Ariella Moon learned very quickly that Kang Group did not whisper.
It observed.
She felt it the moment she stepped into the building that evening—eyes following her heels across the marble floor, curiosity sharp behind polite bows. The news had spread faster than she expected.
The CEO has a partner.
She adjusted her posture, reminding herself to breathe. Jin-woo had arranged everything with surgical precision: the dress waiting for her, the car downstairs, even the timing of her arrival.
"Miss Moon."
A man appeared at her side, impeccably dressed, glasses neat, expression unreadable but kind.
"I'm Secretary Han," he said with a small bow. "I'll be assisting you… closely."
Closely. Of course.
"Thank you," Ariella replied. "I'm sure I'll need it."
Secretary Han's lips twitched, as if amused. "Most people do."
The private family dinner was held in a traditional estate on the outskirts of the city—old money, old rules, and expectations heavy enough to suffocate. Jin-woo waited at the entrance, dressed in a tailored black suit that made him look every bit the heir to an empire.
"You're on time," he said.
"So are you," Ariella replied.
For a moment, they simply stood there, the air between them tight with unspoken nerves.
Then Jin-woo did something unexpected.
He held out his arm.
Ariella hesitated for half a second before taking it.
The doors opened.
Chairman Kang Dae-hyun sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding despite his age. His eyes—sharp, knowing—lifted the moment they entered.
"So," he said slowly, voice rich with authority, "this is her."
Ariella bowed deeply. "It's an honor to meet you, Chairman."
The old man studied her the way one might examine a chess piece—considering not just what it was, but where it could move.
"Pretty," he said bluntly. "But is she useful?"
The table went silent.
Jin-woo didn't flinch. "She is."
That single sentence landed with more weight than any long explanation.
The chairman chuckled. "You sound confident. That's new."
Dinner unfolded like a battlefield disguised as politeness. Questions came sharp and sudden.
"What does your family do, Miss Moon?"
"How did you meet my grandson?"
"What exactly is your role in his company?"
Ariella answered carefully—truth wrapped in elegance, honesty edited just enough to survive.
"I work in branding," she said. "I believe companies should feel human."
The chairman's gaze lingered. "Dangerous belief."
"Effective," she replied softly.
Across the table, Jin-woo looked at her—not as a CEO, not as a strategist—but as someone quietly impressed.
Later, as tea was served, the chairman leaned back.
"You may leave us," he told Jin-woo.
Ariella's heart stuttered.
Jin-woo stood instantly. "Grandfather—"
"Go," the old man repeated. "I want to speak to her alone."
Secretary Han's eyes flicked to Ariella, sympathy barely hidden.
When the doors closed, silence filled the room.
Chairman Kang smiled.
"You're not what I expected," he said.
Ariella met his gaze. "Neither are you, sir."
He laughed—a full, genuine sound. "You're brave. Or foolish."
"Sometimes," she said, "they look the same."
The chairman nodded slowly. "Be careful, child. My grandson does not like mistakes."
Ariella swallowed. "Neither do I."
Outside, Jin-woo exhaled the moment she joined him.
"What did he say?" he asked.
"That I'm brave," she replied.
His mouth curved slightly. "That's his way of saying he's suspicious."
She smiled faintly. "Good."
As the car pulled away, Ariella realized something terrifying and thrilling all at once.
This wasn't just a contract anymore.
She wasn't just fooling Jin-woo.
She was standing in the middle of an empire—
and everyone was watching.