Chapter 37: Between Loyalty and Desire

Yeah, well… wherever you go, that’s your choice.”

What company had Seunghyuk joined after the original story ended?

From what Hyunwoo had heard from his younger brother, he only knew a few spoilers — the romance lines between the main characters and some major incidents.

He’d never heard what happened to Seunghyuk after the ending.

Still, it was probably Munseong, wasn’t it?

Since the original Joo Hyunwoo had fallen into villainy and been written off, he couldn’t have inherited the company.

Maybe, after marrying Hyunjin, Seunghyuk became Munseong’s successor.

Thinking that made Hyunwoo’s feelings complicated.

If those two ended up together like in the original, then Seunghyuk might one day become his rival.

‘Hmm….’

He didn’t like that thought.

Maybe he should prepare in case Seunghyuk ever threatened his succession.

Hyunwoo fell into deep thought for a moment.

“Hyung?”

“Ah.”

He’d been daydreaming in front of the person himself.

Hyunwoo coughed awkwardly and turned his head.

“Anyway, from now on, don’t just do whatever Hyunjin asks, especially if it’s something ridiculous. Got it?”

“…Something ridiculous?”

“Yeah. No matter what, you should’ve stopped him this time.”

“……”

That should make Seunghyuk understand.

He was smart — he wouldn’t blindly help Hyunjin again without thinking.

Satisfied, Hyunwoo turned to leave the room.

He grabbed the doorknob—

Click.

“……!”

“I never thought what he asked me to do was ridiculous.”

“You…”

Seunghyuk’s hand grabbed Hyunwoo’s wrist, stopping him.

Hyunwoo turned in surprise at the soft but firm voice.

“Hyunjin did ask me for help, but helping him was my own decision.

Because the thought of you meeting another man made me feel like I was going insane.”

“What are you….”

“If it doesn’t matter who you marry — then why can’t it be me?”

“What?”

Hyunwoo’s eyes widened in shock.

Then his brows furrowed.

Dabin Song wasn’t just “anyone.”

He was an omega from a family Chairman Joo Munhyuk favored — someone suitable for a clean, businesslike marriage without messy emotions.

And Hyunwoo had already told Seunghyuk clearly.

He had no intention of marrying him.

He’d declared firmly that there were no feelings left.

Then why was Seunghyuk still so obsessed with that old proposal?

Hyunwoo gritted his teeth.

“Didn’t we already finish this conversation?”

“I didn’t.”

“You little—!”

There was no reasoning with him.

He’d seemed fine lately — even getting along with Hyunjin after the amusement park — but apparently he still hadn’t given up.

Hyunwoo’s voice rose without meaning to.

Knock knock.

“Um… Hyung, are you okay?”

“……!”

At the soft knock, Hyunjin’s cautious voice came through the door.

Only then did Hyunwoo realize how loud his voice had gotten.

He couldn’t have this conversation in front of Hyunjin.

He turned his head and spoke quietly.

“We’ll talk later.”

“……”

Growling under his breath, Hyunwoo forced his expression to calm.

He slapped Seunghyuk’s hand away, put on a faint smile, and opened the door.

“Hyung…”

“It’s fine, we weren’t talking about anything important.”

“……”

Hyunjin looked uneasy, glancing between them.

Hyunwoo patted his shoulder reassuringly and led him back to the living room.

“You must be hungry. Should we order something?”

“…Yeah.”

Hyunjin nodded, still wary, but followed.

Left alone, Seunghyuk clenched his fists tightly.

Just as Hyunwoo expected, Chairman Joo Munhyuk exploded in anger.

The moment Hyunwoo entered the office, a heavy ashtray came flying at him.

Crash!

The porcelain ashtray missed its mark and shattered against the wall.

Glancing briefly at the broken pieces, Hyunwoo turned back at the roar that followed.

“Do you even think at all? You can’t even handle one silly omega you’re seeing casually?”

“……”

The Chairman was furious — far more than usual.

Normally, he kept his composure for the sake of appearances, but not today.

No doubt Dabin Song had complained.

Chairman Song of Gaha adored his youngest son, and he certainly wouldn’t speak well of Hyunwoo now.

Business was built on trust.

Even if people were privately dirty, it could never become public.

Chairman Joo and Na-yeon both had their own secret lovers, but no one ever found out.

“So what now, huh? What are you going to do about this mess?”

“……”

At least the Chairman didn’t know that Hyunjin and Seunghyuk were the ones who ruined the date.

If he ever found out about Hyunjin’s involvement, it’d be catastrophic.

Fortunately, no one at the hotel recognized Hyunjin, so the rumor hadn’t reached him.

So for now — things were still manageable.

Hyunwoo closed his eyes briefly, then met the Chairman’s gaze.

“As the successor of Munseong, is that really all I’m worth to you?”

“…What did you just say?”

“So you want me to go crawling after Gaha’s youngest son and cling to his leg?”

“……!”

Hyunwoo lifted his chin higher in defiance.

Chairman Joo stared at him in disbelief.

Maybe if he bowed and apologized, things would go smoother.

But he didn’t want to.

This world was survival of the fittest.

Chairman Song wasn’t furious just because his son had been embarrassed — this was about power.

He wanted to use the situation to tame Munseong’s heir.

That’s why he was threatening them.

Chairman Joo seemed to realize that too — a flicker of regret crossed his face.

He was still too hot-tempered for his age.

Hyunwoo clicked his tongue inwardly and continued.

“I’ll bring results greater than marrying Gaha’s youngest within three years.”

“…You have a plan, then?”

“Yes.

But in exchange, please stop forcing these blind dates on me.

I’ll also cut off all unnecessary personal relationships soon.”

“Hmm…”

Hyunwoo swallowed dryly as the Chairman pondered.

If Seunghyuk joined Munseong and developed that program, it would bring far more benefit than any political marriage.

And in his previous life, Seunghyuk had completed the project around that time.

The timing for such a proposal was perfect — three years was about how long the Chairman’s patience would last.

Whether or not Seunghyuk joined, this deal would at least buy him time.

And if it failed… well, then he’d really have to go beg Gaha’s son.

“…Fine.

But if you disappoint me again, you’d better be ready.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

As expected, Chairman Joo chose pride over submission.

A man of pride would rather back his own than bow to another family.

Still, his mind could change anytime.

Hyunwoo bowed quickly and left the office.

Only when the door shut behind him did he breathe out.

“Phew…”

“Um… Young Master.”

“……?”

He turned his head to find Sungyoon standing there awkwardly.

Hyunwoo raised an eyebrow.

“What is it?”

“I’m sorry.

I… didn’t expect Young Master Hyunjin would do that.”

“Ah.”

“I truly apologize.”

“……”

Now that he thought about it, Hyunjin had mentioned Sungyoon.

He’d been the one Hyunjin asked about the matchmaking.

Hyunwoo studied him quietly.

Sungyoon was an elite — talented, young, and fast-tracked to an executive position.

He was the youngest among the Chairman’s inner circle, though not his closest aide.

He knew his limits well.

He could be capable, but never the most trusted.

That was why, even in the previous timeline, he had always wavered — outwardly loyal to the Chairman, but quietly watching Hyunwoo’s rise with interest.

After all, if Hyunwoo became Chairman someday, Sungyoon could finally become his true right hand.

He could’ve reported everything to the Chairman this time — but he didn’t.

That confirmed Hyunwoo’s suspicion once again.

Hyunwoo opened his mouth slowly.