12. The Getting-to-Know-Each-Other Phase
Unable to withstand Seongwon's sharp and downright lethal pressure, Cha's deputy director had fainted dead away—and ended up hospitalized, no less.
"Eh, passing out during a pressure interview... That's a pretty unusual case. We'll need to run some detailed tests. The symptoms resemble acute myocardial infarction, but there's no relevant history."
At the emergency medicine director's words, David Kim glanced subtly at Seongwon. Somehow, she had already noticed his gaze and was pretending not to see it, looking off elsewhere.
"……."
How on earth could a mere look stop someone's heart? A slight chill ran through him, and David Kim discreetly rubbed his arms.
"One thing's for sure: he needs rest for the time being. We'll monitor his progress after admission."
"Understood. Thank you, Doctor."
"Ah, yes. Heh."
And so, Deputy Director Cha Eunho was admitted to the hospital.
While Miley headed to the administrative office to handle the miscellaneous paperwork, David Kim cautiously asked Seongwon,
"What should we do now, Chairwoman?"
"What do you mean?"
"About Deputy Director Cha."
David Kim glanced toward the emergency room as he spoke.
"Should we fire him? If that's what you want, it can be arranged."
Seongwon raised an eyebrow slightly at his words.
"Didn't you say firing him would violate labor laws?"
"Haha. Well, that's true if we follow principles and procedures to the letter. But if we don't mind the methods, firing one employee isn't all that hard for a company."
David Kim replied with a lighthearted flourish.
He might bicker comically with Miley on the surface, but David Kim was still a ruthless financier at heart. He had destroyed companies with a flick of his finger, squeezed salaried workers until blood tears flowed, and even shattered an entire nation with his hedge fund. The man was more than qualified—overflowing, even—to serve as a hunting dog that tore into people without mercy.
And Seongwon was the benefactor who had handed him control of capital in the trillions of won. What was a little blood on his hands for her sake?
Firing some obscure TV producer? Child's play.
David Kim's eyes gleamed sharply.
"Just say the word, and I can have him fired immediately. Without causing any harm to the company. Give the order, and I'll handle it quietly right now."
At those words laced with sinister intent,
"Nah, forget it."
Seongwon waved him off dismissively.
David Kim blinked at the unexpected response.
"You mean just leave him be?"
"Yes."
Questions flooded David Kim's mind, but he hesitated to voice them, clamping his mouth shut. Sensing that brief pause, Seongwon looked up at him.
"Curious why I came to that conclusion?"
"...Frankly, yes. I am."
David Kim asked, genuinely baffled.
"You clearly want to become the top internet broadcaster, Chairwoman."
So why entrust the job to anyone less than the most capable, the most passionate?
"Deputy Director Cha has talent, but I wouldn't call him the best. And he even failed to prove himself after ruffling your feathers."
So why?
To David Kim's question, Seongwon answered,
"We still have to give him a chance."
"...A chance?"
David Kim looked puzzled.
It was a reason he had never even considered.
"Everyone fails sometimes, right? Even the talented have tasted defeat. There's no reason to deny a second chance over one mistake."
"But why stick with someone lacking ability when better options exist? There's no need to..."
Seongwon opened her mouth slowly then.
Her voice was sweet enough to melt anyone who heard it.
Yet for some reason, David Kim felt it coated in a dark, lingering residue.
"Why should you be the one to decide that?"
David Kim flinched as if struck by lightning.
Realizing he had overstepped, he moved to apologize—but Seongwon whipped her head away.
"Who dares decide if someone has talent or not?"
"……."
"I'm not denying talent exists. If they can't prove it, then maybe they don't have it. But jumping to conclusions from a single glimpse? Isn't that too arrogant?"
She stared straight at David Kim.
"So, I'll give him the chance to prove it."
She emphasized each word deliberately.
"A chance to try again."
Her voice was soft, but it carried weight.
"Whether he seizes it and proves himself or crashes against the wall and gives up—that's not my concern, nor something I can control. But at least I can say that anyone who enters my fold deserves another shot."
David Kim swallowed dryly.
"Why...?"
To that foolish question came a clear answer.
"Because they're someone I took in."
It was arrogance bordering on madness.
Something only a self-obsessed narcissist would say.
