Author's Note:3331
Hello, dear readers!
First of all, thank you for being part of this journey. Every view, comment, and like means the world to me and motivates me to keep crafting this story for you. In this chapter, Andrea and Layla stumble upon a mysterious interaction that could change the dynamics of their world. Who is the enigmatic figure with Seorii? What secrets does he hold?
As the story unfolds, more intrigue, tension, and surprising revelations await. Your support fuels this narrative, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Let's continue growing together and uncovering every twist and turn in this tale.
I'm so grateful for your continued support as we dive deeper into this journey together! To keep things exciting and organized, here's the schedule for upcoming chapter uploads:
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I'm committed to bringing you new chapters that will keep you on the edge of your seat, filled with emotions, twists, and those unforgettable moments. Make sure to mark your calendars, set your reminders, and stay tuned!
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Keep reading and dreaming big!
Warmly,
PENOLA.S💕
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The mansion was cloaked in the soft twilight hues as the sleek car pulled into the long driveway. The warm glow of garden lanterns lined the path, illuminating Andrea and Layla as they stepped out, bags and boxes loaded from their day out in Seoul. The soft hum of cicadas filled the evening air, blending with their chatter.
Layla was laughing nervously, clearly still giddy from their shopping spree. "I swear, Andrea, you have some dangerous energy when it comes to picking shoes."
Andrea shrugged, smirking. "Hey, if I can handle 90kg dumbbells, I can handle a few extra shopping bags."
But their laughter came to a halt as the mansion door opened slowly, revealing a figure standing tall under the golden light. Eunwoo.
Layla's steps faltered instantly, the color draining from her face. "Oh no," she whispered under her breath.
Andrea glanced sideways. "What's your problem?"
Layla leaned closer, whispering frantically. "This is bad. So bad. He's going to kill me for sneaking out without permission."
Andrea arched an eyebrow. "Kill you? He looks like a CEO, not a hitman."
Layla gulped. "Trust me, Andrea. When Eunwoo scolds, it's worse than any death sentence."
Eunwoo's gaze locked on them as they approached, his expression unreadable but undeniably sharp. His tailored suit clung neatly to his frame, and despite the late hour, there wasn't a single crease on him. He exuded authority effortlessly.
"Well, well," Eunwoo began in a tone as smooth as steel, "looks like you two had quite the adventure." His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Layla stiffened. "B-boss..."
Eunwoo's eyes shifted to Andrea, narrowing slightly. "And you, Miss Agent, did you forget something today? Like maybe... the mandatory practice session you're supposed to lead as the top agent of the secret society?"
Andrea didn't flinch. She met his challenging gaze head-on, arms crossed over her chest. "Even the best agents need a break, Boss. Ever heard of mental health days?"
A muscle in Eunwoo's jaw twitched, though his expression remained cold. "Mental health won't matter if you forget how to dodge bullets," he retorted icily.
Andrea smirked. "Dodging bullets? Sounds like your Monday morning."
Layla let out a strangled laugh that quickly died under Eunwoo's glare.
"Layla," he said curtly, "go upstairs and rest. Tomorrow's meeting starts at nine sharp. Don't even think about being late."
"Y-yes, Boss," Layla stammered before fleeing toward the staircase, practically tripping over her feet in her haste.
Eunwoo turned back to Andrea. "Follow me."
She arched a brow. "Do I get a choice?"
"No."
With that, he strode down the hallway, not bothering to check if she was following. Andrea rolled her eyes but trailed behind him, her footsteps echoing off the polished marble floor.
The office was dimly lit, a minimalist space with sleek dark wood furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sprawling garden. Eunwoo gestured toward a chair opposite his desk.
"Sit."
Andrea flopped down casually, crossing one leg over the other. "Charming as ever."
Ignoring her quip, Eunwoo slid a thick file across the desk toward her. "Read this. You'll be working directly with me on this project. I expect you to know every detail by tomorrow."
Andrea flipped open the file, skimming through lists of dealers, suppliers, and strategic partners. "Light reading," she muttered sarcastically.
Eunwoo leaned back in his chair, his expression hardening. "And one more thing—take your medication on time."
Andrea's head snapped up, surprise flickering across her face. "Wow, you do care. I'm touched."
He scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. You're just useless to me if you collapse mid-mission."
Andrea chuckled. "So romantic."
Before he could respond, Eunwoo's phone buzzed on the desk. He glanced at the screen, irritation flashing across his face. "Great," he muttered before answering.
"Yes, Uncle Juntae," he said, his tone forced into polite submission.
Andrea watched him carefully, sensing the tension radiating off him.
"I've reviewed the presentation," Eunwoo said tightly. "We'll finalize it tomorrow during the meeting."
A faint, condescending voice echoed through the speaker, though Andrea couldn't make out the words.
