Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Back in my room, I glanced in the mirror and winced. My lip was split. Anyone who saw it would know I’d been hit. And I have to go to work tomorrow.

My thoughts drifted back to the sitting room. Jung Jinyoung. Grandfather had said he’d throw Namgung Muyeol out if she moved in.

Surprisingly, it might be a good thing. From what I overheard, she’d stood up to Mother-in-law, and even threatened her. Jung Jinyoung’s temper seemed fierier than I’d expected. She didn’t back down.

This could work in my favor. I needed to find out more about her and decide if she could be useful to me.

I immediately called Team Leader Cha.

[Yes, Director.]

“There’s a woman named Jung Jinyoung, Muyeol’s mistress.”

[Yes.]

“I need to know more about her.”

[What specifically?]

“Her personality, reputation, relationships, debts. Anything.”

[Understood.]

As I hung up, I smiled bitterly. When I was Lee Buyeon, Team Leader Cha and I had a cordial relationship. I remembered their birthdays and their children’s milestones with gifts and cash. We exchanged information, but there was a warmth to it.

Now, Cha Insook was cold and professional. She provided the information I needed, but that was all. It felt like losing an old friend. But I couldn’t reveal my true identity. I had to continue as I was.

Gaining one thing often means losing another; I was only now learning that lesson.

I heard a commotion outside and went to the window. Muyeol and Jung Jinyoung were arguing. She was crying, and he was frantically trying to console her.

I smirked. He must be going crazy. She threatened a press conference, and Grandfather said he’d kick him out if she moved in. He was trapped. It was satisfying.

—

The next morning at 4 a.m., I got up, put on my workout clothes and sneakers, and headed out. I walked the route I’d chosen yesterday, determined to keep it up every day. Early mornings were perfect for clearing my mind.

Today was a workday. I’d mastered the tasks and relationships in the office. But there were still nuances I couldn’t understand just from reports—like how to interact with people.

The real issue was that there were more supporters of Father-in-law in the company than I’d anticipated. I didn’t have many senior managers on my side. Their votes in future board meetings would be crucial.

My head throbbed with the complexity of it all. The temptation to give up was strong, but I steeled myself. This was Yena’s life, and I wanted to achieve what she desired.

Breakfast was unusually tense and silent. Even my husband, who would usually have followed Jung Jinyoung, sat quietly at the table. I refrained from provoking him today.

At 7 a.m., I put on my coat and the sneakers he’d given me and waited for Mr. Jang’s arrival. When his text came, I grabbed the bag with the file from my safe and reported to Grandfather.

“I’m off, Grandfather.”

“Alright. Take care.”

“Yes.”

“Is Mr. Jang picking you up?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t overdo it. Your health comes first.”

“I understand. See you later.”

Leaving Grandfather’s room, I stepped outside. Mr. Jang, waiting by the car, gave me a bright smile, instantly lifting my mood.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes.”

As he approached, he paused, and his expression became dark. He stopped in front of me and scrutinized my split lip.

“Who did this?”

“Namgung Muyeol.”

I answered honestly. There was no reason to hide it. His eyes flashed with murder.

“Did you put anything on it?”

“No.”

“Get in the car. It’s cold today.”

He opened the car door for me. As we drove through the gate, he didn’t mention my lip. Shouldn’t he at least offer some comfort to the girl he liked?

“Why aren’t you asking?”

“Asking what?”

“Why I got hit.”

“Do you need a reason?”

“What?”

“Whatever the reason, violence is violence. A man who hits a woman doesn’t deserve to exist.”

His words felt like a balm, something I, Lee Buyeon, had longed to hear. No one had comforted me back then.

Feeling sentimental, I turned to look out the window. I had lived for ten years with a beast who had no right to exist. I had always thought of revenge but never considered the specifics.

I would figure it out eventually. Right now, I was too busy adjusting to my new life. But one thing was clear—I would ruin his life. Completely and so subtly that he wouldn’t even realize it was happening. I was resolute.

