Chapter 48: Escapes and Unsettling Suspicions

Lingering by the door, tempted to eavesdrop, I was interrupted by Father storming back, scolding me for dawdling. With a sour expression, I followed him.

“What’s his deal showing up out of nowhere?”

“He’s struggling with his business, probably needs money.”

Father’s tone was cold, a stark contrast to his earlier warmth toward Noh Jae Sik. That enthusiasm was all an act, likely guilt over past events. I glanced at him.

“Are you going to help?”

“Don’t waste money on nonsense.”

What a heartless guy. He’d mentioned Noh saved his life, yet his over-the-top greeting was just for show. Staring at him, I said casually.

“Give me his card. I’ll toss it.”

My voice trembled, and I cleared my throat. Father stared, then handed me the card from his pocket. For once, Choi Young Gil’s rotten character was useful.

The Haewon Gallery exhibition drew a crowd, likely due to the event’s prestige or the artist’s name. Most seemed like acquaintances of the artist—how else would so many willingly view such bizarre works?

The walls displayed oversized paintings inspired by nature, smeared with layers of paint, unrecognizable. Sculptures were just twisted wires shaped into giant trees. Captions claimed an eco-friendly message against environmental destruction, but I couldn’t see it.

Standing behind Father and Mother, I watched them warmly greet an elderly man, Chairman Joo. Father’s selective charm was something else—almost a different person. His demeanor screamed that this man was vital to our business. It reminded me of Choi Seung Hee, all smiles with colleagues but stone-faced with me at Haewon Trading.

Unlike Father’s smooth chatter, Mother looked pale since Noh Jae Sik’s appearance. I didn’t know what they discussed after I left the office, but she followed us out in under five minutes. Likely, they talked about meeting again. My eyes darted around for Noh Jae Sik. I wasn’t here to fake awe at wire trees.

The elderly man, mid-conversation with Father, suddenly turned to me.

“Seung Hyun, you’ve gotten more handsome.”

Startled but composed, I smiled.

“Thank you, Chairman. You look sharper too.”

He chuckled.

“Learned to flatter, huh? Company life tough?”

Those who knew I worked as a regular employee at Haewon E&M whispered I was set to grow the entertainment arm. Grandfather, Choi Man Sik, gave vague responses, fueling speculation. I smiled lightly.

“I’ve never been good at lying, then or now.”

“Alright, kid.”

He laughed heartily, eyeing the massive bouquet I held.

“For Ria? Sorry, she’s late—accident on the road.”

Perfect—Ju Ria, the artist, hadn’t arrived. Father wanted me here to show off our “friendship” to impress Chairman Joo, but the mood was already cordial without her.

“No worries, I’ll give it to her later. This is for your recovery, Chairman. Stay healthy.”

Remembering Father’s mention of Joo’s hospital discharge, I offered the bouquet. His secretary stepped forward to take it. The chairman grinned.

“You know how to separate business and personal. But isn’t ‘Artist’ a bit cold for an old schoolmate?”

Calling her “Artist” scored points, though I only did it because I didn’t know her usual title. He piled on compliments.

“Entertainment’s big now—movies, dramas. Unlike my day, we’re exporting content globally. You’ve got an eye for it. Your dad must be proud, right?”

He glanced at Father and Mother. Mother, less anxious, gave a faint smile. Father, unusually, looked at me with surprise—not bad—and replied.

“Of course. Seung Hyun’s my pride.”

Yeah, right. I bit my lip to stifle a scoff. The tedious talk dragged on, worsened by the curator’s explanations. I was bored out of my mind.

My thoughts fixated on Noh Jae Sik, but he was nowhere in sight. He’d really left. Exhaustion hit, and I just wanted home. I texted Do Yoon an SOS, and five minutes later, he called. I turned, speaking loudly.

“Yes, Team Leader. The production meeting’s today? But I’m… Everyone else is out? Got it, I’ll be there.”

Father shot me a side-eye.

“What’s up?”

“Work issue.”

“For something trivial? Want me to call?”

I was floored. No one at work knew my identity—call who? Before I could wave him off, Chairman Joo intervened.

“Let him work hard. Even on weekends, so diligent. Go on. Ria’s delay’s on me.”

With his blessing, no one could stop me. I bowed deeply.

“Sorry, Chairman. I’ll head out.”

“Go.”

Alone, I bolted from the gallery without looking back, finally breathing easier.

“Seung Hyun-ssi, done with the meeting? Everything set?”

Do Yoon cackled like a kid as I played along. He was having a blast. After laughing, he asked.

“What was really going on? First time you’ve asked for a bailout.”

“I was just a prop for some old folks’ networking.”

“Is it okay to ditch? Wasn’t it important?”

“Who cares? Let them handle it.”

Sighing, I sank into the sofa. Changing into comfy clothes felt like salvation. The event was awkward, but Noh Jae Sik weighed heavier on my mind.

I’d circled the area after Do Yoon’s call, pretending to leave, but found no trace of him.

Why did Noh Jae Sik reappear after seventeen years? His face darkened when I didn’t recognize him. Unmarried, maybe he missed family in his old age. But if he wanted to see me, waiting outside my office should’ve been enough. I vividly recalled Mother’s pale face when he entered the office—an unagreed-upon visit.

This is 100% blackmail.

No matter how I sliced it, Noh Jae Sik was likely threatening Mother: “Pay me, or I’ll tell Father the truth.” But the novel never mentioned such a dramatic event.

I glanced at Do Yoon, smiling brightly beside me.

If Father or Grandfather learned first, Do Yoon couldn’t have used that truth to ruin Choi Seung Hyun.