The favorable impression she had of the honest woman gradually disappeared. Why would a young lady who grew up in a prestigious household, had a good education, and was better off than an orphan like me, grovel like a commoner?

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll decline.”

“Oh, why? Is the money too little?”

“Whether I leave or not is a matter between me and the CEO; it has nothing to do with Ms. Woo Yejin.”

Eunseo cut in.

“So, I’ll leave when I want to leave.”

Yejin looked at Eunseo with unexpected eyes. It was a look that seemed to say she was more capable than she looked.

“If you have nothing else to say, I’ll take my leave.”

Instead of turning around and leaving after a few steps, Eunseo suddenly felt a thump in her chest. Wait. Since a while ago, something has been bothering me…

Approaching the table where Yejin was, Eunseo asked, “But how did you know I live at the CEO’s house?”

“That person’s stepmother called and told me, didn’t she?”

Yejin replied.
“Why is she receiving so much criticism?” I wondered, but after experiencing it, I understand now. Ah, so that’s why they keep emphasizing second, second. It seems like they were quite uneasy about the former wife’s child marrying into a decent family. She mentioned that her son is cohabiting with a female employee from his company, expressing her concerns to me, probably advising me to think twice about marriage, saying that she would show evidence if I wanted.

Even now, thinking about it, Yejin burst into laughter as if finding it absurd.

“As soon as she finished talking, she immediately asked about our second son instead of the eldest. I thought the woman was insane.”

Separated from Yejin and on the way back to the company, Eunseo chuckled.

“Heh.”

So this is how the chairman’s stepmother warmly welcomed me, covering me like that.

How delighted and beautiful I must have appeared when I suddenly appeared after they were so nervous about the ugly stepchild marrying the heir of Taesung Group. I could understand why she even attempted to remove her ring. She probably wanted to strip me of everything, even my dignity, sincerely.

[I’ll consider myself a sinner to Seungju for my entire life. So, no matter what happens, I’ll stand on Seungju’s side.]

Jiyeonhwa firmly held Eunseo’s hand and said.

[If our chairman opposes it, I’ll take care of everything, so don’t worry, Eunseo.]

Even though she knew she shouldn’t trust someone who seems good on the surface, a subject to be cautious about, Eunseo subtly didn’t dislike the idea of having someone on her side.

It wasn’t even about getting married to Kwon Seungju yet, let alone being in a relationship. Still, honestly, it felt reassuring. At least there wouldn’t be slapping incidents and tea being spilled like in dramas.

Such thoughts made Eunseo hate herself. It was embarrassing to think that she considered Yejin a materialistic person. The real materialistic person was right here.

Eunseo pondered. What if she closed her eyes and decided to stay by Kwon Seungju’s side?

Even though it was before regaining her memories, Seungju had said that.

[I don’t need to be the heir; it’s okay. I just need you, noona.]

It seemed like he would say the same thing now. Eunseo had stopped differentiating between the Seungju from before and the current Kwon Seungju. The stepmother would naturally want her as a daughter-in-law, so she would decisively support her.

Then, she could truly become the daughter-in-law of the Taesung Group chairman.

The problem was that Eunseo knew too much about him for that to happen.

[Do you know what Seungju’s life goal is?]

It was something she heard directly from his sister.

[Even if he dies, he wants to protect his position as the heir and eventually inherit the group. After all, Daewon Group is originally his deceased mother’s property. He doesn’t want it to be taken away by a child from his father’s mistress, that’s why.]

Now, seeing Jiyeonhwa welcoming her with open arms, Eunseo was certain. She was a presence that would harm Kwon Seungju.

“It worked out well. Let’s settle it now before it gets deeper.”
Yejin might have been right. Before it gets deeper… I don’t even know if that’s the right answer.

Eunseo took a deep breath and quickened her steps toward the company.

Fortunately, the two of them were not in any relationship yet.

Not yet.

Returning to the office, Eunseo tried to shake off her troubled mind and focused on work. As it was the end of the year, there were more tasks to handle than usual.

However, not even thirty minutes into her work, she received a message to come up to the CEO’s office.

“Please come in.”

Guided by Secretary Choi, Eunseo, upon entering the CEO’s office, was taken aback. The expression on Kwon Seungju’s face, who was sitting on the sofa, seemed somehow daunting. On the opposite side, there was Yejin, whom she had met earlier.

“Now that everyone is here, let’s start the three-way meeting.”

Looking at Eunseo entering, Kwon Seungju, as if waiting, asked Yejin.

“Did I hold hands with her? Or perhaps kissed her? What evidence do you have to think I would marry her?”