Shin Woo organized the dinner later that night. They were all in the functional hall with an open area that overlook the night breeze of Jeju. They were all busy chatting and enjoying the food that had been served. There was also a live band that gave another cozy atmosphere in the place that made all the staff being comfortable on their places.
Pauline scanned the area and for the first time, she was at ease and relaxed. Being in the executive world had been tiring for her and because of that, her migraine worsened and the stress levels are also on its highest peak. She wasn't able to sleep properly just to monitor the financial and budget flows of the agency and made reports to present it to the BOD. But now, she realized that the hard work she invested had all been rewarded. Thanks to the people around her who gave support and anchored her till the end.
Pauline was cut off from her reverie when Shin Woo walked at the stage after the band performed their last song.
"As the CEO of LV Entertainment, I would like to thank all of you for your hard work. And since this is the reward that I give as a token of our success, I would like to sing together with the ASUS to express my gratitude to all of you."
Everybody roared and cheered as the ASUS members walked swiftly at the stage. The moment they were on stage, they began to sing a ballad song with Shin Woo on the center. Five minutes later, ASUS members gone emotional and gave a heartwarming and touching message to Shin Woo. Shin Woo, on the other hand, cried hearing their message for him and pulled them into a hug. Everybody also began to cry after seeing the love and support of the one and only Daddy of LV Entertainment to his artists.
Pauline subtly wiped her tears as she witnessed the emotional encounter between Shin Woo and ASUS. She was surprised when suddenly Shin Woo made a last request.
"I would like to make a last request to be on stage. You know that this girl is so elusive and only focus on her work but little did we know that behind her stoic and cold personality lies talented artist inside," Shin Woo announced as he scanned the area until their eyes met.
Pauline's eyes widened in disbelief. Don't tell me...
"I remember when she applied for a work, I even asked her to sing to finally hire her as my senior accountant in the agency," Shin Woo laughed as he reminisced their encounter a few years back. "When she did, I even offered her to become my trainee instead of giving her that position but she refused. And now, she's the only one who became LV Entertainment more effective and efficient. The CFO of the biggest entertainment agency of the world, Pauline Park. Please be on stage and sing for us as my last request."
Everybody was stunned at Shin Woo's revelation and they all looked at her. Pauline just glared at him while Shin Woo just smiling at her wickedly.
"Come on, Pauline. They wouldn't hear your angelic voice if you're still sitting there."
Ryeo Tan eventually clapped his hands to cheer and pushed her on stage. Everyone else gone chanting for her to sing. On the other hand, ASUS members looked at her expectantly and gave way for her.
She scratched her head in irritation and forced to stand up. She slowly walked on the stage as ASUS and Shin Woo finally emerged from the stage for her.
Pauline reached for a guitar beside her and dangled it around her. She tested the guitar if it was still stable and she was ready.
She put her lips on the mic and scowled at Shin Woo. "I hate you for putting me in here."
Everybody laughed at her being in distress.
But eventually, she smiled. "As if I have a choice. It's the CEO's order and I can't do anything about it. It's been years since I've performed so don't be surprised if my voice will crack or out of tune. Please bear with me."
They clapped their hands as Pauline started to pluck the guitar and began to sing her own version of How Deep Is Your Love by Bee Gees. Minutes later, everyone was roaring and wanting her to sing more but Pauline just made a face. She finally walked down the stage before everyone else demanded her to sing again.
"You should've been an idol instead of working as an executive, Ms. Pauline. You have a very serenading and angelic voice," Min Teuk teased her.
Pauline just laughed, pleased. "Stop it. You're embarrassing me."
Hoon Shik agreed. "You should've been the star instead of us."
"Ha ha. Very funny, Hoon Shik."
Pauline excused herself and went to the powder room. Minutes later, she sauntered out of the room and stopped when she saw a pink paper attached to the wall beside the powder room. She smiled knowingly, knowing the owner of the letter.
She opened it and read.
My Pauline,
That's exactly why I fell in love with you at the first place.
Your voice and all.
And for the second time, I was able to hear your voice again.
Making me love you even more, my Cherie.
Again,
Mr. Grim
Pauline opened her mouth in shock.
He knew me after all.
*****