“Then, considering the change in the responsible person, I will review all the tasks Attorney Im handles in the situation room from now on.”

“Kim Yeonwoo, you are.”

Interrupting with the words, Im Nayoon’s irritated laughter mixed with frustration created an unsettling atmosphere. The surroundings became silent, as if icy water had been poured over them.

“The qualities of a secretary are lacking. Is it okay for a secretary to take away the lawyer’s time like this?”

“I apologize.”

It was a lifeless apology. Im Nayoon, who nervously ran her fingers through her hair, disappeared into the office.

“Sigh. She could have just said ‘yes, yes’ without ruining the atmosphere like that. That’s why she hasn’t been promoted to manager.”

As Yeonwoo was about to return to his seat, Manager Kang raised a cup.

“······.”

It felt like a burning sword had been thrust into his back. His throat tightened. Yeonwoo walked calmly, pretending not to have heard, but inside, a sense of injustice and sadness were entwined and on the verge of exploding.

“Director, did you resolve it well?”

Suppressing the strained wrinkles around his eyes, Sujin asked as Yeonwoo returned to his seat.

“I don’t know. Let’s talk about it later. Just a moment.”

To calm the explosive emotions within him, a caffeine transfusion was urgently needed. Leaving the concerned Sujin behind, Yeonwoo rushed to the pantry.

Drrrr, the sound of the grinder crushing coffee beans was heard. Suddenly, the worst-case scenario came to mind.

‘No way. Nayoon won’t continue to intervene directly in secretarial tasks like this, will she?’

No, please. As he poured the coffee, he wished it were soju he was drinking now.

The special situation room was spinning.

Everyone was in a daze after the sudden bolt of lightning dropped through Junhwi’s lips a moment ago.

“A business trip? Is that possible? What about the situation room!”

Both lawyers were furious at the sudden news of Leader Junhwi’s business trip.

Unfortunately, it was the main client’s work that Junhwi was in charge of, so it was impossible to send someone else on the business trip.

“The president is really annoying. Entrusting the situation room and sending him on a business trip. Where are you going for a few days?”

“3 days. Shanghai.”

“At least it’s not too far. Is that a relief?”

“Since there’s almost no time difference, communication won’t be a problem.”

The two lawyers were nodding when Junhwi suddenly showed a strange expression.

“Wait a minute, Kwon Byun. You don’t think you can handle both local work and situation room tasks at the same time, do you?”

It was a brief moment, but Junhwi seemed to be stabbed in the heart.

“Really, it’s true. What a terrible workaholic.”

Having caught that, the two lawyers sighed in sympathy.

“Is that possible? Kwon Lawyer, you must take care of your health······. Should I get you some nutritional supplements?”

Kim Seung-ho added heartfelt concerns, but after receiving Junhwi’s chilly gaze, he bit his tongue.

“Then, for the time being, I will oversee the situation room. We have a lot of work to do with the Hong Kong investment bank.”

Unexpectedly, Im Nayoon took the lead. Junhwi immediately opposed.

“When I’m absent, Lawyer Yang Juyeon will lead.”
“Why is that? Am I not suitable as someone from Hong Kong?”

“It’s not just about investment banking issues; both criminal and civil matters are intricately entangled. Lawyers with extensive experience and knowledge of Korean law are suitable.”

The atmosphere became increasingly tense. Others held their breath, observing the confrontation between the two.

“Attorney Kwon, do you have personal feelings? You keep denying objectively.”

Im Nayoon expressed her dissatisfaction openly. However, Junhwi, sitting beside her, didn’t even glance her way.

“Im Lawyer, I’d like to know why you don’t follow the leader’s decision.”

A threatening gaze and indifference. A fierce silent battle ensued.

“Hey, you two. Calm down.”

An inexperienced lawyer intervened in the mediation.

“It’s meaningless for everyone to run together in practice, right? Let’s just communicate in real-time with Attorney Kwon and us whenever there’s an issue. It’s only for three days.”

Kim Seungho, eyebrows furrowed, cautiously expressed his opinion towards contemplative Junhwi.

“If it’s okay, I can summarize and email Attorney Kwon’s decisions whenever needed!”

“Oh. Kim Lawyer’s idea is good, isn’t it? What do you think, Kwon? Someone has to take charge sooner or later.”

As the two lawyers suggested, it was a pretty good idea. It was the most needed help while Junhwi was away on a business trip.

A guy who is good at his job and quick-witted.

Kim Seungho’s forced smile was annoying, but this time, he was useful. Some things have to be acknowledged.

“Okay, let’s go with that.”

Lately, Kim Seungho has been gradually taking on his share of the work, providing considerable assistance. If raised well, he might be on par with the ‘post-Kwon Junhwi.’