Chapter 116
“Is today the day of the meeting with the JC Convention Center team?”
“Yes, Chief. We’re scheduled to visit the art museum at 2 PM.”
“Please send me the list of artworks by email. Oh, including the C sector works as well. After reviewing past records, I noticed they seem to prefer that area.”
“You’ve already analyzed that much?”
Hyun-ju’s eyes widened significantly.
“You could have just instructed me…”
“Just something I noticed while preparing.”
“We’re grateful, but please take care of your health. You seem to have lost more weight recently.”
Ga-eun smiled softly.
“I will.”
Both Ga-eun and Hyun-ju knew this was nothing more than a perfunctory response.
‘I definitely need to keep a close eye on the Chief.’
***
Just as Hyun-ju had anticipated.
After concluding the meeting with the JC Convention Center team, Ga-eun, who had maintained a composed and skillful demeanor with a constant smile throughout the meeting, collapsed the moment she turned away after seeing the team off.
“Chief!”
Hyun-ju shouted sharply, rushing toward Ga-eun. Several executives who had attended the meeting quickly gathered around.
As she called out and shook Ga-eun’s body, her eyelids struggled to open after a moment.
“Are you okay, Chief?”
“Yes… I’m fine… Just felt a little dizzy…”
Supported as she rose, Ga-eun forcibly lifted her trembling corners of her mouth.
“I’m sorry, but I’ll just rest a bit. I think I’ll be fine. If you could just help me to the director’s office, I’d be grateful.”
With her pale face trying to appear okay, Ga-eun was met with sympathetic expressions from Hyun-ju and the other employees.
“Chief, your complexion is terrible. Let me take you home.”
“No. I don’t want to make this a big issue. Si-heon will… worry.”
Detecting the tension and fear underlying Ga-eun’s words, Hyun-ju nodded with a resolute expression.
“Understood. Then I’ll escort you to the director’s office. Please lean on me.”
Supported by Hyun-ju and another employee, Ga-eun returned to the director’s office. As she reclined on the sofa with closed eyes, Hyun-ju entered with a steaming cup of tea.
“Chief, it might be difficult, but please try this herbal tea.”
“Oh… thank you.”
“It seems you’ve skipped lunch. I prepared tea so that medication wouldn’t enter an empty stomach and cause further discomfort.”
Touched by Hyun-ju’s thoughtfulness, Ga-eun smiled gratefully.
“Chief,” Hyun-ju said after a moment of hesitation, “I was sent by Executive Kwon Si-heon.”
Ga-eun, mid-reach for the teacup, stopped and looked at Hyun-ju.
“While assisting you, I’m also reporting to the executive. You’re likely already aware.”
“…Yes.”
“So I understand why you might not rely on me. But when things get too difficult, please tell me. Even matters the executive might not wish to know about.”
Ga-eun stared quietly, causing Hyun-ju to look slightly embarrassed.
“I understand if you don’t trust me. But working under you, I’ve genuinely wanted to support and assist you. Because you acknowledge us not as mere parts, but as colleagues.”
A hot surge welled up inside Ga-eun.
She had never heard such words before. Especially not from another woman.
Her life had been marked by endless loneliness, constantly misunderstood because of Gye So-yeon’s machinations, unable to make a single friend.
No matter how sincerely she approached others, they ultimately never trusted her and always left.
She had long ago resigned herself to a life of solitude, believing she was destined to be alone forever.
“If you’re in pain, please tell me. If the workload becomes too heavy, I’m here to help distribute it. If you have instructions, please feel free to call me. That’s why I’m here.”
Ga-eun, who had been quietly observing Hyun-ju, finally spoke.
“Then please keep this from Si-heon. Just for today.”
“Are you sure you’ll be okay? You collapsed earlier.”
Ga-eun shook her head.
“I don’t want him to worry.”
It was half and half.
A resignation that he would likely not listen to her words.
Yet, despite everything, a small, fragile hope.
“…Understood. Don’t worry about the employees’ discretion.”
Ga-eun slowly smiled.
Hyun-ju’s eyes widened.
It was her first time seeing Ga-eun’s genuine smile.
***
Hyun-ju kept her promise to Ga-eun.
Not a word was leaked about her stumble.
Si-heon learned of the incident by chance, through a JC Convention Center representative during a business meeting.
“Mr. Kwon, it’s an honor to meet you. We’re grateful for the opportunity to borrow several pieces from the Hwanhee Museum’s collection for our upcoming exhibition.”
The executive bowed somewhat exaggeratedly and smiled—typical of those seeking to establish connections.
Just as Si-heon was about to excuse himself, the representative added.
“By the way, is the chief executive doing better now?”
Si-heon’s brow furrowed instantly, and he sat back down.
“What do you mean?”
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