“Don’t you know this organization? They’d slowly push you out, then discipline, and if you still persisted, they’d prosecute with aggravated charges. Even if you hung on, the outcome would’ve been the same.”
“Ah…”
Line felt suffocated, holding back tears that threatened to spill.
“Then what? There’s no way out? Even if I’m right and they’re wrong?!”
Her emotions erupted into desperation.
Ju Hyuk found solace in seeing Line release her anger.
“You know there’s only one way: to gain greater power. But do you really want to fight that battle?”
That fight, she wanted it. She desired that power. Line, as if resolved, picked up her phone.
However, she saw a message from him already there. His consideration for her pride nearly melted her weakened heart.
Ju Hyuk watched her fumble with the phone, puzzled by her unusual behavior.
“Jin Line.”
“Yes?”
Startled by his call, Line turned her gaze to him and set her phone down.
That night, Song Kang was anxious but didn’t receive a reply. As soon as he arrived at work, he called attorney Cha Hae In to his office.
Hae In was also curious about the aftermath of Song Kang’s meeting with Jin Line.
Despite both being formidable individuals, it seemed the contract revision went smoother than expected, considering the overnight effort.
“Director, were you alright yesterday?”
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?”
Song Kang answered calmly.
Just then, his phone vibrated. Hoping for a reply from Line, he checked it. However, contrary to his expectations, it was work-related, so he postponed replying and sighed deeply.
Hae In tensed at his sigh.
“Oh, sorry. I just sighed without thinking.”
Song Kang gave the contract with Line a final review. Despite thorough consideration, something didn’t feel right.
“Attorney Cha, forcing Jin Line with money doesn’t seem feasible, what do you think?”
Hae In nodded in agreement.
“Forcing her in any way doesn’t seem possible, but if there’s a just cause, it might change. She’s someone who’d risk her life for what she believes is right.”
Song Kang shared the sentiment. The most compelling offer for Line was the restoration of her honor as a prosecutor and reinstatement.
“Attorney Cha, can you defend Jin Line?”
Hae In looked visibly shocked.
“As a Taesung Legal Office attorney, taking cases outside company affairs is…”
“Are you citing regulations to me? Who revises those every year?”
It was Song Kang.
Hae In awkwardly averted her gaze, realizing her excuse was weak.
“I’ll handle any repercussions due to regulations. But I won’t force you to represent Jin Line; I’m merely asking. Of course, it won’t be for free. You’ll be duly compensated.”
Song Kang wanted a quick response, but Hae In hesitated, uncertain.
“Director…”
“Speak freely.”
Hae In struggled to find words.
“Would Jin Line accept my defense? She has a stronger legal rationale.”
“How could she go to court alone, without an attorney? Don’t worry about that. She won’t go looking for a lawyer with her pride.”
Despite Song Kang’s reassurance, Hae In was worried about facing a client far superior to her.
“Jin Line is exceptional, but I trust the ability of the attorney I choose.”
Encouraged by his trust, Hae In felt compelled.
“Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll defend her.”
Another layer of trust was built.
Song Kang hoped Line would recognize his efforts. But the key was to make her willing to pick up the spoon, so he remained cautious.
Then his phone buzzed. Without much hope, he checked it and saw a reply from Line. His eyes brightened.
[Text] Yes.The answer he hoped for, but it felt anticlimactic after such a long wait.
“Ah, Attorney Cha Hae In. Is it possible to add a clause about communication in the contract?”
“Do you mean regarding delayed responses?”
After beginning to communicate with Line, Song Kang realized he had become too attached to his phone and thought this was not acceptable.
“No, my thinking was too short-sighted. Prosecutor Jin Line would never sign such a contract. Verbal agreements are also contracts, so I’ll try to find a compromise through communication regarding contacts and responses.”
He was just baffled, as no one had ever made him so anxious for a reply.
“But really… are you planning to bring Prosecutor Jin Line into Taesung?”
That was a matter to be left to Prosecutor Jin Line’s decision.
“If she feels it’s necessary, then we should do so.”
“Won’t the legal department head not stay quiet about this?”
To Hae In’s concern, Song Kang laughed.
“Shouldn’t he be grateful that I’m even staying quiet for now?”
His voice, contrary to his laughter, carried a sense of authority. He had been patient, thinking he could devour the legal department head ten times over, just waiting for the right moment.
Hae In felt much from his tone. Despite wanting to avoid it, she had to watch the downfall of those who had stabbed Song Kang in the back.
And though he could have wielded his power over others, his character always valued trust, making her admire him all the more.
After sending Hae In away, Song Kang went through the contract one last time. He had never paid so much attention to any contract before.
It was a crucial agreement that would save them both in this crisis of their lives.
The Villainous Demon Lord Laid an Egg for Her (Female-Dominated)
Several months after transmigrating into a book, Yu Wu found herself facing the demon lord Li You, who could no longer conceal his dragon horns. With one hand on her aching waist and the other gripping a sharp sword, she stared at him.
The demon lord’s eyes were red with fury:
“This is all your doing! Today, I won’t rest until I kill you!”
Yu Wu rubbed her temples. Putting aside the taboo against bloodshed during pregnancy, wasn’t it this very man who willingly walked into her trap that day?!
Warnings:
- Male pregnancy.
- Height ratios are set to mirror typical male-female height proportions.
- Characters include a foot-loving demon lord and an eldest daughter from an immortal family’s concubine lineage.