"I said I'll handle it," Eunwoo reiterated, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the phone tighter.
The voice on the other end grew sharper, clearly challenging him.
"This is my company," Eunwoo snapped. "And I'll run it as I see fit."
Without waiting for a response, he ended the call abruptly, tossing the phone onto the desk with a sharp exhale.
"Family drama?" Andrea asked, leaning back in her chair with a teasing smirk.
Eunwoo shot her a glare. "Mind your own business, Agent."
"Hey, you answered your phone right in front of me," Andrea quipped. "Kind of hard not to hear the soap opera."
He exhaled sharply, reigning in his frustration. "Focus on the file. I need someone who can actually do their job without distractions."
Andrea stood, lifting the file. "Don't worry, Boss. I'll be the best distraction-free assistant you've ever had."
As she walked toward the door, she paused and glanced back with a playful smirk. "By the way, next time you're going to argue with your uncle? Mute the call."
Eunwoo's lips pressed into a thin line, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—amusement, perhaps—before the cold mask slipped back into place.
🧋^_____^🧋^_____^🧋^_____^🧋^_____^🧋
Andrea left the office with a smug smile lingering on her face, knowing she'd gotten under Eunwoo's skin even if just for a second. The hallway was quiet, dimly lit with elegant sconces casting warm glows against the textured walls. She glanced down at the thick file in her hands, wondering just how deep Eunwoo planned to drag her into his corporate empire.
Layla's earlier words about Eunwoo echoed in her mind. "He's intense, but he's brilliant. Just don't cross him." Andrea had already crossed that line multiple times, and she had no intention of stopping.
The soft click of her heels was drowned out by a sudden voice behind her.
"You didn't need to provoke him."
Andrea turned sharply, finding Layla leaning casually against the wall near the staircase, arms crossed, a guilty but amused look on her face.
Andrea smirked. "Provoke? That was just foreplay."
Layla gasped dramatically. "Foreplay?! Girl, Eunwoo doesn't even know the meaning of the word. He's probably filing a mental report on you right now for insubordination."
Andrea chuckled. "Let him. Maybe I'll make it onto his 'most annoying people' list."
Layla walked up to her, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "You're already at the top, trust me."
They both burst into laughter, their hushed giggles echoing through the grand hallway.
Layla nudged Andrea's shoulder. "So, what did the big bad boss say? Did he finally loosen up?"
Andrea snorted. "Loosen up? He's wound tighter than a Swiss watch. But hey, he did tell me to take my meds. That was almost sweet."
Layla's eyes widened. "Wait, what?! Eunwoo actually said something caring? Are we talking about the same guy who once fired an intern for sneezing during a presentation?"
Andrea shrugged. "Guess I bring out the best in people."
Layla laughed again, shaking her head. "You're either brave or completely insane."
Andrea winked. "A bit of both."
As they reached the staircase, Layla's playful demeanor shifted slightly, her tone softening. "Hey... thanks for today. I know we joked around a lot, but I really needed that break."
Andrea smiled genuinely. "Anytime, Layla. You've got a good vibe. And Seoul's not bad either. I'll admit I had fun."
Layla grinned. "Next time, we'll hit Han River for a night cruise. You game?"
Andrea tilted her head thoughtfully. "Depends. Will there be snacks?"
"Girl, you know it!" Layla laughed, giving Andrea a playful push.
They parted ways at the top of the staircase, Layla heading toward her room while Andrea made her way toward hers.
Back in the office, Eunwoo leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin. His gaze was fixed on nothing in particular, but his mind was replaying every word of his earlier conversation with Andrea.
Bold, reckless, and far too confident, he thought with a shake of his head. Yet there was something about her defiance that intrigued him. She was unlike anyone he'd ever worked with before—unpredictable and maddening but undeniably sharp.
His phone buzzed again, snapping him out of his thoughts. Juntae. Eunwoo clenched his jaw, debating whether to answer, but ultimately let it go to voicemail.
"Tomorrow," he muttered to himself, "she'll need to be ready."
There was no room for mistakes in this world, and Eunwoo knew that better than anyone. Andrea Yeldiz might have been a wildcard, but she was now his wildcard, whether she liked it or not. And he was going to make sure she played by his rules.
📑___________📑___________📑___________📑
The next morning dawned crisp and bright, the golden light spilling through the mansion's tall windows. Eunwoo had already been up for hours, his morning routine rigid and disciplined as always. After a cold shower and a grueling workout, he was dressed impeccably in a tailored navy-blue suit, ready to tackle the day.
Andrea, on the other hand, was reluctantly pulling herself out of bed. She hadn't slept much, thanks to the thick file Eunwoo had dumped on her the previous night. Every page detailed complex supplier negotiations, international contracts, and financial projections — enough to give even a seasoned executive a headache.
As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, a knock echoed on her door.
