The day after meeting Tae In, Nok Hyun drove to Gapyeong.

‘Please look after Stella for a while. Stella is at Ye Seul Chicken.’

Does Stella matter more than me?

Upon quickly arriving at Ye Seul Chicken, the only thing welcoming Nok Hyun was the words ‘Closed today’ written rudely on a sign.

Just as he was about to call Tae In for the house address, he heard a cheerful voice from behind.

“Huh? Where’s Tae Sik’s sister?”
It was a kid he had met before. The kid who got along pretty well with Tae In was with Stella. It was a relief.

“She’s in Seoul. She won’t be back for a while.”
The kid looked disappointed. Nok Hyun handed over the gifts that Tae In had asked him to give in advance.

One was a hot pack for Ye Seul who had a bad wrist, and the other was a 1000piece puzzle with a robot that Jeong Do wanted.

“What’s this?”
“It’s a gift from Tae Yi, I mean Tae Sik’s sister.”
“I enjoy playing with my sister more than getting gifts.”
“There’s a phone number on the back, try contacting it. But how old are you?”
“I’m seven. Why?”
“Just asking.”
Seeing the kid reminded Nok Hyun of Do Hyun.

Do Hyun was the same age. They even looked somewhat similar.

Especially those big, bright eyes.

Maybe that’s why a memory he had forgotten resurfaced.

It was on the way to watch a movie. The movie featured a robot from a 1000piece puzzle.

Nok Hyun was busy studying, and his younger brother was annoying. His brother explaining about the robots all the way there was quite bothersome.

‘Bro, they are brother robots who save each other when they’re in danger. If you’re in danger, I’ll save you too.’

Why didn’t he even respond to that?

If he had known that was the last thing he would say, he would have answered.

He would have smiled joyously.

Or he should have denied that a younger brother could protect his older brother.

He should have lied and said that he would protect him.

Nok Hyun regretted every day after that.

Not even five minutes after he had said that, an accident happened, and Do Hyun kept his word.

He, who was so much younger, who was so much more innocent, said he would protect his older brother and embraced him, and then Do Hyun grew cold.

“When will sister come back?”
At the kid’s question, Nok Hyun shook off his deep thoughts and took Stella.

“When you complete that puzzle.”
“……I have to finish it quickly then.”
Nok Hyun moved to his car holding Stella. Stella struggled to escape as he tried to put her in the cage.

“Stay calm, we’re going to your owner.”
As if understanding his words, Stella obediently went into the cage.

Even after Nok Hyun got into the driver’s seat, the kid was still standing in the same spot.

Seven years old is a difficult age for parting.

Nok Hyun rolled down the car window and spoke to the kid.

“Show it to me too, once you complete it.”
The kid nodded his head vigorously.

Se Ji woke up early in the morning to look for Jung Gyu.

Jung Gyu was leisurely drinking tea in the garden.

He seemed in a very good mood. Enough to irritate.

Se Ji, concealing her irritation, sat opposite Jung Gyu.

“Did you sleep well, father?”
“What brings you here so early in the morning?”
Jung Gyu was not tender, but according to Se Ji’s standards, he was the perfect father.

Much better than her biological father, who was only affectionate but had no capability.

“What will you do about Tae In?”
“Executive Director Kang suggests a merger and acquisition, and on very favorable terms for us.”
Se Ji instantly understood Jung Gyu’s words.

It meant not to touch Tae In until the merger and acquisition was over.

But suddenly, a merger and acquisition?

Se Ji knew very well how much time and money goes into a merger and acquisition.

Money wouldn’t be a problem considering it would be provided by Kang Nok Hyun, but time was the issue.

Se Ji was out of time.

If Tae In recovered her memory, it wouldn’t end with Se Ji just giving up her place.

Tae In wouldn’t just get even. She would cruelly pay back with interest, multiple times over.

But why on earth was her unimpressive husband becoming a representative and providing a solid backing?

This was a game destined to lose.

“If Tae In recovers her memory, she might deny everything. We need to act before that.”
Becoming anxious, Se Ji unusually blurted out something careless.

It was something a cheap villain would say.

“You seem quite anxious.”
Jung Gyu laughed heartily.

It was the reaction she expected, but it made her feel worse than she thought.

Having no choice, Se Ji handed him the paternity test.

Upon seeing it, Jung Gyu’s face froze in an instant.

“Tae In isn’t your biological daughter.”
The gentle expression on Jung Gyu’s face was overwhelmed by anger.

“No matter what anyone says, Tae In is my daughter! Stop this nonsense and focus on your work!”
Se Ji turned around with clenched teeth.

Jung Gyu had turned his attitude around.

Was it because of the merger and acquisition, or the paternity test?

Seeing his reaction, it was clear that Jung Gyu already knew.

Se Ji went to the annexe where Young Gap was staying.