Chapter 24. Flip The Board (2)

Translator: Lili

“We’ve confirmed the connection between Palseon and Raum.”

Secretary Baek’s report was precise.

“They were extremely careful, only dealing in physical transactions, which made it difficult to trace. But according to an employee under Madam Park Sangyeon of Raum Group, their ties go back quite some time.”

“Palseon takes tens of billions from Chairman Shin every year under the guise of managing the Sungwon estate, doesn’t he?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Sera frowned slightly. She hadn’t expected Palseon’s connection to Raum to run so deep. But now, the puzzle was coming together. Palseon was at the core of the curse that had plagued Shin Sera’s life. Everything had started when the twins were born.

Palseon had manipulated Madam Song into committing the unthinkable—ordering the death of her own daughter. He had then fed Lee Rowoon the truth about his birth, pushing him toward the inevitable destruction of Shin Sera. Later, he had fueled Lee Seonkyung’s resentment, leading her down a path of pure malice.

Sera had delayed making a move against him because she wanted to dig all the way to the bottom of his motivations.

“Vice President, it’s time to leave.”

“Oh.”

Jiyoung entered the office, reminding Sera of her schedule for the evening. She had an event to attend—a charity auction at the W Hotel.

“Let’s discuss this again later, Secretary Baek.”

“Yes, Vice President.”

Wrapping up the conversation, Sera left the office and headed straight to the event venue with only Director Kang and Jiyoung accompanying her.

The auction was being held to support leukemia and pediatric cancer patients, drawing a diverse crowd of attendees from various industries.

Without much interest, Sera scanned the room filled with economic leaders before stepping inside the main hall.

“This way, please.”

A staff member guided her to her designated seat near the front.

The auction items ranged widely—from exclusive luncheons with top CEOs to high-end artwork and pieces from emerging artists.

Sungwon Group had donated two paintings by a globally renowned contemporary artist.

Before the auction officially began, champagne flutes were filled at every table.

Sera had just reached for her glass when—

“Hello, Sera.”

A familiar voice rang out above her.

Her hand froze midair, and she looked up, eyes widening in disbelief. Standing before her was Seo Jungwon. The man was impeccably dressed in a sharp suit.

His dark brown hair was slicked back in a pomade style, highlighting his sharp, well-defined features.

His tall frame—easily a head above most—made him stand out effortlessly, even in the dimly lit ballroom.

“I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

He smiled warmly, looking completely at ease. Sera studied him with a strange expression. Seo Jungwon had truly cut himself off from her.

Not once had he contacted her since declaring that he needed to stand on his own. The last time they had spoken, he had seemed to be in a better place. But tonight, he looked completely stable—perfectly composed.

His gaze flickered to the empty seat beside her.

“Mind if I join you?”

“…”

What should she do?

Her hesitation didn’t last long. She didn’t want to be cruel to him anymore. And, really, she had no reason to be. Silently, she nodded.

Seo Jungwon signaled to a staff member before settling into the seat beside her.

Now that they were sitting close together, his scent—subtle yet refined—brushed against her senses.

His presence carried the charm of a classic movie star—timeless, elegant, effortlessly captivating.

In his perfectly tailored three-piece suit, he exuded an air of quiet sophistication. Beneath the smooth planes of his forehead, his deep-set eyes held quiet intensity.

His sharp nose and full lips added to the striking symmetry of his face. For a moment, Sera found herself staring. And Seo Jungwon, noticing, asked with a teasing smile,

“How do I look?”

“…Huh? Well… you look… handsome?”

“…What?”

Seo Jungwon’s eyes widened at Sera’s unintentional honesty, revealing her surprise. But it was only for a moment—soon, he burst into laughter. Leaning forward as he laughed, he spoke to her, whose cheeks had turned red.