"Miss Yeldiz?" It was Layla's cheerful voice. "Breakfast's ready. And, um... Eunwoo wants you in the office room after. Good luck with that."
Andrea groaned. "Thanks for the warning," she muttered under her breath, throwing on a simple black blouse and trousers.
The dining room was quiet, save for the soft clinking of silverware. Eunwoo sat at the head of the long table, sipping black coffee as he reviewed something on his tablet. His expression was as unreadable as ever.
Andrea plopped down across from him, reaching for a croissant without bothering to greet him.
"Still alive after last night's reading?" he asked without looking up, his tone neutral but edged with sarcasm.
"Barely," Andrea quipped, taking a defiant bite. "You could've at least included a cheat sheet for all those mind-numbing details."
Eunwoo arched a brow, finally glancing up. "If you need a cheat sheet, you're not ready for this job."
Andrea narrowed her eyes. "And here I thought you were all about nurturing talent."
Layla, seated a few chairs away, snorted into her orange juice, quickly covering it up with a cough when Eunwoo shot her a glare.
"Finish your breakfast," Eunwoo ordered curtly, "then meet me in the office. We have a lot to cover before the meeting."
Andrea saluted mockingly. "Yes, sir."
Thirty minutes later, Andrea stood in Eunwoo's office, tapping her foot impatiently as he typed away on his laptop.
"Any day now," she muttered under her breath.
"I heard that," Eunwoo said without looking up.
"Good," Andrea shot back. "Maybe it'll motivate you to speed up."
Eunwoo finally leaned back, fixing her with a cool stare. "You really have no filter, do you?"
"None whatsoever," Andrea confirmed cheerfully.
He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine. Let's get to it."
He handed her a tablet displaying a list of names. "These are the key players you need to know for today's meeting. Dealers, suppliers, and one particularly slippery competitor who's been trying to undercut our deals."
Andrea scanned the list, her brow furrowing. "Wait... this name." She tapped the screen. "This guy's tied to your uncle's business, isn't he?"
Eunwoo's jaw tightened. "Yes. Which is why you need to be sharp today. Juntae has a habit of playing dirty, and I wouldn't be surprised if he tries something during the meeting."
Andrea crossed her arms. "Sounds like a fun family reunion."
"It's business," Eunwoo said coldly. "Nothing more."
"Right," Andrea drawled, clearly unconvinced.
A knock interrupted their tense exchange. A servant entered, bowing slightly. "Sir, Mr. Juntae is on the line."
Eunwoo's expression darkened. "Of course he is," he muttered under his breath.
He gestured for Andrea to sit as he answered the call. "Juntae," he greeted coolly.
"Eunwoo," came the slick, condescending voice on the other end. "I hope you're ready for today's meeting. I'd hate for my dear nephew to embarrass himself in front of all those important investors."
Andrea watched as Eunwoo's knuckles whitened around the phone.
"I'm always ready," Eunwoo said smoothly, though the tension in his voice was palpable.
"Good," Juntae purred. "Because I have a few surprises planned. I hope you can keep up."
The call ended abruptly. Eunwoo set the phone down with a controlled but visible frustration.
Andrea leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "Friendly guy."
Eunwoo shot her a glare. "Stay focused. We can't afford any mistakes."
Andrea's lips curved into a sly smile. "Relax, boss. I've got your back."
For a moment, Eunwoo's hardened expression softened, though only slightly. "We'll see."
As they prepared for the meeting, one thing was clear — the battlefield wasn't just in the boardroom. It was between bloodlines, trust, and a brewing storm neither Eunwoo nor Andrea could fully anticipate.
🎀(^///^)🎀(^///^)🎀(^///^)🎀(^///^)🎀
Later that morning, Andrea sat lazily in the mansion's spacious sunroom, flipping through a magazine without much interest. The events from the previous night still lingered in her mind—Eunwoo's cold demeanor, the weight of unspoken tensions, and her unresolved frustration.
Layla, dressed in a sharp business suit, strode into the room with a confident grin. "Good morning, Miss Yeldiz," she teased, adjusting the sleek black watch on her wrist. "Looks like someone's having a lazy day."
Andrea rolled her eyes. "Not all of us are corporate spies masquerading as loyal employees."
Layla laughed, unbothered by the jab. "Jealous much?"
"Hardly," Andrea shot back, though a smirk tugged at her lips. "So, what's the grand plan for today? More secret meetings with shadowy figures?"
Layla shrugged playfully. "Maybe. But I have a better idea first."
Andrea narrowed her eyes. "Should I be concerned?"
"Nah," Layla assured, tugging her toward the door. "You're coming with me. We need to get you out of this place before you start talking to the furniture."
Andrea hesitated. "And where exactly are we going?"
"Shopping," Layla declared triumphantly. "Han River views, café stops, and the whole Seoul experience. Trust me—you need it."
