Chapter 32. An Unfamiliar Sensation (2)

Translator: Lili

Just as his mind teetered on the edge of chaos—

“…Pfft.”

Sera suddenly burst into laughter, her body trembling lightly against his.

Her grip on his shirt fell away as if she were discarding something filthy, and she placed her hands on his chest, pushing him away with enough force to create distance but not enough to truly hurt him. Still, Lee Rowoon found himself stepping back, unbalanced.

“Enough. Get lost.”

Her sharp words made his pupils flicker.

“You don’t even have the slightest intention of getting along with me, do you?”

“…”

“Then there’s no reason for me to try to earn your favor.”

For the briefest moment, something resembling bitterness crossed her face. Lee Rowoon caught it—just a flicker, but unmistakable.

“No matter how hard I try, you won’t change. So I suppose we’ll continue resenting each other, just as we always have. I understand why you hate me. And from now on, I won’t waste my time thinking about you anymore.”

“…”

“So do me a favor and ignore me, too.”

With that, Sera turned away.

Just before their gazes broke apart, Lee Rowoon caught a glimpse of his own reflection in her eyes—an expression laced with confusion, completely unguarded.

No contempt. No disgust. Just… uncertainty.

‘If I’m not imagining it…’

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, get out.”

Satisfied, Sera gestured toward the office door.

***

The confrontation between them entered an ambiguous ceasefire. Lee Rowoon had begun openly avoiding her.

‘So he actually got scared and ran away over something as minor as that?’

It was pathetic, yet unsurprising.

Lee Rowoon was a man plagued by obsessive perfectionism and an almost pathological aversion to disorder. His naturally aloof personality had kept him from forming deep connections with others.

To put it bluntly—he was a virgin.

Considering his wealth, looks, and intelligence, that fact was almost unbelievable. But his monk-like existence made sense in a way. The encounter must have rattled him more than he expected—especially since it had happened with Sera Shin, of all people.

That also meant he could be easier to manipulate.

Still, she didn’t press him any further. The goal had been to shake him up, and she had succeeded. Pushing him too far now could backfire.

Adjusting her cuffs, Sera inspected her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was neatly styled, her makeup was subtle yet refined, and her tailored suit exuded sophistication. Even by her own standards, she looked impeccable.

“Vice President, Chauffeur Kwon is waiting outside.”

“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll be out in a moment.”

“Take your time.”

To minimize the risk of past grudges coming back to bite her, Sera had been making a concerted effort to compensate those she had wronged. She treated those around her with the utmost respect, ensuring her every action exuded sincerity.

At first, people had been bewildered by her sudden change. But over time, they began to accept it. It was a slow process, but the shift was real.

As she stepped into the lobby, heading toward the exit, a man seated on the main reception sofa lifted his head.

The moment their eyes met, his fox-like features stretched into an amiable smile.

“It’s been a long time. Have you been well?”

“…Who are you?”

The man’s expression flickered briefly with surprise before shifting into understanding.

“So it’s true—you really lost your memory. I suppose I should properly introduce myself then. This person is Palseon.”

The instant she heard his name, a surge of memories flashed through her mind like a lightning strike.