"Ms. Stela," Min's voice broke the silence of her office, "we've arranged a meeting with the labourers on strike. As for the other programs—"
"What about the appointment with Director Cris of AG Company?" Stela's tone was sharp, clipped.
Min hesitated. "Ms. Stela, that…"
"What?" Her gaze pinned him in place. "I've told you this is a very big deal for our company. I don't care how — I want results. Immediately. Now, about the new director—have we arranged everything?"
"Yes, Ms. Stela. We sent the newly appointed assistant, Sun, to receive him."
"Good. Now get Director Cris on my schedule—"
"Ms. Stela, that's… impossible."
Her brow arched. "Impossible?"
Min swallowed. "The AG Director's secretary said they aren't interested in 'lowly products like ours.'"
Before she could respond, Sara burst into the office, breathless. "Ms. Stela! There's a huge problem!"
"What now, Sara?"
"There's breaking news about our company. They're saying three customers received fake products, and five had allergic reactions!"
"What?" Stela rose instantly. "Everyone, don't panic. Min, check the reports!"
"They claim the delivery was fine," Min said quickly.
"Then the problem must be in the factory," she concluded.
Sara ran back in moments later. "Ms. Stela—Assistant Sun says he's been waiting four hours for the new director. He hasn't shown up."
Stela's jaw tightened. "Chairman Kim praised this new director endlessly… seems his words were in vain. But we'll deal with that later. Right now—Min, any progress?"
"Yes," Min replied. "We have factory footage. There's someone suspicious in it."
"Show me."
The man in the video looked shifty, avoiding the cameras.
"He's a regular employee in the manufacturing department," Min explained. "Joined three months ago. His name is Mun-joon. Right now, he's at a bar near the factory."
"I'll handle it," Stela said.
"At least take Sara with you—"
"No. This stays between the three of us." Her voice was ice. "Sara, call the police when I say the code 'It's raining.'"
Sara nodded grimly.
---
Later — The Bar
The dim light of the bar smelled of stale beer and bad decisions. Stela slid onto the stool beside Mun-joon.
"Boss, one special cocktail," she said aloud. Then, leaning toward Mun-joon, she murmured, "Think you can ruin my company with fake news and walk away?"
His hand twitched — a knife glinted in the low light. He lunged.
She moved faster, kicking him to the floor. The blade flew from his grip, spinning toward her—
A man stepped in from behind, catching most of the blow on his arm.
Guards rushed in to subdue Mun-joon as Stela, calm as ever, whispered into her Bluetooth: "It's raining."
Ten minutes later, the police arrived.
"Pretty lady," another man at the bar said lazily, "you shouldn't fight alone. Handsome men like us exist for a reason."
She walked out without a word.
---
Ken's Table
Ken grinned. "Kevin, tell me she's not gorgeous. Why does she look like an iceberg?"
Kevin smirked. "Ken, to you, every woman is gorgeous."
"No, seriously," Ken leaned forward. "Did you see her eyes? Like fire."
Kevin's thoughts lingered on her. That's right… she's different. Didn't even say thank you. Interesting.
"Come on, you're drunk," Kevin said, standing. "Let's go."