Andrea groaned but allowed Layla to drag her out. "You just want someone to carry your bags, don't you?"
"Obviously," Layla grinned. "Now, get moving."
As they cruised through the bustling streets of Seoul in Layla's sleek black sedan, Andrea gazed out the window, taking in the city's vibrant energy. Skyscrapers glinted under the morning sun, pedestrians hurried across busy intersections, and the scent of street food wafted through the air.
"You know," Andrea mused, "I still can't figure you out. One minute you're this charming chatterbox, and the next, you're all business mode."
Layla chuckled. "A girl's gotta have layers, Andrea. But seriously, I just thought you needed a break. Living in that mansion with Mr. Iceberg Eunwoo can't be easy."
Andrea snorted. "That's putting it mildly. The guy makes robots look emotional."
"Trust me," Layla said with a wink, "he's not as heartless as he seems. Just... complicated."
Andrea tilted her head, curious but skeptical. "Complicated, huh? Sounds like a polite way of saying 'pain in the ass.'"
Layla laughed loudly, nearly missing a turn. "You're not wrong."
Their first stop was a chic boutique in Gangnam, where Layla immediately dove into racks of designer dresses. Andrea followed reluctantly, occasionally raising an eyebrow at the extravagant price tags.
"You know I don't need all this fancy stuff, right?" Andrea pointed out as Layla held up a shimmering silver gown.
Layla waved dismissively. "It's not about need, darling. It's about options."
Andrea rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, fashion queen."
Later, they found themselves seated at a cozy riverside café near Han River. The view was breathtaking — shimmering waters reflecting the clear blue sky, boats drifting lazily along the current.
Andrea took a sip of her iced coffee, savoring the rare moment of peace. "Okay, I'll admit it. This isn't half bad."
"Told you," Layla grinned, nibbling on a pastry. "Sometimes you just need a change of scenery."
As they chatted about everything from Seoul's best street food to Layla's undercover work at Eunwoo's company, Andrea felt a strange sense of ease.
For once, the weight of secret missions, power struggles, and icy glares was forgotten.
But little did Andrea know, the calm wouldn't last long. Eunwoo was waiting back at the mansion — and he never liked being kept waiting.
🪶________🪶________🪶________🪶
As Andrea took another sip of her coffee, she noticed Layla's expression shift from carefree to sharp. Her usual chatter died down as her eyes fixated on something—or rather someone—near the railing by Han River.
"Layla? You good?" Andrea asked, following her gaze.
Layla didn't respond immediately, but when Andrea's eyes landed on the scene, her curiosity spiked. Standing just a few feet away was Seorii, one of Eunwoo's trusted associates. What made it strange was the man standing next to her.
He was tall with a confident posture, dressed in a crisp black jacket, his hand resting casually yet possessively on Seorii's arm. His face was unfamiliar to both Andrea and Layla, but there was no mistaking the sense of closeness between him and Seorii. They seemed far too comfortable—like they shared more than just a professional relationship.
"Is that Seorii?" Andrea whispered, leaning slightly forward.
"Yup," Layla confirmed, narrowing her eyes. "But that guy? No clue."
Andrea observed them closely. Seorii was rarely the kind to let her guard down, always polished and professional. Yet now, she laughed softly, her body angled toward the man as if he were the only person in the world. The sight was... unsettling.
"Think she's undercover?" Andrea speculated.
"Doubt it," Layla muttered. "That's not her work mode. That's something else entirely."
Andrea smirked. "Ooh, maybe it's love."
Layla shot her a look. "Seriously? Seorii? Love? She'd probably deny emotions even exist."
"Well, explain that then," Andrea challenged, gesturing toward the pair.
As if sensing their eyes, Seorii glanced their way, her smile faltering for a fraction of a second. Her usual composed expression snapped back into place, but the slip had been noticeable. The man beside her leaned closer, saying something into her ear that made her nod subtly.
Layla sat up straighter, her instincts clearly on high alert. "We need to know who that guy is."
Andrea raised an eyebrow. "Why? She's allowed to have a life, isn't she?"
"It's not about that," Layla said seriously. "If he's someone important—or worse, dangerous—we need to tell Eunwoo. Seorii's too close to Eunwoo's operations. If this guy's a threat..."
Andrea sighed, brushing a hand through her hair. "Fine. But maybe it's just a harmless date."
Layla didn't look convinced. "Harmless and Seorii don't belong in the same sentence."
The two women watched silently as Seorii and the mysterious man turned and walked toward the opposite end of the riverside path. The atmosphere around them was tense, thick with unanswered questions.
Andrea stood abruptly. "Guess this coffee break is over."
Layla followed suit, determination in her eyes. "You're right. We're reporting this to Eunwoo."
"He's going to love this," Andrea muttered sarcastically.
Layla grimaced. "Yeah, well... better safe than sorry."