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୨⎯ jia ⎯୧

i'm walking toward my dad's office, my heart beating a little faster than usual. this is fine. it's just business. when i step inside, he's sitting at his desk, scanning through some papers.

''jia,'' he acknowledges, setting his pen down. '

i close the door behind me, walking over to stand in front of his desk. ''how are you doing?''

he exhales, rubbing his temple. ''as well as i can be. my body is getting weaker, but my mind is still working. that's what matters.''

i nod, pressing my lips together. he always says things like that, like his body betraying him isn't something to worry about. but i let it go, just for now.

''good,'' i say, shifting my weight. ''because there's someone i'd like you to meet.''

''someone?'' his eyebrows lift slightly, finally looking up at me fully.

i nod. ''yes. a businessman. mr. hwang. from a company that i think could be a valuable asset to us.''

his eyes narrow slightly, his fingers tapping against the desk. ''hwang, you say?''

i nod again, keeping my face neutral, my voice professional. ''yes. he has experience, resources, and strong connections. i think it's worth sitting down with him.''

my dad leans back in his chair, studying me carefully.

then, after a moment of silence, he nods. ''fine. set up a meeting.''

''actually,'' i say, keeping my tone casual, ''i was thinking we could bring him to dinner tonight.''

my dad raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. ''tonight?''

i nod. ''it's better to discuss things in a more comfortable setting. besides, you always say that business is built on trust, not just contracts.''

he leans back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the desk as he considers it.

after a moment, he exhales. ''alright. invite him.''

''i'll make the arrangements,'' i say smoothly before turning toward the door.

''jia,'' my father calls out just as i reach for the handle.

i glance back, keeping my face unreadable. ''yes?''

he studies me for a second, his gaze sharp. ''i trust your judgment. don't disappoint me.''

i swallow, forcing a small smirk. ''i never do.''

i step out of my dad's office and immediately pull out my phone, dialing in-ho's number.

he picks up on the second ring. ''tell me you have good news, tiger.''

i smirk, leaning against the wall. ''we're on for tonight. my father agreed to have dinner with you.''

''good,'' he murmurs. ''i can't wait to see you again.''

my stomach flips at the way he says it, the way his voice deepens slightly at the end.

before i can respond, he adds, ''actually, i'd appreciate it if you came over now. i need you.''

my breath catches slightly. ''need me?''

''mhm,'' he hums. ''right now.''

i roll my eyes, but my smirk doesn't fade. ''you're so impatient.''

''not impatient,'' he corrects. ''just very aware that i want you near me.''

''you'll see me tonight,'' i tease. ''you can wait.''