RB - 64

Chapter 64: Curiosity Kills the Cat, They Say

“I birthed a tiger cub, and now look—he’s all grown up and knows how to take care of his own bowl. Yes, this is how my son should be.”

The men of Taesung Group had long enjoyed multiple wives and mistresses, resulting in a sprawling family tree of direct heirs, collateral branches, and illegitimate children. Identifying allies and enemies within this tangled web was essential for corporate governance. As Jung-hyuk had said, every crisis was an opportunity.

To be precise, Chairman Shin wasn’t the legitimate eldest son. Though born to a concubine, he had crushed his older brother to uphold the “principle of primogeniture.” Thus, no one understood better than Chairman Shin the importance of rooting out “traitors.”

But there was one thing to address first.

“That harlot on TV—what’s your relationship with her? Are you and Jin-hyuk really fighting over that woman?”

“How could I stoop so low? Jin-hyuk and I are colleagues, and she’s just an old high school friend. We’re nothing more.”

Chairman Shin narrowed his eyes, testing his son with a sly tone. His voice dripped with malice.

“Is that so? Then there shouldn’t be any issue proceeding with the engagement to Jin Bo-ra from Samjeong Logistics, right?”

“Do as you please. I’ve never expected a marriage based on love anyway. It doesn’t matter if my partner is a person, a cow, a chicken, or a pig.”

Every give required a take. If Chairman Shin was the aging tiger, Jung-hyuk was the predator eyeing the throne.

“When we’ve dealt with the traitor, bring it to the board. Propose transferring most of your shares to me. Isn’t that your lifelong wish? To pass on a complete Taesung to the eldest son of the household. Now’s your chance to step down as the retired emperor. Aren’t you pleased?”

After Jung-hyuk left, Chairman Shin sat deep in thought, his unease growing.

His son hadn’t specified whether the betrayer was male or female when he said, “Whether it’s a man or woman will become clear soon enough.” That vagueness felt significant. Chairman Shin turned to the secretary-general.

“Send someone to tail Park Yeo-wan immediately.”

“What? Park… Yeo-wan? Do you mean Madam Park?”

“Do I need to repeat myself? Tail her and report every move.”

The secretary-general swallowed hard but obediently agreed. He instinctively sensed that this calm was the eerie stillness before a storm.

---

Meanwhile, at Jin-hyuk’s villa, a meticulously prepared breakfast awaited.

Skipping breakfast had been Seo-yeon’s routine, but seeing such an elaborate spread made refusing seem impolite. She picked up her spoon.

Jin-hyuk only began eating after confirming that Seo-yeon had started. Watching his graceful chopstick movements, she asked,

“Do you usually eat breakfast, Jin-hyuk?”

“Not at all. Just a cup of coffee.”

“What? Then what’s all this?”

“The housekeeper must have prepared it because you’re too thin. Thanks to that, I’m eating too.”

Seo-yeon couldn’t tell if Jin-hyuk was joking or serious. Unable to resist her curiosity, she turned on her phone to check the internet for stories about herself. She confirmed Taesung Group’s official statement plastered across the web:

―Shin Jung-hyuk, the designated successor of Taesung Group, has no connection to the rumors circulating. The woman referred to as “H” is merely an old friend. In light of his ongoing relationship with the daughter of a foreign company, unverified reports are deeply regrettable. Legal measures are under consideration at the group level.

The top three search terms were: 1) Shin Jung-hyuk, 2) Taesung Group, and 3) H’s affair. Bitterness rose in her throat. Damn, curiosity really does kill the cat. She quickly turned off her phone.

How would she face the world now? Could she even change jobs? Practical worries flooded her mind. Bi-ryu’s brave face, comforting her despite his own fears, lingered in her thoughts. The food she forced down churned uneasily in her stomach.

“Jin-hyuk, I feel a bit queasy eating breakfast when I’m not used to it. I’ll go get some fresh air.”

As she stood to leave, Jin-hyuk pulled her back gently. His eyes were filled with concern.

