“Chae Rin……”

Chae Rin, whose name was called, flinched. The soft voice and stubborn eyes carried an unspoken message, and she knew her father very well. It meant not to say anything more now that the situation had changed.

Her father’s long-standing promise to make Shin Seung Ho his son-in-law and Chae Rin’s husband had vanished without a trace.

Chairman Park, who was quick to calculate, was clearly weighing the balance between Myung Ho and Seung Ho, who had offered him a deal.

‘This is interesting.’

Seung Ho observed the unfolding situation with a relaxed face. If things flowed as he desired without the need for him to intervene, he could pleasantly watch such events unfold.

“Dad!”

Chae Rin’s lips trembled as she called out to Chairman Park. She had grown up as a precious only daughter and a spoiled child. She stared at her father with all her might after realizing his intention, but what she received in return was an unfamiliar rejection she had never experienced before.

‘Dad, do you not understand what this means?’

Chae Rin, who had observed and learned about her father’s business since childhood and had even majored in business administration, felt suffocated by the unfolding situation.

She didn’t know what flattery Shin Myung Ho, the black sheep of the Shin Yang Group, had used to entice her father, but he was definitely not fit to be the next CEO.

She had a gut feeling. If she didn’t catch Shin Seung Ho now, he would be someone she could never catch…

Su Rin, who had been rapidly alternating her gaze between Chairman Park, Chae Rin, and Myung Ho, made up her mind. It didn’t matter if things didn’t go according to plan.

Whether she became the elder daughter-in-law or the younger daughter-in-law, it didn’t matter. The important thing was for Rivernik and Shin Yang to be tied together.

Su Rin smiled, trying hard to lower the corners of her eyes that wouldn’t move due to Botox.

“Well, what does it matter? The important thing is that Chae Rin becomes a part of our Shin Yang.”

“That’s right. And it seems like Myung Ho, who resembles Chairman Shin a lot, would be a good match for our Chae Rin.”

Chairman Park, who seemed to have no regard for Chae Rin’s crumpled face, changed his stance as easily as flipping his palm and added while glancing at Seung Ho.

“After all, an innate cold nature cannot be changed.”

Chairman Park raised his champagne glass high, concealing his greedy intentions and smiling benevolently, just like Su Rin.

Seung Ho, who drank the champagne along with their toast, had a smirk on his lips. It was just as Min Woo had said.

Myung Ho had proposed some kind of deal to Chairman Park, and he had accepted the proposal at this very moment, putting Chae Rin at stake. Seung Ho quietly raised his glass towards Chae Rin, who was protesting to Chairman Park with a tearful face.

‘As his precious daughter, you must become a tremendous weapon. You absolutely have to.’

Ji Hyun’s eyes narrowed as she checked the text message. No matter how many times she read it, it was a clear message telling her to leave work.

‘He wants me to go home like this?’

For Ji Hyun, who had been called to the party and was even working night shifts, going home was definitely a welcome thing. Unfortunately, she was not in a situation where she could enjoy leaving work right now.

Outside, it was a dark night with a biting cold wind and even snow flurries, and she was only wearing a dress without a coat.

The stylish designer dress made of smooth fabric was perfect for the party, but if she went outside wearing it, she would draw attention as a strange woman with flowers in her hair.

Moreover, she had no idea how far the subway station leading to her home was from here.

‘Does he want me to go out like this and freeze to death?’

When she came to the party, she had ridden in the car with Seung Ho, so she hadn’t thought to bring her personal belongings. Her belongings and clothes were all in the apartment used as an office.

If only she had known, she would have brought her clothes.

Ji Hyun, who found herself in an absurd situation, let out a hollow laugh. The emotional feeling she had felt just a moment ago had quickly disappeared. Seung Ho’s words telling her to go home whether she froze to death or not reaffirmed what he had said to Ha Jun in the rooftop garden.

“I don’t like you.”

Ji Hyun stared at the innocent phone screen for a long time and let out a deep sigh.

‘Even if he doesn’t like me, I wish he would at least care about the welfare of the employees he hires.’

“Ji Hyun, is something wrong?”

When she was pondering how to get home, Ha Jun approached her. A glimmer of hope arose in Ji Hyun’s heart, and she opened her mouth. She thought he might help her if she asked.

“Ha Jun, by any chance, when are you going home……”

“Kim Ha Jun!”

At that moment, a cheerful voice called out to him. Ji Hyun’s eyes widened when she saw the owner of the voice.

‘It’s the woman Ha Jun had rejected.’

Hae Min, wearing a red dress that emphasized her slender figure, walked towards Ha Jun with clicking heels.

The woman, who wore a dress with a boldly exposed back, had long hair swept to the side, and large, sparkling earrings, stood out anywhere. Ji Hyun had felt it when she secretly observed her with Mi Ri, but she had a truly dazzling aura.

As if she didn’t care about others’ gazes, Hae Min casually placed her hand on Ha Jun’s shoulder, expressing her delight.

“We meet here too? I thought it wasn’t you! No wonder I felt like coming to the party today.”

Unlike Hae Min, who was happy to see him, Ha Jun frowned openly and spoke in a low voice.

“Take your hand off.”

