Chapter 36 36

Chapter 36 36

Chapter 36

...

Inside the meeting room,

"Good morning, Mr. Matthias De Grayson. I’ve heard quite a lot about you."

Felix extended his hand with a warm smile, initiating both their introduction and the start of an important meeting between two powerful companies.

"Hm."

"I’ve heard a great deal about you as well, Mr. Felix Warren—an astute businessman who knows how to choose his investors and has pushed your company far beyond expectations. I look forward to a productive and mutually beneficial partnership between our companies."

Matthias returned the gesture, shaking his hand firmly. With that, the meeting officially began.

The discussion centered on a potential collaboration between the two corporations—an initiative proposed by Matthias himself following a recent workplace accident caused by machinery failure, which had resulted in significant losses.

Although the damage had been triggered by a natural disaster, Matthias believed the machines themselves were not durable enough to withstand the pressure beneath the earth.

"I reviewed your proposal, and it immediately caught my attention—especially when I heard you’re planning to open a manufacturing plant for spare parts in this country."

"I’ve also studied your company’s performance in detail. I’m interested in learning more, but whether we proceed will depend entirely on whether your company meets my expectations."

His tone was firm and direct.

Matthias intended to evaluate the Warren company’s presentation first—only then would he decide whether a partnership would move forward.

‘Just like the rumors say… he’s my age, yet he’s a genius. He expanded his father’s company faster than anyone expected. I hate to admit it… but he’s also ridiculously handsome. Though—not that I’m any less.’

‘Didn’t expect to be impressed at first meeting… I’d actually like to be friends with him. That would be interesting.’

Felix kept those thoughts to himself as his personal assistant began the presentation under his direct supervision.

For Felix, securing a partnership with the Grayson company was a golden opportunity—one that could bring immense profit in the future.

And he wanted it.

The meeting stretched on, intense and demanding.

Matthias consistently raised sharp, critical questions—questions that occasionally left Felix’s assistant visibly flustered.

Fortunately, Felix stepped in whenever needed. Whenever his assistant faltered, he answered directly—and every answer he gave was met with Matthias’s approval.

\---

Elsewhere,

It was already lunchtime.

Luna sat quietly in her chair, staring at the large seat that belonged to her husband. She had finished all her work, yet her eyes remained fixed on that empty chair.

"Hmmm."

She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes slightly.

"It’s already lunchtime… and he still hasn’t come back."

"It should be fine if I go to the employee cafeteria, right…?"

She swallowed, glancing at her phone.

"According to what I saw on social media, this company provides high-quality meals prepared by professional chefs… I’m starving just looking at the pictures."

"Hmmm…"

Her foot tapped lightly as she pressed her lips together, thinking hard.

But then—

"I should be allowed to go. I’m his wife, after all. And he said I need to get pregnant—so I have to eat on time and stay properly nourished!"

"Hm!"

Grabbing her phone, Luna stood up and headed toward the employee cafeteria with growing excitement.

It was located on one of the building’s floors—she had already looked it up earlier.

"My food is waiting for me…!"

She quickened her pace, nearly breaking into a run.

Right now, the only thing she was truly excited about—

was eating.

The moment she arrived at the cafeteria, Luna froze.

Her eyes widened, along with her mouth, as she looked around.

The place was lively but not overcrowded, thanks to its spacious design.

"So this… this is what office life really looks like?"

"Wow… who would’ve thought that after getting out of prison, I’d still get to experience something like this?"

"Hm… even though my husband is arrogant and cruel, he’s indirectly given me this kind of happiness. Haha… I should thank him later."

Clenching her fists in excitement, Luna smiled at anyone she accidentally made eye contact with—though each of them quickly lowered their gaze in respect.

After all, rumors painted her as Matthias’s relative.

Naturally, they treated her carefully.

"What’s that glowing over there…? Is that the premium buffet everyone was talking about?"

"Your radiance is blinding my hungry soul… ugh!"

She flicked her hair dramatically before hurrying to grab a tray and start piling up her food.

As she moved, several male employees couldn’t help but stare, completely captivated—especially when she tossed her hair, as if time itself had slowed just for her.

"So the rumors are true… she’s unbelievably beautiful. If she weren’t Mr. Matthias’s relative, I’d seriously try to win her over."

"Yeah right, like you’d stand a chance. Every guy here is thinking the same thing. With that face, that sweet smile, and those bright, round eyes—any man would fall at her feet."

The men whispered among themselves, unable to hide their admiration.

Even the simplest movements—like holding a tray—looked mesmerizing when she did it.

Meanwhile, Luna’s eyes sparkled as her plate filled up with delicious food.

"Mmm~!"

She smiled brightly, carrying her tray toward an empty seat. There were still people sitting nearby—one to her left and one across from her.

Luna smiled at them politely.

"Do you mind if I sit here?"

"Huh? U-Um…"

"Y-Yes, of course, Miss."

The female employees lowered their heads nervously, intimidated by her presence.

"Ehem… I—I’m full. I just remembered I have something urgent to do."

One of them quickly stood up, grabbing her tray and hurrying away.

