The Grand Temptation (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 7

“You’re leaving work late today, aren’t you?”

Instead of answering, Yuli silently stared at the large hand covering her own. Though he’d meant to help, she was undeniably flustered.

“Why did you come here at this hour?”

She hadn’t intended to sound sharp—but the unfamiliar sensation of his hand enveloping hers made her tone brusque. She couldn’t understand why she kept stumbling like this whenever she was around him.

Fortunately, Jae Ho didn’t seem offended. He released her hand and leisurely glanced at his wristwatch.

“Precisely 8:27.”

She hadn’t even asked what time it was, yet he’d checked the time first. Just as he opened his mouth to say something more…

*Riiing—* Her phone rang out loud. It must be a call from Hyun Kyung. As she reached into her bag to pull out her phone, she noticed Jae Ho pressing the answer button.

“Oh, Senior. I’ve just arrived at the office.”

[Already? Oh dear, I feel so bad about this!]

Manager Kim’s hearty voice boomed through the phone.

[My second kid suddenly spiked a fever, so we’re on our way to the ER. I’ll have to postpone meeting you at the office today.]

Though he wasn’t on speakerphone, Manager Kim’s voice was so loud that Yuli could clearly hear everything. Realizing her mistake, Yuli gently bit her lower lip. Their eyes met.

“That’s fine. Let’s meet tomorrow instead.”

[Thanks.]

Jae Ho ended the call, looking at Yuli as if to say, “Do you get it now?”

“I suppose that answers my question…”

“Seems so.”

Yuli calmly said as she placed her finger on the pad for fingerprint recognition. With a cheerful *click*, the office door locked. She bowed slightly to him and walked toward the elevator.

“Aren’t you going to answer my question?”

He called out from behind, following her.

Confused by what he meant, Yuli slowed her steps.

“I clearly…”

When Jae Ho paused mid-sentence, Yuli found herself turning around as if under a spell.

“…asked, ‘You’re leaving work late today, aren’t you?’”

Seeing her puzzled expression, Jae Ho leaned slightly toward her, lowering his eyes to meet hers.

Her heart suddenly dropped, and her vision went white. Startled, she stepped back—but the narrow hallway forced her against the wall immediately. Jae Ho leaned casually against the wall, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Yuli.

“I was just asking whether you usually leave work this late. Your senior told me you generally clock out on time.”

“It’s only late today.”

They stood so close that the slightest movement would make their bodies touch, yet Yuli didn’t budge. She’d already shown she wanted to retreat—so she didn’t want to run anymore. Still, it wasn’t easy to meet Jae Ho’s steady gaze without flinching. Her cheeks kept flushing hot, forcing her to avert her eyes downward.

“I do usually leave on time. I took a day off yesterday, so my work piled up.”

“Isn’t it dangerous to stay behind alone to work?”

He asked in a gentle, almost whispering tone—sounding genuinely concerned for her. Hiding the flutter in her chest, Yuli replied bluntly.

“What’s dangerous about it?”

At that, Jae Ho slowly looked around. In their search for low rent, Bauhaus had settled in a shabby five-story building slightly removed from the bustling district.

“It seems anyone can enter the building freely. It’s supposedly an architectural firm, yet the doors don’t even lock properly… Hmm, maybe we should relocate the office first.”

It sounded less like a question and more like muttering to himself. He was already talking as if it were his own company. When their eyes met—Yuli’s filled with confusion—Jae Ho raised an eyebrow and asked,

“You haven’t eaten yet, have you? If you’re free, care to join me for dinner?”

“I already have plans…”

Just as Yuli began refusing, *Ding!* The elevator doors opened. At the same moment, Hyun Kyung burst out with a bright smile.

“Yuli!”

Before Yuli could even react, Hyun Kyung threw her arms wide and pulled her into a tight hug. Then, like she was comforting a child, she patted Yuli’s back with a babyish voice.

