“I don’t trust the Director. He never noticed the threats I’ve been receiving. Maybe he knew and just watched.”

“…Okay. I’ll think about it and contact you.”

Seo Ah was cautious not to lean too much on Ha Joon’s side, worrying about making Youngju feel neglected.

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Ha Joon. It just seemed that no matter what she said, Youngju wouldn’t listen, so she thought she should consult Ha Joon secretly.

After getting out of the car, Seo Ah watched Youngju leave and soon collapsed, overwhelmed by the thought that her decision could hurt not only herself but also Youngju.

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Ha Joon arrived at the hospital in a hurry, looking affectionately at the unconscious Seo Ah.

“What are the test results?”

On the way, Ha Joon had requested a thorough examination, suspecting Youngju might have fed Seo Ah something harmful. As he asked the bodyguard, the doctor entered.

“It’s rare to see you at this hour, Ha Joon.”
“Good day, Teacher. Are the results out?”

The doctor had known Ha Joon since he was young and flinched slightly at his different appearance. Ha Joon, who always appeared composed and emotionless, even when his parents were ill, now had disheveled hair, an untucked shirt, and a half-undone tie.

“There’s nothing special. It seems to be anemia. She’ll wake up soon.”

“Isn’t that a problem?”

“We’ve already completed the basic tests. There seems to be no need to worry.”

“Ah… Thank you, Teacher.”

After the doctor and bodyguard left, Ha Joon slumped into a chair, gently holding Seo Ah’s small hand in his large ones.

He blamed himself, thinking he should have prevented Seo Ah from meeting Youngju.

Should he have caused an intentional accident when he heard Youngju was heading towards Seo Ah’s school?

Or should he have warned Seo Ah first about his suspicions of Youngju?

Or should he have protected the assailant by any means to meet Youngju first?

Then, he worried if Seo Ah might have been swayed by Youngju’s words.

Perhaps her trust in Youngju was stronger than her trust in him. They had shared a bond since childhood, while his relationship with Seo Ah was still new.

Then, Ha Joon’s phone vibrated loudly.

Ziiiiing—Ziiiiing—

It was a call from Jong Min, another secretary.

Not wanting to disturb the peacefully sleeping Seo Ah, he hesitated to step outside, worried she might wake to find no one there. So, he moved away and whispered as he answered.

“Yes, Secretary Heo.”

[Dash] Director, what about the meeting? Should we reschedule if you’re running late?

“Eh?”

Ha Joon’s eyes flickered faintly. Did I ask them to wait? Didn’t I say to postpone it? Have I been wasting the precious work time of my employees?

[Dash] Let’s take a break and do it later…

Ha Joon squeezed his eyes shut and let out a deep sigh.

“I’ll be delayed further, please apologize and reschedule.”

[Dash] Okay. What about the 4 PM video meeting with the Japan branch?

“I’ll join on time.”

After hanging up, Ha Joon approached Seo Ah again, just as she opened her eyes.

“Seo Ah, are you conscious?”

“What happened?”

“You collapsed at school. It’s anemia, but is your head okay?”

Seo Ah recalled the moments before collapsing.

She had anemia but had never fainted before. It must have been due to the confusion from Youngju’s words.

“Ah… What time is it? I have to go for my exam!”

As Seo Ah tried to get up, Ha Joon gently pushed her back down and held her tightly.

“Don’t exert yourself. I can’t let you go. Just rest today, and we’ll focus on the remaining exams.”

“…Can you stay here?”

“MIn Jun will be here soon. I’ll stay till then.”

Ha Joon had already asked Min Jun to take care of Seo Ah.

“Why bother? You don’t have to come, nor does the young master. You should go quickly.”

Seo Ah tried to push Ha Joon away, but he didn’t budge. Instead, he held her even tighter.
The two shared a silent moment, feeling each other’s warmth.

Seo Ah couldn’t help but find comfort in Ha Joon’s embrace. She wished she could sleep in his arms, but reality made it impossible, a fact she slightly resented.

Eventually, Ha Joon, with a sense of reluctance, straightened up from his stooped posture.

Seeing him, Seo Ah couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

“Come here, Brother.”

As Seo Ah stretched out her arms, Ha Joon, looking puzzled, leaned forward again.

Seo Ah then straightened his hair and tidied his clothes, continuing to speak.

“What’s with your hair? And your tie… Why is it like this… How many buttons of your shirt did you undo? Don’t tell me you go to the office like this?”

“I only undid two…”

“No, that’s not okay. I can’t allow even one.”

Seo Ah playfully scrunched her nose, prompting Ha Joon to plant a kiss on it, unable to resist. Her adorableness, and the relief that she hadn’t been swayed by Youngju, filled him with affection.

“I’ll be late today. Finish your IV and rest at home. I’ll come home as soon as I can.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard. I’m fine.”

With a light peck on Seo Ah’s lips, Ha Joon reluctantly walked away.

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That night,

Youngju was convinced that Seo Ah was wavering.

Saying she would inform her parents had seemed like a masterstroke.

It was a spur-of-the-moment statement, but it felt right after she said it.

Knowing Seo Ah, who hated worrying her parents to the extent that she pleaded not to tell them about the doctored photos of Ha Joon, Youngju was sure Seo Ah wouldn’t actually inform them. Revealing too much would only risk exposing her own identity.

Returning from the convenience store, Youngju saw a large figure near the villa and jumped in fright, as if she had seen a monster.