Haneul Seo had always been a bright spark—cheerful, ambitious, and full of life. In her early teenage years, she had harbored an innocent yet deep crush on Ra Hyeon, the untouchable senior at her school. He was everything she wasn’t—cold, reserved, and completely out of reach. A boy with sharp eyes and an aura of effortless power, already groomed to inherit his father’s vast business empire.

For two years, Haneul loved him from afar, unaware that his heart already belonged to someone else. When she finally learned the truth, the heartbreak was a quiet storm—one that pushed her to let go and focus on her own future. And that’s exactly what she did.

Determined to prove her worth beyond fleeting high school crushes, she threw herself into her studies, earned a place at a prestigious university, and graduated with top honors. Her hard work paid off—by the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had secured a position as a legal advisor in one of the country’s most powerful corporate firms. In a male-dominated field, she was the only woman on her team, yet she thrived. Confident, fearless, and stunningly charismatic, she became a force to be reckoned with.

Meanwhile, Ra Hyeon had been living a different life—one of privilege and expectations. After completing his education abroad, he returned to Seoul, where his father wasted no time in handing him the reins of the family empire. At just 28, he became the CEO of Hyeon Group, a multibillion-dollar conglomerate. He had always been a man of control, but something about the city felt different upon his return. Perhaps it was because he was no longer the untouchable senior, and perhaps… it was because fate had other plans.

When Haneul and Ra Hyeon’s paths cross again, it isn’t as a starry-eyed schoolgirl and an indifferent senior. This time, she stands as his equal—or perhaps, even as his adversary. In a world where power and ambition rule, will the embers of a forgotten crush reignite, or will they be forced to clash in the battlefield of corporate politics?

One thing is certain—Haneul Seo is no longer the girl who once admired him from the shadows. And Ra Hyeon? He might just realize that some people are impossible to ignore.

Ra Hyeon hadn't planned to step into the cafeteria.


In fact, he rarely ever came to this part of the building. Seven-star lunches were more his thing.


But a call from the chairman had delayed his break, and now, with a tight schedule, he figured he'd grab an espresso from the executive lounge nearby.


Sitting in the middle of a table full of men.


His steps slowed, and without meaning to, his gaze zeroed in on her.


Her usual sharp, composed demeanor had softened, her eyes crinkling as she teased one of her teammates.


It was such a stark contrast to the efficient, no-nonsense woman who had been following him around all morning, keeping up with his pace without a single complaint.


And yet… this version of her was just as effortless.


But that wasn't what caught his attention the most.


It was the way every single man at that table—hell, in the whole cafeteria—was looking at her.


Some were openly flirting, others stealing glances, and some were just staring as if she were a rare masterpiece.


A few of them weren't even from her department.


His gaze darkened as he observed one of the guys, Jinhyuk, lean forward with a smirk.


"So, how does it feel being the CEO's secretary? The guy is basically a legend—cold, rich, and ridiculously good-looking. Any sparks flying yet?"


Ra Hyeon's grip on his coffee cup tightened slightly.


Haneul, to her credit, almost choked on her drink before scoffing, "Excuse me?"


"Come on, Haneul," another guy chimed in. "You, being his secretary, must be getting VIP visuals daily."


Ra Hyeon's brows lifted slightly. VIP visuals?


Haneul rolled her eyes, clearly exasperated. "You guys are worse than my best friend."


But what intrigued him the most was her reaction.


She wasn't flustered.She wasn't giggling shyly or blushing.She looked… annoyed.


As if the very idea of noticing him in that way was absurd.


But instead, he found himself lingering for a few extra seconds, his gaze flickering back to her.


And apparently the most wanted woman in the company.


Chapter 10 - "Why Is Everyone Looking at Her?"