A Madman in Love

Chapter 13

Intent.

It was intentional.

“Without a doubt...”

That smile was the same one Seo Jaehee wore when he was scheming.

The same smile he had at ten years old, when he decided Suin would be his personal underling. The same smile he wore when he acted like a perfect little angel in front of his grandmother and other adults.

He’s up to something.

Certain of her conclusion, Suin fixed her sharp gaze on the back of his head.

Feeling her eyes on him, Jaehee turned around, his expression dripping with mischief.

Even his gaze gleamed with an oily slickness, his playful grin amplifying the unease she felt.

Disgusting.

Suin quickly looked away, but as she did, a memory from the previous day’s phone call flashed vividly in her mind.

[Just look at him. Always so flippant... I can’t help but feel deeply uneasy.]

Woo Ilhwa had been visibly worried about Jaehee, fearing that his careless demeanor would lead to him being deemed unfit as her successor.

She had likely sent Suin to cover for his weaknesses.

[There was no other choice.]

[You’re the only one who can fill the gaps for Jaehee.]

But why was Jaehee acting like this?

Anyone else reuniting with their parent after so long would try to make a good impression.

Why, then, did he seem so determined to expose his vulnerabilities to his mother, even when there was nothing to gain?

“You’re the only one...”

Ah!

In a flash, Suin realized.

“He’s already gained something—me.”

The reason for Jaehee’s immature, troublemaking behavior in front of Woo Ilhwa became clear.

Woo Ilhwa trusted Suin more than anyone else.

The Hyesung Group executives unanimously recognized her as the ideal Chief Secretary.

And Suin was someone who could see Jaehee’s flaws yet still shield him from criticism.

It was her.

I was the goal. That bastard planned this.

By behaving like a reckless troublemaker, just as he had in the past, he must have predicted that Woo Ilhwa would keep Suin at his side to compensate for his shortcomings.

That lunatic.

“I’ve been played.”@@@@

The realization left her fuming. Her anger simmered just below the surface, though she forced herself to remain composed given their surroundings.

By the time her thoughts settled, they had arrived at the auditorium.

“Let me have one last look. Turn around for me.”

Woo Ilhwa, stepping into the role of a doting mother, paused to inspect Jaehee’s attire.

Jaehee, however, acted as though even this was too much trouble.

“I’m fine,” he muttered dismissively.

Woo Ilhwa narrowed her eyes in mild annoyance, but she said nothing. Instead, she signaled to the secretarial team with a tilt of her chin.

“Let’s go in.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The waiting secretaries, Oh Daehwi and Hyun Jiye, pushed open the double doors to the auditorium and stepped aside.

As always, Woo Ilhwa entered first, exuding an air of confidence. Jaehee followed behind her, his relaxed stride brimming with self-assurance.

Watching his broad back from behind, Suin clenched her jaw.

“Damn Seo Jaehee.”

“Indeed, Hyesung Group’s future looks incredibly bright with him.”

“He’s still got a lot to learn,” Woo Ilhwa replied graciously, busy exchanging pleasantries with the group.

Suin had no choice but to step back.

The meet-and-greet with over a hundred executives was going to take a while. But Suin knew Jaehee would be tied up for the duration, leaving plenty of opportunities to speak with the Chairwoman later.

It would be a piece of cake.

“Jiye, I need to discuss something with the Chairwoman. Can you stay with the Senior Executive?”

“Of course, Chief. Don’t worry about a thing.”

With Hyun Jiye in position, Suin waited for her chance. Finally, Chief Oh Daehwi approached Woo Ilhwa.

“Chairwoman, if you’d like to attend the SeoHan Branding event, we should leave now.”

“Ah, it’s already that time. Let’s go.”

The opportunity had come.

Suin quickly followed Woo Ilhwa out of the auditorium.

Even a short elevator ride would suffice to reveal everything.

“Chairwoman, the Senior Executive is still greeting the executives. May I accompany you down?”

“Of course. Get in.”

Woo Ilhwa stepped into the elevator and gestured for Suin to join her. Suin stood by her side as Chief Oh stepped in and pressed the close button.

Since Oh Daehwi was always by the Chairwoman’s side, Suin figured it wouldn’t matter if he overheard.

Tilting her head slightly, she began, “Chairwoman, I need to tell you—”

Thunk!

“Chairwoman!”

A hand suddenly shot out to catch the elevator doors just as they were closing.

Suin flinched as none other than Executive Director Park Jiyeong appeared.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Of course not. Why even ask?”

Park Jiyeong, one of the few female executives, was known for her amicable personality and had a relationship with Woo Ilhwa that bordered on sisterly.

Suin had always considered her the “most pleasant executive to encounter.”

Not anymore.

“Chairwoman, please share the secret to raising such a wonderful son.”

“There’s no secret. He raised himself.”

“I’m jealous. My son causes nothing but trouble.”

“Oh, I didn’t want to say this, but Jaehee caused his fair share of headaches too.”

Their conversation shifted into an ordinary discussion about children, far removed from the world of corporate executives.

Suin, staring at the elevator display, silently prayed for the conversation to end.

“Chief Lee.”

Finally reaching the lobby, Park Jiyeong left, and Woo Ilhwa turned to Suin with renewed interest.

“What was it you wanted to tell me earlier?”

“Well, Chairwoman, it’s about—”

Bzzzzz—

As if the universe conspired against her, Woo Ilhwa’s phone began to vibrate.

“Let’s talk later,” Woo Ilhwa said, turning to answer the call.

Damn it.

Suin cursed internally, though the words nearly escaped aloud.