Chapter 26

Sera’s POV

I stepped out of the restaurant after saying goodbye to Uncle Minseok and Dahyun. The valet attendant was already standing by the entrance, holding my car keys.

“Your car will be here in a moment, Ms. Hwang,” he said politely.

I stepped aside, scrolling through my phone as I waited. The night air was cool, and I could still hear the faint sound of traffic from the main road. A minute later, my black sedan rolled up to the curb.

The valet opened the driver’s door for me. “Have a good night.”

I simply gave a brief nod, sliding into the seat. Setting my handbag on the passenger side, I started the engine and adjusted my seat before pulling away from the restaurant.

Driving at night always felt different. The roads were calmer, and I could think clearly without anyone interrupting me. Tonight, though, my thoughts went back to what Uncle Minseok had said during dinner.

[Flashback]

“She’s seeing someone right now.”

There’s a moment of silence after that.

I looked at uncle calmly and tilted my head slightly. “You actually believe that?”

Uncle gave a small smirk. “Of course not. Whoever started that rumor clearly doesn’t know Chairwoman Seo. She’s too busy crushing her competitors and expanding her empire. Do they think she has time to date someone?”

I smiled faintly at his answer.

Dahyun, who had been listening quietly, suddenly asked, “But… how did this rumor even start?”

Uncle leaned back slightly in his chair. “They say someone spotted her car at XXX Hospital, picking up a man. People claimed he was very good-looking, too.”

I raised an eyebrow. “They actually saw her?”

He shook his head. “No. The car windows were tinted too dark. But they swear it was her car — same plate number, same model. That’s how the story began.”

I sighed, leaning back. “So basically, no proof. Just someone connecting dots that might not even be there.”

Uncle gave a small smirk. “Exactly. That’s why I’m not taking it seriously. Still, you know how the business world works—people will talk, even when there’s nothing to talk about.”

Dahyun made a face. “Sounds like a waste of time to me.”

Uncle laughed softly. “That’s business gossip for you”

[Present]

The traffic light turned green, and I steered the car smoothly into the main road.

Even though I told Uncle I didn’t believe it, the conversation still lingered in my mind. It wasn’t the thought of Yuna dating someone that bothered me, but the place where the rumor began.

XXX Hospital?

I let out a short laugh to myself. Of all places, it had to be the same hospital where I brought Haemin after accidentally hitting him with my car. What a strange coincidence.

I shook my head, deciding not to think about it any further. 

_____________

Yuna’s POV

Thursday morning came quietly, the sky outside my window still pale with the early light. I was already awake long before my alarm, sitting at the edge of the bed with my phone in hand, scrolling through the overnight reports from the finance team. Numbers, updates, and pending approvals filled the screen — the usual start to my day.

When I was done, I reached for another phone — his. 

Haemin’s phone.

It was something I did every morning, almost like brushing my teeth. My fingers moved naturally, opening his messages, checking his group chats, and scanning through his browser history. Just the usual — school updates, a short chat with his friend, and a late-night ramen recipe search. Nothing unusual. 

Beside me, Haemin was still asleep, his breathing slow and even. I lay back down for a moment, brushing my fingers through his messy hair, watching his face. He looked so peaceful.

After a while, I got up and headed for the shower. By the time I was dressed and ready for work, I heard Haemin stirring behind me.

“You’re going to work already?” His voice was soft and still heavy with sleep as he rubbed his eyes.

I turned from the mirror, meeting his half-awake gaze. “Yes,” I said simply.

“Sorry…” he mumbled. “I wanted to make breakfast for you, but I overslept. I didn’t even hear the alarm.”

I stepped closer, my fingers sliding gently through his hair. “It’s alright,” I whispered, leaning in just enough for my breath to brush his ear. “You took such good care of me last night… it’s only natural you’d be tired.”

His cheeks turned red in an instant.

“Don’t tease me like that, Yuna,” he muttered, looking away.

I allowed myself a small smile.

After a brief pause, I looked at him and said,

“You don’t have class today, right?” My eyes stayed locked on his face.

He shook his head quietly.

“Good,” I said, my voice calm but leaving no room for argument. “Then stay home. Don’t go anywhere.” I took a step closer, lowering my tone. “I’ve already given you time to go out with your friends before, so this shouldn’t be too hard to follow, right?”

A flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes, but I knew he understood. With me, obedience wasn’t optional.

He nodded.

