Reyne leaned back in his chair, spinning his fork between his fingers.
The office cafeteria was buzzing with conversation, workers chatting about deadlines, new projects, and their annoying clients.
And then, very casually—
Very loudly—
"So… something is definitely wrong with Minra and Mr. Hwa."
The entire table went silent.
Half-chewed food was abandoned.
Even Jiho, who barely participated in these conversations, glanced up with mild curiosity.
Eunhe sighed deeply.
"Reyne. For the last time. Nothing is happening between them."
"Oh?" Reyne smirked. "Then explain why Minra’s acting like a malfunctioning robot around him?"
"Maybe because she’s a normal person and he’s our boss?"
"Maybe." Reyne shrugged. "Or maybe… something actually happened during their business trip."
That got more attention.
More murmurs.
More glances exchanged.
And then—
Then, of all people—
Suan, the ever-mysterious investor, took a sip of her coffee, crossed her legs, and said smoothly,
"I’ve noticed it too."
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
.
Every head snapped toward Suan.
Because if Suan was saying something—
It meant she had seen something.
"Hmmm." Jiho frowned, setting down his fork. "You actually think something’s going on?"
Suan, pretending it’s not Jiho talking to her, ever unbotheredly tilted her head.
"I’m not saying anything definitive.." she mused. "But… HyunSeong has been acting a little different lately."
Eunhe sighed.
“Not you too.”
"Think about it," Suan continued smoothly, "He’s been… softer. Not just to Minra, but in general."
"That’s just—"
"And—" Suan interrupted, "—he barely reacted when Minra messed up her report. HyunSeong never lets things slide that easily."
That made everyone pause.
Because…
Because that was true.
And then Reyne, absolutely thrilled that someone was finally seeing his side, smirked.
"See? I’m not just making this up!"
Eunhe rubbed her temples.
"This is ridiculous."
"Is it?" Reyne grinned. "Or are you just afraid that if I’m right, you’ll owe me that expensive steak dinner?"
"I never agreed to this bet."
"Too late, Noona. It’s happening."
"I hate you."
"Love you too, Noona."
.
"Okay, but let’s be real." Jiho interjected. "Even if something happened, it wouldn’t make sense. HyunSeong’s not the type to mix business with personal."
"Maybe he wasn’t." Reyne smirked.
"That’s a reach."
"Is it?"
"Yes."
"Then why is Minra acting like she committed corporate espionage every time he walks into the room?"
More silence.
Because he had a point.
And now, people were really starting to think.
"Maybe he scolded her too harshly?" someone suggested.
"If that were the case, she’d just be mad, not awkward." another countered.
"What if they had a huge argument?"
"If they argued, he wouldn’t have defended her so easily in the meeting."
"What if—"
"What if," Reyne cut in smoothly, "They did something they weren’t supposed to?"
That.
That was met with complete silence.
Because no one wanted to say it outright.
But now?
Now, the idea was planted.
And no one could ignore it.
.
Right at that moment—
Minra walked back into the cafeteria.
Fresh from her client meeting.
Completely unaware that her coworkers had just spent their entire lunch break theorizing about her personal life.
She sat down.
Smiled.
Took a sip of her drink.
And immediately noticed the stares.
She blinked.
"...What?"
No one spoke.
Not at first.
But then—
Reyne, because he had absolutely no self-preservation, leaned in, rested his chin on his hand, and grinned.
"So, Minra," he said smoothly.
"How was your business trip?"
Minra choked on her drink.
.
She coughed violently.
Set her drink down.
Glanced around.
Why was everyone looking at her like that?
Why was Eunhe shaking her head?
Why was Jiho suddenly focused on his food?
Why was Suan smirking?
And then.
Then, she met Reyne’s gaze.
His very knowing, very smug gaze.
And at that moment—
Minra knew.
She was in danger.
.
Chapter 38: "The Woman Who Was Trapped"
