AUTHOR

"Best Regards, Kim Wonhu."

Seungcheol leaned back in his leather chair, the email's words echoing in his mind. Kim Wonhu—the name carried weight in the business world. A brilliant strategist, a force to be reckoned with. And now, she was reaching out to Carat Empire, his empire.

"Why would she send us a small accepting mail by herself?" Seungcheol's frustration seeped into his voice. He'd expected a formal exchange, perhaps through intermediaries. Not this direct approach.

Jeonghan, ever composed, adjusted his glasses. "Perhaps her secretary is on leave. Or maybe she prefers handling matters personally."

"Personal touch?" Seungcheol scoffed. "She's not known for that. She's known for ruthless efficiency."

"Whatever," Jeonghan muttered, rolling his eyes. "Should I get an appointment to have a meeting with Ms. Kim?" he added.

"Yes! Tomorrow, 12:30 pm," Seungcheol replied.

"Okay then, I'll get it." With that, Jeonghan exited Seungcheol's cabin, leaving the CEO to ponder the tangled web of rivalry and desire that now enveloped him.

Time Skip
The Next Day

Seungcheol and Jeonghan exchanged bewildered glances as the door swung open, revealing none other than Kim Wonhu herself. She stepped into the room, her presence commanding attention. The air seemed to shift, charged with anticipation.

"Kim Wonhu?!" Seungcheol and Jeonghan exclaimed simultaneously, their voices echoing off the polished walls. Wonhu's eyes sparkled with mischief, and she grinned.

"Hello everyone!" Wonhu's voice held a hint of playfulness. "You remember the one and only Kim Wonhu!" She emphasized her name, as if daring them to forget.

Jeonghan, usually unflappable, broke into a rare smile. He stepped forward and enveloped her in a warm hug. "Wonhu, it's been too long."

Seungcheol's voice dripped with annoyance as he confronted Wonhu, "What are you doing here?!"

Wonhu, unfazed, retorted, "You're the one who set an appointment to meet me. And now you're asking what I'm doing here?"

Seungcheol's frown deepened. "What do you mean?"

Wonhu couldn't help but chuckle. "You're still so clueless, Choi Seungcheol! I'm the Brilliant Marketing Strategist, Kim Wonhu!"

Seungcheol's words hung in the air, a mix of surprise and chagrin. He had indeed forgotten about the appointment, and now Kim Wonhu stood before him, her presence both commanding and enigmatic. Jeonghan, always the diplomat, greeted her warmly, and Seungcheol couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance.

As Wonhu settled into a chair, Seungcheol continued, his tone businesslike. "Ms. Kim, welcome back. You'll be working with us for a year, and you'll have your own team. If you need additional members from our marketing department, please consult me first."

Wonhu's eyes flickered over the contract, her expression unreadable. She was the Brilliant Marketing Strategist, after all—sharp, cunning, and unpredictable. Seungcheol wondered what game she was playing this time.

Jeonghan leaned in, whispering to Seungcheol, "She's a force to be reckoned with. But she gets results."

Seungcheol nodded, watching Wonhu's every move. The room seemed charged with anticipation, as if waiting for the next twist in this unexpected encounter.

«To Be Continued»

A/N: I know this chapter was cringey/boring but with bear with it.

– Author Eun
– Love Ya!