We arrived at the office. The International Business Department was located between the Executive Director’s office and the President’s office. Before stepping in, he smiled at me.

“Good luck today.”

“Thank you. You too, President.”

I took a deep breath in front of the door. As I entered the office, the staff welcomed me warmly.

“Director, what happened? You’re wearing a cast!”

“Are you feeling better?”

“You should’ve taken more time off. Are you really okay?”

Their concern reassured me. It seemed Yena had a good relationship with her subordinates. Smiling, I replied, “I’m fine now.”

I mentally matched the information I had with their faces. I was searching for someone—Team Leader Jeong Han-il, Namgung Muyeol’s spy. He regularly received envelopes from Muyeol through the Chief Secretary, Ahn Chihong. Team Leader Cha had confirmed this. Just then, someone bumped into me from behind.

“Ouch.”

“Who the hell…”

The grumbling person was the very one I was looking for, Team Leader Jeong Han-il. With his slit-like eyes and thin lips, he looked even more sly and treacherous in person. Seeing me, he hurriedly bowed.

“Oh, hello, Director.”

“Yes, it’s been a while, Team Leader Jeong.”

My slightly barbed tone seemed to unsettle him, but he quickly plastered on a sycophantic smile.

“I was so worried about you. But I’m glad to see you’ve returned in good health.”

“You have been waiting for me?”

My calm, slow tone flustered him.

“Of course. Absolutely.”

Ignoring him, I addressed everyone, “Let’s start the meeting and then get to work. Meeting in 30 minutes.”

Before turning away, I caught a glimpse of Jeong’s sour expression. I entered the Director’s office. I drew the blinds on the glass walls and began searching for where the key might fit. The cabinets had keyholes, but none matched.

I approached the desk. On it was a childhood photo of Yena with Grandfather. Sitting down, I tried the key in each drawer but to no avail. Frustration crept in. Where could this key possibly fit? It was crucial to find out.

Pausing my search, I turned on the computer. I punched in the password written in Team Leader Cha’s report and the screen flickered. I scrolled through the files, all the while marveling at Jo Jungsik’s hacking skills.

His report was about hacking Yena’s computer. With skills like his, even the President’s office would be vulnerable. I spent 30 minutes reviewing files before leaving the office.

“Alright, let’s start the meeting. Everyone, report on your ongoing projects.”

As we headed to the conference room, a shout echoed from outside the door.

“Namgung Muyeol!”

I heard my husband’s name, and I opened the office door, wondering what was going on. I was stunned to see my ex-husband and President Jang facing off in the hallway.

What was going on? Behind me, the staff clustered together, watching the scene unfold. My husband looked in my direction, his eyes narrowed.

“What’s this about?” Namgung Muyeol asked icily.

“Don’t you remember what you did?” President Jang interrupted.

“What are you talking about? Move.”

I was shocked. The usually calm and mannerly President Jang looked like a beast on the verge of exploding. He spoke in a low voice, his tone deadly.

“Bite the bullet. Or I’ll break it.”

Then he swung his right fist. The sound of the punch was followed by the staff’s shocked gasps as my husband staggered back against the wall. I was truly stunned.

Not just because he hit him in front of everyone but because he hit him at all. When I told him about being hit this morning, I never imagined this would happen.

“You son of a b!tc`h!”

Furious, my husband threw a punch in return, but President Jang easily dodged it. The commotion drew employees from their offices, creating a buzz.

“Think carefully about who you hit.”

“What!”

“If you lay a hand on her again, I’ll k1ll you.”

His voice was low, his gaze lethal. Cold fury radiated from President Jang. Namgung Muyeol’s face turned red with rage.

“You’re doing this because I hit Yena? Do you know who I am? I’m Namgung Muyeol!”

“So what? Does Namgung Muyeol get to hit women?”

“You bastard!”