"I know." She acknowledged, though there was a certain resignation in her voice. "But it’s complicated. My husband’s position with Dong... it makes privy to things I shouldn’t know. I’ve overheard conversations, picked up information that wasn’t ant for my ears. Dong is planning sothing major—a massive land acquisition for developnt that’s being kept hush-hush for now. They’ve identified a pri location, sothing with incredible potential for luxury residential and comrcial projects."
She paused, glancing around as if ensuring they were truly alone before continuing in a lower voice. "The thing is, several other major families are eyeing the sa parcel. It’s beco a bit of a contest, really. Everyone wants it—everyone recognizes the value. Dong is determined to secure it before anyone else makes a move. They’re preparing to invest heavily, mobilizing resources quickly to close the deal before word gets out and the competition drives up the price."
Her lover absorbed this information with evident interest, his expression thoughtful. "That sounds like a significant investnt. The kind that could make or break a portfolio if things go wrong."
"It is." She agreed. "And it’s not just about the land itself—what they plan to build there could reshape that entire district. But the competition is fierce. From what I’ve gathered, at least three other powerful families are positioning themselves to bid on it as well. It’s going to co down to who can move fastest, who has the deepest pockets, and who’s willing to take the biggest risk."
She shifted on the bed, propping herself up on one elbow to face him more directly. "My husband has been working around the clock on this, coordinating with Dong’s team, analyzing market projections, securing financing. He’s completely consud by it. And honestly... I’m not sure he even notices how lonely I am in the anti. He’s so focused on making this deal happen, on proving himself to Dong, on securing this opportunity for the family."
She let out a soft laugh, though there was little humor in it. "Sotis I think he cares more about this piece of land than he does about our marriage. At least you notice . At least you make feel like a woman rather than just an accessory to his career."
Her lover’s hand moved to her thigh, caressing the skin with deliberate intent. "Then maybe you should consider your options. Not necessarily for revenge, but for your own happiness. If he’s too busy to appreciate what he has, maybe you deserve better than being ignored."
She smiled at him, her expression softening with affection. "Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s ti to start thinking about what I really want—not what’s expected of , but what would make happy. And what would make you happy too."
The video continued for several more minutes, capturing more intimate monts between them, but the core of the information had been delivered. Kang-hoon’s wife was unhappy in her marriage, bored with her husband’s sexual performance, and possessed of sensitive information about a major Dong family investnt that could be valuable to competitors.
Joon-ho watched the footage with growing interest. This wasn’t just gossip—it was actionable intelligence that could serve multiple purposes if handled correctly.
"This is solid work." He observed when the video concluded, turning his attention to Su-bin. "The visual quality is excellent, and despite the static, the key information cos through clearly. You captured exactly what we needed."
"I’m glad you think so." Su-bin nodded, her expression satisfied. "It took so effort to get the positioning right, to ensure the audio would pick up their conversation even with the interference, and to avoid detection. But the result was worth it. We have enough material here to give Dong considerable leverage if he decides to use it."
She ejected the USB drive, sliding it across the desk toward Joon-ho. "I’ve transferred everything to your phone as well, just in case. Multiple copies, multiple locations—it’s always wise to have backups."
Joon-ho accepted the drive, pocketing it with a nod of acknowledgnt. "This will be useful. Dong has been surprisingly open to collaboration, but having this kind of insurance never hurts. It gives us options if negotiations beco complicated or if we need additional leverage points."
Su-bin leaned back in her chair, her expression turning slightly weary but satisfied with a job well done. "I’m glad it’s finished. Though I have to admit, I could have spent this ti more enjoyably. Soo-jin has been asking when I could visit her clinic again, and I’ve been putting her off to handle this surveillance work. It’s frustrating—wasting ti on recording cheaters when I could be playing with her instead."
She sighed, stretching her arms above her head, the movent drawing Joon-ho’s attention to her figure. Su-bin was attractive in her own right, with a professional elegance that disguised a sensual side she kept carefully contained during business hours.
"Soo-jin understands the importance of this work." Joon-ho reassured her. "She knows how valuable your skills are, and she appreciates that you’re willing to use them for our benefit. Besides, it’s not like she’s going anywhere. She’ll still be there when you’re ready to visit."
