The news echoed across every screen in Korea.
"Breaking news.
K-pop idol and one of the nation's top ten soloists, Mina, has been arrested on charges of involvement in the death of Chairman Han Jimin, founder of Han Group, Korea's leading beauty conglomerate."
"After ten days of investigation, authorities confirm she has been detained along with her team and an internal accomplice from Kang Group, identified as Minji. Police state that the investigation is still ongoing."
Taewon leaned forward in his chair, remote in hand. His jaw tightened as he switched the television off with a sharp click,
the room plunging into silence.
Across from him, Harin shifted uncomfortably while Taehyun leaned back, watching Taewon's stormy expression.
"I still can't believe this,"
Taewon's voice came low, restrained, but burning. His gaze locked on Harin.
"How could you be this careless?"
Harin flinched, her hands folded tightly in her lap.
"I've apologized a hundred times already. She came searching for a job with a spotless profile. I checked everything education, career history, background. Nothing raised suspicion. And at that time, I desperately needed a secretary.
She never showed any sign, Taewon. None that could've made us doubt her."
Taehyun raised his hand lightly.
"Okay, OK, Let it go, Harin,Taewon. What's done is done."
He glanced at Taewon his tone calmer.
"The bigger problem now is what's next.
Han Group is collapsing under the weight of scandal. Minjoon is already at his breaking point from Chairman Han's death, and Jihyun" His words trailed, heavy with meaning.
"He still hasn't woken up."
The mention of Jihyun made Taewon's hands clench on the armrest.
His voice was steady but cold when he answered.
"We have to face Minjoon no matter what.
If we don't act now, Han Group will drown"
He turned to Taehyun.
"You'll speak with him. As for Jihyun's case, Taesung Hyung is already handling it.
Regarding Minji, I've secured solid evidence the CCTV footage, the call records, and those blackmail messages. Everything is already with the police. They'll finalize by tomorrow."
Taehyun nodded slowly, but his eyes searched Taewon's.
"And then?"
"Then we move forward."
Taewon's attention shifted sharply to Harin. "You pull out every employee file from the past six months.
Background checks, department reports, everything. Go through them again and again. I don't care how clean they look, I want every detail double-checked.
We won't make another mistake."
"Yes,"
Harin whispered, rising quickly. She bowed once before stepping out,
Taewon and Taehyun exited the office next, only to be greeted by a wall of flashing cameras and shouting voices.
"Mr. Kang Taewon!"
a reporter's voice cut through the chaos.
"It's been confirmed an employee from Kang Group was directly involved in Chairman Han's accident. Do you acknowledge responsibility?"
Another shouted, shoving a microphone closer.
"How could you hire someone who turned out to be a threat to the life of your business partner and former father-in-law?"
And then came the question that made Taewon's blood run colder.
"We've also received reports that you and Mina were romantically involved. Is this true? Were you in a relationship with her?"
"Mr. Taewon, did Mina manipulate her way inside your family because of your connection?"
The crowd pressed closer, their voices overlapping.
For a moment, Taewon didn't move. His eyes darkened, the weight of his glare freezing the air. The security team stepped in quickly, holding the reporters back.
Finally, Taewon's voice cut through, firm and final.
"Wait until the police conclude their investigation. The case will be closed within three days.
As for Mina I have never been in a relationship with her. I am not involved with her in any way."
His gaze hardened.
"The only thing that matters now is waiting for Jihyun to wake up. When that happens, the truth will be clear."
Without another word, he turned and stepped through the crowd, his long strides leaving no space for further questions.
The security team closed ranks around him, blocking the storm of flashing cameras and desperate voices.
Behind him, the media buzzed louder than ever, but Taewon's expression remained unreadable.
Inside, however, his fury was boiling. Mina. Minji. Betrayal layered over betrayal.