The first encounter between the two felt like the moment just before a movie starts, with the lights dimming. They exchanged only formal greetings, and there were no words as they assessed each other.

A fleeting moment.

Concealing the knives they held in their hearts, they exchanged glances, their eyes communicating silently.

Jiho gave a subtle smile towards Yujun, who had his legal team set up like a screen.

“As you can see, the space is limited.”

So, he suggested reducing the number of people.

“Please cooperate by limiting the defense team to a maximum of two members.”

Upon Jiho’s declaration, Yujun’s legal team exchanged uneasy glances. It was an unexpected disturbance, not a deliberate tactic.

“You’re tying my hands and feet from the start.”

Yujun’s eyes flashed for a moment as he threw a joking look.

“I prevented our side from bringing in more people as well.”

“…….”

“When both sides gather, won’t even the auditorium be insufficient?”

It was a light provocation.

Given the importance of the case, Jiho wanted to make them aware that there were many prosecutors and investigators on their side as well.

“Executive Director. We don’t mind sitting on the floor.”

A seemingly young lawyer spoke up on Yujun’s behalf. In response, the defense attorneys started exchanging glances, engaging in a silent battle over who would stay behind.

How much must their legal fees be that these high-flying lawyers willingly took a back seat? Did they secure executive positions in Myungjin’s legal team? Or was it simply because they wanted to catch the eye of Myungjin’s successor?

Jiho couldn’t help but smirk at the sight he couldn’t approve of.

“Even if we sit on the floor, having more than two people is difficult for smooth proceedings.”

“Isn’t it too rigid?”

As if declaring that he wouldn’t engage in a struggle before it even began, Jiho drove the wedge. Upon his signal to the outside, Hojin suddenly raised his hand.

“How about I distribute the numbers? Do you want to take turns coming in?”

Why was it so challenging to agree on personnel before the formal investigation even began? There was no intention of conceding to fair rules. When Jiho gestured towards the door, Yujun nodded lightly.

“Jang, Ahn. Just the two of you stay, and the rest can wait.”

Finally, Yujun made a decision, and everyone except the chosen individuals left in a rush.

“Ugh, frustrating.”

The heat and sighs emitted by several people choked Jiho’s breath. Nevertheless, he did not loosen his tie despite the suffocation.

“Please take a seat.”

When Jiho pointed to a simple chair, Yujun’s forehead furrowed slightly. Perhaps he had lived his whole life with diamond-studded utensils, unable to sit in an ordinary chair?

But what could be done?

On the day when Yujun’s crimes were laid bare one by one, he would have to live in a place more uncomfortable than this. Jiho did not give Yujun a chance to catch his breath once he took his seat.

“On the right is Prosecutor Yeo Hojin, and on the left is Chief Kim Jungbeom.”

As Jiho introduced his side, Yujun’s neat defense attorneys handed over their pristine business cards.
“The schedule is tight, so we’ll proceed quickly.”

While Hojin guided the necessary documents for the witness investigation, Yujun’s gaze shifted to Ichae. His excessive interest and open observation of Jiho poured out like a dagger.

Whether staring or not, Jiho didn’t actively avoid it.

An unintentional eye duel. The end was signaled by a brief vibration. Jiho quickly took out his phone from within his jacket as it vibrated multiple times.

Eyes drowsy with sleep, a picture of Ichae next to a pink-cheeked finger heart. And her message was filled with affection.

Many expressions of love followed, along with various hearts. Jiho’s lips gently curved upwards in response to her overflowing love confession.

Right in front, Yujun, whose eyes were twinkling, probably couldn’t imagine, right? Who the woman he was obsessed with truly loved. Jiho was captivated by a strange sense of victory that he couldn’t express.

But the enjoyment ended here.

Jiho put his phone back deep into his jacket. Then, as if kissing her forehead, he pressed on his heart.

“First, I’ll ask about the fund manipulation at Myungjin Securities.”

Jiho, who had wiped away all traces of elevated emotions, spoke.

“The companies Myungjin invested in only exist on paper.”

He pushed a document forward.

How many people stayed up countless nights to piece together numerous pieces of evidence? Recalling the efforts of the past, Jiho tapped the documents briskly. It was as if he had sealed off any escape routes for Yujun.

“Several companies were officially closed down.”

“…….”

“A huge amount of losses were entirely deducted from the fund profits. Are you aware of this?”

At Yujun’s threatening gaze, Kim Yujun’s eyebrows twitched.

“In the end, it was used for creating off-the-books funds for Myungjin Group, wasn’t it?”

“Off-the-books funds?”