Chapter 136
Chapter 136
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 136
Chapter Title: The Butterfly's Wingbeat (3)
Ronan Chriswell.
By all accounts, he was a man who had everything.
A striking appearance, the pedigree of a chaebol heir, and exceptional talent to boot.
Even setting aside his connection as the nephew of Syneron Medica's chairman, Ronan was outstanding.
At just twenty-nine years old, he had risen to an executive position at a multinational pharmaceutical giant and was delivering impeccable results.
It was the fruit of his relentless self-discipline and drive for self-improvement, beyond mere innate gifts.
Inevitably, such a standout figure drew attention wherever he went.
And his life had unfolded exactly that way.
Wherever Ronan set foot, he was always the center of attention.
Be it the city's top academy, the upper echelons of Alpha Circle high society, or even within Syneron Medica itself.
He garnered more recognition and expectations than Victor Chriswell, the chairman's eldest son and his contemporary.
Living under such intense scrutiny meant people of all stripes flocked to him without much effort on his part.
They were all desperate to win his favor, so relationships had never been a challenge for Ronan.
This was especially true when it came to romance.
What woman could resist a man perfect in background, ability, and looks?
Capturing a woman's interest was always among the easiest things for Ronan.
Elite professional women who shone in society.
Celebrities with the city's most stunning beauty.
Even the haughty daughters of Alpha Circle chaebol families were eager to tie themselves to him.
Sometimes, he didn't even need to reveal his background—just a smile would suffice.
Not once had a chance encounter on the street ended in rejection.
More often, they used that one night as an excuse to pursue something ongoing, leaving him to fend them off awkwardly. Eventually, he started avoiding such casual flings.
Anyway, the point of all this was simple.
After so many experiences, every woman started to feel the same to Ronan.
Idols with throngs of fans and peerless beauty, chaebol daughters from high society, even unassuming everyday women.
Whether a fleeting one-night stand or a steady relationship, they all ended up feeling utterly mundane.
That was why Ronan had decided on a political marriage.
He could even put his future spouse up as a stake in his ambitions.
If all women were the same anyway, why not choose the one who could bring the greatest gain?
The partner he selected with that mindset was the head of Eleos Medical, a company devouring the medical market at a terrifying pace.
If its growth continued, it could dominate not just the city but overseas markets.
Then, Eleos Medical might become Syneron's biggest client down the line.
Securing that connection through a strategic marriage seemed like the ultimate investment.
But his calculations crumbled with a single sentence from her.
"It seems like you're under one misunderstanding, Mr. Ronan."
"A misunderstanding... you say?"
What followed from her lips was an absurd tale.
The Radiance Church wasn't about profit-making; it was a genuine religious order that truly believed in God.
What Ronan had assumed was marketing imagery was, in fact, the very purpose itself.
At first, he thought it was a ridiculous joke.
"Mobilizing that much capital and manpower... for something that yields no profit?"
And the reason? "Just love your neighbor," the word of God?
The woman before him, spouting such nonsense with utter seriousness, seemed utterly bizarre.
"......"
Yet that very strangeness... why was it drawing his gaze so irresistibly?
She spoke again. Her clear voice brimmed with a confidence that made her shine brightest.
"If you call the Church's endeavors meaningless, Mr. Ronan, then what exactly are you working so hard for?"
"........"
As mentioned earlier, Ronan had abundant experience with women.
He had met so many that they all started blending together.
Thus, he naturally sought something "special."
"Are you saying... climbing to the top of a mega-corporation is the same as caring for sick beggars on the street?"
"Value is subjective, of course. But if you're asking me... I think the latter holds a bit more worth. It brings happiness to far more people."
"....."
Ronan fell silent, staring at her for a moment.
Of course, he wasn't profoundly moved by her words or suddenly reflecting on his life.
A lifetime worldview wouldn't shatter from one conversation.
What intrigued him was her attitude.
That conviction—there were things more important than money or success.
Anyone could say that, sure.
He'd encountered plenty of women who acted eccentric just to pique his interest.
But he wasn't a fool.
Having observed countless people approaching him with ulterior motives, he had honed an eye for sincerity.
And most of those who fawned unusually were just playing a concept to hook him.
'But this woman...'
She's different. It sparked a flicker of genuine interest.
Ronan wanted to learn more about this naive girl who spoke of human goodwill with such earnestness.
So he proposed.
"Let's wrap up the business talk. If you have time, how about dinner with me tonight...?"
It was right then.
She abruptly stood, her face somewhat dazed.
Ronan blinked in confusion.
"Ms. Evania?"
"......."
After standing there blankly, unfocused for a while, she quickly composed herself.
Then, with a relaxed smile as if she'd become a different person, she replied.
"I'm sorry to turn down such a rare invitation, but I have urgent business today. How about three days from now, in the evening?"
Something was off.
This was clearly the same girl he'd been talking to moments ago...
The only change was a shift in her gaze. Could that alone alter her impression so drastically?
