While preparing the meeting documents, Chairman Song Myung Hwan of D-One Group carelessly burned them with his cigarette. Suddenly, he picked up an ashtray and flung it. The clattering sound reverberated through the conference room, plunging it into silence.

Even the sound of the ashtray hitting the wall and falling failed to break the quiet.

Choi Min Cheol, the executive next to whom the ashtray narrowly passed, adjusted his glasses and bowed his head, his face pale with shock.

Numerous eyes witnessed the scene, but no one dared to object to the chairman’s unjust action. The chairman took the trouble to meet each employee’s gaze through his glasses, but no one dared to meet his eyes squarely.

Leaning on the table, the chairman spoke.

“Executive Choi, what exactly is your role?”

“…….”

“I put you in charge of the new business division for a reason, Choi! To innovate, not to do the same old things!”

In the IT industry, finding truly innovative technology seemed impossible. Executive Choi swallowed the words he couldn’t dare utter.

“Is this trivial stuff what we gathered all these people to hear?”

Snorting in disdain, Chairman Song abruptly stood up. Like a wave, everyone in the front row quickly stood up in panic. The chairman scornfully glanced at their stiff faces before turning and walking away. Secretary-General Kim Jin Ho hurried ahead, opening the door of the conference room.

Even though Chairman Song had been vigorously promoting a smoke-free environment, he couldn’t resist smoking during the stifling meeting. It was proof that his health concerns were secondary to his work.

Kwang Il, walking a step ahead of the chairman, glanced back. Secretary-General Kim was trying to soothe the still-agitated chairman.

“We need results, not just words! All flash and no substance.”

“It seems it will take more time to implement the new project in the actual product.”

“If we worked like that in my time, it would’ve led to a string of bankruptcies!”

These were the words of a man who climbed up from the field, built a company through coincidental opportunities, and engaged in various unethical practices. Kwang Il secretly scoffed at this.

The chairman gestured to Kwang Il.

“I’m heading to Heukseok-dong today, so you can leave now.”

Kwang Il’s expression subtly changed at the mention of Heukseok-dong. Secretary-General Kim also indicated that he could leave, so Kwang Il reluctantly headed to the parking lot, feeling uneasy.

Heukseok-dong was where Park Moo Sung, the former co-representative of D-One Group, resided. He was a close friend of the chairman but had been bedridden with ALS for the past five years. Rumors circulated that Chairman Song might have plotted for sole control of the group, but these were dismissed as the illness was confirmed.

The chairman arranged for Park Moo Sung’s residence in Heukseok-dong and has been treating him with great care ever since.

Could that be genuine gratitude? It was Kang Hye Ran, Eun Chae’s mother, who had helped Chairman Song the most, especially during his time as a simple construction site worker. She invested significant funds several times, saving the company from bankruptcy. Yet, after her death, he coldly disposed of her belongings and continued to exploit her wealth.

Would the deceased woman have closed her eyes in betrayal?
Looking back, Song Eun Chae seemed quite pitiable.

Did he develop a fondness for her? It’s dangerous.

Seated in the driver’s seat of the car, Kwang Il grimaced, engulfed in unease. The company car provided by D-One Group, laden with its shady dealings, lacked a black box. The cramped space inside the car became the only place where he could drop his guard.

How ironic that he found comfort in the confined car. Having spent years undercover, Kwang Il mused about his current state of belonging nowhere.

Tiredly glancing at his wristwatch, he then plugged in wireless earphones. Immediately, a familiar voice came through.

[Dash] You’re slacking off. Why is there so much blank space in the report?

Kwang Il, as if about to spit out curses, coolly replied.

“We’re in the final stages. There’s nothing more to add.”

[Dash] Don’t get careless. Stay sharp.

He had spent years waiting for the perfect timing, and if he messed up now, it would be a matter of theoretical discussion for those sitting idly above. Kwang Il yearned to say this, but his interlocutor, unaware of his thoughts, softened their tone.

[Dash] How about Eun Ho?

Kwang Il pressed the accelerator and steered the wheel.

“Who was it that said we needn’t worry about him?”

[Dash] Are you being sarcastic?

“Of course not. He’s performing as expected. Too well, actually.”

[Dash] Keep a close eye on Chairman Song.

“Since his return from Jeju, he’s softened up. Taking more personal time. Just now, he brushed me off, saying he’s going to Heukseok-dong.”

[Dash] Alright, keep up the good work. We’re almost there.

Kwang Il scoffed at that remark.

“Keep rolling around like a dog until it’s over. Sure, sure.”

[Dash] Change that attitude when you return.