Hye Sung spoke with a scornful tone, “You really never change, you’ll live long.”

“You seem like the one who’s going to live a year longer than me.”

Ah, it was always like this. No matter how hard she tried to pin her down, Tae In always countered with composure. Hye Sung clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“Thanks for last time.”

But unexpectedly, Tae In expressed gratitude. Hye Sung forgot why she came here and stared at Tae In with wide eyes.

“You being grateful… that’s unexpected…”

Hye Sung was flustered. Wasn’t Tae In always arrogant? The fact that Tae In was openly expressing her thanks was surprising, even suspicious.

“The bag’s comfortable, isn’t it?”

Hye Sung kept her mouth shut. She appreciated the leather-like texture and gloss, and it was significantly lighter. Plus, being an upcycled product made it even more appealing.

But she couldn’t admit it openly, so she just looked out the window.

Tae In immediately understood what that meant.

“You like it, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“But why are you holding it so preciously? I’m not going to snatch it.”

“You’re really annoying.”

Hye Sung told Tae In how irritating she was, yet she didn’t put down the bag. Tae In smirked.

“Here’s a business proposal, read it and let me know.”

“Why should I?”

Hye Sung decided to play hardball.

“We need you. As you can see, we’re a small, insignificant company, but we can be of help to you. It’s not a losing deal for either of us.”

Tae In was consistently confident. Hye Sung wondered how she could be so self-assured. It almost felt like they could genuinely help each other.

“I’ll read it, but don’t get your hopes up.”

Hye Sung stood up to leave, devoid of any lingering attachment. Tae In didn’t seem to hold any either.

On the evening before leaving work, Nok Hyun called Min Gyu. Min Gyu, who had been demoted, was handling tasks assigned by Nok Hyun in addition to his company duties.

Min Gyu followed Nok Hyun’s orders without complaint, perhaps feeling guilty. He seemed to find his secret assignments somewhat fitting.

Min Gyu’s primary task was to monitor Yeong Gap. Nok Hyun had no intention of letting Yeong Gap live peacefully. He had threatened Tae In before and could do so again. Potential threats had to be eliminated beforehand. So, they decided to thoroughly investigate Yeong Gap.

Soon, Min Gyu answered the call.

[Dash] Yes, Mr. President.

“Any progress?”

[Dash] Do you know S Hospital in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do?

That hospital was where Tae In had been confined. It was also where her aunt had been hospitalized for a long time.

Nok Hyun clenched his fist as he remembered Tae In being trapped there.

“I know it, why?”

[Dash] It seems like Jo Yeong Gap visits there regularly, about once every two weeks.

What business did Jo Yeong Gap have at S Hospital?

“What’s his purpose?”

[Dash] I’m curious too, but there are too many people shadowing him. If I approach recklessly, I might arouse suspicion.

“Bribe the medical staff.”

[Dash] That might be difficult since Taekang has been a long-term sponsor there.

Nok Hyun stood up, setting aside his paperwork.

“Pathetic, can’t even handle such a simple task.”

Min Gyu on the other end bit his lip in silence. Nok Hyun knew him well. Unlike Director Yoon or Woo Je Ha, Min Gyu wasn’t motivated by money. He had high pride in his work, and mentioning that aspect could prod him to achieve results beyond his capabilities.

[Dash] Wait, I’ll find out today.

Sounding like his pride was hurt, Min Gyu hung up. Nok Hyun chuckled to himself.

Soon, the door opened with a knock. Only a few could enter the President’s office without going through the secretary.

Director Yoon entered with a polite greeting and sat down on the sofa without being asked. He had helped Nok Hyun in dethroning Yu Ran.

Although he seemed a bit unhinged and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, he was a valuable ally. Had he been on the opposite side, he would have been the first to be eliminated.

“What brings you here, Director Yoon?”

“I need your help for something.”

Nok Hyun had devised a new plan to bury Yeong Gap.

“If you keep dragging me into these dirty tasks…”

Before Director Yoon could finish his complaint, Nok Hyun handed him a file.
Director Yoon’s eyes widened as he skimmed through the documents with half-open eyes.

“The building you’ve been eyeing turns out to be in my name.”

“Are you planning to sell it to me?”

“I’ll just give it to you.”

“I’ll commit myself wholeheartedly to it.”

Director Yoon quickly adapted his stance. Normally, Nok Hyun would have dismissed the value of Yoon’s life, but he remained silent this time.

Yoon realized this wasn’t going to be an easy task. After all, the building would be worth ten times more after redevelopment, and Nok Hyun was well aware of its value.

“Will you do it?”

“My life is now in your hands, Mr. President.”

Nok Hyun smiled contentedly, as if he had anticipated Yoon’s dedication.