“My sweetie, you must be starving! This older sister will treat you to something delicious.”

“Cut it out.”

When Yuli pushed herself out of the embrace, Hyun Kyung looked bewildered—until she spotted Jae Ho standing behind them and tilted her head curiously.

“Someone new? I know everyone who works here…”

At that, Jae Ho stepped forward from the dim hallway into the bright light.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kwon Je Ho.”

Kwon Je Ho? Wait—wasn’t he Yuli’s first love?

Hyun Kyung’s eyes widened so much they nearly popped out. Stunned speechless, she just stood there with her mouth agape. Yuli quickly linked arms with Hyun Kyung.

“Let’s go.”

Rather than awkwardly wait for the elevator, she planned to take the stairs. But before she could move, Hyun Kyung created a headache. She subtly shook off Yuli’s arm and asked Jae Ho,

“Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet.”

“Then why don’t you join us for dinner?”

At Hyun Kyung’s suggestion, Yuli nearly leapt out of her seat. She locked eyes with Hyun Kyung, sending a clear “don’t you dare” look. Hyun Kyung just grinned mischievously and turned back to Jae Ho.

“You like paella, right? Let’s go together.”

Hey, that’s not what I meant!

Yuli shot Hyun Kyung a sharp glare, frustrated by her friend’s contrary behavior. Honestly, if she could, she’d slap her right now.

*Diing—*

Their ordered food had arrived, yet Hyun Kyung—who’d said she’d be right back after a call—still hadn’t returned. Just as Yuli was about to check what was going on, a text popped up.

What?

For a moment, Yuli doubted her own eyes.

Has she lost her mind?

She texted back immediately, but Hyun Kyung didn’t even open it. When Yuli tried calling, the phone went straight to voicemail after one ring—likely because Hyun Kyung had turned it off.

“Your sangria is ready.”

Just as she was about to leave another message, their ordered wine cocktail arrived. As the server placed the decanter on the table, Yuli decided against messaging and instead hung up, filling her empty glass to the brim. Her insides were burning—she needed a drink first.

Downing the glass in one go, Yuli gathered her scattered thoughts and focused her gaze. Though startled by the sudden turn of events, she reassured herself it would be fine.

Right—what’s the big deal about sharing a meal alone?

Besides, he had helped her before. She’d probably owe him a meal anyway, as a matter of basic courtesy.

“Hyun Kyung had something come up, so she had to leave first.”

When Yuli explained the situation, Jae Ho nodded lightly, his expression showing he didn’t mind at all.

*Tring—*

Just then, her phone rang on the table. Assuming it was Hyun Kyung, Yuli pressed answer without checking the caller.

“Yeah.”

[It’s noisy around you. Are you not home?]

But instead of Hyun Kyung’s voice, Min Woo’s voice came through.

“…Oh, Min Woo.”

Though she’d done nothing wrong, she suddenly tensed up. Gripping her phone tightly, she furrowed her brow.

“I’m having dinner at a restaurant.”

She spoke calmly as usual, though her voice trembled faintly. Fortunately, Min Woo didn’t seem to notice the subtle shake.

[It’s this late, and you’re just eating dinner now?]

“I stayed late at the office. Took a day off yesterday, so my work piled up.”

[Are you with Hyun Kyung?]

“Ah, Hyun Kyung had something come up, so she left early…”

She was about to say she was with Jae Ho when Min Woo cut her off mid-sentence.

[Where are you? Send me the address. I’ll come over right now.]

“You’re coming here now?”

Her voice louder than she intended, Yuli blurted out. Jae Ho, who had been silently staring at the decanter, glanced up and met her eyes. For a split second, their gazes collided in midair.

Her chest prickled with guilt—as if she’d been caught doing something wrong.

But there was absolutely no reason for this feeling. Why was this happening?

Unlike her, Jae Ho merely smiled calmly and held out his hand as if asking for her phone. Wordlessly, Yuli handed it over.

