I hold my breath. Taewon’s standing beside me, probably ready to ram his elbow into my ribs. I can feel the weight of his stare drilling into the side of my skull. I should’ve told Cece the truth before we walked in here. Fuck. IknowI should have.
Iris, to her credit, takes the handshake—though she looks a touch nervous.
“It’s my pleasure,” she says. “I… I’ve heard a lot about you, Ms. Wentworth.”
Cece nods, a professional smile on her face. “All good things, I hope.”
We settle around the table, the click of chairs and shuffling papers filling the quiet.
The next two hours are a blur of slides, clauses, and capital structuring—Miller-Moore walking us through the full agreement deck. Iris presents with crisp clarity, Grace fields most of the questions, andRyan—well, Ryan simply observes.
By the time we’re wrapping with last-minute amendments, a low current of anticipation hums in the air.
This is it.
We’re a step closer to this merger becoming a tangible reality. When we reach the final pages, when the pens meet the dotted lines, I catch Cece’s eye—and for a fleeting second, it’s like the rest of the room disappears. Her expression is this perfect blend of pride and quiet relief.
We just locked in one of the most sought-after M&A firms in the market. The entire Wentworth Group and Astor Holdings’ Real Estate—merging under our roof. With Cece and I spearheading it. I hope my eyes tell her without so many words of how proud I am of us. Of her.
Signatures are swift. Grace and Ryan share a firm handshake, then a quick side hug with Iris. Everyone’s easing up now, tension bleeding into soft conversation and scattered congratulations.
I step closer to Cece, lowering my voice. “You okay?” I murmur.
She doesn’t answer, not verbally. Just leans slightly into me, her gaze fixed on our signatures like they’re something sacred.
I press a kiss to her forehead. Maybe it’s unprofessional, but I don’t give a damn. I just had a feeling she needed me nearer.
Moments later, the room shifts into looser clusters—people pairing off, glasses clinking softly as a celebratory cart rolls in with champagne.
Taewon appears at my side, sliding in after excusing himself from Grace. He gives me a firm paton the back. “This is exciting. You excited?”
I sigh. “It’s only the beginning, Taewon.”
“But not a bad start, right?”
I grab two flutes off the cart, smirking. “Shouldn’t have taken us this long to get here.”
He reaches for one, shaking his head at my cautious pessimism.
I step sideways. “Get your own,” I deadpan.
He rolls his eyes. “Really?”
“Really.”
He grabs another and mutters under his breath, just loud enough for me. “Aaiii-sh… babo.” (Fuuuuh… idiot)
“I know what that means, Mr. Choi.”
“Oh, I know you do.” He smirks into his glass, all smug and unbothered.
Shit. All this made me lose my fiancée. I scan the room to find her in one of the corners, making conversation with…
Fuck.
“Neon jinjja meongcheongi-ya, Levi,” Tae whispers beside me before snorting. (You’re such an idiot, Levi)
“I think I know what that means as well… and you might be right,” I tell him, my gaze still on the two women. “Shit, I should’ve told her.”
