Meanwhile, back at Velvet Loft, Tae-hyun stood in his office, his gaze fixed on the delicate hairpin nestled in its ornate box. His expression was unreadable, though his eyes held a glint of suspicion.
"Relax," Do-yoon said, pouring himself a drink. "It's the real one."
"And how can I be sure?" Tae-hyun countered, his voice low, almost dangerous. "they might have swapped it"
"they wouldn't dare" Do-yoon answered, nonchalant. "Anyway, they found it where you left it. She must've slipped it back before anyone noticed."
Tae-hyun scoffed. "Useless guards and cleaners. I should fire the lot of them."
"No need for dramatics. Give them another chance," Do-yoon said, rolling his eyes.
Tae-hyun studied him, his suspicion deepening. "You're unusually lenient today. Why?"
Do-yoon smirked. "just because. Now, stop pestering me."
Tae-hyun changed the subject with a sigh. "Grandfather summoned us."
"Another matchmaking attempt?" Do-yoon guessed, sipping his wine.
"Probably." Tae-hyun groaned. "Still doesn't explain why he's given up on marrying you off. You're older."
"Simple. He knows I'm hopeless," Do-yoon replied with a smirk. "But you? You still flirt with every woman you meet. There's hope for you yet."
"At least I'm not a heartless rock," Tae-hyun muttered under his breath.
"I heard that," Do-yoon shot back.
"I wasn't hiding it." Tae-hyun left with a dramatic flounce, leaving Do-yoon shaking his head, amused.
Seconds after Tae-hyun stepped out of the room, the hurried click of shoes against the marble floor announced Mr. Jun's arrival. He stopped just short of Do-yoon, bowing deeply.
"You called for me, sir?" Mr. Jun said, his voice steady but edged with unease.
Do-yoon swirled the crimson wine in his glass, the light catching the liquid like blood in a chalice. He placed the glass down with deliberate precision and met Mr. Jun's eyes. "I've already informed Tae-hyun—the hairpin never left the hotel."
Mr. Jun hesitated, his brow furrowing. "What would you have me do, sir?"
A sly grin played at the corners of Do-yoon's lips, his tone dropping to a chilling command. "Ensure he never crosses paths with that lady again. Block all access to her details—no matter how much he insists."
"But, sir..." Mr. Jun's voice faltered, panic creeping into his tone. "It's Mr. Tae-hyun. Refusing him could—"
"Just follow my orders." Do-yoon's voice sliced through the air like a blade. He stepped closer, the predatory gleam in his eyes sending a shiver down Mr. Jun's spine. "I'll handle any consequences myself."
Mr. Jun swallowed hard as Do-yoon clapped a hand on his shoulder, his touch both reassuring and foreboding. "Don't disappoint me," Do-yoon said, his lips curling into a mischievous, almost sinister smile. Without another word, he turned and strode away, his figure disappearing into the shadows of the corridor.
MEANWHILE...
Soo-ji bolted down the hallway, slipping into her lab coat mid-sprint. As she reached the professor's office, she paused, took a deep breath, and knocked softly.
"Come in," barked the familiar voice from behind the door.
Soo-ji stepped in hesitantly, her head lowered like a student about to face the principal.
"What took you Soo long?" Professor Jung growled.
"I'm sorry, sir," she said quickly.
"You're always sorry. Do you have any idea what you've done this time?"
Soo-ji blinked, her confusion overriding her nervousness. "I won't be late again, sir."
"Who's talking about being late?" Professor Jung snapped, his voice sharp enough to make her jolt.
"Then… what did I do?" she asked cautiously afraid of what night come after it.
"I heard about your incident with the CEO of Velvet Loft," he said, rubbing his temples as if her mere presence worsened his headache.
"It was an accident, sir," Soo-ji defended herself, standing straighter.
"An accident?" he repeated, exasperated. "Do you want to send me to an early grave? You know what? Just get out, Kim. Your apologies and even the scent of your perfume irritate me."
Soo-ji opened her mouth but thought better of it. With a quiet "Yes, sir," she left the office, closing the door behind her. She leaned against the wall outside, catching her breath before trudging to the staff lounge.
Seo-jun greeted her with a steaming cup of coffee. "How did it go?" he asked, offering the lifeline.
"Seo-jun," she said dramatically, gripping his arm. "Velvet Loft is the worst thing that's ever happened to me."
"Aren't you going to see the old man today?" Seo-jun asked, shifting gears.
"I almost forgot I still have a contract with him!" Soo-ji exclaimed, smacking her forehead.
As she grabbed her bag, she frowned. "I haven't even eaten today," she lamented, rubbing her growling stomach.
Seo-jun smirked and handed her a box of cookies. "I always have your back."
"Gosh, Seo-jun, you're a lifesaver!" she said, hugging him tightly before bolting out the door.
Just before she left, Seo-jun called out, "You've got this!"
Soo-ji turned, flashing a bright smile and a thumbs-up before disappearing into the bustling streets of Seoul.
---
At the Hee mansion, Soo-ji's arrival was met with warmth. She entered the grand sitting room with a radiant smile.
"Grandpa, did you miss me?" she teased.
"Thought you weren't coming today," Mr. Hee said, sitting up.
"Nothing could stop me," Soo-ji replied. "Now, let's get started."
After completing a series of tests, Soo-ji flipped through her notes, her expression neutral.
"Bad news?" Mr. Hee asked, watching her closely.
"Quite the opposite," she said, breaking into a grin. "Your blood pressure is perfect, your cholesterol is ideal, and your sugar levels are immaculate. Honestly, you're a medical marvel!"
"Of course," he said, chuckling. "I have an excellent doctor."
"No.You're just too strong to let anything slow you down," Soo-ji said warmly.
"Well, I suppose this means we don't need to renew our contract," he said, though his tone carried a hint of reluctance.
Soo-ji tilted her head. "You don't sound thrilled about that."
"I've gotten too attached to let you go," he admitted with a soft smile.
"Grandpa, just because the contract ends doesn't mean I'm disappearing. I'll visit you whenever you want," Soo-ji reassured him with a smile.
"You were just 22 when we met. Fresh out of university and full of nerves," Mr. Hee mused.
"And I thought you were crazy for picking me as your personal doctor," Soo-ji added, laughing.
"Well, maybe I am. Speaking of which, I want you to meet someone."
"Oh?" Soo-ji asked, intrigued.
"My grandsons. They should be here soon," Mr. Hee said, smiling knowingly.
"I can't wait," Soo-ji said brightly, though her phone interrupted the moment.
"Just a minute," she said, glancing at the screen. "It's the hospital."
Mr. Hee waved her off. "Go on, take it."
As Soo-ji stepped aside to answer the call, Mr. Hee leaned back, smiling to himself as he turned to his favorite show.
A few moments later, Soo-ji emerged, her steps confident and her face alight with a radiant smile. But as her gaze fell on the two figures seated opposite Mr. Hee, the smile wavered, Their faces were hidden in the dim lighting until she stepped closer, her heart sinking like a stone as her smile instantly collapsed.
Tae-hyun's grin spread like wildfire as he leaned back lazily, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Well, well, look who it is," he drawled, barely containing his amusement.
Beside him, Do-yoon exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair with a frustrated shake of his head. "I swear, I really tried my best" he muttered.
"No way" soo-ji said her face running pale.