6. Plagiarism

Merely half a day’s work has left me utterly drained. The relentless cycle of sweeping, mopping, and polishing seems endless. Though I’m not the one physically toiling, my muscles sympathize with the exhaustion. This colossal building demands constant attention, its pristine floors and sparkling surfaces a testament to the tireless efforts behind the scenes. Yet, some people seem oblivious, traipsing in with dirty shoes and deliberately scuffing the floor as I sweep, as if assuming I’m their personal shoe cleaner. The audacity is staggering.

"Yongju!" My partner chimed in.

"Yeah?" I responded lazily.

"Designer Joe wants to see you in her office," she said matter-of-factly.

I groaned inwardly. "Great, what's this about?"

I hastily abandon my task and sprint upstairs, destined for my former boss’s domain. Memories of the design department flood my mind – the hum of my computer, the gentle spin of my chair, and the creative chaos that once fueled my passion.

I reach the door, rap softly, and am promptly invited in. Designer Joe’s piercing gaze greets me, her expression a mask of indignation.

“Lee Yongju!” she exclaimed, her voice dripping with disdain. I can tell I’m in trouble.

Designer Joe, whose unwavering kindness has been a constant since my first day, now wears an unsettling expression that sends shivers down my spine. She thrusts a large envelope into my hands, her voice firm as she instructs me to open it. I take it hesitantly, my fingers trembling as I tear open the seal. My eyes scan the contents, and my heart skips a beat.

Plagiarism? The accusation stares back at me, its weight crushing.

"What is this?" I asked, bewildered.

Designer Joe's face reddens. "I should be asking the questions! What have you done to this company? Do you think you own the place? How could you leak top-secret information? Are you trying to humiliate me? I never thought I'd have a deceitful assistant like you, Miss Lee!"

I'm lost. "Designer Joe, I genuinely don't understand what's going on."

Her voice rises. "Still playing dumb? Your actions cost us hundreds of millions of won! We're facing plagiarism allegations because of you!"

I stand here, stunned. “That’s not me, I swear!”

Designer Joe’s expression turns icy. “Go upstairs, now! The Director is waiting.”

I plead, “Designer Joe, please—“

She interrupts abruptly, “Just go!”

-o0o-

I draw a deep breath, stifling my tears. Losing my job would be agonizing, despite my innocence. My career is my livelihood. Although I'm married and financially secure, I refuse to rely solely on my partner. Our unconventional marriage offers no guarantees. My future hangs precariously.

I step back into the elevator, ascending to the top floor. The director's office occupies the fifteenth floor, the pinnacle of power. Above it, the sixteenth floor boasts exclusive amenities: a bar, karaoke lounge, indoor pool, and more. With my HK Group ID, everything's complimentary – a coveted privilege.

The beautiful young secretary escorts me into the HK Group director's expansive office, its sleek interior radiating elegance. Soft light dances across the immaculate space, where barely a speck of dust disturbs the perfection. Before me stands a tall, imposing figure, his gaze lost in the breathtaking Seoul skyline visible through the floor-to-ceiling window.

My expectations crumble. The director, likely in his thirties, exudes youthful vigor, defying the aging, balding image I'd conjured.

His voice cuts through the silence, firm but measured. "Will you resign, or shall I terminate your contract?" he asked abruptly, his eyes fixed on the horizon, ignoring my presence.

I smile sadly, resigned to my fate. “Sorry, Sir, neither option applies. I’m truly innocent,” I plead defensively.

“Then you owe compensation!”

I counter, lifting my head. “This isn’t my fault!”

The mysterious man’s crisp laughter fills the room, his dignity intact. “You think you have leverage? I have proof, and I won’t hesitate to take legal action. Remember, I warned you: your life won’t know peace.”

Astonishment grips me. “What?” I whispered, confusion etched on my face.

As he turns, his hands slide into his pockets, revealing his chiseled features. My gaze locks onto his, and my breath catches. “Byun Baekhoon!” I exhale, voice trembling.

My mind reels. How can him, the CEO of HK Group, be standing before me, his eyes sparkling with amusement?

A sly grin spreads across his face. “Surprised, my dear?” he teased, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

“You! How did you end up here? Don’t tell me...” My voice trails off.

Byun Baekhoon’s grin widens, clearly entertained by my shock. I never imagined he’d sit before me, confidently controlling HK Group. His true identity hits me like a ton of bricks.

“Exactly what’s going through that pretty little head of yours,” he said, extending his hands, emphasizing his dominance.

I clench my fists, suppressing the urge to strike him. His icy laughter sends shivers down my spine.

“This is just the beginning, Ms. Lee,” he said, his menacing smile infuriating.

Has he genuinely planned to torment me because rejecting his proposals? Why join HK Group, a company he previously disdained, according to the President Director?

"Byun Baekhoon, you're heartless! You're not human!" I storm towards him, fists clenched, and slam my knuckles into his face. But in a flash, his personal assistant intervenes, gripping my wrist firmly.

"Hey, what are you doing!" Baekhoon's assistant roughly pushes my hand away, but his expression changes upon seeing my face. "Oh, Ma’am, I'm so sorry." He bows his head, filled with remorse.

I suppress my rage once more, my breath racing wildly as if I'd just sprinted a marathon. "You're not getting away from me!" I threaten, trying to intimidate him, but deep down, I know it's futile. It's like an insignificant ant battling a majestic elephant – utterly pointless.

Baekhoon sneers icily, "You're a prime suspect, yet you dare threaten me? You're shameless!"

I shout hysterically, "Byun Baekhoon! This is outrageous! It's unfair! I don't leak company secrets or plagiarize! You're framing me!" My frantic voice echoes through the room, drawing panicked faces.

Baekhoon commands coldly, "Remove her immediately! Get her out of my sight!"