Yet David Kim couldn't even muster a hollow laugh. Seongwon's eyes, her gaze, made it plain.
This wasn't just about Deputy Director Cha.
Only then did David Kim realize.
He, too, had just been granted that one chance.
He couldn't laugh. Not in the slightest.
"Looks like we won't make any progress on broadcasting until Deputy Director Cha is discharged. What do you think, Miley?"
"Mm. I agree, Master."
"Hmm. Then I'll head in and practice some gaming. Take the rest of the day off. I'll grab dinner at that restaurant downstairs."
"Understood. Good night, Master."
Once Seongwon waved casually and entered the house, Miley confirmed it and headed to her own place on the floor below.
She'd love to live in the adjacent penthouse to serve Seongwon more diligently, but it was already occupied. With her current wealth, she couldn't outbid for it.
Of course, telling Seongwon would prompt a casual "Oh? Then just buy the one next door." But how could she burden her proxy with such a trivial request?
'It's all because I'm lacking.'
Never had her inability to manage money felt so regrettable. Miley Saint Raphael stepped out of the elevator with a sullen face and stopped in front of her door.
There sat a familiar yet perpetually infuriating face—crouched low.
"...Director Kim."
David Kim, dressed in a crisp suit far beyond his station, with hair anyone observant would spot as a wig, rose slowly as if he'd been waiting for her.
Why was this man here?
As if it wasn't obvious.
Miley Saint Raphael let her deep-seated loathing bubble up unfiltered.
"Are you stalking me now? How utterly revolting. I knew you were a sleazy human from the start, but this... I'll report this to Master."
"...Please don't spout such nonsense outside, butler. Why wouldn't I know where you live? I found this place for you in the first place."
"If not stalking, then why are you here?"
"I need to consult you."
David Kim spoke with a troubled expression.
"From what I've seen of the situation... you seem to understand the Chairwoman better than I do."
"Well, naturally..."
Ah, almost slipped.
Miley quickly clamped her mouth shut. Fortunately, David Kim hadn't noticed the flicker.
"So, will you hear me out?"
But at his words, Miley regained her composure and twisted her lips.
'Ugly orc usurer. You've finally realized you're incompetent and unworthy to stand by her side. At least your brain works better than an orc's.'
Miley Saint Raphael lifted her chin slightly, looking down at the usurer David Kim with a faintly excited tone.
"Why should I grant you such a favor?"
"...Ha, you really have a way with words. Shall I buy you dinner?"
"Ha, hitting on a fellow employee now?"
"Damn it. Have you lost your mind?"
David Kim snapped in frustration before sighing.
"Damn, I really didn't want to do this."
He clicked his tongue, then subtly pointed a finger at the ceiling.
"I know you want to move next to the Chairwoman. But finances are holding you back, right?"
Miley's face twisted at that.
"...Did you put someone on me?"
"Sigh. Everyone at our company knows that—including the deputy director in the hospital right now. It's written all over your face. Why bother tailing you for something so obvious?"
David Kim stared incredulously, and Miley felt a slight sting. Had her expressions been that obvious? What a failure as a butler.
"...So what?"
Noting her deflated tone, David Kim smiled faintly. Then he made an offer she couldn't refuse.
"Hear me out, and I'll manage your assets personally. Free of charge, no fees."
Miley froze for a moment.
'Gotcha.'
David Kim, knowing exactly what that hesitation meant, lifted his chin leisurely and quipped,
"Heard the saying 'no such thing as a free lunch'? I'm offering you a full course, butler. You won't get this anywhere else, so think it over."
Miley bit her lip.
Why couldn't she manage money!
And why did everyone know it!
Honestly, she'd rather dive into stocks herself than suffer this humiliation.
But in the past, she'd nearly bankrupted the church handling its finances.
Seongwon's furious warning, grabbing her and grinding her teeth amid the financial ruin and royal debts, echoed in her head.
Miley clenched her teeth, then let out a breath, relaxing.
"...Fine. I accept."
"Wise choice. Thank you."
David Kim bowed slightly.
His lips twisted into a smirk as he did.
'Heh, the Chairwoman's new mansion already has a annex for you. No need to bust your ass for it.'
Expecting a free lunch from a financier!
'What an utter fool.'
David Kim savored his inner victory smile.
...No wonder they called them gold diggers. No wonder at all.