She got this position only because of her connection with Mr. Jeon. Maybe she's his mistress."
The whisper wasn't even careful. It cut straight through the morning hum of the office.
"What are you talking about?!" "It's a fact, Nancy." "I don't think so." Nancy frowned. "I searched her up online. She's extremely capable, and she's also quite famous—"
"Oh please!! If she was your so-called 'famous' someone, she would have at least shown her professionalism towards her work," Jena sneered.
"Look here, it has been past a week since her joining date, but she is still absent. Doesn't it show us her lack of work ethics and professionalism!"
Some employees nodded their heads in agreement.
"Cut the crap, Nancy." Another male employee scoffed. "Of course you'll support her. You girls can do nothing except climb ladders to step onto success. Not like us men—hard-working and all."
The words hadn't even finished echoing when—
SLAP.
The sound rang through the entire office, sharp and brutal.
Everyone froze.
A few employees visibly shivered.
"I've been listening to your nonsense for quite a while now, Ms. Sh!ttyhead."
The woman who stood there had calm eyes—but the fury beneath them was unmistakable.
"What did you just say?" she continued coldly. "That women only know how to climb ladders to reach success?"
She turned slightly, her gaze moving pointedly across the room.
"So according to my information… who was it again that got their job through Mr. Lee's reference?"
Her eyes landed on Nancy first.
"Was it you?"
Nancy shook her head vigorously.
Then she looked at a random employee beside her.
"Mr. Kim?"
He nearly jumped out of his skin, shaking his head just as fast.
She smiled—slow, dangerous.
"Then who was it, Ms. Jena?"
Jena's face drained of color.
She lowered her head, humiliated in front of everyone.
The truth was ugly.
That position had originally been meant for her—before Ah-rin arrived.
Jena had been referred by Mr. Lee, the head manager of the department. Not just that—she was also the daughter-in-law of Mr.
Kang, Mr. Lee's closest friend. Nepotism wrapped neatly in fake merit.
"What were you talking about again, Ms. Jena?" She mocked her with a cruel smirk.
"And while we're at it," Ah-rin continued, her tone deceptively light, "didn't your father-in-law open his own company three years ago?"
"Y-yes…" Jena stammered, sweat trickling down her temple.
"Then why didn't you join his company instead of this one?" Ah-rin tilted her head.
"Didn't your wife or father-in-law mind?"
"W-why would they?!" Jena snapped nervously. "It was my choice to join here! Why would it be a problem to them?"
"Really?"
Ah-rin smirked.
Jena clenched her fists, forcing herself to regain composure.
"Why?" Jena sneered. "Does my presence already feel like a threat to you? Maybe you're scared I'm more capable than you—and that you'll lose your position soon."
Ah-rin laughed softly.
"If you were truly that capable," she replied coolly, "I wouldn't have flown in from London to take this position."
Silence crashed down.
"So it's already proven who's more qualified here." Her eyes narrowed. "And one more thing, Ms. Jena—my eyes will always be on you. Let's see who really needs a ladder to climb the stairs of success."
She stepped closer.
"Best of luck."
"You—!" Jena seethed.
"What about me?"
"You can't threaten me just because you're a Co-CEO now," Jena spat. "Don't forget—we have a CEO above you!"
Ah-rin chuckled, utterly unbothered.
"Let's see what your CEO can actually do to me."
Before Jena could retort, a calm voice cut in.
"Also," the voice added, "don't forget to say ma'am next time. She's your senior now."
Ah-rin exhaled slowly upon hearing the very familiar voice.
"You're late, Ms. Maggie," she said evenly.
"As my PA, you were supposed to arrive before me. Come to my cabin. Now."
She stopped in her tracks and spoke calmly,
"As for my absence for a week, it was because there was a minor accident and I was injured. So I was on bed rest. I hope now no one has any more questions about me!"
She waited for a moment. Some employees whispered among themselves, but none of them dared to question her further. When no one spoke, she turned and walked away.
Only after she left did a few employees inhale—realizing they had been holding their breath the entire time.
A while later, Maggie barged into the cabin.
"Bish! How dare you scold me in front of everyone?"
Ah-rin sighed and instantly dropped the cold facade.
"Aegyo, my baby, why so angry?" she said softly. "I had to act strict so they wouldn't take me lightly. And that b@stard ruined my mood first thing in the morning."
"Let me ruin it even more, babygirl." Maggie smirked evilly.
"Huh? What do you mean by ruin my mood even more? Is there anything left to happen even worse than this!"
Maggie cleared her throat, straightening instantly, switching into her exaggerated professional tone.
"So, Ms. Sapphire," she began, "Mr. Kim's PS contacted us again regarding a collaboration. You have a dinner meeting with them today at 8 p.m. Have a nice day, ma'am."
Before Ah-rin could even process it, Maggie slipped out.
"I've sent the details to your e-mail," she called back. "Please check it, maaa'am!"
The door shut.
"Argh!" Ah-rin groaned. "Breathe, Ah-rin. It's fine. Just a business deal."
She inhaled deeply.
"But why does it have to be me?" she muttered. "He probably doesn't even know it's me… Ms. Sapphire."
A slow smirk curved her lips.
"Let's blow their minds," she muttered under her breath.
Later that evening—
"Yah, Maddie, don't just stare. Help me choose what to wear!"
"What did you just call me?"
"Hehehe… just kidding."
"If you want favors, what do you say, Ms. Ah-rin?"
"You—fine! Help me choose, Maggie-shi."
"You missed something."
"Please, Miss Maggie."
Maggie burst out laughing.
"Try your outfits. I'll judge for you."
Dress after dress followed—rejected, criticized, panicked over.
"OMO! My belly fat—!" Ah-rin exclaimed.
"Eww!"
"Not this one. He'll think I'm trying too hard to get his attention."
Finally—
"Wow." Maggie's eyes sparkled with admiration.
"It's simple but beautiful," Ah-rin whispered. "I like it."
"Did you even let me speak once?" Maggie teased.
"I'm nervous."
"Don't be." Maggie's voice softened. "You're not weak anymore. Be confident."
Ah-rin smiled. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Yeah, yeah. Praise accepted."
And there their bickering started again.
At night,
Ah-rin entered the restaurant.
Her eyes scanned the room until she spotted certain someone.
She walked toward the table.
The man looked up—
And froze.
She smirked, seeing his shocked expression.
"Long time no see."
To Be Continued…