"I know." Su-bin acknowledged, though her tone remained wistful. "But she’s been so patient, and I hate leaving her waiting. Especially when I know exactly what we could be doing together instead of this." She gestured vaguely around the office, at the shelves of products and the equipnt she used for surveillance.
Joon-ho smiled, understanding her frustration perfectly. Su-bin and Soo-jin had developed a genuine connection, one that went beyond re physical attraction, and he respected the depth of feeling between them.
"You can do it after this, you know. There’s nothing urgent keeping you here anymore—the work is done, the evidence is secured, and we can move forward with our plans." He paused, considering. "Besides, my clinic is on holiday right now. The regular staff has so ti off, which ans Soo-jin should be free for a visit. You could head over there directly if you wanted to."
Su-bin’s eyes brightened at the suggestion, her fatigue montarily forgotten. "Your clinic is on holiday? That’s perfect timing, actually. Soo-jin ntioned sothing about a lighter schedule this week, but I didn’t realize it was a full break."
"It is." Joon-ho confird. "And given the nature of her work, she probably needs the downti. But that doesn’t an she wouldn’t appreciate so... company during her free ti."
He stood, gathering his own belongings and preparing to leave. "You should go. Soo-jin is waiting, and there’s no reason for you to stay here when you could be enjoying yourself. The evidence will be safe with —I’ll handle the next steps with Dong."
Su-bin rose as well, her expression thoughtful but increasingly eager at the prospect of seeing Soo-jin. "You’re right. There’s no point in delaying this any further. Soo-jin has been patient enough, and I’ve been distracted enough by this surveillance work. It’s ti to focus on what really matters."
She paused at the door, turning back to him with a smile that was both grateful and affectionate. "Thanks for understanding, Joon-ho. And for knowing what’s good—sotis I get so caught up in the details that I forget to prioritize the things that actually make happy."
"It happens to the best of us." He returned her smile. "Go enjoy your evening, Su-bin. You’ve earned it."
With that, she left the office, her step noticeably lighter as she headed toward the parking garage and the prospect of seeing Soo-jin. Joon-ho watched her go, then turned his attention to his own next steps.
He had what he needed now—evidence that could serve multiple purposes depending on how he chose to use it. Dong had been supportive, receptive to collaboration, and genuinely interested in the project with Chae-won. But having additional leverage never hurt, especially when dealing with families as powerful and complex as the Dongs.
Joon-ho pulled out his phone, navigating to his contacts and finding Dong’s number. It was ti to reach out, to express gratitude for the support with Chae-won’s casting, and to set the stage for their next conversation. The timing felt right—everything was falling into place, and maintaining montum was crucial.
He composed a ssage carefully, keeping it brief but warm:
[Brother Dong, I wanted to express my sincere thanks for your support with Chae-won’s casting. Her involvent elevates the entire project, and I’m genuinely excited to work with her. I also have sothing I’d like to discuss with you—sothing I think you’ll find interesting. Would you be available to et at your ho tomorrow? I’d appreciate the opportunity to catch up properly.]
The ssage was sent, and within minutes, his phone vibrated with a response:
[Of course. The support was well-deserved—Chae-won is perfect for the role, and I’m confident this will be a successful collaboration. As for eting, you’re welco to co by tomorrow. I’ll have my staff prepare a suitable space for our discussion. Looking forward to it.]
Joon-ho read the response with satisfaction. The tone was positive, receptive, and genuinely welcoming. Dong was clearly open to continued interaction, which boded well for their developing alliance.
He pocketed his phone and left the office, stepping out into the cool evening air. The city was alive around him—traffic flowing, pedestrians hurrying toward their destinations, the endless rhythm of Seoul continuing without pause. But Joon-ho moved with purpose, his mind already organizing his approach for tomorrow’s eting.
The pieces were coming together. Chae-won was on board, Dong was receptive, and the leverage he’d acquired through Su-bin’s work gave him additional options if needed. The Baek family was powerful, yes, but they were no longer the only power in Seoul. And with allies like Dong Min-jae in his corner, Joon-ho was confident that he could level the playing field.
Tomorrow would be another step forward, another opportunity to strengthen his position and build the foundation for what was to co. And for tonight, at least, he could rest easy knowing that progress was being made, that his plans were moving forward, and that he was no longer fighting this battle alone.
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