A few days before the VAN Group’s shareholders’ meeting.

[Breaking news. Amid the ongoing public spat between Chairman Ban Ho-Jun and Mrs. Jung Hyo-Eon over a so-called “rice bowl fight,” a victim from an incident 12 years ago has emerged, shocking the public. The victim is Ms. Yoon, who was known as Chairman Ban’s mistress twelve years ago. Ms. Yoon has expressed her intention to sue Chairman Ban for marriage fraud.]

As time passed, the situation turned increasingly unfavorable for Jae-Hyuk.

Until someone appeared, it had become almost a foregone conclusion that Chairman Ban’s dismissal would be decided at the shareholders’ meeting.

A few days later.

A woman approached Jae-Hyuk as he moved about.

“It’s been a while, although it feels a bit awkward to say that.”

“How did Mrs. Lewis end up here?”

Rachel Lewis, who should be in the United States, stood in front of Jae-Hyuk with her fists clenched.

“The plane was delayed, so I couldn’t keep our appointment. I was worried about what to do, but luckily, we met like this.”

Rachel took a step closer to Jae-Hyuk and spoke.

“Did you come to meet me?”

“Yes. I came to meet Vice Chairman Ban.”

Regardless of the flight delay, prearranged appointments were essential in business.

Jae-Hyuk thought so.

The last call from Eun-Ah ended without any substance.

[“Is Arin doing well?”]

Without discussing company matters or saying anything else, Eun-Ah only asked about Arin’s well-being. Her voice that day when asking about Arin’s well-being sounded strange.

Just a few days after that, Eun-Ah appeared suddenly in front of Jae-Hyuk.

Jae-Hyuk was bewildered.

Even though this wasn’t even Korean soil but the United States, and she suddenly came from there.

Despite thinking that way, Jae-Hyuk met Eun-Ah’s gaze with an uncertain look.

In response to Jae-Hyuk’s reaction, Eun-Ah chuckled.

“If it’s inconvenient, I apologize. I committed a discourtesy because the matter was urgent.”

“…”

“How much time can you spare for me?”

“I have about thirty minutes.”

He found himself using a stern tone.

“That’s enough.”

Eun-Ah approached him closely, speaking in a very low voice that only he could hear.

“Don’t regret it. Relax your expression. Once you hear what I have to say, you won’t have any other thoughts.”

Eun-Ah crossed her legs and gracefully lifted the coffee cup. Jae-Hyuk carefully examined her appearance sitting in front of him.

‘Why did she come here? Moreover, why is she asking about Arin’s well-being? Could there be a real relationship between Arin and her?’

The more he looked, the more the impure thought that Eun-Ah and Arin looked like mother and daughter couldn’t be erased.

Although he thought it was absurd, the thought persisted without his knowledge.

“Vice Chairman Ban Jae-Hyuk?”

Taking a sip of coffee, Eun-Ah put down the teacup. As she looked at him, and their eyes met, she smiled sweetly.

“Shall we make a deal?”

“A deal?”
“Sure. I’ll be straightforward. I’ll stand on the Vice Chairman’s side at the shareholders’ meeting.”

At Eun-Ah’s words, Jae-Hyuk’s gaze, which had been silent, shook slightly.

“Don’t misunderstand me, and please listen. The situation is quite dangerous now, isn’t it? They will do whatever it takes to push Vice Chairman Ban out. You know there’s no chance of winning in the current situation, right?”

Jae-Hyuk remained silent in the face of the undeniable statement.

In terms of percentage, it was a mere 1%, but it was 1% of the total market value of VAN Group, which was ranked first in the Korean business world.

It was a considerable astronomical amount.

Instead of answering, he nodded in agreement.

“It’s good that you’re honest.”

Eun-Ah took a document from her bag and pushed it in front of Jae-Hyuk.

“I will transfer all the VAN shares I own to the vice chairman.”

Jae-Hyuk’s face was filled with bewilderment. She gestured for him to pick up the document, and he, as if mesmerized, picked up the document she offered.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he read the contents.

“What on earth…?”

“The names are different, but it’s a list of people who can transfer all their shares to Vice Chairman Ban.”

“Are these people all your associates, Rachel?”

Instead of answering Jae-Hyuk, Eun-Ah nodded.

“How is this possible…?”

Jae-Hyuk was at a loss for words.

According to Eun-Ah’s words, the shares she was transferring amounted to nearly 2.3%.

If he had these, it wouldn’t just be a winning chance at the shareholders’ meeting; it could tip the balance in their favor unless an unforeseen event occurred.

However, he found it challenging to readily accept this proposal.

People who suddenly show favor are usually up to no good.

Certainly, there was a clear intention.

Moreover, his gaze lingered on one point without moving.

Among the list were people who recently owned VAN Group stocks, and among them, the person who caught his attention was Yu Ha, a figure who had recently become a major shareholder through a massive purchase by the group.

Eun-Ah noticed that Jae-Hyuk’s gaze was fixed on the name ‘Yu Ha.’

“Yu Ha is my person.”