"Me too…"

"Ah—yes, I suddenly remembered something urgent as well."

One by one, they left, abandoning their seats until Luna was left alone at the table, blinking in confusion.

"What’s wrong with them…? Why do they look so scared of me?"

"Is it because I look pale? Do they think I’m sick and contagious?"

"Tch, this is all that man’s fault. He wiped off my lipstick—of course I look pale without it! No wonder everyone’s acting weird around me!"

She clicked her tongue in annoyance, glancing around only to find people quickly looking away whenever their eyes met hers.

Luna, completely unaware, arrived at her own innocent conclusion.

"Ah, whatever. I don’t care anymore—I’m eating."

"Mmm~!"

She closed her eyes in satisfaction as she took a bite.

The food wasn’t just popular online...

it was genuinely delicious.

Every bite melted in her mouth, making her eyes flutter shut in pure enjoyment.

...

At the same time,

"Thank you, Mr. Matthias, for your enthusiasm in understanding our entire production process and final products. We’re confident we can meet your expectations."

Felix extended his hand once more, signaling the conclusion of the meeting.

"I appreciate it, Mr. Felix. I’m confident your company’s machines will meet my standards as well. Once the trial phase is complete and the results align with my expectations, I’ll proceed directly with our cooperation contract."

Matthias returned the handshake, equally satisfied with Felix’s performance—and that of his assistant. If everything matched what had been presented, then the kind of catastrophic failure he had experienced before could be avoided.

"My assistant will escort you to your car," Matthias added, glancing at his watch.

It was already lunchtime.

He was certain his wife was waiting—and most likely hungry.

‘I don’t want her going hungry… I should get back quickly and take her to lunch.’

A faint smile tugged at his lips, anticipation flickering in his chest at the thought of seeing her again.

Matthias didn’t even realize it, he was already addicted.

But just as he was about to leave, Felix stepped forward, stopping him.

"Mr. Matthias, I’ve heard that your company provides high-quality meals for its employees. If you don’t mind… would you be willing to take me there?"

"I’m curious about the food, of course—but I’m also considering implementing something similar for my own employees. I’d like to see the best example firsthand."

Felix smiled, his gaze fixed on the tall man with sharp blue eyes before him.

Matthias hesitated.

He wanted to refuse.

But turning down a request from a potential business partner—especially someone like Felix Warren—would be neither polite nor strategic.

And more importantly, Matthias had no intention of damaging the image of a partnership he genuinely wanted to succeed.

"Hm."

He glanced once more at his watch before letting out a quiet breath.

"Very well, Mr. Felix. Come with me."

"I’m glad to hear you have such intentions. After all, employees are a company’s greatest asset. If you want the best performance from them, then it’s only right to provide them with the best in return."

"In this world, everything works on reciprocity… and in the end, it’s all business." His tone remained calm, measured—yet carried an undeniable authority.

Felix found himself slightly taken aback.

For some reason, his admiration only grew stronger.

He truly wanted to befriend this man.

...

Not long after, the two arrived at the employee cafeteria floor.

The place was already beginning to quiet down, as most employees had finished lunch and returned to their workspaces.

The entire area was surrounded by glass walls, offering a clear view of everything inside the moment the elevator doors opened.

And the moment Matthias and Felix stepped out—

they both stopped.

Not because they had planned to, but because of what stood before them.

A woman.

A breathtakingly beautiful woman.

She was standing at the buffet, casually helping herself to a second serving, completely absorbed in her own world.

"Hehe… second round—spaghetti, prawns, and steak!"

"Wow! What kind of company even serves steak for lunch? This place is seriously on another level—this is luxury to the extreme!"

Luna beamed with happiness.

She genuinely loved this company.

If possible, she wanted to keep working in a place as comfortable as this.

‘…What?’ Matthias’s eyes narrowed.

‘Look at her. I was worried about her… and she’s already here, eating happily with that big smile.’

‘Didn’t she think about me even once?’

‘Unbelievable…’ His jaw tightened as he clenched his fist, irritation flickering across his expression. He started toward the cafeteria,

but Felix moved faster.

"Isn’t that the woman from before—the one with the unusual outfit in front of the hotel… and the one who cried at the grave?"

"I knew it. We’re destined to meet again. Look at that—without even searching, she’s appeared right in front of me."

Felix’s face lit up with excitement.

Without realizing it, he had already left Matthias behind.

He walked straight toward Luna and took a seat across from her without hesitation.

"Hello, my destiny. Since we’ve met again, I think it’s only fair that you give me your phone number this time."

Luna blinked, confused, lifting her head—

"—cough! Cough!"

She nearly choked.

It was that strange man again.

And now, of all places, he was sitting in front of her, inside her husband’s company.

"What the hell is that pest doing, smiling at my wife?" Matthias’s expression darkened instantly as he clenched his fist tighter, ready to step forward and separate them.

But before he could move, a message appeared on his phone.

From Valery.

"Hm?"

He hadn’t opened it yet, but he could already see that several images had been sent.

And those images were...

...
To be continued…