Scarlet Strings.

Chapter 45:

The next morning, the first golden rays of sunlight streamed through the massive windows of Ha-Joon and Scarlet's bedroom, casting a soft glow over the luxurious space. Scarlet stirred as the alarm buzzed, reaching out lazily to turn it off. She blinked the sleep away, adjusting to the reality of the day ahead.

They were finally returning to Silken Crimson Threads after weeks away, and it wasn't going to be a simple, peaceful return. Ha-Joon groaned, stretching beside her. "Already morning?"

Scarlet smirked. "Yes, Chairman Wi. Time to get back to work."

He sighed dramatically, running a hand through his messy hair. "Can't we just stay in bed for one more hour?"

She shot him a knowing look. "We have a company to run, and more importantly, a few people to deal with."

At that, Ha-Joon's lazy demeanor hardened slightly. The scandal about their secret marriage had caused a storm in the fashion industry. While some people supported them, others had turned on them purely for attention. Employees who had once worked under them had given false interviews, dragging their names through the mud to gain their own moment of fame.

Ha-Joon sat up, rubbing his jaw. "I almost forgot. Today's the day we take out the trash."

Scarlet hummed as she slipped out of bed and made her way to the walk-in closet. "Exactly. No second chances."

Silken Crimson Threads was more than just a fashion house, it was an empire. The company had built its reputation as one of the leading forces in high-end fashion, with exclusive collections that dominated every runway they touched.

The headquarters, shaped like a massive black mannequin, stood proudly in the heart of Paris, a symbol of power and creativity. The grand glass doors led into a sleek, modern lobby, where employees bustled about, handling fabrics, sketching designs, and discussing upcoming shows. As soon as Ha-Joon and Scarlet stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. Heads turned, whispers spread like wildfire.

"They're back."

"She looks so powerful in that outfit."

"I wonder if they're really going to fire those people today."

Miss Christine Hamberg, Scarlet's loyal secretary, rushed forward, heels clicking against the marble floor. "Welcome back, CEO Rogers, Chairman Wi."

Mr. Thomas James, Ha-Joon's secretary, was right behind her. "Sir, Madam, the board is waiting for your arrival. Also, the..." He hesitated. "The traitors are gathered in the conference room."

Scarlet smirked slightly. "Perfect. Let's not keep them waiting."

Ha-Joon simply adjusted his cufflinks, nodding. They moved through the building with an air of authority, making their way toward the large executive conference room. The air was tense, the employees who had remained loyal watching silently as their bosses prepared to deliver long-overdue justice.

Inside the conference room, twelve individuals sat stiffly. Some were past colleagues, some were fashion designers who had worked under Scarlet's vision, and others were high-ranking employees who had been given golden opportunities, only to throw them away for a moment of fame.

The room was silent as Scarlet and Ha-Joon entered. Scarlet, dressed in an all-black power suit, took her seat at the head of the long glass table. Ha-Joon, in an equally sharp dark gray suit, sat beside her.

Christine stood behind Scarlet, a tablet in hand. "Madam, I've prepared all the records of the interviews they gave. The false statements, the dates, and even the money some of them received for their slander."