“Did you have a meal today?”

“Yes, Chairman. I advised Mr. Isadan once again, but…”

When Team Leader Kim Seokcheol finished speaking, Chairman Seo Seongjae sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead with his hand.

“Ah, it’s all my fault. I should have hired that secretary back then.”

Regret and self-blame surfaced on Chairman Seo Seongjae’s face as he muttered.

After Lajin left, Jaehun appeared normal outwardly. He completed his workout in the early morning, went to work, checked the schedule, and efficiently managed his tasks, appearing flawless and thorough.

In meetings, he was more objective and sharp than anyone else. He didn’t overlook even the slightest error and scrutinized reports as if dissecting them, allowing no room for mistakes.

Not only did he work overtime as if it were a routine, but he also went down to the factory producing the products, personally inspecting the situation. He didn’t neglect external activities either, ensuring favorable contracts or modifying conditions with other companies during meetings.

However, his normal appearance only went so far.

Outside of business hours, he poured all his energy into finding Lajin. His intense, almost manic gaze, resembling madness, made even Chairman Seo Seongjae, known as the tiger of the business world, feel a chill.

The only hope was that there was no trace of him leaving the country. He was definitely in Korea, but…

Whether she soared into the sky or disappeared underground, no matter what means they used, they couldn’t find any trace of Lajin.

Even with the resources of Geonyeong Group, it was impossible without the help of a skilled professional.

“If I had known that Jaehun and the secretary were involved, I would have done whatever it took to keep them together. But I sent her away with my own hands…”

Thinking about his darkened grandson, his chest tightened. It was as if he had created such a thing with his own hands.

Jaehun didn’t speak outside of business hours. It seemed like he was conserving even the energy to talk, reserving it for finding Lajin.

His lack of sleep made the dark circles under his eyes persistent, and his nerves became much more sensitive than before. Ironically, Hee’s tears used to flow every other day due to Jaehun’s sharp criticism and pointed words.

Skipping meals was also common. He ate only the minimum to survive, occasionally replacing meals with protein shakes or supplements. Thanks to his innate strong physique and continuous exercise, it was just bearable. Otherwise, he might have collapsed several times by now.

Even at home, Jaehun didn’t rest. After receiving a report from the housekeeper, he said he would go straight to the study and focus on work.

Suddenly, he left the study and headed to the bedroom. When asked if he would have a meal, following him to ask, he said he was just staring endlessly at the teddy bear doll on the bed.

It was the only moment when Jaehun’s eyes lost their lively spark.

Only when he saw or thought of something related to Lajin.

And when it became unbearable, he said he would drown his longing in strong liquor. Thus, he spent the night and returned to work, continuing his forced march.

At this rate, it was uncertain when he would collapse.

The grandson was crumbling more and more each day.

“I think about it several times a day. If I could go back to that day, I would have done whatever it took to keep the secretary. Since I sent her away with my own hands…”

Whenever he saw his grandson, who had frozen cold, Chairman Seo Seongjae felt his heart burn with guilt.

At the same time, he clearly realized that, for Jaehun’s happiness, it wasn’t about forcibly connecting him with the daughter of a powerful family but connecting him with the person he chose and loved.

“Any news about the secretary?”

“… Nothing, sir.”

“It’s really strange. She’s definitely in Korea, but why can’t we find even a shadow? Someone is helping her for sure… Chairman Jeong Junkyu’s side is fine, right?”
“Yes, Chairman. Director Jung Junkyu has never left the company, and the operatives are the same. There seems to be nothing unusual about Mr. Jeong Sunwoo going back and forth between Seoul and Yonjun.”

Chairman Seo Seongjae was also busy searching for Lajin as much as Jaehun. The investigation around her revealed that the person with the most potential to help Lajin was Sunwoo, whom Lajin last met in Seoul.

Since her grandfather had served as the deputy director of the National Intelligence Service in the past, this side seemed the most likely, but no matter how much they investigated, there was no sign of contact with Lajin.

There was no reason for them to hide Lajin so securely even after opposing Geonyeong Group. It was just the constant feeling that they were doing something for Jaehun that kept bothering him.

“Well, that’s how it is…”

His heart felt hollow. At times like this, the food at “Sodamjeong” somewhat comforted him.