Chapter 4 - Hidden Truths and Corporate Masks

he sun rose gently over the premium residential district of Seoul, casting a golden hue over the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows of Choi Sun-woo's private penthouse. Inside the sleek, minimalist dining hall, the soft hum of the coffee maker provided a steady rhythm to the quiet morning. Sun-woo was seated calmly at the polished marble dining table, looking sharp and perfectly immaculate even in his loungewear, sipping a hot cup of fresh espresso.The heavy front double doors clicked open with a weary rattle, and Dr. Choi Hyun-woo stepped inside the entryway. His posture was completely slouched, his shoulders dropping under the weight of an exhausting shift as he loosened his collar with a deep, tired sigh."I'm finally home," Hyun-woo muttered, his voice thick with raw fatigue as he stumbled into the dining area. "Ah, I genuinely feel completely hollowed out and exhausted today."Sun-woo looked up from his coffee mug, his sharp eyes taking in his younger brother's disheveled state. "Oh, you're finally back. By the way, why on earth didn't you come back home to the penthouse last night? Your room was entirely empty."Hyun-woo collapsed heavily onto the adjacent dining chair, rubbing his temples. "Actually... one of my critical orthopedic patients suffered a sudden, severe complication late last night. Because his recovery line was unstable, I explicitly had to remain at his bedside for the entire night shift to monitor his vitals."Sun-woo's strict, older-brother expression softened into a look of genuine understanding. He pushed his own chair back, standing up smoothly. "I see. If that is the case, just sit completely still right there. I will go and personally brew a fresh cup of hot coffee for you."Hyun-woo rested his forehead against his palms, letting out a grateful murmur. "Yes, please. Thank you, bro. I desperately need something incredibly strong to help shake off this crushing fatigue before my eyes close.""Yeah, I'm already making it," Sun-woo replied, walking over to the premium kitchen counter. He measured out the dark espresso beans, his voice carrying clearly across the quiet open space as the machine began to hiss. "Anyway, while I'm preparing this, I wanted to formally tell you that I am throwing a grand welcoming celebration party for my entire office department. The arrangements are locked, and you absolutely, mandatory have to come as a guest."Hyun-woo frowned, his exhausted mind protesting instantly. "But... bro, we're trying to keep things professional—""Yes, I know exactly what you're worried about," Sun-woo interrupted smoothly, expert-level handling the coffee cups. "We absolutely don't need to tell a single soul at the office that we are sige brothers. Your identity remains entirely private."Hyun-woo sighed, shaking his head stubbornly against the leather cushion. "But still... even without that risk, I'm simply not coming. My hospital schedule is way too packed, and I don't have the energy for a corporate social crowd."Sun-woo stopped the coffee machine with a sharp click. He turned around, staring at his brother in utter, deadpan bewilderment. "Why on earth are you being so difficult? I explicitly threw this entire welcome party structure just so you could naturally meet Kim Seo-ah outside the hospital walls! And now you're sitting there saying you won't come? Did something go completely wrong between you two?"The moment Kim Seo-ah's name left Sun-woo's lips, Hyun-woo's facial expression shifted drastically, his eyes darkening with a heavy wave of raw, unresolved stress."Actually..." Hyun-woo murmured, his voice tightening as he looked down at the marble tabletop. "Kim Seo-ah came down to the orthopedic ward last night. Initially, when I spotted her through the glass blinds, I honestly thought she had come to visit that lovely elderly woman who rests in the adjacent bed. But... she actually came to visit my specific motorcycle accident patient, Junu. They seemed incredibly close, bro. I think... I think he might actually be her boyfriend."Sun-woo let out a sharp, cynical chuckle, walking back over to the table with a steaming mug. "Might be? You're a brilliant surgeon, Hyun-woo, but you are completely clueless about relationships. You don't actually know who that patient is to her. For all you know, he could easily be her brother."Hyun-woo raised his head, a flicker of desperate hope hitting his eyes before he shook his head in doubt. "But doesn't her family brother live far away in the village complex with their parents? Junu's file says