Chapter 94
Sera's POV
"The revised shipping route through Busan will reduce transit time by at least twelve percent. But only if your side can guarantee port priority on arrival."
"Twelve percent is not insignificant. But priority access at the port is not something we can simply promise without adjustments on cost."
"Then adjust it."
He looked up at that.
There was a brief pause between us.
Then—
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Hwang."
"I don't bargain, Mr. Reinhardt," I replied evenly. "I present what works."
He let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head slightly before closing the file.
"In that case… I believe we have an understanding."
I gave a small nod.
"Then we'll proceed with the revised terms."
We both stood up and shook hands.
"Daehan Group continues to impress me," he said. "I look forward to our cooperation."
"As do I."
With that, he turned and left the suite, his assistant following closely behind him.
The door closed and the silence returned.
I exhaled quietly and reached for my phone, dialing his number.
The line rang but no answer.
My brows furrowed slightly.
I pulled the phone away and stared at the screen for a moment before pressing call again.
Still nothing.
A small sigh escaped me, irritation began to settle in.
"…Didn't you promise you wouldn't avoid me anymore, Haemin?"
Is he really that busy?
Just as I was about to dial again—
A knock came from the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Mina stepped inside.
"Ms. Hwang."
I turned my attention to her.
"We've located the reporter who followed you yesterday. It turns out he's from XXX Media. We've also confirmed that he took several photos during your dinner."
"…I see."
"We can take action immediately. I'll have his materials seized and ensure nothing gets published."
I remained silent for a brief moment.
"Hold it."
"…Pardon?"
"Don't move yet," I said calmly. "Just monitor him."
A hint of confusion appeared on her face.
"Ms. Hwang, with all due respect, if we delay, there's a high chance those photos will be leaked."
"I'm aware."
"Then—"
"I said hold it."
Mina immediately straightened.
"…Understood."
"I'll keep him under surveillance for now."
Before she could say anything more—
Another knock echoed from the door and Mina moved to open it.
"Good evening, Ms. Hwang. Did you called for me?"
Jun-Ho stepped into the suite and Mina quietly stepped aside to let him in before closing the door behind him.
[Author Note: Attorney Park Jun-Ho]
"Yeah, I do."
I turned and walked toward the seating area, lowering myself. I gestured toward the seat across from me.
"Have a sit."
"Thank you."
He took the seat, placing his briefcase neatly beside him.
"How did it go?"
Jun-Ho paused for a moment before answering.
"I've already handled the matter in Switzerland. Just as you want."
I leaned back slightly, folding my arms as I watched him, signalling for him to continue.
"The police captain who was in your way has officially been removed from his position. He wasn't easy to deal with, but we managed it. What we put together against him was submitted anonymously through Internal Affairs, just as you suggested. The financial trail we fabricated was convincing enough to trigger an immediate investigation."
I gave a faint nod.
"He's currently under suspension. His accounts have been frozen, and his personal records are under review. Even if he tries to defend himself, it won't be easy. His credibility is already damaged."
"And the replacement?"
"The new captain has already been appointed, and I arranged for the candidate we discussed earlier."
I tilted my head slightly, studying him.
"Can he be trusted?"
Jun-Ho nodded without hesitation.
"Yes. I've already secured his cooperation in advance. His son was recently admitted into one of the top universities in Switzerland through our connections. He understands very clearly who made that possible."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"He won't risk betraying us. Not when his family's future is tied to our goodwill."
A faint smile slowly curved my lips.
"I see. And how about the case?"
"With the previous captain removed and the new one taking over, the investigation from a few years ago has effectively been buried. No further action will be taken. As far as the authorities are concerned… the matter is closed."
I remained silent for a moment.
"…Just like that?"
Jun-Ho paused slightly, as if unsure what I meant.
"…Ms. Hwang?"
I shifted my gaze toward him.
"That's all?"
He frowned faintly.
"Yes… the risk has already been neutralized. There's no longer any reason for concern."
I let out a quiet breath.
"You do know people can change their minds, right?"
Jun-Ho didn't respond.
"And when that happens, they become… troublesome."
He slowly began to understand.
"…Ms. Hwang… surely you don't mean—"
"You know I don't like future risks, don't you?" I said calmly.
Silence filled the room.
Jun-Ho shifted slightly in his seat, clearly hesitating.
"…Ms. Hwang," he said carefully, "isn't that… a bit excessive? He's already been removed from his position. His reputation is ruined. Even if he tries to reopen anything, no one will take him seriously."
"That's still a possibility."
"But—"
"And I don't leave possibilities behind."
My tone remained calm, but firm.
"I'm simply eliminating a future threat. So it won't come back to bite me later."
Jun-Ho exhaled slowly, clearly uncomfortable.
"…This could draw unnecessary attention, Ms. Hwang. It might be safer to let things settle naturally."
I looked at him directly.
"Jun-Ho."
He stopped.
"Since when have you become so hesitant? You usually follow my orders without question."
The room fell silent again.
