Kang Hye-rin had been through enough embarrassing jobs to think she could handle anything. Coffee runs. Overtime. Getting scolded by her seniors for things she didn't even do.
But nothing in the world could have prepared her for this.
Her new boss.
Lee. Joon. Hyuk.
He stood at the head of the meeting table like he owned not just the room, but the whole building. Which, technically, he did. CEO of LJ Group. Son of the chairman. Perfect suit, perfect posture, that same annoying aura of someone who thought the world revolved around him.
And the worst part? He didn't even look surprised to see her.
He glanced her way once, like she was just another employee in the lineup, then went straight back to discussing quarterly reports. As if their ugly history didn't exist. As if he hadn't crushed her pride in front of half of Baeksu High.
Hye-rin realized she had snapped the pen in her hand.
When the meeting ended, she tried to escape. She almost made it to the door before his voice stopped her.
"Miss Kang."
She froze. That voice was deeper now, but still calm, still detached. She turned slowly, plastering on her best fake-professional smile.
"Yes, sir?"
His eyes flicked over her. Not lingering. Not soft. Just quick, assessing, and dismissive all at once. "You're new here."
"Yes," she said, keeping her voice steady.
"Then work hard." His tone was flat, almost bored. "LJ Group doesn't keep people who can't keep up."
That was it. No recognition. No acknowledgment. Nothing.
Like she was just a face in the crowd again.
Hye-rin felt heat rise to her cheeks, but she bowed politely anyway. "Understood, sir."
She walked out of the room with her head high.
But inside, her thoughts were on fire.
He doesn't even remember me? Or worse… he does, and he's pretending I don't matter.
Either way, Kang Hye-rin decided one thing right there in the hallway of LJ Group headquarters.
She hated Lee Joon-hyuk more than ever.