The Chief Justice, who had recently received evidence of crimes related to Yoo Junghwa through the Estella Hotel legal office, was surprised by Chairman Tae’s unusual visit, but he was not unaware that something was coming.

“Ayako, have you come?”

The Chief Justice, who stood up from his sturdy swivel chair, approached Chairman Tae.

“I see more white hair on you since we last met.”

“To think Chairman Tae came all the way to this humble place himself! Is this for real?”

“Oh, you! Nowadays, the way the judges talk, imitating the kids! It’s quite fascinating to hear.”

As the Chief Justice led Chairman Tae to the sofa, making a joke, Chairman Tae, who lowered his body onto the black leather seat, chuckled and reciprocated the banter.

Although they had a strange relationship, the Chief Justice, who couldn’t ignore Chairman Tae’s hearty laughter, signaled someone through the intercom.
As of today, all four judges from the arrest warrant department have been dismissed. They were the judges who revoked Yoo Junghwa’s arrest warrant. Shortly afterward, the chief judge with the worst misconduct among them entered the chief justice’s office, bowing his head discreetly.

“You called?”

He greeted Chairman Tae and the Chief Justice, sitting on the sofa.

“Even garbage might be better than you.”

“…!”

As Chairman Tae did not hesitate to speak harshly with narrowed eyes, the chief judge, feeling ashamed, lowered his head even further. He was acknowledging himself as a lackey, having led the withdrawal of Yoo Junghwa’s detention warrant, swayed by material temptations.

“If you don’t want to get caught, use your head. Who do you think threw a bundle of money into your car so recklessly?”

“…!”

Upon Chairman Tae’s second direct hit, he couldn’t say anything.

Although Tae Seok-ho, the chairman, was the strongest among the strong in the business and political circles, betraying him risked the safety of even ignorant family members. It was a deal. Therefore, exercising sole discretion and acting alone was the best for him.

Chairman Tae, staring at the judge’s awkward expression, said irritably, squeezing his eyebrows.

“It seems like you hid the person I predicted with a non-disclosure agreement. It’s pathetic to see a legal professional who swears by the law, breaking it shamelessly and walking around with his head held high. Tsk, tsk…”

Although Chairman Tae only stuck out his tongue, the judge’s forehead hair fluttered as if it were a willow tree shaking in a strong wind.

Chairman Tae knew everything about everyone. Even if he claimed not to know, he was the kind of person who could find out anything he wanted within the bounds of the law. That was Chairman Tae Seok-ho.

In the same way, he had meticulously unraveled the twisted relationship between Tae Seo-jun and Yoo Junghwa and the monster that remained with only negative emotions due to that, harassing Eom So-yeon. Yet, the circumstances beneath the surface would only be revealed when the water was drained. That was why Chairman Tae continued to keep an eye on Yoo Junghwa, feeling a somewhat uncomfortable premonition.

“So, is it good?”

Chairman Tae, with a wrinkled brow, asked again.

“Yes…?”

“Were you that pleased to have had a meal with that monster? Although that’s not all.”

There was a discreet meeting last night, and Chairman Tae criticized the judge for the reception he received at that time. Without explicitly stating it, the judge, who clearly understood what was being talked about, prostrated himself, folding his body like a folder.

“I-I apologize. If you were to find out, Chairman Tae, I would never have accepted that request! Please don’t be angry….”

“Damn it! If it’s not something that involves me, is it okay to do such a thing?”

“N-No, I just…”

“That’s enough!”

Chairman Tae raised his palm forward. It meant there was no need to hear any more banal excuses.

“If the chief judge becomes a lawyer, he receives special treatment? You’re planning to defend that monster.”

“Yes? How do you even know that…?”
“Did you think I wouldn’t know? Like father, like daughter! They match each other so well!”

Chairman Tae took the opportunity to reveal that Eom So-yeon, who is about to become his daughter-in-law, was the victim of that fire. Hearing this, the judge’s face turned completely pale, as if he had become a corpse.

“Oh, yes, I—I’ll immediately withdraw from handling that case…”

“No, don’t do anything.”

“What?”

“If you get on the same boat, you should go down together. Watch how your entire code of conduct or tradition shatters into pieces. It will be quite impressive!”

“…!”

The judge tightly closed his eyes. This was not a warning; it was like a death sentence handed down to an absurd legal professional. Therefore, he couldn’t keep his eyes open, as the impending future was as clear as day.

“Good play. Taking away time from a busy person. I’ll leave now.”

Rising from his seat and standing at the door, Tae Seok-ho was meticulously carrying out the words he had spoken earlier, promising to destroy them himself.