Stela's heels clicked against the marble floor as she stepped into the LV Company lobby.
"Ms. Stela! Did you get hurt?" Sara rushed to her, eyes wide.
"I'm fine, Sara. Don't panic." Her tone was calm, controlled. She turned to Min. "How's it going?"
"The police are interrogating Mun-joon," Min reported. "He says he was paid off… by XC Company."
"As expected." Stela's lips curved in a humorless smile. "Make him apologize publicly to our company. Then have Ms. Ji Woo send a legal notice to XC."
"Yes, Ms. Stela."
"Sara, any news about the new director?"
"Yes. Chairman Kim said he was dropped somewhere else because of personal work. He'll be here tomorrow."
Stela's eyes narrowed. "Delaying work for personal reasons? Even with the chairman's support… What kind of person is he? Anyway, not my concern."
"Ms. Stela," Sara said, "Ms. Ji Woo is waiting in your office."
---
In Stela's Office
"Ooh, my lady boss, I missed you!" Ji Woo beamed the moment Stela entered.
"Ji Woo, stop acting like a child," Stela said flatly.
"Of course I'm a baby when it comes to my bestie. We've been cousins and friends for twenty-four years. I know the real you. Can you stop being an iceberg for once? Even cold CEOs in dramas are warmer than you!"
"Enough. Did Min explain the situation?"
"Yes. And it's already handled."
"That's my buddy."
"Buddy? That's all I get? No, you're coming shopping with me."
"I can't. Busy."
"Don't lie, babe. I know you're free. Your little fan girl told me to drag you out so you'll rest."
Stela sighed. "…Fine. Give me an hour to assign tasks."
---
Shopping Mall
"Jiji, how long are you going to shop? I'm tired," Stela said, trailing behind.
"Baby, are you even a girl? Real girls shop without getting tired."
"I have work. The new director arrives tomorrow."
"Ah, the new director… I heard he's handsome and talented."
"Hmph. I don't care how he looks. He already postponed work on his first day. Who knows if he'll show up tomorrow?"
"Don't expect everyone to be a workaholic like you. If I were your wife, I'd have divorced you by now—"
The word divorce made Stela's expression falter.
"Sorry, babe," Ji Woo said quickly. "Come on, let's cheer you up with a movie."
---
Movie Theater
"Not horror," Ji Woo pleaded. "You know I can't handle horror."
"Too bad. You're listening to me today."
Inside, as they took their seats, Stela heard a familiar male voice nearby.
"I said I don't want to see this movie. Ken, watch it yourself— Wait, what? You're afraid of horror? Hahaha!"
That laugh… Stela turned—and froze.
It was them. The two men from the bar.
Ken's eyes lit up. "Hey! Isn't she the pretty lady from this morning? Hi, pretty lady! Remember us?"
"Baby, who are they?" Ji Woo asked.
Ken grinned wider. "Oh, another pretty lady."
"Let's watch the movie," Stela muttered to Ji Woo.
"Baby, the man beside you is so handsome. Do you know him?"
"I'll explain later," Stela whispered back.
Meanwhile, Ken elbowed his friend. "Kevin, maybe I should date one of them. What do you think?"
Kevin didn't answer. He was staring at Stela, curious.
---
As the horror movie played, Ji Woo buried herself in the seat. "My heart's going to stop. I'll just sleep."
Kevin, however, couldn't look away from Stela. How can she watch this without a flicker of fear? She's… interesting.
"Stop staring at her," Ken whispered. "She's not even talking to us. Totally your opposite."
Kevin only smirked.
When the movie ended, he scanned the crowd for her, but she had vanished.
---
Next Morning — LV Company
"Good morning, Ms. Stela!" the staff greeted as she passed.
"Morning," she replied, heading straight to Min. "Programs for today?"
Min handed her a file. "We were supposed to meet the labourers, but they're out of control now."
"I'll handle it. Where's Sara?"
"She's on her way."
Sara soon called in: "Ms. Stela, can I come in an hour late? Hospital visit — family emergency."
"One hour, Sara. No more."
"Yes, Ms. Stela. I don't want to get fired."
"Good."
Before Min could respond, another problem arose. "The new assistant can't find the new director again."
Stela's patience thinned. "What kind of person is he? Call him directly."
"No need," a voice interrupted.
"Chairman Kim," Min greeted.
"The new director is already solving the labour issue himself," Kim said.
"That's… good to hear," Stela said, her smile polite but tight.
---
Later, word spread quickly.
"The labour issue is solved," Min confirmed.
Stela thought to herself, Not bad. But let's see if he's really capable of being director.
A sleek car pulled up outside the building. Staff whispered excitedly as a tall, handsome man stepped out.
Stela's breath caught.
It was him.
Kevin.
And judging by his expression, he was just as surprised to see her.
For a long moment, they simply stared at each other.
The real fun was about to begin