he operates a local city café.""People move, Hyun-woo. Maybe he came here to Seoul for a business visit or a fresh start," Sun-woo reasoned smoothly, sliding the hot mug directly into his brother's hands. "Let's completely drop the useless overthinking. No matter who that patient turns out to be, you simply must show up at the lounge party. No excuses."Hyun-woo wrapped his hands around the warm ceramic, taking a long breath as his brother's logical words began to sink in. "Yeah... I suppose that might actually be the case. I might have overreacted out of pure jealousy. Alright, fine. I'll come. By the way, when exactly is this grand party scheduled?""It's happening tomorrow evening," Sun-woo replied, checking his luxury wristwatch as he straightened his posture. "Here—take your coffee. I also left something fresh to eat on the counter; make sure you have a proper bite before you fall asleep. I'm heading out to the corporate office headquarters right now.""Yeah, bye," Hyun-woo nodded, taking a deep, appreciative sip of the rich espresso. "I'll head out to the hospital campus in a little while myself.""Okay, see you tonight," Sun-woo nodded, grabbing his tailored charcoal suit jacket and briefcase as he exited the penthouse apartment with firm, confident strides.Left alone in the quiet dining room, Hyun-woo let out a soft sigh, the warmth of the coffee clearing his mind. "Yeah... Sun-woo is completely right. I shouldn't jump to catastrophic conclusions without knowing the facts."He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out the beautifully wrapped gift package that Kim Seo-ah had handed him last night. A brilliant, incredibly tender smile broke across his handsome face as his fingers carefully unwrapped the silk paper."It's a tie..." Hyun-woo whispered to himself, lifting the elegant dark fabric into the morning light. His eyes sparkled with deep, unyielding affection as he remembered her flustered reaction. "Kim Seo-ah... you were so completely nervous and blushing when you handed me this gift last night. You really are so incredibly sweet. I just wish you could recognize my face and remember our past right now..."Meanwhile, inside the sleek, bustling headquarters of Hanseong Architecture, the morning shift was underway. The open-floor office was alive with the constant clatter of keyboards and the shuffling of design blueprints as the employees remained deeply immersed in their heavy project tasks.Suddenly, the front glass sliding doors opened with a smooth chime, and CEO Choi Sun-woo walked onto the floor, looking absolutely pristine and commanding in his dark corporate suit."Good morning, everyone!" Sun-woo announced clearly, his deep voice carrying across the desks.The entire department stood up from their rolling chairs in perfect, synchronized harmony, bowing respectfully. "Good morning, Sir!"Ma Ha-rin immediately ducked her head, leaning across the narrow divider separating their desks to whisper frantically to Kim Seo-ah. "He's here! The strict monster has officially arrived on the floor!"Seo-ah adjusted her files, letting out a soft, amused sigh as she looked at her roommate. "What exactly is wrong with you today, Ha-rin? Why are you being so dramatic so early in the morning?"Ha-rin gasped dramatically, pouting. "Hey! Why on earth are you taking his side all of a sudden?! You are my absolute best friend and roommate, aren't you? You should be supporting my grievances!""Yes, yes—you are my absolute best friend," Seo-ah giggled softly, watching Sun-woo march down the center aisle and enter his private glass cabin, shutting the door smoothly behind him. The moment his back was turned, the employees returned to their respective seats to continue their work.Seo-ah instantly stood up, grabbing the two gift bags resting beside her desk. "Come on, let's go right now."Ha-rin blinked, thoroughly confused. "Where on earth are we going? We literally just logged into the office floor five minutes ago!"Seo-ah rolled her eyes playfully, pulling her arm. "Duh—we are going straight to the executive cabin to formally give Sir his welcome gifts! We have to get it over with.""Not me—noway!" Ha-rin gasped, planting her feet firmly on the carpet. "You go inside alone and hand it over to him. Just give him my gift bag as well on my behalf!""Absolutely not," Seo-ah countered stubbornly. "You bought that watch set yourself, so you have to go and personally hand him the gift face-to-face."Without waiting for another protest, Seo-ah grabbed Ha-rin's hand tightly and forcefully pulled her across the office floor straight toward the grand