“...Manager Han, are you okay? If you leave like this, I’ll worry too much...”

Seo-yeon’s face was as lifeless as a wooden doll. Jin-hyuk held her wrist tightly, unable to tear his gaze away.

He feared how shattered she might be if left alone. And what if Seo-yeon secretly loved his brother, Shin Jung-hyuk? The thought made him desperate.

Her dry voice broke the silence.

“Jin-hyuk, am I really that much of a worry for you?”

“Yes, my heart races too fast. I can’t leave you alone. I just... can’t do that.”

Seo-yeon processed his words with turbulent eyes.

“Why? Do you love me?”

Jin-hyuk felt as though a dagger had pierced his heart. Seo-yeon clenched her teeth and bowed her head.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t snap at you. I’m just overly sensitive. I want to be alone right now.”

But Jin-hyuk stubbornly refused to let go of her wrist. Instead, he pulled her into his arms. Seo-yeon rested her face against his chest, unmoving. His shirt grew damp with her tears. Like a broken faucet, she cried for a long while before finally returning to her meal.

Life was tragic, but the weather was perfect. The sun scattered brilliantly, kissing the well-tended garden. Dew-kissed green leaves shimmered with vitality.

After breakfast, Jin-hyuk left to gather evidence.

Hours later, Seo-yeon stepped into the garden and gazed resentfully at the cloudless sky. The tragedies unfolding for the Shin brothers and herself seemed insignificant to the heavens. A sudden downpour might have felt like mercy today.

“No, Jin-hyuk and Attorney Jung are busy today... Rain wouldn’t be good.”

Seo-yeon muttered, trying to adjust her mindset. Her heart remained restless.

Had Jung-hyuk escaped the hospital safely? If so, Professor Sung Ho-yeon would surely try to destroy evidence. That would make Jin-hyuk’s task even harder.

Lost in thought, Seo-yeon wandered aimlessly until she stopped in front of the greenhouse. It seemed oddly out of place amidst the blooming garden. Why maintain a greenhouse when the garden was already lush? Curious, Seo-yeon wanted to open the door immediately.

“May I assist you, Miss Han Seo-yeon?”

The butler appeared from behind the greenhouse, breaking her reverie.

“Oh... No, I was just admiring the garden. It’s beautiful.”

Flustered, Seo-yeon stammered. The butler smiled kindly and bowed deeply. She found the situation awkward—a middle-aged man calling himself a “butler,” always so formal.

Uncomfortable with the silence, Seo-yeon forced out words.

“There’s such a large greenhouse here. When I was young, the orphanage had one this size. Seeing it brings back memories.”

Sweat trickled down the butler’s forehead. Normally, this would prompt an offer to tour the greenhouse. But he couldn’t allow that.

The greenhouse was Jin-hyuk’s forbidden sanctuary.

Seo-yeon noticed the butler’s anxious shift and pondered a possibility. With a serious expression, she asked,

“Does Jin-hyuk cut plants inside? Like sprouts?”

Instead of answering, the butler’s eyelids trembled, and he rubbed his dry palms together nervously. Clearly, he viewed Jin-hyuk’s actions with dread. Seo-yeon pleaded.

“It’s not what you think. Jin-hyuk isn’t strange. Cutting plants—it’s a method I taught him. He’s just troubled. He’s a good person.”

The butler stared at Seo-yeon for a long time. Whether it was the sunlight or her presence that dazzled him, he couldn’t say. But one thing was certain—her eyes sparkled like stars.

Slowly, the butler nodded. Perhaps Jin-hyuk was indeed a good person. He had always treated the household staff with respect, gave generous cash gifts during holidays, and even arranged medical appointments at Taesung Group’s hospital when needed. Not to mention, he fed stray cats wandering through the garden.

Had the butler misjudged Jin-hyuk by conflating his cold demeanor with his peculiar greenhouse habits? Unconsciously, the butler reflected on his own biases.