Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 106

“Should I contact Si-heon oppa as well?”

Ga-eun paused briefly before quietly responding, “No. I can handle that myself.”

Watching her slender retreating figure, Park Ju-yeon bit her elaborate nail-art decorated fingernails. She felt somehow defeated by Ga-eun’s indifference, even when her husband was mentioned.

‘Is it time to use the photos? Then that woman will surely be flustered.’

***

She had wanted to stay with the children until the scheduled time, but as the hours passed, her wrist became increasingly unbearable.

After obtaining Yang Ji-seon’s understanding, she headed to where her car was parked.

“Director Noh, I think I need to return to Seoul.”

Today, she hadn’t been brought to the orphanage by Myung Hyun-ju, but by Noh Man-su , Si-heon’s personal secretary.

Si-heon had sent him along when she left Seoul, likely to ensure more thorough surveillance in places beyond his direct view.

When Ga-eun explained the situation to the waiting Noh Man-su , his sharp eyes—visible through his sunglasses—immediately focused on her injured wrist.

“Did you hurt your wrist?”

“I accidentally fell.”

“I’ll take you to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment before we head back.”

Noh Man-su examined her wrist seriously, then bowed slightly and stepped away to make a phone call.

The recipient was obvious. So was Kwon Si-heon’s anticipated reaction to the report.

As she was about to get into the car, Yang Ji-seon and the orphanage director approached.

“What happened? Are you in a lot of pain? Oh my, I’m worried about you and your precious health.”

“I’m fine. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay until the end. I wanted to spend more time with the children.”

The orphanage director waved his hand. “No, no. Just spending time with the children today is an honor. It’s been so long since I’ve seen them smile like this.”

As the director looked embarrassed, Yang Ji-seon stepped forward.

“I’m truly sorry, Ga-eun. Would you be willing to take one child with you? The mother was supposed to come down, but something came up and she couldn’t make it.”

“This child usually meets her mother for a week once a month. She’s already made other arrangements… The child wants to see her mother, but I can’t send her alone, and I can’t leave my position either.”

Ga-eun glanced at Noh Man-su ‘s back as he made a phone call, then nodded.

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

“Oh, how perfect! Director, please bring her quickly.”

“Thank you. I’ll go get Banji right away.”

Banji was a six-year-old girl who was particularly fond of Ga-eun. When she heard she would be riding to Seoul with Ga-eun, she jumped with unbridled joy.

Meanwhile, Noh Man-su , having completed his report to Si-heon, returned to the car.

“Chief Secretary, about that child…”

“Her mother couldn’t come due to some circumstances. I thought it would be good if we could take her to Seoul Station together.”

Noh Man-su ‘s expression turned uncomfortable. Banji, sensing the tension, hugged Ga-eun’s arm tightly, looking anxious.

“Director Noh, isn’t it possible?”

“…The Executive Director will not be pleased.”

“Not pleased” was a mild euphemism. More accurately, he would be disgusted.

Noh Man-su recalled Si-heon’s past words, spoken with bloodshot eyes and clenched teeth:

“Never mention anything about children again. I will not tolerate anyone doing so.”

But he couldn’t say such things in front of a child. He knew all too well how frightening and unsettling the presence of adults who don’t welcome a child can be.

“I’m begging you,” Ga-eun said.

“P-please,” Banji stammered, clinging to Ga-eun and trembling slightly.

“…Very well,” Noh Man-su finally responded.

Ga-eun and Banji’s faces brightened.

Noh Man-su sighed inwardly. ‘What now? I can’t avoid reporting this. He’ll be furious. He’ll be angry. We’ll all be doomed.’

His plan: First, go to a nearby hospital. Provide emergency treatment for the executive’s wrist. Drop the child at Seoul Station. Then report afterward. If nothing happens until then, maybe he could gloss over the fact that a child was in the car—just say he was giving an orphanage staff member a ride.

Perhaps they could get through this unscathed.

But Noh Man-su ‘s hopes would soon be shattered by Si-heon’s unexpected actions.