The event was held on the terrace of Banyan Tree Seoul, overlooking the city’s skyline in one sweeping view. The venue, an outdoor space set up for Ihwan Holdings’ event, had been chosen by none other than Executive Director Sim. He had specifically requested a location that wouldn’t feel stifling or feature tedious, cliché speeches typical of corporate events.
Against the backdrop of the deepening indigo sky, strings of bright lights were hung, and elegantly decorated dining tables were arranged.
The guest list included around 200 attendees. Among them, 40 were marked as high-priority individuals in red, while about 50 others were deemed worth knowing. HaJae, who had memorized the invitation list prepared by the general affairs team, opened the door to Sim In-ho’s suite on the 12th floor.
The executive director, who had been napping since a lunch meeting, rubbed his face before sitting up.
“Is it already time for the event?”
“Yes, sir. I’ve prepared your suit.”
“Ah, thank you.”
HaJae hung the freshly tailored suit on the rack and promptly prepared cold green tea and supplements. Sim In-ho headed straight to the bathroom for a shower and then donned the suit she had brought.
The Banyan Tree suite Sim had chosen for his stay was expansive enough to accommodate ten people comfortably. It boasted a living room and dining area with a panoramic view of Namsan, a master bedroom with two additional guest rooms, and a second floor that featured a massive spa tub and a pool bar.
As HaJae roamed the suite, still unaccustomed to such displays of opulence, she let her gaze wander. At her signal, a hairstylist who had been waiting outside entered and stood behind Sim In-ho. With just a few expert touches, the traces of sleep were erased from his face.
When HaJae brought a burgundy-based tie to him, she swallowed nervously as she caught sight of Sim gazing at his reflection in the mirror.
“Wasn’t this not the outfit I was supposed to wear today?”
His eyes fixed on her as he wrapped the tie around his neck.
“Apologies, sir. Due to certain circumstances, the planned outfit couldn’t be used. I’ll make sure to return it soon.”
“Was it… too much for you?”
His smile, tinged with disappointment, prompted a vigorous denial from HaJae.
“No, it’s just that a personal issue came up. Although it was tailored to fit, it suddenly doesn’t seem to anymore. I must have gained weight. I’m sorry.”
“Doesn’t fit?”
“Yes.”
He tilted his head slightly, glancing at her through the mirror. Though his lips curved in a smile, HaJae felt as if her own lips might tremble.
His light-hued irises and soft eyes narrowed slightly.
“Then I suppose I’ll have to have one custom-made for you next time.”
“I think losing weight might be faster.”
“I’m serious. There’s another inauguration ceremony coming up. Consider it a gesture of goodwill from your boss.”
“Then, I’ll accept it gratefully.”
HaJae smiled brightly, turned on her heel, and walked away quickly.
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t flustered in that moment. Despite the nearly ten-year age gap, it was undeniable that Sim In-ho was an attractive man—any eight-year-old could see that. Great personality, exceptional ability, and striking looks. How many men like him existed?
Stepping into an empty room, HaJae stood before a full-length mirror and adjusted her appearance. The simple pearl earrings, plain black sheath dress, and high bun were polished and understated. She practiced her smile for the event.
When she exited the room, Sim In-ho, now fully prepared, slid one hand into his trouser pocket and said,
“Shall we go if you’re ready?”
She opened the door to the hotel suite, letting the crisp air brush past her.
The cool breeze settled on her skin, mingling with the luxurious aroma of champagne, witty banter, and superficial congratulatory remarks floating through the air.
As soon as HaJae entered the venue, she stood by Sim In-ho’s side, reciting the names and profiles of those approaching him. As Ihwan Group’s most promising successor and the apple of Chairman Sim’s eye, everyone greeted him warmly.
But Sim In-ho was also known by another name: Ihwan’s Janus. Though an old nickname, it encapsulated him perfectly.
No one could predict when his smiling face might shift. He was capable of crushing a senior executive nearing retirement age with a single harsh word or changing company policy with a casual remark. To be fair, he was the most ideal boss anyone could hope for—provided they didn’t trigger his hidden switch. The problem was, very few knew what that switch was.
That’s why people suspected HaJae, his secretary, to be one of the rare few who understood him. Rising like a hidden ace in the secretary world, she had managed to tame Shim In-ho in just three years. Anyone hoping to approach Shim had to go through Ha Jae first, who categorized them into three groups before presenting them to him.
“The inauguration speech is about to begin. Please step up to the podium, sir.”
“Take a break, Manager Seo.”
“I’ll stay on standby.”
Only after escorting Sim to the podium did Ha Jae finally quench her parched lips. Speaking non-stop had left her mouth feeling as though it were cracked from drought.
Squeezing into a corner among staff members, she took a small sandwich and a gulp of water. Seo-jeong, watching her, offered her sparkling water with an incredulous look.
“Are you taking medicine? Who swallows sandwiches whole with water like that?”
“I’m fine. Did you all get to eat something?”
“Thanks to the executive director, most of the other executives had some downtime. He drew all the attention away, so there wasn’t much to do.”
“Did he?”
Smiling weakly, Ha Jae downed the sparkling water Seo-jeong handed her and scanned the podium.
Soon, her role in this event would end. When Sim In-ho moved to New York, his replacement would be Suhyeok. Though she didn’t know how impressive he’d be upon his return, she wasn’t eager to see him.
Come back, and I’ll submit a transfer request immediately.
Lost in her irritated thoughts, she scowled at the podium until Seo-jeong nudged her side, directing her attention to someone with a puzzled expression.
“That man over there. He looks familiar, but I can’t place him. Do you know him?”
Following Seo-jeong’s gaze, Moon, another staff member, stretched his neck to check his tablet but came up empty-handed. It wasn’t information a junior employee with only two years of experience could know.
Noticing HaJae’s hardening expression, Senior Manager Sin dropped the name with her characteristic cynicism.
“So the rumors were true? Suhyeok’s back. And it looks like he’s made quite the triumphant return.”
“Suhyeok? What does he do?”
“Oh, he’s the legal team leader for the U.S. branch. He’s a star lawyer over there. I heard the chairman personally called him back to Korea, but I don’t know where he’s been assigned yet. HaJae, have you heard anything?”
By the time she wiped her clammy palms and arrived at the rear of the podium with a neutral smile, she instinctively frowned upon seeing suhyeok emerge from the opposite side.
The Earth is round, circles meet at a single point, and the event hall… is circular. Damn it!
With 30 seconds left before the end of the speech, an all-too-familiar, unwelcome scent wafted past her as he came to stand near the back staircase where she waited.
“Been a while.”