glass entrance of the cabin."Wait, Kim Seo-ah! Stop pulling me!" Ha-rin whispered frantically, but it was too late. They had already reached the wooden panel. Seo-ah raised her hand, knocking softly as she pulled a frozen Ha-rin right behind her build. "We're already here; just put on a polite smile and come inside right now."Seo-ah held her breath, opening the door. "May I come in, Sir?"Inside the pristine, sunlit cabin, Mr. Sun-woo looked up from his laptop screen, his executive expression perfectly calm and sharp as he saw them enter. "Yes, come in, Ms. Kim."Seo-ah stepped inside the room gracefully, with Ma Ha-rin trailing awkwardly behind her like a nervous shadow. Sun-woo leaned back in his leather chair, raising a curious eyebrow. "What happened? Did you perhaps forget to submit some project files during yesterday's review?""No, Sir... well, yes—actually, we both bought a welcome gift for you to celebrate your formal arrival at this branch," Seo-ah explained with a warm, perfectly respectful smile.Sun-woo offered a mild, professional nod. "What exactly was the professional need for that? You didn't have to go through the trouble."Ha-rin instantly nodded, blurting out under her breath, "Yes, you are absolutely, perfectly right, Sir. There was no need at all."Seo-ah's heart skipped a panicked beat. She gently but firmly nudged Ha-rin's side with her elbow to stop her mouth, turning back to the CEO with an apologetic, burning face. "What on earth are you saying, Ha-rin?! I am so incredibly sorry, Sir. Please ignore her—she simply talks way too much without thinking."Sun-woo watched Ha-rin's pouty, defiant expression through his narrow vision, a wave of secret amusement hitting his chest. 'I'll never be able to change her stubborn office attitude,' Sun-woo thought to himself, a small smirk playing on his lips before he addressed Seo-ah calmly. "It's completely nothing, Ms. Kim. Don't worry about it."Seo-ah stepped up to the mahogany desk, handing over her beautifully wrapped package. "Here you go, Sir. A small token of appreciation."Sun-woo accepted the package gracefully, untying the ribbon to open the box. A genuine look of approval crossed his face. "Oh, these designer silk ties are absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much, Ms. Kim. I appreciate your thoughtful selection."Seo-ah bowed her head politely. "You're very welcome, Sir. Our entire creative department is genuinely very happy that you are here to lead us."Standing right behind her shoulder, Ha-rin let out a silent, dramatic eye-roll, muttering bitterly to herself inside her mind. 'Everyone else in the building might like him, but I certainly don't like this strict Choi Sun-woo at all. He's a total tyrant.'Sun-woo's sharp executive eyes instantly noticed her shifting expressions. He leaned forward over his desk, locking his intense gaze directly onto her face. "What exactly are you thinking about so deeply right now, Ma Ha-rin?""Huh?!" Ha-rin jumped slightly in surprise, her eyes widening in pure panic as her cover was blown. "No... nothing at all, Sir! Everything is perfectly fine! Oh—by the way, this is your separate gift from my side."She frantically reached into her bag, stepping forward to hand over the wrapped couple's watch box across the desk. "Here you go."Sun-woo accepted the gift box, looking slightly surprised as he inspected the premium wrapping. "Oh, I honestly didn't expect you to bring me a formal gift, Ma Ha-rin. Thank you."Ha-rin quickly stepped back, maintaining her fake polite smile while screaming fiercely inside her thoughts. 'I didn't want to bring you a single thing either! I only bought it because it was on a massive discount!'Seo-ah noticed the hidden tension and decided to make a graceful exit. "Okay, Sir, if everything is settled, we'll be going back to our desks to continue the project layouts now.""Wait a minute, Ms. Kim," Sun-woo raised a steady hand, stopping them in their tracks. "Before you leave, I have something important to ask regarding the previous branch management."Ha-rin tilted her head, her natural curiosity sparking up instantly. "What exactly is it, Sir?"Sun-woo leaned back, his tone turning clinical and sharp. "Oh—I wanted to know, what exactly was the former interim CEO—Goo Kyung-min—like during his tenure? Is it absolutely true that he left the enterprise so suddenly due to private personal reasons?"Seo-ah hesitated, her face turning slightly awkward. "Uh... well, it's a bit complicated, Sir—""It wasn't anything professional like that at all, Sir!" Ha-rin interrupted fiercely, her righteous anger flaring