Suan had been patient.
She had been playful.
She had given him chances.
But Jiho?
Jiho had dodged every single one.
And now?
Now, she was done playing fair.
If he wouldn’t react for personal reasons,
Then fine.
She’d make it business.
Because Jiho—Yoon Jiho—
Was a man who never ignored business.
.
Jiho had been reviewing reports.
Focusing on numbers.
Convincing himself last night never happened.
Convincing himself Suan was just playing games.
Convincing himself he was completely unaffected.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
And then—she walked in.
The door clicked shut behind her.
Jiho glanced up.
"Miss Kang."
His tone? Calm. Professional. Distant.
Suan?
Suan smirked.
She walked toward his desk.
Slow. Deliberate.
And then—before he could react—
She grabbed his tie.
Pulled him down slightly.
Just enough that he was forced to meet her gaze.
And whispered—
"What if it’s for business, then?"
Jiho blinked.
"What?"
Suan’s smirk grew.
"What if I got drunk?" she mused.
"What if I slept around with men?"
Jiho’s eyes narrowed.
"Miss Kang—"
"What if—" she continued, tilting her head, "—it caused damage to the company’s reputation? What if it affected capital investment?"
Jiho’s expression hardened.
His hands—for the first time—went through his hair.
He exhaled.
And for the first time since meeting her—
He looked genuinely frustrated.
"Are you threatening me?"
His voice was low. Controlled. Dangerous.
Suan?
Suan just laughed softly.
"No?" she said, her fingers still gripping his tie.
"I’m just saying," she continued smoothly, "if we’re able to prevent the consequences, then we should, shouldn’t we?"
Jiho’s fingers shook slightly.
Because he knew exactly what she was implying.
And worse?
She wasn’t wrong.
.
Jiho had played this game before.
People tried to manipulate him all the time.
Tried to use logic against him.
But this—
This was different.
Because Suan wasn’t manipulating him for power.
She wasn’t coercing him for a deal.
She was pushing him—testing him—seeing if he’d finally crack.
And for the first time?
Jiho felt himself crack.
Even if it was just for a second.
His hand—the one that had been resting on the desk—
Moved.
Fast.
Gripping her by the wrist.
Not forceful.
But firm.
"Miss Kang." he murmured.
Low. Serious.
"You’re playing a dangerous game."
Suan?
Suan’s smile didn’t falter.
If anything—
It grew.
"I know." she whispered back.
Jiho exhaled sharply.
This woman.
This damn woman.
And the worst part?
He had a feeling she wasn’t going to stop.
Not until he finally lost control.
And for the first time—
Jiho wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep resisting.
.
Chapter 19: "The Man Who Finally Cracked"
