She could feel his intense eyes studying her, each glance like a touch on her skin. Ten years ago, she would have been flustered, but now she straightened, meeting his gaze with practiced indifference, radiating confidence. She squared her shoulders, giving him a look of cool nonchalance, unshaken by his scrutiny.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet us on such short notice, Ms. Lim,” his assistant, Jin Jung, began his tone very courteous. “We’re here regarding the Salvation Necklace. As you know, it was donated to your auction house by mistake. We are here to rectify that.”
Yoona leaned back slightly, folding her hands on the desk. She couldn't help but notice Junho's broad shoulders, the way they filled his tailored suit to perfection, and how his shirt stretched taut across his chiseled chest. Lost in the allure of his physique, she snapped out of her reverie, and quickly refocused to his assistant.
“I understand your concern. However, the Salvation Necklace is now part of our upcoming anniversary auction, and it has generated significant interest from our clientele. Removing it at this stage would be highly problematic.”
Junho’s jaw tightened, and he leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Ms. Lim, that necklace has been in my family for generations. It was a mistake, and I’m sure there must be a way to return it to its rightful owner without causing too much disruption.” his tone polite but with a hint of impatience.
Yoona held his gaze, unflinching. “I appreciate the sentimental value the necklace holds for your family, Mr. Lee, but we have legal and contractual obligations to our clients. The auction is less than six months away, and we have already invested heavily in marketing the Salvation Necklace as the highlight of the event.”
Junho’s frustration was palpable, and he’s now struggling to maintain his composure. "Ms. Lim," Junho began, his voice clipped and cool, "I don’t think you fully understand the situation we’re in.”
Yoona raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Mr. Lee, I assure you, I do. And everything here is perfectly above board."
Junho remained impassive, his sharp gaze her expressive eyes. "Above board? You call it above board to hold onto a family heirloom an idiotic conman mistakenly donated to your… establishment?"
The corner of Yoona's mouth twitched. "Establishment? Aphrodite Galleries is a premier private auction house, Mr. Lee. And while I appreciate your colorful description of your grandfather's… generosity, the donation was entirely legal."
"Ex-stepgrandfather.” he said, giving more emphasis on ‘ex’ and ‘step’.
“Legal or not," Junho continued, his voice dropping to a low growl, "that necklace belongs to our family."
Yoona leaned back in her chair, mirroring his intensity. "And according to the signed donation form, it now belongs to Aphrodite Galleries."
Yoona sighed inwardly. She had anticipated this meeting would be challenging, but Junho’s determination was proving to be more intense than expected.
A tense silence stretched between them, punctuated only by the rhythmic hum of the air conditioning. Yoona couldn't help but be intrigued by the man before her. His sharp features—sculpted nose and chiseled jawline—combined with his dark brows furrowed in frustration – he was undeniably attractive in an arrogant sort of way.
"Look," Junho finally sighed, the ice in his voice fracturing slightly. "This is a mistake. My ex-step grandfather, that pathetic excuse of a man, had the financial acumen of a squirrel. Surely, we can come to some sort of arrangement?"
Yoona's lips curved into a sly smile. "An arrangement, you say?"
Junho's eyes narrowed, a flicker of something akin to suspicion crossing his face. "Yes, an arrangement. A fair price for the necklace's return. Name your terms, Ms. Lim."
“It’s not a matter of compensation, Mr. Lee. It’s about maintaining the integrity and reputation of Aphrodite Galleries. However, I may be willing to explore alternative solutions that could satisfy both parties.”
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