10 rules of a Secretary chapter 97

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“Yes, sir.”

I agreed, though I didn’t understand a word of what he meant.

He’d spent the past eight years making every effort to marry him off for a good price, after all, even though all those attempts had failed.

“He did a good job of hiding things for three years. I only recently managed to catch a trail in the Virgin Islands. I had no idea my son was that capable. Part of me just wanted to expose it all…but there’s a reason I’ve kept watching in silence.”

The chairman studied me slowly, then reached for his cup.

“Seeing it motivates Doha to act. Watching is surprisingly enjoyable. I was a bit disappointed when I found out he was a Beta. But there are impressive medical advancements out there….”

“…”

“I even considered whether he could have a child if we gave him the right support. Though, if I went that route, he’d probably lose control and cause trouble, and it might throw off my plans. It’s not a child I want, you see—it’s simply to see him thrive.”

It was an endless string of incomprehensible statements.

Did he mean Doha’s past lovers by “Beta”?

I pursed my lips, trying to grasp the chairman’s intentions, but I couldn’t catch hold of anything.

Shifting topics seemed like the only option.

“…May I ask why you push marriage on Mr. Doha alone when you have other sons, Chairman?”

“Because that’s what I want for him. Now, be on your way. I’ve seen enough.”

Looking at me with a bittersweet gaze, he waved dismissively.

It was a clear signal to leave.

“Go. I won’t be seeing you off.”

After bowing deeply to the chairman, who clicked his tongue once more, I calmly left the room.

His secretary followed, despite my insistence that I could find my way alone.

As he pressed the elevator button, he asked quietly, “Have you ever met Madam?”

“Yes, at the last party….”

“Not her. The young master’s mother.”

He seemed to mean Doha’s mother, who was rumored to be hiding away at some estate.

Though I’d met every distant relative in the Han family tree, I’d never met her.

His bringing it up now struck me as odd, and I looked at him questioningly, but all I saw was the back of his silver-haired head.

“You should visit her sometime. The young master would welcome it.”

“…I’ll keep it in mind if the opportunity arises.”

“Many people misunderstand. The young master and the chairman have nothing in common.”

So, who instilled that rigid attitude and those endless speeches in him? I narrowed my eyes.

“His personality comes from Madam. You’ll understand if you meet her even once.”

The elevator seemed unusually slow in arriving.

I checked the floor number once more and then glanced back at him.

“And…please don’t take the chairman’s actions too harshly. He’s been mulling over that incident at the last party. Because of his position, he must appear the most composed, so he can’t express his feelings openly. Though he’s not naturally like that, he feels compelled to appear that way, and that’s not easy.”

Would such a “soft” person take a mistress and keep her so close?

My gaze narrowed suspiciously.

The secretary, perhaps interpreting my expression, smiled kindly.

“The chairman has a particular reason for pushing the young master. You’ll understand soon, Secretary Seon.”

That’s if I’m still here by then.

Honestly, I’d rather not be caught up in the messy affairs of this family.

Right then, the elevator finally arrived.

I stepped inside as he offered his parting words.

“Take care. Kim Jungha may be the youngest of the family, but he’s quite ruthless.”

“Thank you for the warning.”

As the doors closed, he bowed deeply to me.

Arriving in the lobby, I slowly went over the cryptic words of the chairman and his secretary.

From the tone, you’d think Doha was his only son, yet that wasn’t true publicly.

The chairman was often seen with CEO Han and his mother, not just in the press but even at private parties….

Shouldn’t he be kinder if Doha were truly his son?

Why push him into competition and pressure him with engagements and marriage?

Not to mention, if he abandoned his first wife like that, shouldn’t he at least feel some guilt?

Even if it was typical for a conglomerate family, it was still strange.

“Not that I need to know any of this…”

Just as I murmured to myself, a firm hand suddenly grabbed me by the back of my neck, and I instinctively twisted around in surprise.

Hopefully, the ex hadn’t come into the lobby.

But when I turned, the person before me was unexpected.

