“Is something bothering you?”
Manager Kim asked cautiously.
“I may be mistaken, but… you seem different than usual. Did something happen with Seo Ki-heon?”
“Nothing in particular.”
“I see… I must’ve misread the situation.”
Kim gave an awkward smile, but Do-hyeok was lost in thought.
Different than usual.
He couldn’t ignore the observation, especially coming from someone who had worked with him for years.
He recalled the first day he saw Seo Ki-heon.
Standing awkwardly among the other secretaries, there was something strange in the way he looked up at him. A strange sense of déjà vu—one that quickly vanished.
“Vice President?”
“Teach him well.”
At Do-hyeok’s words, Manager Kim visibly relaxed.
“Yes, sir. Understood.”
And now, in the present, Do-hyeok looked at Jae-in standing before him.
She was clearly trying hard not to show how nervous she was. It wasn’t unusual—most executives got anxious in front of him.
But there was something off. Why was she trying that hard to act natural? And why was it bothering him?
Then her soft lips moved.
“If I’m lacking in any way, I’ll do my best to learn and improve.”
Do-hyeok examined her for a moment. Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned away.
“You may go.”
A few moments later, he heard the soft click of the door closing behind her.
Silence returned to the office.
The next morning.
The atmosphere in the secretary’s office felt different.
With Do-hyeok away on a business trip to Busan, a bit of the usual tension had lifted from the staff.
Laughter, something almost never heard, floated through the office.
“It’s amazing how different the mood is…”
Jae-in found herself replaying what had happened in Do-hyeok’s office the previous day.
“Why are you here, Seo Ki-heon?”
His sharp question echoed in her ears, and her heart began to pound again.
“I don’t think he knows my secret yet… but I still need to be careful.”
Lost in thought, she was startled when someone tapped her shoulder.
She looked up to see Kim Mi-ri smiling brightly.
“Ki-heon, you look a bit more relaxed today. I guess everyone’s taking a breather with the VP gone.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
Kim Mi-ri sat down next to her and leaned in slightly.
“But still, be careful. You never know when or where he’s checking on things.”
“Huh? That much?”
“The VP is incredibly meticulous. Oh, right—you’ve been inside his office, haven’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Did you see the painting on the wall? The still life?”
Jae-in hesitated. She had noticed it—the one that seemed oddly out of place for Do-hyeok. Kim Mi-ri’s words brought it back to mind.
“That painting was done by his mother. She’s a famous artist.”
“Oh, I see.”
Family history. That might come in handy later, so Jae-in probed gently.
“Can you tell me more about the VP’s family?”
Kim Mi-ri glanced around, then lowered her voice.
“Actually, the VP’s family situation is pretty complicated. Everyone knows he doesn’t get along with Han Seung-guk, the chairman.”
“What about his mother?”
“They still talk occasionally, I think. But she’s mostly overseas. The chairman and his wife have been separated for years—they’re basically strangers now.”
Jae-in nodded, deep in thought.
“I didn’t expect his family situation to be this messy.”
Just then, Kim Mi-ri gently grabbed Jae-in’s arm and leaned in a bit closer—
