Inside the police station’s interrogation room, Kang-woo stood up from the iron chair. Standing by the door, he looked outside to check the situation. The assigned detective, Go Jin-ho, and Kang-woo’s lawyer were busy writing statements.

Having gone out a little while ago, he observed from a distance, and as expected, Go Jin-ho insisted that it was a solo crime, repeatedly denying involvement in the bribery recorded on the black box.

More amusingly, the detective seemed to go along with it, slowly glossing over the matter. As if that wasn’t enough, the detective had come into the interrogation room earlier and shared a drink with Go Jin-ho.

These guys’ tricks were obvious; they insisted it was a simple crime of embezzlement, aiming for bribery. Acting as if they were an easy target, smoothly turning the conversation away.

‘The die is cast.’

Turning his gaze away, he went back to the chair and sat down. The paper cup with green tea still emitted some heat. After taking a sip, he waited for the situation to settle.
About an hour later, the lawyer arrived. Kang-woo asked if he could have a private meeting with Go Jin-ho in the interrogation room since Go Jin-ho admitted to the crime, and the case was scheduled to be transferred to the prosecution in ten days.

Reluctantly, the detective allowed it.

Smiling, Go Jin-ho took a seat across from Kang-woo.

“Are you laughing? You look like you’ve rotted in jail.”

“It’s not my first time.”

“Do you want to eat? Tell me what you want. You won’t be able to eat society’s food for a while.”

Kang-woo pushed his phone with the delivery app turned on towards the table. Watching Kang-woo’s lips leisurely moving, Go Jin-ho scowled menacingly.

“Forget it.”

Chuckling, Go Jin-ho laughed, cursing under his breath. Eventually, he reluctantly returned the phone to Kang-woo, who stopped him with his hand, saying, “It might be your last, so just eat. When showing mercy.”

“Is this guy insane?”

“It’s new to hear such things from garbage like you.”

“Well, well.”

Go Jin-ho, laughing, forcefully pulled his hand away from Kang-woo’s grip.

“Just stay in for a while, and you’ll be automatically released, your superior said.”

“I have nothing more to say. Excuse me.”

Go Jin-ho, who had been twiddling his ears, straightened up and stood. In time, Kang-woo blocked the door, pressing Go Jin-ho’s shoulder and locking eyes with him.

“You’re on parole.”

“…….”

“In a situation where you have to be careful even with your breath, if you get transferred for attempted murder, you’ll finish your life there, won’t you?”

“Attempted murder? There’s not a scratch on him.”

After unbuttoning his shirt cuff, Kang-woo folded it up. Although shallow, a finger-length tear was visible on his wrist.

“You almost died.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

“I may not know who’s behind you, but even if I can’t find out who’s behind you, I can keep you from getting out of jail.”

Pressing on Go Jin-ho’s shoulder and whispering while someone knocked on the door of the interrogation room.

“Representative, it’s difficult to give more time now.”

“Yes, Detective. It’s over.”

“Hyung-nim, it’s over. Let it go.”

A bit more forcefully, Kang-woo restrained Go Jin-ho.

“You won’t get out. Do you know why? Because even your superiors want you to rot there. It’s not easy for them to be worried about you opening your mouth. If you take it all and go, thank you.”

“Don’t try to pull it off.”

“Whether my words are true or not, want to bet how many years the prosecutor will give you? Huh?”

“Don’t mess around and get your hands off!”

“Why are you so sensitive? If you win, I’ll put the fine. Yeah?”

To Go Jin-ho, who resisted with clenched lips.

Try it.

Kang-woo gestured for him to step aside. Go Jin-ho’s hand, holding the doorknob, stopped. His eyelids trembled finely, and his pupils became unfocused.

“If you confess who ordered you, I’ll get you a lawyer. No time. Choose.”

He delivered the final blow.

That afternoon. Nam Tae received a report from Director Lee that the matter had been handled well.

Afterwards, upon hearing the news of a guest from Yeongcheon’s words, Nam Tae went down to the first floor.

The guest who entered the main building was none other than Chairman Lee and Minyoung.

“Representative Cha, have you been well?”

“As well as it gets.”

Busy responding to Minyoung, Nam Tae nodded to Chairman Lee.

“Chairman, thank you for accepting the dinner invitation.”

“We hope we haven’t inconvenienced you. But is Madam still away today? It’s hard to catch a glimpse of her.”

“Oh, just a moment.”

As Nam Tae quickly gestured, Yeongcheon rushed to the kitchen and brought Hyunsook out. Reluctantly appearing, Hyunsook politely greeted her, holding the front of her blouse.

“Madam, it’s been a while.”

Minyoung cheerfully pulled Hyunsook’s arm. However, when Hyunsook withdrew her hand coldly after exchanging formalities, an awkward smile had to be shown.

After exchanging pleasantries, they went straight to the kitchen. The reason for hastily setting up a meal during the weekday lunchtime, not even on the weekend, was Minyoung’s wish.

Reluctantly brought by the chairman, who was dragged along by his daughter’s enthusiasm, he had a somewhat stiff expression. Yet, Minyoung and Nam Tae’s faces lit up.

There were barely three portions set on the dining table. Seeing Hyunsook trying to help set the table and avoid the seat, Minyoung briskly got up from her seat.

“Madam, have you had your meal? Join us.”

A fleeting gaze from Nam Tae didn’t look favorable. Gesturing for her to quickly enter the room, he ordered silently. Even if told to come, Hyunsook didn’t want to, so she pretended not to see it and showed a smile.

“I’m fine. Please have a lot.”

Although kind, there was a somewhat chilly feeling, making it seem like Kang-woo resembled his mother. Under the elegant aura of Hyunsook, Minyoung, lowering her head obediently, sat down.

Except for this director, Nam Tae had arranged for no one else to come to the first floor. After Hyunsook left her seat, even Hyunsook had left, and the chairman, who had reluctantly spoken, opened his mouth.

“Shall we discuss the children’s issue?”

Seeing the chairman’s attitude, Nam Tae thought it was right.

Indeed, children are precious, so what can you do? He seemed to think. Even in his eyes, it was clear that Minyoung unilaterally wanted Kang-woo. More than before, Nam Tae’s shoulders straightened.

“In my opinion, it seems good to take it slowly after Representative Cha and that child are settled. But no, Father. My opinion is different. Even if the wedding is postponed until the right time with everyone’s eyes, I want to live with Kang-woo as soon as possible. Before the wedding, let’s register our marriage first.”

Minyoung emphasized the marriage registration. Although the wedding and living together were delayed for Jisea’s sake, in the end, it was she who became the legal wife.

“Minyoung.”
The chairman called Minyoung as if he were urging her. Nam Tae was worried because of his daughter, who was trying to rush too much. Confirming the sharp temperature difference of the ladies, Nam Tae smiled gently.

“Let this manager understand the chairman’s heart. If it’s Minyoung, she’s just stubborn, and you’re welcome anytime without rushing. Just the fact that you’re becoming connected with our Kangwoo is more than enough for me, and I’m grateful for that.”

Across the dining table, the director stood in a dignified posture. Just in case someone might hear a secret, he was standing guard while they were having their meal.

While looking expressionless, a sly, chilly smile played on his lips.

Selling his son, or rather, going beyond that, pledging his son’s life. The conduct of Representative Cha, who was proceeding with this marriage, was quietly being recorded.