RB - 32

32. A Cruel Fairy Tale for an Arranged Marriage

Seo-Yeon clutched the hem of her dress and scolded Jung-Hyuk. 

“What do you mean by ‘breeding’ and ‘stud’? Can’t you at least choose your words more carefully, even when making metaphors?” 

“Why does it make me feel good when you get angry?” 

Jung-Hyuk teased her, gripping her hand tightly. 

Lights illuminated each rock encircling the round pond, creating a breathtaking scene as if someone had stolen the Milky Way and embedded it there. Seo-Yeon steadied herself mentally, determined not to be intimidated by this exclusive party of the wealthy elite. 

The heavy night breeze, laced with moisture, swept through every corner of the villa. 

Madame Bovary’s party lived up to its reputation—it was completely packed. The guests were men and women who excelled in family background, education, appearance, and career. Amidst them, laughter flowed naturally. When Jung-Hyuk appeared, curious glances were cast his way. 

“Who’s that woman next to Shin Jung-Hyuk?” 

“He actually showed up this year? What’s up with Shin Jung-Hyuk attending this kind of party? He usually doesn’t even give these events a second glance.” 

“Did you hear? There was an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held at Taesung Group recently. Shin Jung-Hyuk is now Vice President—he’s officially on the fast track to becoming the heir.” 

Still, no one dared to approach Jung-Hyuk directly. Madame Bovary’s party wasn’t a club where people got drunk and let loose—it was a calculated market requiring strategy upon strategy. 

The buzz surrounding Jung-Hyuk quickly settled, and the party regained its momentum. However, the crowd remained acutely aware of Jung-Hyuk and Seo-Yeon. 

One man smirked mischievously—Jeong Seung-Min, a lawyer. A playful voice slipped between his teeth. 

“Wow, this is like a love cruise ship, isn’t it?” 

His companion nudged him lightly and asked, “Do you know that actress-like woman?” 

Han Seo-Yeon being called an actress? If so, she’d undoubtedly fit the role of a fierce villain or a dangerous femme fatale. Instead of answering, Jeong made a phone call. 

Through the phone, Jin-Hyuk’s voice could be heard. With a sly tone, Jeong spoke. 

“Hey, Shin Jin-Hyuk, I’m calling to save you from some trouble you’re about to face.” 

Annoyance seeped into Jin-Hyuk’s voice. He hated beating around the bush—it was just his nature. 

“What are you talking about? I’m busy right now. Spit it out clearly.” 

“You’re currently reviewing the M&A deal for Taesung Group, right? Let’s handle it through our law firm, Gahan & Co. Cut out Taesung’s legal team.” 

“What nonsense is this? Since when did you start cold-calling for business? I’m hanging up.” 

No, you shouldn’t hang up just yet. Jeong hastily threw out the bait. 

“Han Seo-Yeon! This concerns her—are you still going to hang up?” 

After a brief silence, a cold voice responded. 

“Talk faster. Why is Han Seo-Yeon the keyword to my supposed trouble?” 

Ah, there it was—the big fish had taken the bait. Jeong gleefully began calculating how much they could charge for handling the Taesung Group’s M&A deal as he continued the conversation. 

“Your brother, Shin Jung-Hyuk, just arrived at the villa. But guess what? The woman he brought with him is Han Seo-Yeon. Do you think she knows… that you two are brothers?” 

At the same time, Jin-Hyuk, who had been drinking a cocktail at the bar on the second floor of the villa, suddenly stood up. His hurried steps led him to the window, where he yanked open the thin curtains to reveal Han Seo-Yeon in his line of sight. 

“...You fucking bastard.” 

Though the curse was directed at his older brother, Jung-Hyuk, it hit Jeong hard over the phone. 

“Oh, am I about to witness the Taesung Group sibling feud live? Well, consider this me saving you today. Repay me later. I’m hanging up.” 

After confirming the figures of Jung-Hyuk and Seo-Yeon strolling together in the garden, Jin-Hyuk clenched his teeth and muttered curses under his breath before sending a text message. 

Jin-Hyuk’s reason for attending the party tonight was purely professional. The partner he was reviewing the Taesung Group M&A deal with was a hardcore fan of Madame Bovary’s parties, making this the perfect opportunity to meet him naturally. 

Jung-Hyuk checked his phone immediately after it vibrated. 

―Come to the second-floor cocktail bar. Right now. 

Jung-Hyuk’s sharp gaze shot toward the second floor of the villa. He was equally startled. 

He hadn’t expected Jin-Hyuk to attend such a vulgar party. As the younger son, Jin-Hyuk had always been relatively free from these overt “mating market” gatherings and hadn’t attended even once in the past few years. 

“Damn, this is going to get ugly.” 

With a calm but strained voice, Jung-Hyuk said, 

“Han Seo-Yeon, wait here for a moment. I’ll be back in ten minutes.” 

“Leave me alone? I’ll feel like a monkey in a zoo!” 

