A Madman in Love

Chapter 38

“Y-yes, Director.”

Ihyeon was caught off guard.

He had intended to finish the interaction with a curt nod, but the unusually pleasant demeanor of Seo Jaehee threw him off.

“How’s everything going, Deputy Baek? Doing alright these days?”

The tone was entirely different from the predator-like growl he had encountered before. Now, Jaehee spoke with polished courtesy and a warm gaze.

“Any difficulties with work? Anything bothering you?”

“No, sir.”

Suspicious of the unexpected kindness, Ihyeon’s reply was stiff.

Yet Jaehee clapped him encouragingly on the shoulder.

“If there’s anything troubling you, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll take care of it personally.”

“You, sir?”

“Of course. You’re a valuable asset to Hyesung, and more importantly, you’re my senior from high school.”

The flattery was almost too much, elevating Ihyeon with respect that bordered on reverence.

“...I see.”

Despite the sugary words, Ihyeon’s sharp gaze caught sight of Jaehee’s cast.

He couldn’t help but think of Suin. How did she feel every time she saw it?

No doubt a mix of guilt and gratitude—emotions most people would naturally feel.

But Seo Jaehee?

He was the type of man who would use that accident as a chain to bind Lee Suin tighter to him, wielding it with the utmost control.

“Director.”

Ihyeon couldn’t just stand by. Determined to draw a line, he made a bold suggestion.

“Can we finish the conversation we started before?”

“There’s no need anymore.”

Jaehee cut him off immediately, leaning his head slightly and flashing a sly, crooked grin.

“Why not?”

“I don’t need it anymore.”

“It was about Suin, wasn’t it? About how you felt uneasy about her and me. I don’t want to clash with you over that.”

“Let’s not, then.”

What was this?

The calm arrogance in his response completely threw Ihyeon off balance.

It felt like firing an arrow only for it to hit a sponge cake instead of the target—soft, sweet, and utterly unyielding.

“In fact, I’ll be rooting for you from now on.”

Jaehee’s expression was almost pitying, as though he were offering Ihyeon a consolation prize.

“...Rooting for me, sir?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

There was a saying about not spitting on a smiling face, but why did Jaehee’s smile make him want to do just that?

Unable to contain his irritation, Ihyeon pushed back.

“Then may I ask for a favor?”

“Go ahead.”

“Sometimes.”

“Is that your car?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Is it a company car?”

“Nope. It’s mine. Why does it matter?”

“It matters. I thought maybe the company gave you one, considering how cozy you are with the executives.”

Ahjin’s envious jab earned her a low chuckle from Suin.

“You know, Yoo Ahjin...”

Suin’s patience snapped. Her voice turned cold as she met Ahjin’s gaze.

“You’re being rude.”

“What?”

“Even among friends, there are boundaries. And you and I? We’re barely that. Whatever thin connection we had ended long ago.”

“Hey—”

“This is the workplace. If you’re going to address me, it’s Chief Lee Suin, not ‘hey.’”

Ahjin’s face turned an angry shade of red, veins bulging as she struggled to respond.

“Do you think you’re so great?”

Suin smirked, unfazed by the childish outburst.

Ignoring her entirely, she turned and walked away.

“Chief, good morning!”

A colleague greeted her cheerfully, holding the elevator open.

“Good morning, Deputy Kim.”

As she stepped inside, leaving Ahjin fuming behind her, Suin felt a rare sense of satisfaction.

***

“Good morning, Chief.”

Suin was greeted by Jongin and Jiye as she entered the Director’s office. Jiye was unpacking a box of packages, while Jongin was tidying up the area.

“The Director is in the Vice Chairman’s office,” Jongin informed her. “They’re having a chat.”

“Got it.”

“Oh, and the Director’s custom shirts just arrived via courier. They said it took longer because the fabric was imported from Paris.”

“I’ll handle it.”

Suin set down her bag and began inspecting the order. She meticulously checked the measurements and quality of the tailored shirts before hanging them neatly in the dressing room.

As she finished, Jaehee appeared at the door.

“Good morning,” he said, leaning casually against the frame with a playful glint in his eye.

Startled, Suin let out a small gasp.

Without warning, Jaehee’s arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close.

“What are you doing? Jongin will be back any moment.”

Suin frowned, trying to free herself, but Jaehee only held her tighter.

“And if he doesn’t come back?”

A mischievous smile spread across his face.

“Should I make sure he doesn’t?”