Chapter 48.1

Chapter 48.1

It is said that a king of the Mughal Empire in India built a magnificent palace for his beloved queen. The golden pillars supporting the palace were adorned with a jewel that shone as brightly at night as it did during the day, proving the king’s love.”

Enjoying his audience, Yoon began to boast about the jewel more.

“This jewel is a ruby known as ‘Pigeon Blood,’ resembling the deep red color of a dove’s blood. It is said to be the most vivid and red ruby in existence.”

Due to the large ruby and the densely set diamonds, its price reached hundreds of millions of won. The rarity of the large Pigeon Blood itself made it a limited edition, so it was priced beyond the reach of common people. However, perhaps due to the drama’s popularity, inquiries for purchase were pouring in.

Since it was not the product he originally intended to buy and a more expensive item was already on its way to his home, Jae-heon didn’t even glance at the devil’s temptation.

Despite Jae-heon’s sullen expression, Yoon, who handled VVIP clients, maintained a business smile and continued speaking.

“This product was specially ordered by Executive Director Park Jeong-hoon of Seongjo Ilbo.”

“Park Jeong-hoon?”

Jae-heon’s eyes gleamed sharply.

Yoon was indeed seasoned. She mentioned the name Park Jeong-hoon because she knew that the beautiful woman sitting next to Kwon Jae-heon was the one Park Jeong-hoon had been pursuing.

Last weekend, Kwon Jae-heon spent 1 billion won at an auction to buy a necklace for the woman. Yoon was also there. He was one of the few who vividly witnessed the tense confrontation between Park Jeong-hoon and Kwon Jae-heon.

The next day, Park Jeong-hoon inquired about purchasing the expensive jewel, including the “Devil’s Temptation.” It was a predictable development. So, when I casually mentioned Park Jeong-hoon’s name, Kwon Jae-heon’s expression changed, just as expected.

“It is said that there has never been a failed proposal with this jewel. That’s why it earned the nickname ‘Devil’s Temptation.’”

“Hmm… Is that so?”

“Since it’s a limited edition, it’s hard to secure, but I’m showing it to you first, Director Kwon.”

Yoon emphasized her point.

Kwon Jae-heon smirked and straightened his posture.

“I like it.”

Jae-heon loosened his lips into a charming smile. That day, Yoon achieved the highest sales ever.

*

December 31st, 2:00 p.m.

In Lee Yi-taek’s office.

“What brings you here without an appointment?”

Lee Yi-taek frowned at the suddenly arrived Kwon Jae-heon. He was sitting on the office sofa with his legs crossed, as if it were his own home.

The end of the year is usually busy, but today, being the last day, there were even more events to attend than usual. Starting with a broadcast interview, he had to participate in the Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony in Jongno at midnight.

It was already annoying that Jae-heon barged into the office without making an appointment, but he was also fiddling with his phone as soon as he entered. Watching him busily typing messages twisted Lee Yi-taek’s stomach.

This is why young people…

“You seem very busy; how about making an appointment next time?”

“I can’t take up the time of someone as busy as you.”

Yet, he continued to play with his phone. The buzzing notification sound from incoming messages kept irritating Lee Yi-taek.

“I didn’t know Director Kwon was such a rude person.”

Lee Yi-taek looked at Kwon Jae-heon with a displeased expression.

This is why family education is important; it’s clear what he learned from his poorly raised background, and that thought was evident on his face.

“I thought I had shown enough courtesy, but it seems I fell a bit short for you, Congressman.”

Kwon Jae-heon chuckled softly and placed his phone on the table. The pitch-black phone vibrated with a buzzing sound as soon as it touched the surface.

“I’ve been catching up on work since I took a few days off.”

“A few days? That’s an understatement.”

Lee Yi-taek swallowed his rising anger as he spoke. Jae-heon had completely taken the product he had nurtured and had been holding onto it for days. Seeing that smug face, Lee Yi-taek could easily imagine how he had spent those days.

“Thanks to you, I did get some good rest.”

“Now that I see your face, when are you going to return my daughter?”