“Can you make it here within 30 minutes?”

Startled by Jae Ho’s sudden voice, a few seconds of silence passed.

[…Hyung?]

After a pause, Min Woo asked incredulously.

“If you arrive in 30 minutes, we won’t be here anymore—so hurry.”

Having said only what needed saying, Jae Ho ended the call. Yuli quickly took back her phone and texted Min Woo the restaurant address.

It was a 20-minute drive from KG Group’s headquarters to the restaurant, but factoring in parking time, 30 minutes would be tight. Surely, he didn’t literally mean they’d leave exactly after 30 minutes?

“He might not make it within 30 minutes.”

“I know.”

“Then why…?”

“Not my problem.”

Jae Ho twisted his lips into a faint smirk as he replied. His response felt a bit rude…

Judging by his behavior at yesterday’s dinner, clear hostility existed between Jae Ho and Min Woo. Yet, she couldn’t quite pinpoint the exact nature of that tension.

“Eat before it gets cold.”

Jae Ho scooped some paella onto a plate and placed it in front of Yuli. But in this atmosphere, she doubted she could swallow a single bite. Being alone with him for dinner was already stressful, and knowing Min Woo was on his way only made her more uneasy.

Yuli barely touched her food, instead sipping her wine glass intermittently. The decanter was nearly empty now.

Though sangria had a relatively low alcohol content, drinking it on an empty stomach had already made her tipsy. Feeling heat rise through her body, she took off her jacket and hung it over the back of her chair.

Jae Ho, who had been watching silently, let out a faint smile and leaned toward her. Lowering his voice, he whispered,

“Oh—I just remembered something.”

Though his words seemed innocent, Yuli instinctively tensed—because his eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked at her.

“What did you do with the clothes I lent you that day?”

The clothes he’d lent her—was he referring to the jacket?

“Well…”

Just as she was about to answer, Min Woo’s agitated voice suddenly rang out from behind.

“What was that? Clothes you lent her?”

When Yuli turned around, Min Woo stood there, panting and flushed from running.

“You got here earlier than expected. Sit down.”

Instead of replying, Jae Ho checked his wristwatch and nodded toward the seat opposite him.

“What did you just say?” Min Woo demanded again as he sat down. Yuli looked at Jae Ho with an expression of distress—saying “my clothes got wet and became see-through” felt oddly suggestive. Yet the person who’d dropped that bomb acted as if he couldn’t care less, staring only at the decanter.

Jae Ho must have clearly seen Min Woo approaching… His question about “the clothes I lent her” was clearly meant to provoke him.

“I sent the jacket to the dry cleaner. I’ll return it to you as soon as I pick it up.”

Yuli first answered Jae Ho’s question, then quickly explained yesterday’s incident to Min Woo.

“Yesterday, at the mall, I nearly got hurt—but thanks to him, I was fine… The clothes were borrowed then.”

“Oh, that’s all?”

Only then did Min Woo relax his expression, chuckling softly as if embarrassed by his own assumptions.

“So you got hurt helping Yuli? That’s surprising, Hyung.”

“What’s so surprising?”

Jae Ho tilted his head and asked.

“Were you just going to stand there and watch Yuli get hurt?”

His voice was gentle, but his eyes held a sharp edge as they fixed on Min Woo.

“What? Yuli?”

Min Woo frowned, clearly annoyed by the familiar way Jae Ho used her name. But Jae Ho just stared straight back at him, saying nothing.

Tense silence hung between them for a moment…

“So? Are you upset?”

Finally, Jae Ho tossed out the question—directed at Min Woo, yet his gaze was fixed on Yuli beside him. It felt as if he were asking her instead, and Yuli’s expression instantly hardened.

“Since we’re not married yet, should I start calling you ‘sister-in-law’?”

Keeping his eyes locked on Yuli, Jae Ho lifted one corner of his mouth into a smirk.