Those glass-like eyes, once transparently pure with unwavering conviction, now revealed nothing—no emotion at all.
That very maturity drew him in deeper.
The temperature shift in her aura, laced with seduction, left even Ronan momentarily stunned.
Then she smiled faintly.
Distant, fleeting.
So beautiful it pierced his unguarded heart.
Flabbergasted, Ronan could only nod blankly.
"....Alright. Three days from now, evening..."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Even after parting ways, that final smile lingered in a corner of Ronan's mind.
'What was that?'
How could she shift personas so seamlessly, exuding such an aura in an instant?
It was a change so uncanny it naturally stirred his curiosity.
And it refused to fade from his thoughts over the three days until their promised date.
Finally, the day arrived.
"Ah, you've... arrived. Ms. Evania."
"Long time no see, Mr. Ronan."
They met again in a private room at an elite Alpha Circle restaurant. She was even more stunning than before.
A black dress elegantly hugging her curves, a light shawl draped over her shoulders, her silver hair neatly styled with poise.
Their first impression had been of an innocent girl-next-door.
Now, she seemed mystically transformed.
Even Ronan, so accustomed to women, felt a bit dazed by her elegance.
He even regretted that learning the truth about the Church had derailed their engagement.
Still, Ronan was confident.
Her showing up meant she held some fondness for him, at least.
Not a formal betrothal, but a personal connection was entirely possible.
It had been ages since a woman piqued his interest like this. Unraveling her hidden depths, fueled by that curiosity, promised delightful entertainment.
But then.
"Mr. Ronan."
She spoke first.
"You're going to die four days from now."
"....Pardon?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Ronan steadied his trembling hands.
The documents handed to him so casually contained fragments of a meticulously plotted assassination scheme.
Proof that someone was after his life.
And not just his—the current Syneron Medica chairman's as well...
'What the hell.'
His heart pounded with dismay.
The playful mood evaporated, his face hardening.
He asked gravely.
"Is this... real?"
She nodded lightly.
Ronan rephrased.
"Who is it? Who's behind this?"
Only then did she respond.
"So greedy. Should I give that away for free too?"
Ronan flinched momentarily.
Facing her leisurely smile, he felt himself being drawn in and raised his voice unwittingly.
"Of course, if this intel is legit, I'll pay accordingly. But even with just these clues, an investigation will uncover everything. It's clearly an inside job at Syneron."
Assassinations thrived on secrecy.
He might not have noticed otherwise, but now that it was in his hands, the intel's value had mostly evaporated.
If the chairman was truly targeted too, the plan was doomed from the moment Ronan learned of it.
That made it puzzling.
Her attitude wasn't about negotiating a deal, contrary to her words.
He realized the freely given info was little more than one-sided aid.
Unbidden, he asked.
"Why?"
Why did she know this—and share it with him?
"Because... I don't want you to die."
In that momentarily earnest voice, her true feelings slipped out.
Ronan found himself anticipating something as he pressed.
"....What does that mean?"
But she pivoted with a mischievous smile.
"Who knows? Maybe just you staying alive means a great deal to me."
"........"
Now he truly had no idea.
If these clues were real, she had just saved his life.
'She won't even state her price clearly.'
Every woman Ronan had known wore their desires plainly.
Ones smitten by looks, coveting wealth, dreaming of status climbs.
They might hide it, but desire always leaked through.
But this one... was different.
She'd rejected marriage, yet now saved his life.
The sequence was unprecedented.
'Doesn't want me dead? Me surviving alone is... meaningful?'
What could that possibly mean? Her intentions were utterly inscrutable.
That smile and gaze, soul-stealing, seemed designed to invite misunderstanding.
Even now, locking eyes with him, she wore that enigmatic smile.
Each time he saw it, his heart raced for entirely new reasons.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I held no particular like or dislike for Ronan Chriswell personally.
Still, providing the assassination intel for free was a calculated move: keeping a company like Syneron Medica out of enemy hands was value enough.
'If I had more time, I might have negotiated a deal...'
But the hit was mere days away.
With no trust between us, haggling risked his death if I miscalculated.
Averting the incident and nudging the timeline—even slightly—was satisfaction enough.
These weren't my only cards anyway.
With one task cleared, I let out a quiet internal sigh.
Noticing his slightly awkward vibe, I absently touched my face.
'Ah, did I smile like that again?'
I'd heard that during the lingering "afterglow" of foresight, my expressions shifted unconsciously, against my inner intent.
People around me—especially Yoanna and Esty—had warned me not to smile like that in front of others.
'Is it that bad?'
But I couldn't help it. It wasn't fully under my control.
A side effect of foresight memories bubbling up unpredictably.
Not that it changed my personality or forced actions against my will.
Just temporary shifts in demeanor and minor habits.
And apparently, it had just ended. No more dissonance.
Safely past the side effect, I sighed inwardly in relief once more.
'I didn't look too weird, did I?'
Subjectively, it just felt like I'd been smiling a bit more loosely these past few days.
Nothing to worry about, probably.
Or so I hoped.