I leaned down and pressed a slow kiss to his cheek, letting my lips linger before pulling away. “I’ll be back by six,” I said, straightening my blouse before heading for the door.

___________

The morning was cool and calm as I entered the building. Harin was already waiting for me near the entrance.

“Good morning, Chairwoman Seo,” she greeted politely. “The board members are already in the conference room.”

I nodded and asked, “Have they all arrived?”

Harin glanced at her tablet. “Yes, ma’am. Everyone is seated and ready.”

We moved quickly through the lobby, my heels clicking softly on the marble floor. The usual noise of the building faded as I focused on what was ahead.

After a few minutes, we reached the boardroom. Harin opened the door, and as I stepped inside, everyone bowed politely. I nodded in return and told them to take their seats.

The chairman of the board, Director Lee, looked directly at me. “Chairwoman Seo, have you made a decision regarding the Daehan Group collaboration proposal?”

I took a steady breath before answering. “After careful consideration, I have decided to decline the collaboration at this time.”

A ripple of surprise moved around the room.

I raised my hand to silence the murmurs, then leaned forward, locking eyes with the board. My voice was calm but firm.

“While I recognize the strategic value Daehan brings with their logistics network and the potential for cost savings, Nara Group already holds significant political influence and control that we cannot risk diluting.”

I let my words hang for a moment.

“We are not a company that must depend on partnerships to secure government approvals or ease processes. Our strength lies in managing projects and alliances on our own terms.”

I scanned the room. Some nodded quietly; others looked skeptical.

“The proposal also carries long-term risks that haven’t been fully addressed. History shows that partnerships with conglomerates like Daehan often come with hidden clauses that could limit our operational freedom. Given the national importance of these infrastructure projects, we must be cautious.”

Pausing briefly, I added, “At this stage, I do not believe the benefits outweigh these risks. Therefore, I am rejecting Daehan Group’s offer—for now.”

A tense silence followed before Director Kim spoke up, his tone challenging but respectful.

“Chairwoman Seo, can you specify what risks you find most concerning? The proposal includes compliance measures and balanced governance.”

I met his gaze steadily. “Good governance is only effective if enforced. In our political climate, influence shifts quietly behind closed doors. Our position in logistics and infrastructure is strong. We shouldn’t invite potential power shifts that might slow our growth.”

Director Park leaned forward, frowning. “Could a complete rejection hurt our chances with Daehan? Is there room for a conditional or limited partnership?”

I nodded slightly. “We will keep all options open. But any collaboration must fully align with Nara’s long-term strategy and never compromise our independence. For now, we focus on strengthening our internal capabilities and political connections before revisiting this.”

Another director, more cautious, asked, “Chairwoman, with Daehan’s influence in shipping and logistics, are we not missing a chance to expand our reach through them?”

I responded calmly, “Our expansion will come on our terms. We’ve grown steadily because we control our path. Rushing into partnerships out of fear of missing out risks our position. Patience and precision have always been our strengths.”

The room was quiet again, the weight of my decision settling in.

Director Baek then said, “Your decisiveness sets a clear direction, Chairwoman. We’ll prepare alternative plans focusing on internal growth and political outreach.”

I offered a slight, confident smile. “Good. Keep me updated on all developments. Our future depends on careful control and clear vision.”

The board nodded, respect and resolve evident on their faces.

____________

The meeting stretched on for another hour, discussions shifting from logistics strategies to political outreach, then to internal restructuring plans. I listened, asked questions when necessary, and cut through any unnecessary debate with concise decisions. By the time the final report was reviewed, the board was quiet—focused, clear on the next steps.

When the last document was closed and the directors began to gather their things, I leaned back slightly in my chair. While they exchanged polite farewells, I reached for my phone beneath the table and opened the GPS app.

A small smile tugged at my lips when I saw the tiny blinking dot exactly where it should be—our home. Haemin hadn’t gone anywhere. Good.

I slid the phone back into my bag and rose from my seat. Harin was already at the door, holding it open with her usual composed expression. As I stepped past her, she fell into step beside me.

“Chairwoman,” she said in a low voice, “I’ve just received confirmation—Daehan Group’s Vice Chairman will be arriving tomorrow morning at ten. They’ve requested the meeting to be held in the main conference room.”

.“Make sure the arrangements are handled personally. I want nothing overlooked.”

“Yes, Chairwoman.”

We walked down the hallway, my mind already set on tomorrow’s meeting.