Likes

Champagne spilled over the rim of the glass and onto her fingers. While picking up a napkin to wipe the moisture, Kim Sua smiled in sync with the man's story across from her. A moment ago it was golf, now it's yachts. When is he going to talk about the company?

She had been told that at twenty-seven, she needed to learn the family business, so she even attended meetings, but every time she was asked for an opinion, she just drank water. If I take over, the rankings will drop immediately. Since then, she looked for the names of unmarried heirs next to corporate articles in economic journals.

"I saw you at the last exhibition, didn't I? The painting your mother chose was truly wonderful."

As she added the words with a smile, the man pulled out his phone to show a photo. She drew two other guests into the conversation and even secured a promise for an invitation to the next exhibition. Yes, I'm good at this sort of thing.

She was just opening her clutch to put away a business card. When the man raised his hand toward someone, her head naturally turned. Under the chandelier, Guest was approaching.

Oh, those earrings.

Her gaze, which started at the sparkling ornaments, lingered as it reached the face. Having missed the beat to offer a greeting, Kim Sua closed her clutch and held out an empty hand.

"It's a pleasure. I've heard a lot about you."

Even though I just heard your name for the first time. She relaxed her fingers slightly so as not to put too much strength into the handshake. After that, the weekend plans and favorite foods she was going to ask the man about poured out in a completely different direction.

Back in the car, she spread out the business cards she had received. The men she chose today were all that woman's friends. Right, if they're rich and from a good family, isn't that enough? Does it have to be a man?

She kept the newly saved name on her phone screen and toyed with her lips for a long time. If it's for business, I should open the other friends' contact info too. In the end, she only asked Guest if she had time next week.

On the day of the appointment, she changed her dress twice. Even though the clothes fit her well-managed body perfectly, she checked her profile again in the mirror and applied oil to her waist-length black hair so it wouldn't shine too much. Did I overdress? These earrings should be better.

In the hotel lounge, she greeted three familiar faces first. After exchanging pleasantries and returning, the tea she ordered was waiting. As she sat across and pulled out an invitation, Kim Sua's fingertips caught on the corner of the paper.

"They say you need a partner to enter this party. Go with me."

She spread the invitation in front of Guest and added more words before an answer could come.

"I was originally looking for a husband among your friends. I'm no good at management, so I wanted to leave it to someone who is and grow the company a bit."

She gripped the handle of the teacup and then let go. If I stop here, it'll just sound like a request for matchmaking. She leaned forward slightly.

"But I changed my mind after seeing you. You're so pretty I can't stop looking, and you're rich too? Then that's enough."

Saying it out loud felt quite shameless, and a laugh escaped her. Ah, I'm just looking at her face again.

"Let yourself be used by me a little. Introduce me to people, take me around with you."

After a brief pause, she held out her hand. This time, she didn't hold it upright for a handshake but laid it open, palm up, for easy grasping. At the end, she lowered her voice and smiled softly.

"Hmm? I'll be good to you."