Chapter 20. Patience Running Out (2)

Translator: Lili

Even if there were a hundred enemies, having just one ally was enough to endure. Chief Baek’s visit had reinforced that truth.

Since being thrown into this absurd drama world, Sera had finally met someone who didn’t view her with hostility. That fact alone gave her just a little more strength to keep going.

While struggling to keep up, the day of the Sungwon Group executive meeting finally arrived. The executive director in charge had briefly explained the key agenda items, but for Sera, who was completely unfamiliar with the business, it wasn’t much help.

‘Looks like today will just be a day of being utterly ignored.’

Bracing herself for humiliation, Sera headed to the top floor where the chairman’s office was located.

“Vice President Shin, didn’t you declare that all Southeast Asian subsidiaries would obtain ISO 14001 certification within the first quarter? Given that Sungwon Group’s biggest focus this year is eco-friendliness, Mulsan’s passive approach is disappointing.”

“Following President Cho’s remarks, I also have a question. Since you took office as Vice President, Mulsan has continuously been excluded from the DJSI World Index. Do you have any plans to improve this situation?”

‘What kind of alien language are they even speaking?’

When it was Sera’s turn to present, a barrage of aggressive questions came at her from all directions. The problem was that she couldn’t even comprehend half of them.

As she sat there in a daze, clinging to the idea that “everything comes and goes,” the ultimate final boss, Lee Rowoon, made his entrance.

“Construction relies heavily on Mulsan for steel supplies, yet we have yet to receive a clear response regarding the Latin American Trade Expansion Act issue. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this, Vice President.”

‘Yeah, just kill me instead. Go ahead and spit on my grave while you’re at it.’

Resigning herself to fate, Sera remained silent. Lee Rowoon looked at her with an expression that said, “I knew this would happen,” while Chairman Shin maintained an unreadable silence. The executives exchanged glances, silently communicating among themselves.

“It’s unfortunate that you seem to have no countermeasures. At the very least, I hope you’re aware of the influence you hold.”

Lee Rowoon’s voice was soft, yet his words were cutting. At that moment, Sera realized—

Her patience was running out.

* * *

After the executive meeting, Sera returned to her office, utterly drained. Dismissing her team members, who were eager to hear about the results, she collapsed onto the sofa and stared blankly at the ceiling.

At least she had survived half the day. That was something.

No matter how hard she tried to think positively, she couldn’t shake off her sinking mood. The reason was obvious—her ordeal for the day wasn’t over yet.

That evening, a party hosted by Lee Seonkyung was scheduled.

The Raum Group, to which Lee Seonkyung belonged, had grown its business primarily in fashion, cosmetics, and retail. Tonight’s event was a VIP private party celebrating Raum Group’s entry into the duty-free market.

The problem? Not only would Sera be attending, but Lee Rowoon would be there as well. And on top of that, she had to go with Cha Jaeheon.

Lying there in despair, feeling as if she were being dragged to a slaughterhouse, Sera reluctantly forced herself up.

“You were already beautiful, but today, you’re absolutely stunning.”

Director Kim, who was in charge of Sera’s makeup, let out an exaggerated exclamation of admiration. As he examined her face from every angle, he poured out an itchy stream of praise.

“Your sharp features make eye-focused makeup suit you so well. The more glamorous the look, the more radiant you appear.”

“…I think you’re overpraising me.”

“You know I don’t give empty compliments. Don’t be so harsh!”

Letting his chatter go in one ear and out the other, Sera studied her reflection. Sure enough, staring back at her was a strikingly transformed beauty. It was astonishing how much a simple makeover could change a person.

Dressed in a haute couture gown specially designed for her by a rising designer, and adorned with dazzling jewelry, she actually looked like a proper heir to a conglomerate family.

For a brief moment, she enjoyed the change brought by the professionals’ touch. But then, she thought of Cha Jaeheon and frowned.

‘As his fiancée, I can’t exactly ignore public perception.’

When she suggested they meet at the hotel, Cha Jaeheon responded by saying he would send a car. He had no intention of being kind, yet he was strangely rigid about certain things.