“Hello, Vice President Han.”

“Secretary Seon.”

Vice President Han, who always greeted me with an insult, from “backdoor schemer” to “illegitimate beggar,” was suddenly using my title normally—and with a friendly smile at that.

“Coming from the chairman’s office?”

“Yes, Vice President Han.”

“You’re quite diligent. Setting an example as a secretary.”

Who was he to start doling out compliments? Vice President Han’s praise was anything but welcome.

Not only did it make me wonder what he wanted in return, but I also had a gut feeling there was more to it.

And I was usually right.

“Are you keeping busy these days?”

“Thank you for your concern.”

“I heard you recently went on a business trip to Canada…”

“It was just a vacation.”

The obvious play didn’t even make me smile.

No doubt he was fishing for some information about the fashion industry.

Vice President Han tapped my shoulder twice with a sly grin.

“Secretary Seon, I’ve got a proposal for you.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid it’s not something I can accept.”

“Listen to the details first before you decide.”

“My apologies.”

As I stepped back and bowed deeply, Vice President Han’s expression slowly hardened.

“I’m not asking for much. Just a model for the upcoming CF and photoshoot, or maybe a hint about the concept?”

“I’m sorry.”

“From what I can tell, you went to Canada, so I assume that’s the shoot location. But I can’t seem to grasp the concept. Besides, Doha and I don’t even have overlapping product lines, so why not play along?”

“…I’m sorry.”

I couldn’t help but sigh, wondering how that information had leaked.

Since when does an executive like him go straight for a blunt question without any back-channeling?

In most dramas, power plays lead to complex plots, but Vice President Han always threw fastballs—straightforward and direct.

“How do you know what I’m offering? You’re rejecting it right away.”

“…”

It probably wasn’t money he intended to offer.

Doha frequently tried to talk about offering bonuses each quarter, but I always declined.

It was only natural; excess money isn’t truly free.

With a broad smile, I looked at Vice President Han and said,

“Vice President Han, I don’t accept money or material goods beyond my means. I only aim for what I can realistically handle. While I appreciate your offer, it’s beyond what I can responsibly accept.”

“Hey.”

“I’m truly sorry.”

I bowed deeply again, and Vice President Han tapped my shin with the toe of his shoe, leaning in to mutter.

“Think about it. I can offer you a lot. And… tone down that pheromone of yours. It’s repulsive. Isn’t it bad enough for a eunuch like you to use cologne, yet you can’t even mask your pheromones…”

Trailing off, he squinted, puzzled.

“Wait, aren’t you a beta? Where’s this scent coming from? Come here. This strange pheromone, it’s neither alpha nor omega…”

As he reached for my shoulder, I swiftly stepped back. Just as his face twisted with irritation after grasping thin air, I bowed deeply and shouted,

“Thank you! You’re magnificent, Vice President Han! I look forward to the honor of seeing you again!”

All eyes in the lobby instantly turned our way.

Glancing up, I saw Vice President Han frozen in place.

With everyone’s attention on him, he’d be hard-pressed to make a move. I continued to bow and praise the “magnificent and extraordinary Vice President Han” before swiftly exiting the lobby.

On the way out, I briefly worried if my ex might be around, but it seemed unfounded.

Quickly catching a taxi, I directed the driver to “Seha Hotel” and dialed Ha Eunjoo.

“Hello, Ha Eunju. It’s Seonyul. How have you been?”

—You’ve been calling me a lot lately. You’re not calling for a favor again, are you? If so, you owe me a big meal. A really big one.

“I’ll treat you up to two meals, if that’s what it takes.”

—That’s straightforward. I’ll send you the time and place, then. I’m already excited. A date with you, Seonyul. Anyway, what’s the favor this time?

“I’m on my way to Seha Hotel, and I’ll need your approval.”

—That sounded way too serious. Now I’m intrigued.

Amused by his lighthearted voice, I briefly explained my request.

Without much thought, she readily granted permission, and I thanked her profusely before hanging up.

With one major hurdle cleared, it was time for the next challenge.

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