"If you've nothing more to say, may we go on ahead? I'm not feeling well — I'm dizzy."

Tak-hyeon gave no answer, only looking at Jeong-eun in silence.

And when he continued to say nothing at all, it was Suk-ja Chu who finally spoke.

"If you're unwell you should go in and rest. Shall I call Dr. Kim, if it's that bad? I'll arrange it."

"Oh, honestly. I'm not a child. I can manage that much myself. I'm fine."

Saying she was fine, Jeong-eun rose from her seat.

Because even without an answer from Tak-hyeon, she considered Suk-ja's permission sufficient.

Having risen, she gave Tak-hyeon a slight bow of the head and turned away.

And it was then that Tak-hyeon, who had said nothing, opened his mouth.

"This card-company insolvency the prosecution is investigating. Is Ilhyeon Card all right?"

At the question, Jeong-eun's feet, already turned toward the door, came to a halt.

Yeong-su Cha's body went rigid as well, but he quickly checked Jeong-eun's expression and turned first to answer.

"No, sir."

Because he knew that swiftly denying Tak-hyeon's question was the only road to survival.

"We've had no contact whatsoever from the prosecution, and even if we did, there's nothing to worry about. We have no connection to this matter."

"I hear the investigation is to be expanded to every card company. Is it really all right?"

Still not believing it, Tak-hyeon looked at Yeong-su Cha with eyes that asked whether it was true.

And Yeong-su Cha began to agonize over whether he should go on denying it or tell the truth.

Because the fact that Tak-hyeon kept pressing this way made him wonder whether the man already knew something.

But with Jeong-eun giving no reaction at all, he could hardly be the first to admit it — so he resolved to deny it to the very end.

"Yes. Ilhyeon Card is clean."

Yeong-su Cha was telling him to believe it, but his eyes were fixed on the floor.

Anyone watching could see he was a man reading the room.

Tak-hyeon let out a snort at the sight…