“That’s disappointing. I was so happy to see a classmate, but……”

As Hae Min lowered her hand sullenly, her eyes immediately turned to Ji Hyun.

“Is she your girlfriend?”

Caught off guard by the question that came without any greeting, Ji Hyun shook her head in embarrassment. Only then did Hae Min show a relieved expression and continued with a bright smile.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I was too rude, wasn’t I? My name is Shin Hae Min. I attend the same law school as Ha Jun. What’s your name?”

“I’m Choi Ji Hyun.”

Upon hearing Ji Hyun’s answer, Hae Min muttered, “Ah, Ji Hyun,” with a small smile that seemed refreshing.

“I thought you were his girlfriend. It seemed like Ha Jun was taking good care of you……”

“Are you perhaps my stalker? I absolutely hate being watched creepily.”

When those somewhat rough words came out of his mouth, Ji Hyun was inwardly surprised. The Ha Jun she knew always used polite and gentle words. The way Ha Jun was treating Hae Min right now was endlessly unfamiliar to Ji Hyun.

“Ah, if you put it that way, the stalker wouldn’t be me, but my father.”

Hae Min, as if she was used to his blunt attitude, didn’t even bat an eye and suddenly linked arms with Ha Jun.

“I told him that a classmate from the same law school was coming, but he doesn’t believe me. Even now, he doubts whether I’m really attending law school. Ha Jun, can you go and greet my father?”

Ha Jun’s eyes looking down at their linked arms turned fierce.

“Why should I?”

She smiled awkwardly and brushed her long hair.

“It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but after I lied to him a few times, he doesn’t really believe what I say now. You can just check with the school, right?”

“He could inquire with the school if he wants to know.”

“How could my father do that and risk losing face? Just one greeting will do. Please?”

“Let’s discuss this after you let go.”

Ha Jun tried to roughly pull his arm away, but Hae Min didn’t let go easily. She turned to Ji Hyun with a desperate face, seeking agreement.

“Ji Hyun, I’m sorry, but can I borrow Ha Jun for a bit? That’s okay, right?”

Ji Hyun nodded with a smile.

“Of course. Certainly.”

“Thank you. Ji Hyun.”

“Ji Hyun……”

As she gestured for him to go ahead, Ha Jun’s stiff face clouded. Being led by Hae Min’s hand, Ha Jun instructed Ji Hyun.

“Stay here. I’ll be right back. Understand?”

“Okay. Don’t worry.”

Ji Hyun waved her hand as if to reassure him. Despite her glamorous and aloof appearance, Hae Min seemed to be an easygoing and nice person.

Ji Hyun thought they looked quite good together and immediately walked away. Although Ha Jun had told her to stay, Ji Hyun knew well that she had to leave this place. She had enough sense to know that even if she didn’t have money for the fare right now.

This party was not suitable for her. Taking a deep breath, Ji Hyun headed towards the entrance of the party hall.

‘Anyway, there will be a way once I get out.’

If worse came to worst, she could take a taxi home and get the money from her place. If that didn’t work, she could call Hyun Sook and explain the situation……

“Oh my! Ji Hyun, I finally found you!”

Ji Hyun’s thoughts, as she was earnestly pondering how to get home, were abruptly cut off. The driver who drove Seung Ho’s car ran to her with a face that looked like he was about to cry at any moment.

“What’s the matter, Mr. Driver?”

“The young master drank so much that he became incoherent, and I was worried about how to take him home.”

“What? Really?”

Ji Hyun was startled. It was unbelievable that Shin Seung Ho, who seemed like he wouldn’t get drunk even if he drank a drum of alcohol, was incoherent.

“I’m so glad you’re still here, Ji Hyun. I was worried about what I would do if you had already gone home……”

It was a completely incomprehensible statement.

‘Seung Ho is drunk, so why do I need to be here?’

“Why would you need me?”

“The young master is in the car, so let’s talk on the way.”

The driver gestured for her to hurry out and led her outside the hotel. On a dark night when no stars were visible, the wind blowing was so fierce and cold that Ji Hyun shivered slightly.

In this state, it would be difficult not only to take the subway but even to walk on the street. Meeting the driver was a great fortune for Ji Hyun as well. As he opened the back door of the luxury foreign car, Ji Hyun, who was shivering with her body curled up, quickly got in.

Along with the warm air, the strong smell of alcohol hit her nose, causing her to frown and then widen her eyes. Beside her, Seung Ho was passed out, drunk.

‘Is he really drunk and passed out?’

The driver quickly got into the driver’s seat and started the engine. He seemed relieved to have Ji Hyun in the car.

“Not just anyone can enter Young Master Seung Ho’s apartment. He fell asleep as soon as he got in the car, and I couldn’t do anything. It was really difficult.”

‘I think it has become more difficult for me, Mr. Driver.’

The temperature of Seung Ho, who was reeking of alcohol, could be felt right next to her. Although it was a spacious back seat, Ji Hyun, who was pressed into the corner to avoid him, quickly found the inside of the car uncomfortable.

The words asking to be dropped off at a nearby subway station were about to come out of her throat, but seeing the driver who had worked hard and was even sweating, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

‘Oh, what should I do?’

“Phew……”

That’s when it happened. Seung Ho, who had been passed out, took a deep breath and sat up.