Seoa’s gaze, which had been fixed on the photo for a while, was heard. Unexpectedly, a light smile appeared on her lips.

“As expected, Mr. Cha Kangwoo is a trustworthy man.”

Even the director, who had an expressionless face, revealed his bewilderment. The eyebrows that looked stubborn shot up shortly.

“I was afraid I didn’t know your father’s personality, you see? If I had gone into the room, I would have taken that picture, but you can barely see it, standing in the lobby. I already knew about spending time at the BAR. G Coms branch manager, and Kangwoo mentioned having a drink with Minyoung.”

As if finding it amusing, the director laughed silently. Soon, a gaze that seemed emotionally empty was sent her way.

“Congressman Cha’s influence is not the same as before. He held the reins well when he moved the party. If he succeeds in reelection, he will inevitably have to join hands even with the Cha representative’s in-laws, whom he is currently ignoring. Especially if G Coms is included.”

“I understand that much.”

“Then how about this? How corrupt Congressman Cha is. If this is revealed, the world will be turned upside down.”

“……. ”

“To choose Miss Jisea, Representative Cha must hit Congressman Cha, which is absolutely impossible. Even if he has not an ounce of affection for his father. The man who enjoys the good taste like Representative Cha must expose every flaw.”

“……. ”

“If Congressman Cha is wrong, Representative Cha’s business will also collapse. All public opinion will focus on Congressman Cha’s son, Representative Cha, and shake him. The prosecution will also enter a comprehensive investigation. Everything he has built up could collapse in an instant. Believing that he will choose Miss Jisea by abandoning all of that, is it naive or reckless?”

Every word uttered by the director pressed on her chest. The situation she had tried so hard to deny was depicted, and her breath was stifled.

“Why are you saying these things to me? Anyway, what does it have to do with you?”

“Don’t cling to illusions and leave first. Don’t let yourself be trampled as ordered from above.”

The director clenched his lips.

“There is only one revenge you can take. On Congressman Cha Kangwoo’s petty pride, leaving a scratch. Then, for a while, he won’t be able to regain his composure. But soon, everything will return to its place.”

So, take the money and leave. Don’t make even those in a similar situation miserable.

The director’s voice, hitting the steering wheel, was filled with bitterness.

The director’s car entered the main house’s garage. The house was deserted. Not a trace of Youngcheon or Hyunsuk could be seen. Seoa could tell that she had intentionally chosen this day.

On the way to the study, as Seoa stepped on the wooden stairs, strength surged into her legs.

Just before entering Namtae’s study, the director extended his palm at the door.

“Give me your phone.”

“Well, you don’t miss any expectations.”

The director nodded. Without hesitation, she placed her phone on his white palm, tinged with an unsettling feeling.

“You can go in.”
Seoa gripped the door handle and swallowed her dry saliva. Chewing her lip, she opened the door.

Namtae, standing with his back turned, gazing out the window, came into Seoa’s view. He stared at the dark outside for a while, not even turning at the sound of the door.

The one to break the silence was Seoa, who endured as if she had lost. Slowly, Namtae’s well-built back turned around. A graceful smile appeared on Namtae’s lips.

“Come closer.”

It was different from usual, unlike when they were sitting on the sofa having awkward conversations.

“This director.”

Namtae nodded.

“Yes.”

Behind them, a click, the sound of the door locking. It was similar to the day they signed the contract in the car. Hot blood surged, and sweat seemed to bead on her forehead.

Namtae still looked down at Seoa with his back turned. Soon, he released his arms, gripping the desk, and bent his upper body. Sharp eyes pierced deeper.

“You seem tense. Like that day. You were so scared.”

Namtae approached Seoa, turning around the desk.

“Pack up and leave before Kangwoo comes back. This is the last leniency I’m giving you.”

There’s a person committing a crime, yet leniency? It was ironic to ask for leniency as if praying to a god.

“I’m not leaving.”

Watching Seoa, who spoke calmly, Namtae twisted his lips geometrically. The gold ring received as a congratulatory gift for his first election shone on his ring finger. The hand that came down quickly scanned the edge of the desk.

“Do you remember this orchid?”

Namtae stared at the withered orchid on the desk.

“I remember. It’s an orchid my father gave as a gift when he was elected as a congressman, an orchid of a rare breed. I vividly remember the day my mother held it tightly even on the day she was in the hospital.”

Namtae laughed with satisfaction.

“It’s a shame. If it wasn’t just my son that I twisted, I would have let you live gloriously under me for a long time.”