Scarlet Strings.

Jealousy On It's Peak

Ha-joon looked at Scarlet, his expression unreadable. "Good."

Scarlet held back a sigh. Even though they clearly liked the food, even though they weren't criticizing her efforts, they still refused to openly acknowledge it. Once breakfast was over, Sung-Hoon stretched, yawning again. "Alright, I'm done. Time to take this little troublemaker upstairs for a nap."

Aaira handed him the baby, who was now fully asleep. Sung-Hoon carefully adjusted the little boy against his chest, standing up. "See you guys later."

Scarlet watched as he left the dining room first, leaving her with Ha-Joon's family. She straightened her posture. Ha-Joon leaned in again. "I need a nap too."

Scarlet sighed, pushing him off. "No. You need to get ready for work."

Ha-Joon pouted. "But I have a headache."

Scarlet smirked. "Not my problem."

Ha-Neul scoffed under his breath, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."

Scarlet turned toward him, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

Ha-Neul looked away. "Nothing."

Mrs. Wi folded her hands neatly in her lap. "Scarlet, since you're attending the meeting tonight, I expect you to wear something appropriate."

Scarlet nodded. "I always do."

Mrs. Kang added, "And do remember, image is everything."

Scarlet gave a polite smile. "Of course."

Inside, she felt slightly drained. No matter what she did, it was never quite enough for them. But she wouldn't let it show. Ha-Joon, however, noticed. He squeezed her hand under the table. "Ignore them," he whispered.

Scarlet just smiled. "I'm used to it."

Ha-Neul watched them quietly, gripping his fork just a little too tightly. The day had only just begun,but, Scarlet already knew the real challenges were yet to come.

***

Scarlet finished her final touches, dark eyeliner that sharpened her already striking features, a soft mauve lipstick, and a delicate hint of perfume that smelled of lilies and cedarwood. She adjusted the belt of her deep purple Chester coat suit, its tailored fit hugging her form in all the right ways.

The long boots, sleek with their high pencil heels, clicked against the floor as she moved. The outfit wasn't just a statement; it was armor. She took a deep breath and stepped out of the dressing room, her gaze immediately meeting Ha-Joon's. He sat lazily on the bed, his tie still loose, watching her with an intensity that made her pause.

"You're staring," she pointed out.

Ha-Joon smirked. "Can't help it." He stood, closing the distance between them. His fingers traced the belt of her coat before he leaned down, pressing a kiss just below her jaw. "You look..." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Dangerous."

Scarlet chuckled, adjusting his tie properly. "Then let's hope the investors think the same."

Just as she tightened the knot, a knock sounded at the door. Ha-Neul's voice followed shortly after. "We need to leave."

Scarlet stepped back, ignoring the way Ha-Joon's fingers twitched as if he wanted to pull her back. Instead, she walked ahead, her heels clicking against the polished floors as they made their way downstairs. Ha-Neul was already waiting, dressed in a crisp navy suit, his usual stern expression in place.

The ride to Silken Crimson Threads was quiet. Scarlet sat in the backseat beside Ha-Joon, while Ha-Neul took his place in the front beside Thomas, Ha-Joon's secretary.