“This is an important presentation that concerns the honor of our Do Won Group, and you’re late. Han Bo Mi really lacks awareness as the person in charge.”

Ga Young showed her displeasure while looking at her watch.

“She’ll be here soon.”

Su Young recalled receiving a call from Bo Mi.

“How can she come soon?”

Not knowing where Han Bo Mi was trapped.

The corners of Ga Young’s mouth turned up crookedly.

“If the presentation fails, will Narae Creative take responsibility? We should wait.”

Ga Young took out a mirror, touched up her makeup, and stood up.

It was just a matter of taking out the prepared script and reading it. It was a script written for money based on the content of the materials Bo Mi had created. It was her turn to be in the spotlight.

“We have no choice. I’ll have to substitute today. I am the project manager after all.”

As Ga Young was about to go up on stage, Su Young grabbed her arm as if snatching it.

“Team leader. If Han Bo Mi is late, I’ll give the presentation instead, so don’t worry.”

“No… Why should Director Ha Su Young do it?”

Ga Young questioned, watching Su Young pick up the laptop.

She naturally thought that if Bo Mi didn’t come, she, as the team leader, would take charge of the presentation.

To think that Ha Su Young, who had been a shadowy presence in everything, would step up.

“Why not? I was in charge of development and I know the technical aspects well, so it’s only natural for someone who can provide references to do it.”

Other employees nodded in agreement.

“Don’t I look suitable for the presentation visually?”

“Team Leader Yeon Ga Young. Does this presentation look like a children’s recital to you?”

Su Young narrowed his eyes and made a fierce expression. They said she was sitting here now because she was Hwang Min Jun’s niece, but she seemed to have no interest in anything other than showing herself off.

“What did you say?”

“Many people’s interest in the Paradisus project will change with this one presentation.”

“So why should Director Ha Su Young go out for such an important occasion? With broadcasters and many reporters coming, does it make sense for Narae Creative, not the Hwang Do Resort team, to monopolize all the glory?”

Su Young was so dumbfounded he couldn’t speak.

In all his life, he had never met someone so unreasonable and self-centered.

“Anyway, I’m the project team leader, so I’ll do it with my authority as the leader.”

Ga Young straightened her shoulders proudly and lifted her chin.

When Su Young didn’t respond, she thought he had agreed to her wishes and was feeling triumphant.

“Sorry I’m late.”

At that moment, Ga Young was startled by Bo Mi’s voice and looked at the booth entrance.

“No… How?”

She thought it would take longer… Even if someone had opened the door for her, with Su Young taking her bag, she would have no money, and with the car key drained of battery overnight, she didn’t think it would be easy to get here so quickly.

“I’m sorry. I forgot the document room door was broken and…”

Bo Mi nonchalantly fiddled with the laptop Su Young handed her.

“The car you provided had a drained battery, Team Leader Yeon Ga Young.”

“You’ve been through a lot. I thought Han Bo Mi was hiding because she was afraid of the presentation.”

Ga Young couldn’t take her eyes off the man with Bo Mi.

“But why is Secretary Kim here with you?”

The fact that Secretary Kim was here meant that Do Jae Kyung must be somewhere nearby, right? She looked around trying to find Jae Kyung.

“Don’t tell me Secretary Kim gave you a ride?”

“No, it was the Director.”

“That can’t be.”

Ga Young had been the first to sense the coldness between Jae Kyung and Bo Mi all along, so she was sure Jae Kyung had grown tired of Bo Mi.

“The Director rescued me when I was trapped in the document room.”

“Ha… So you’re saying you came with my fiancé?”

“If you put it that way, yes.”

Ga Young’s face contorted each time Bo Mi answered with an innocent expression.

“Han Bo Mi. Are you mocking me? What exactly is your relationship with Do Jae Kyung?”

“We’re just the Director of a collaborating company and a representative.”

Bo Mi hugged the laptop to her chest and smiled brightly.

“Since I’m late, I have less time to prepare for the presentation, so I’ll go to the main hall now to set up.”

“Wait! I’ll change the presenter…”

“Team Leader Yeon Ga Young. Just a moment.”

Secretary Kim interjected in front of Ga Young as she tried to stop Bo Mi.

“I have a message for Team Leader Yeon Ga Young.”

“From Director Do Jae Kyung?”

Ga Young approached Secretary Kim with a pleased expression.

“What could it be? Perhaps a dinner invitation?”

Secretary Kim frowned. The Director would have quite a headache if he married a woman like this. There were even rumors that her foreign degree was from a school where it was possible with donations…

There was even talk that her placement in the Paradisus project team was Hwang Min Jun’s attempt to sabotage Do Jae Kyung. Although it was a position strongly recommended by Acting Chairwoman Lee Hae Young.

‘It might be good for them to get closer while working, since they’re engaged.’

Hae Young had no intention of giving the chairman position to Do Won Il’s child while she was alive.

That’s why she pushed for a political marriage under the pretext of a truce to empower Min Jun.

It was clear that this marriage would clarify the hierarchy within the Do Won Group.

In many ways, Yeon Ga Young might be a useful long-term pawn.

“What did Jae Kyung oppa say?”

Secretary Kim mulled over the cruel words he was about to deliver as he looked at the expectant Ga Young.

Being a secretary might be accumulating bad karma.

“An employee from the Hwang Do Resort Operations team was caught on CCTV in front of the document room. The person who removed the stopper from the door of the document room Han Bo Mi entered.”

