“If you don’t back off for sure, I won’t send you off nicely. Be ready for a criminal lawsuit with a complaint for obstruction of business and other charges against five top executives of R Motors.”

“What, what grounds for a lawsuit! There’s a line you don’t cross in this industry. What’s your reason for clinging so dirtily?”

Cha Han Bin, having provoked Jun Hwi too much, realized his mistake.

“There’s more than enough reason for a lawsuit.”

“Regardless of the reason, you’re going to send an executive from the same industry to criminal court? Is P Cars even okay with that? Are you sane?”

“You crossed the line first. And I plan to add another line to the complaint.”

About ‘R Motors attempting to steal evidence from the opposing party through their legal representative.’ Jun Hwi articulated each word, increasing the pressure on Cha Han Bin.

However, Cha Han Bin let out a bitter, hollow laugh.

“Really. Have you heard Deputy Kim Yeon Woo’s claims?”
Finally, Cha Han Bin found a point to counterattack. He arrogantly adjusted his position, lifting his chin haughtily.

“We were in a private meeting, and what I was going to retrieve was merely Deputy Kim’s personal documents, unrelated to this case.”

“Shortsighted as always. That’s why you’re failing.”

At Jun Hwi’s remark, Cha Han Bin’s forehead wrinkled momentarily.

“Do you really think what’s inside that USB is Deputy Kim’s personal documents?”

Cha Han Bin’s mind, usually adept at scheming, became entangled as he weighed the possibilities.

If the USB contained evidence of this case, rather than personal documents, the story would change. To manipulate the situation, he needed that evidence to claim that Yeon Woo willingly gave it to him to win his favor. That way, Jun Hwi might not have dared to charge him so boldly, fearing Yeon Woo would get hurt.

‘I threw it away right there, thinking it was useless because of that foolish girl’s babbling about apologies and last chances!’

If it went to trial, the prosecution would latch onto this point. It would suggest that Cha Han Bin didn’t take Yeon Woo’s voluntary offering but ‘came to steal’ the evidence, and upon finding it irrelevant, discarded it. He provided a perfect loophole to be exploited.

“Do you have any evidence that I tried to steal it? The CCTV footage only proves I entered the situation room!”

Cha Han Bin couldn’t back down and retaliated.

The more he spoke, the more he felt he was cornering himself, but he couldn’t stop. He refused to crumble in front of Jun Hwi’s composure.

“Still can’t admit you’re caught in your own trap? Thought you were quicker than this.”

“Yeon Woo forced the evidence on me to impress me! I refused it, angrily. That’s why I threw away the USB right there.”

“Sure. Insufficient evidence. No charges. Innocent, Cha Han Bin.”

“That’s…!”

“It’ll be about two years before the final judgment.”

Though he hated to admit it, Jun Hwi was right.

Whether it’s two years or however long, once branded as ‘the lawyer who tried to steal the opponent’s evidence’, what use is an innocent verdict afterward?

“Thanks to your short-sightedness, R Motors is now suspected of having clumsily attempted to steal our key evidence. You’ve conveniently left plenty of traces on CCTV and fingerprints.”

“That’s a fabrication! Do you have evidence that R Motors instructed me?”

“Fabrication? It’s a suspicion. Whether it’s true or not is for the investigative authorities to decide.”

Cha Han Bin’s future flashed before his eyes, alarming him.

Once R Motors learns of the charges, their response is predictable. They’d need a scapegoat to bear the disgrace on their behalf.

He’d be lucky if it just ended with him being cast aside.

But if they decided to counter-sue him to protect the corporation! He might end up taking the full brunt and plummeting into an abyss.
The sound of Cha Han Bin grinding his teeth reached Jun Hwi’s ears distinctly.

“Go ahead, try it! You think I’m the only one who will suffer?”

“…”

“The one who let me into the situation room that day was Kim Yeon Woo, regardless. It should be clearly visible on the CCTV. So, if it comes to that! Do you think Kim Yeon Woo will be safe?”

Finally, Cha Han Bin’s last card was revealed – targeting Kim Yeon Woo. It was a threat likely to work very well on Jun Hwi.

However, Jun Hwi’s confidence, more pronounced than ever, dominated the atmosphere.

“She’ll be safe. Because I’ll defend her.”

Jun Hwi unfolded his arms and leaned deeply towards Cha Han Bin. As his threatening gaze drew nearer, Cha Han Bin’s throat bobbed with a dry swallow.

“Do I look like I can’t protect my own person with my skills?”

Cha Han Bin was momentarily at a loss for words, dumbly receiving his cold smile.

“Criminal trials, litigation, criminal law. I’ve dealt with these areas exhaustively during my time as a prosecutor. In fact, I’ve been missing it, doing only corporate advising.”

If it indeed turned into a criminal case as per his plan, former prosecutor Jun Hwi would be at a significant advantage. There might still be people in the judiciary and prosecution sympathetic to him.

“So decide whether to quietly disappear on your own, or get dragged out noisily.”

“Ha. Haha!”

Cha Han Bin, who had been nervously running his hand through his hair, suddenly slammed the desk and stood up abruptly.

“Does the CEO know about your ridiculous plan? I wonder if they’ll just stand by and watch. Planning to stir trouble between clients because of a woman!”

“The CEO is neither on your side nor mine. They’re on the side of whoever pays.”

“Damn it.”

“One thing’s for sure, they won’t favor you first. If they want to show goodwill to R Motors, who’s throwing a fit, you’ll be the first they get rid of.”

With blazing eyes, Cha Han Bin finally lowered his head first after glaring at Jun Hwi.