up as she completely forgot her fear of the boss. "The truth is, he was just a total, shameless lecher!"Seo-ah's jaw dropped, and she frantically grabbed her roommate's sleeve in pure horror. "Ha-rin! There was absolutely, completely no need to mention that inappropriate matter to the main CEO!"Sun-woo's expression turned completely cold and dark at the revelation. He waved his hand to silence Seo-ah, keeping his intense focus locked on Ha-rin. "Ms. Kim, let it go. Let Ma Ha-rin tell the absolute truth about what happened on this floor.""Yes, please let me tell you everything, Sir!" Ha-rin continued, getting highly excited as she threw her hands in the air. "That gluttonous man—he used to shamelessly hit on every single young girl in the creative department! Once, during a late-night project review, he acted completely disrespectfully and inappropriately toward us. So, the entire female team united, cornered his office, and taught him a massive, unforgettable lesson! He ran away out of sheer, paralyzing fear the very next morning—the absolute gluttonous coward!"Seo-ah quickly stepped in, pulling a breathing-heavy Ha-rin backward toward the exit doors. "Yeah, but let's just drop the subject now, Ha-rin; he is completely gone from the company anyway. Sir, we will formally be taking our leave now to handle our deadlines. Have a great day!"Seo-ah swiftly dragged a still-muttering Ma Ha-rin completely out of the private cabin, shutting the glass door firmly behind them."Hey, wait, Kim Seo-ah! What on earth are you doing? I wasn't finished explaining his gluttony!" Ha-rin whined as they walked back to their desks.Inside the quiet executive cabin, Mr. Sun-woo sat completely still in his leather chair, his hands clenched tightly over his mahogany desk. A cold, dangerous executive fury settled over his sharp features as the puzzle pieces finally clicked together."Oh..." Sun-woo murmured to himself, his voice dropping into an icy cold whisper. "So that is the real, disgusting reason why he abandoned his post so overnight. But... the absolute coward actually dared to lie straight to my face."[FLASHBACK: INT. EXECUTIVE PENTHOUSE OFFICE – WEEKS AGO]The grand interim CEO office was quiet. Goo Kyung-min—the gluttonous former CEO—was standing directly in front of Mr. Sun-woo's desk, feigning intense, tearful emotion as he wrung his hands together, putting on an absolute masterclass performance of a heartbroken grandson."Mr. Sun-woo, please understand my misery!" Goo Kyung-min lied through his teeth, wiping a fake tear from his cheek. "I simply cannot manage the immense pressure of this grand architecture company anymore; you are the only right, capable person for this elite job. You see... my beloved grandmother has suddenly fallen critically ill in the countryside, so I am planning to permanently move back to my native village—for good—to look after her remaining days. Please, forgive my sudden departure."Sun-woo, completely unaware of the office harassment back then, looked at him with calm professionalism and nodded. "Alright. If your family crisis is that severe, you may formally leave the company. Don't cry; just go back and take good care of your grandmother's health."Goo Kyung-min bowed rapidly, a hidden, victorious smirk flashing across his face. "Thank you so much, Sir. Thank you for your deep understanding of my personal pain. I'll be on my way now, Sir. Goodbye.""Very well. Safe travels," Sun-woo replied, returning to his files.The moment Goo Kyung-min stepped past the grand executive double doors and entered the empty elevator lobby, he let out a loud, hysterical chuckle, completely dropping his fake sad posture. "Ha ha ha! Wow, I am officially completely safe now! What on earth could anyone possibly do to me now that the corporate resignation is locked? I got away with it perfectly!"[FLASHBACK ENDS]Back inside his modern glass cabin, Sun-woo let out a sharp, cynical laugh, his eyes burning with absolute corporate fury as he remembered the lie."Hah!" Sun-woo muttered to himself, slamming his hand firmly against the desk. "He really made a complete fool out of our entire executive board with that grandmother story. But now your luck has officially run out, you absolute gluttonous monster. I am going to call Hyun-woo right now and tell him every single detail about what this man did on the office floor. Just you wait... you won't escape the consequences of what you did to Ma Ha-rin."Sun-woo fiercely grabbed his mobile device from the desk, rapidly dialing his brother's line to unleash the ultimate family wrath upon the hidden coward.