“That… What does that have to do with me!”

Ga Young pretended not to know. Anyway, since Kang Sun Young had done all the setup, if Sun Young just kept her mouth shut, there would be no repercussions for Ga Young.

“If it’s not related to you, then it’s not. However, the Director…”

Secretary Kim lowered his voice and looked around. Ga Young also leaned in close, waiting for the next words.

“He asked me to remind you that a great leader knows how to take responsibility for the foolish actions of their subordinates.”

“Ha. Are you telling me to take responsibility now? For something I didn’t do?”

“Also, he said that even the slightest mistake in this project should be borne entirely by the overall manager, Team Leader Yeon Ga Young.”

Ga Young’s face turned bright red.

“If you’re not prepared, don’t act.”

“… So I!”

Ga Young tried to defend herself as if feeling wronged, but Secretary Kim’s expression remained cold.

“No matter what you say, it doesn’t change the fact that Team Leader Yeon Ga Young is the project manager. With the message that he’s looking forward to the afternoon presentation, I’ll take my leave now. I have another schedule…”

Secretary Kim bowed politely to the enraged Ga Young and quickly exited.

Judging by Ga Young’s expression, she seemed like a volcano about to erupt. He didn’t want to witness a repeat of that viciousness that had unfolded from the secretariat’s office to the augmented reality team here as well.

“Aaargh!”

Ga Young screamed, kicking the prop box repeatedly.

Han Bo Mi, I really hate you! I wish you’d disappear forever!

She kept kicking the prop box as if it were Han Bo Mi.

The metaverse expo, which had garnered increased interest domestically as well, was crowded with companies and investors seeking new items and directions.

The highlight of this expo was the variety of experiences available across gaming, lifestyle, shopping, and entertainment.

The system of purchasing products using augmented reality and the ability to enjoy the Paradisus resort and outlet shopping mall existing within the metaverse space with a sense similar to reality generated a lot of buzz.

Collaboration with Gigatron robots was also being planned, attracting interest from family groups to younger generations.

The Nasan City Paradisus Resort and Outlet’s metaverse booth, which presented these business contents and technological prowess, received great acclaim and popularity.

“The outlet’s products are identical to the actual product composition… You’ll be able to comfort your tired body and mind anywhere, anytime, feeling like you’re enjoying a vacation at a Do Won Group resort.”

The presentation of the Paradisus project proceeded smoothly amidst much interest from people.

“… Paradisus is a resort where everyone becomes happy. Thank you. This concludes the presentation.”

Bo Mi skillfully wrapped up the presentation with closing remarks.

The audience, captivated by the presenter’s calm responses to difficult questions and deep knowledge, gave thunderous applause.

The Paradisus project, given its high level of interest, was fully booked both morning and afternoon.

Bo Mi and the Narae Creative employees could not hide their joy.

“Bo Mi! Good job.”

“Representative, you were really cool!”

“Senior Bo Mi. I thought I was going to die from nervousness… Later my chest felt so full… Sniff.”

Ji Hee seemed to have been more nervous than Bo Mi, her eyes welling up with tears. Collaboration with the Do Won Group was a great opportunity for Narae Creative, but it was not easy by any means.

Min Hyun’s betrayal was shocking, but there was also the tyranny from people like Yeon Ga Young and those from Do Won. The positive evaluation at the expo felt like a reward for persevering with pride in their work.

It was recognition of their technological prowess by the numerous people gathered at the expo.

If the Paradisus project succeeded, there was a high possibility that Narae Creative would receive investment even after the collaboration contract with the Do Won Group ended. All employees were full of expectations for this expo.

“Everyone worked hard. Let’s hang in there a bit longer until we finish the project.”

“Well… well. We’ll work hard starting tomorrow, but for today, let’s quickly clean up the expo booth and go for a drink.”

Su Young proposed a company dinner to the employees. It had been a long time since Narae Creative had a dinner among employees, so everyone was pleased.

Bo Mi smiled, seeming pleased at the bright expressions of the employees. Yet, she didn’t forget to scan the hall.

She clearly saw him earlier…

‘I’ll come see you later.’

With that one sentence from Jae Kyung, she couldn’t take her eyes off the audience even while giving the afternoon presentation.

She wanted to show a confident image, not the pathetic and weak Han Bo Mi who always made mistakes and felt intimidated in front of Jae Kyung.

The moment their eyes met from the platform, her heart swelled and her voice gained strength.

How do I look to him now?

Ah… This isn’t good. I think I like Do Jae Kyung too much now, even though I know I shouldn’t.

The emotions she had endured and held back so well were now confusing Bo Mi.

Jae Kyung would probably look at her with contempt instead of saying he likes her if he knew she was Han Ga Eul’s daughter. She had drawn such a firm line, telling herself not to get any closer to him…

She had lost her way, not knowing what to do.

“Bo Mi. We’re done cleaning up here.”

“Oh… I’m done too. I’ll just pack this up.”

Bo Mi busily moved her hands, cleaning up the booth.

“I’ll load these in the car and go secure a table first, so take your time coming.”

Su Young left the expo hall first with the employees. The booth, now all cleaned up and empty, somehow looked lonely.

“010-****-***7 Do Jae Kyung…”

Bo Mi, left alone, muttered as if doing homework.

“Diligent, aren’t you.”

A large hand cupped Bo Mi’s round back of the head.