“It’ll only be a moment.” 

Though slightly flustered, Seo-Yeon nodded, and Jung-Hyuk disappeared in a hurry, almost running. 

The moment Jung-Hyuk’s protective presence vanished, dozens of curious eyes immediately turned to Seo-Yeon. Everyone was dying to know who she was. 

“The woman Shin Jung-Hyuk personally brought? Who is she? I’m dying of curiosity.” 

Since celebrities occasionally made appearances at Madame Bovary’s parties, some assumed Seo-Yeon was an actress. 

“Isn’t she one of those minor actresses? The ones who are drop-dead gorgeous but can’t act to save their lives. She looks exactly like that type.”

“No, her vibe is too fresh. I don’t think she’s an actress… Maybe some top-tier professional?” 

“Are you kidding? Do you really think Madame Bovary hands out invitations based solely on someone’s job? She’s infamous for digging into everything—family connections, business ties, even your cousin’s side hustles. I only got my invitation after submitting proof of property taxes!” 

It would have been simple to walk up and ask directly. But no one dared approach Seo-Yeon, and the reason was none other than the intimidating presence of Shin Jung-Hyuk. His prickly and cold demeanor was part of it, but more importantly, his status as the eldest son of Taesung Group made him a figure everyone treated with caution and unease. 

The women were just as curious as the men, their gazes trailing after Seo-Yeon. Beneath their carefully applied makeup, clear hostility began to surface. After all, more than ten women at the party had come with the sole purpose of targeting Shin Jung-Hyuk—it was only natural. 

Seo-Yeon felt a faint heat rise to her cheeks as she muttered under her breath: 

“People say the wealthy are classy, but do they eat etiquette for breakfast or something? Why are they staring so openly? It’s disgusting.” 

At the same time, she stumbled slightly, stepping on the long hem of her dress. 

This seemed amusing to some, as subtle smirks slipped between red-painted lips. Of course, no one laughed out loud—that would be far too crass for a party like this. 

As delicate as the classical music playing in the background, hypocrisy bloomed thick in the air—and Seo-Yeon was unmistakably the outsider. 

Quick situational awareness was one of Seo-Yeon’s strengths, so she wasn’t oblivious to the atmosphere. Smoothing down the golden mermaid-cut dress she wore, she moved toward a quiet corner of the garden. 

If it were up to her, she’d have hidden herself in complete darkness. But bound by contract, she had no choice. If the so-called “valuable stud” didn’t want to breed, what could she do? All she could do was wait it out. 

“Don’t anyone follow me. Please.” 

Muttering like she was casting a protective spell, Seo-Yeon tilted a glass of champagne into her mouth with practiced ease. 

Meanwhile, Jung-Hyuk, who had rushed to the second floor, was slammed against the wall before he even opened the door to the cocktail bar. 

“Ugh…” 

Above Jung-Hyuk’s groan, Jin-Hyuk’s murderous voice cut through. 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, bringing Han Seo-Yeon here? Didn’t I tell you not to make me lose my mind?” 

Jung-Hyuk forcefully pushed away his younger brother’s hand gripping his collar. A sharp pain radiated across his back. 

“Do you really want to talk to me like that? You trying to get yourself killed?” 

“Cut the crap and leave. Take Han Seo-Yeon and get out of here now. Did you really think it was okay to turn her into some kind of spectacle? You irresponsible bastard.” 

Irresponsible? A sneer curled at the corner of Jung-Hyuk’s lips. 

“And what wind blew you here to a matchmaking party? Are you looking for a woman now?” 

Interrupting the seething tension between the Shin brothers was the slightly drunken voice of a young man who knew both of them. 

“Wow, I heard you guys were back in town! Seeing the Taesung Group brothers together—this is rare! Hehe, nice to see you both!” 

Jung-Hyuk brushed off the wrinkles from his collar and snapped at the young man. 

“This ‘rare visual’ comes with a bad mood, so shut up and leave.” 

The young man awkwardly patted his neck and backed away. Jung-Hyuk then kicked Jin-Hyuk hard in the shin. Jin-Hyuk groaned, bending over in pain. 

“There’s a passageway at the end of this hallway. Follow it down, and it’ll lead you to the underground parking lot. Now get lost.” 

Jin-Hyuk clenched his fists tightly, like a predator hiding its claws. His thoughts were consumed by Seo-Yeon. What kind of ridiculous situation would unfold if she were to run into him here? How flustered would she be? No doubt, Han Seo-Yeon would become the center of gossip and spectacle. 

Realizing this, Jin-Hyuk obediently turned and walked toward the end of the corridor—for her sake. Watching his retreating figure, Jung-Hyuk called out: 

“Hey, don’t open any random doors on your way down. There are horny couples tangled up everywhere, so watch where you’re looking.” 

It was at that exact moment, as Jin-Hyuk was leaving the party venue, that Madame Bovary approached Seo-Yeon, who was quietly tucked away in a corner of the garden.