Kangwoo, who returned from his family home, rummaged through the house.

First, he went to the bedroom and opened every drawer, dressing table, and shelf, searching for documents. As his rough hands swept through, various items scattered on the floor as if pushed away.

He was captivated solely by the determination to find the contract. Seoa might have already taken and disposed of it long ago.

Seoa’s movements were captured by the family’s CCTV. Standing behind the director quietly following her and her appearance when leaving the family home after just two hours. It was difficult to perceive a coercive expression in the oppressive situation.

In his mind, the thought that Seoa had betrayed him and left persisted, but his heart couldn’t accept it.

If it doesn’t come out even after searching the house, could it be that the contract his father had was manipulated?

His body, engulfed in obsession, didn’t know it would get tired. After the bedroom, he searched the living room, study, meeting room, multipurpose room, and even the bathroom. Although he combed through every place sequentially, not a fragment of the contract came out.

“Sigh.”

Due to the turmoil he caused, he gasped for breath. The only place left to check was the dressing room.

Seoa had locked the dressing room door for a while. Some days, she opened the closet as if someone had hidden something, rummaging through it. Sometimes, she would be startled when she saw him.

Ignoring the intuition that led him to the dressing room from the beginning, he turned away.

It should be enough if he confirmed it here; there wouldn’t be a contract. With such innocent eyes, meticulously working like this, would he mix his life with a man with no principles and settle down?

It was unthinkable.

He would surely come back home before tonight. Then, crying, he would explain the situation. Regardless of the reason, he had decided to trust Seoa’s words.

He opened the display cabinet and took out a bottle of whiskey. As he swallowed the alcohol directly from the bottle, it flowed down his throat, soothingly. Regretfully, he called Seoa again.

“She doesn’t pick up the phone at all.”

After muttering with a dried-up voice, he leaned his head against the sofa’s headrest. His irregular breathing gradually calmed.

When he opened his eyes again, it was 4 a.m. He had fallen asleep with the phone in his hand. As he wiped his stiff eye area, his eyebrows shot up in displeasure. Leaning against the backrest, he swayed his body and dialed Seoa’s number.

At that moment, he realized the phone was still turned off. In a hasty stride, he went to the dressing room.

He systematically opened the dress closet. He swept out everything inside and opened all the drawers. Coats, bags, and even inside his shoes. Thoroughly.

When he turned one bag upside down and rummaged through it, documents in two envelopes and a thick book fell out with a thud. Trembling hands picked up the two envelopes.

One was a contract between the Show Window couple. He also had one. Opening the other envelope, he pulled out the documents and two cash cards, just like the ones his father had.

“This is driving me crazy.”
Turning away, he covered his face with his palm. Suddenly, his eyes caught the perfume display, and he noticed that the frequently used perfume had been replaced with a new bottle. He picked up a square memo pad lying beneath the bottle.

“Mr. Kangwoo, I’m sorry.” Before he could read the meager seven characters written on the memo, he burst into a sly smile.

“Sorry, La.” He crumpled the paper smaller than his palm and picked up the scattered phone from the floor.

“Secretary Choi.”

[Mr. President, good morning. Are you enjoying your vacation?]

“Yes.”

[I’ve organized the schedule in Guam and sent it via email. I’ve also included other activities that Madam would enjoy. If there’s anything else you need, please let me know, and I’ll contact you promptly.]

“Good. There’s a lot I need your help with.”

[Yes? Mr. President, what happened in the meantime…?]

“Contact the cleaning company and send someone to the house. It’s a mess. And…” He rolled up the crumpled memo in his hand.

“Find Jisea. Catch her, even if you have to grab her like this.”

Why did she betray me? I must ask you no matter what.

Two days passed. Returning the meaningless vacation, Kangwoo was buried in work.

His well-combed hair, suit without a wrinkle, and polished shoes remained unchanged. It only revealed the severity of his workaholism. The secretary, who had become busier, entered the office wearing glasses she had never worn before.

As the secretary placed files on the desk, Kangwoo continued to sign on approval documents. Only when the swivel chair turned slightly late, he glanced at the secretary.

“The Planning Team Leader brought the Double. Devil proposal.”

“Yes.”