He hesitated for a moment longer… then finally gave a small nod.
"…Understood, Ms. Hwang."
"…Good."
I reached for the coffee on the table and took a slow sip, my gaze lowered as I considered everything he had just reported.
After placing the cup back down, I spoke again.
"Anyway, I didn't call you here just to discuss that. I wanted to thank you for handling Haemin's situation yesterday."
He looked genuinely surprised.
"It was nothing, Ms. Hwang. I was simply following your instructions. Besides, the evidence Mr. Kim provided yesterday made my work much easier."
A small smile touched my lips.
"He's a clever boy, isn't he?"
Jun-Ho nodded lightly.
"He really is. It's unfortunate he has to go through all of this at such a young age. And honestly… it's not easy to stand up against someone like Ms. Seo. But he still found the courage to fight back."
A quiet chuckle escaped me.
"…Yes."
"Still, you did well."
"Thank you, Ms. Hwang. I only did what needed to be done."
"I expect nothing less."
I lifted the coffee again, taking another slow sip.
"Oh, right. Speaking of that matter…"
I placed the cup down once more and extended my hand toward him.
"The recorder."
He blinked.
"…Recorder?"
"Yes. The audio recorder. Give it to me."
His posture shifted slightly, he looked surprised upon hearing that.
"Ms. Hwang… you're not serious, right?"
I looked at him calmly.
"Do I look like I'm joking right now?"
His expression stiffened.
"Ms. Hwang… you do understand that I can't hand it over to you, right? It's part of legal precaution. The evidence needs to remain in my custody."
"What are you worried about?" I replied calmly. "Everything has already been settled, hasn't it? Haemin only needs to wait until next month to finalize his divorce. The evidence won't be needed anymore."
I extended my hand slightly further.
"Now, give it to me."
He shook his head lightly.
"Still, Ms. Hwang… even if it's no longer needed, I can't just hand it over to anyone without Mr. Kim's permission."
A soft chuckle escaped me.
"This is the second time you've denied my order."
"Ms. Hwang, I—"
I suddenly laughed, shaking my head slightly.
"I'm just joking. What's with that face."
He blinked, clearly caught off guard.
"I just wanted to make sure I can trust you. If I'm going to entrust Haemin's matters to you in the future, I need to know you won't compromise easily."
His shoulders relaxed with visible relief.
"…You really got me there, Ms. Hwang."
He let out a small laugh.
I chuckled softly, a faint smile resting on my lips.
"Anyway, I think that's all. Thank you for coming today."
He gave a small nod.
"By the way, tomorrow, meet me at my office. There's something I want you to handle regarding the reporter who followed me yesterday."
"…Understood."
He stood up slowly, preparing to leave.
But just before he could step away—
"Oh, Jun-Ho."
He paused and turned back.
"Yes?"
"Have you received any reports about a file… related to our overseas operations?"
His brows furrowed slightly.
"…File?"
"Yes," I said calmly. "Some documents regarding our subsidiary operations in Switzerland and Luxembourg. They went missing recently."
Jun-Ho expression turned thoughtful.
"…I'm not aware of anything like that. This is the first time I've heard of it."
I studied his face quietly for a second.
Then I smiled again.
"I see. Then it's probably nothing."
He nodded.
"If I hear anything, I'll inform you immediately."
"Thank you."
With that, he gave a slight bow before turning and walking toward the door.
Mina opened it for him, and moments later, he stepped out of the suite.
The door closed softly behind him.
The faint smile on my lips disappeared instantly.
A sharp silence filled the room.
*Stood up*
*Coffee cup flew toward the door*
*SHATTERED*
"…. FUCKING SCUM! YOU DARE LIE TO MY FACE!"
The cup shattered loudly against the surface, fragments scattering across the floor.
"Ms. Hwang!"
Mina flinched, startled by the sudden outburst, then quickly stepped closer, trying to calm me down.
"Ms. Hwang—"
"Don't touch me."
I pushed her arm aside, my breathing slightly uneven as fury burned through my chest.
I should've realized it sooner.
Was he always this cautious with me? Or did he already suspect something?
Did he know that I was going to betray him one day… and because of that, he stole the file as his insurance?
My jaw tightened.
That file…
If it ever surfaced, it wouldn't just be troublesome.
It would be enough to drag me straight into prison.
I let out a slow breath, trying to calm myself down.
Who would have thought that he had already prepared a backup plan long before this.
If he was always this cautious…
Then besides that file…
Did he have anything else he could use against me?
He was the only one who knew my secret… and the one who took care of things for me in Switzerland.
Where did he hide it?
I turned my head slightly toward Mina.
"Get out."
"…Understood."
She gave a polite bow before quietly stepping out of the suite. The door closed softly behind her, leaving the room in complete silence.
I reached for my phone and dialed a number. The line rang briefly before being picked up.
"Ms. Hwang?" A male voice answered. "It's been quite some time since I last received a call from you."
"Spare the courtesy. I have a job for you."