BIDDING ON LOVE
Junho stormed out of Yoona’s office, the glass door swinging behind him with a definitive thud. His frustration was clear as day, a storm brewing beneath his cool exterior. As he made his way to his sleek, black Maserati Quattroporte, his thoughts were a chaotic whirlpool of indignation, curiosity, and something unexpected—intrigue.
Jin Jung, his normally unflappable assistant, ran to hold the car door open, revealing the plush leather interior. Junho, a whirlwind of dark energy, barely glanced at him before striding in. Jin hurriedly climbed into the shotgun seat, the engine already idling impatiently and the chauffeur started driving as soon as his seatbelt was pulled.
Junho took a moment to compose himself, exhaling a deep breath and running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. As he waited through the late morning traffic, he replayed their meeting in his mind.
“However, I may be willing to explore alternative solutions that could satisfy both parties.”
Yoona leaned back in her chair, her gaze unwavering. "There is one possibility," she began, her tone measured. "Your family's heirloom is set to be the highlight of our upcoming auction. In exchange for its removal and return to you, the gallery has to have a replacement as the main event. There is something we have in mind that you can help us… acquire.” She paused and looked straight into his eyes, “I like to propose a deal."
Junho's eyes narrowed. "A deal. Okay, I am all ears."
Yoona took a deep breath, her expression thoughtful. "There is a jewel—a rare, historically significant piece—that our gallery has been trying to locate. We believe that a historian in Italy has valuable information.”
Junho stiffened, already anticipating where this was heading. "And you want me to connect you to this ‘historian’?" he asked, provoked.
"Yes," Yoona replied, her eyes locked onto his. "Mr. Heo Saek. He's the key to finding this jewel."
A tense silence fell between them. Junho's jaw clenched, the bitterness of old wounds from his complicated relationship with his biological father surfacing. "Isn’t it common media knowledge that I and the rest of our family are not on speaking terms with him?," he asked flatly. "The nerve of you to even ask," he scoffed in disbelief and indignation.
Yoona's gaze softened slightly. “I had to try. That jewel could significantly elevate our gallery's prestige. If you help me secure it, I can ensure the return of your family's necklace."
Junho shook his head, anger and resignation warring within him. "No. I won't do it."
Yoona pressed her lips, her expression hardened, disappointment flickering in her eyes. "Then I'm afraid there's nothing more to discuss."
Their meeting concluded with an unspoken tension, each understanding that this battle was far from over.
Yoona’s refusal to return his family’s 18th-century heirloom had been delivered with an infuriating blend of professionalism and confidence. But beyond the business facade, there was something in her—a crackling tension that had left Junho both aggravated and intrigued.
His phone chimed, displaying a plethora of results about Yoona. As he scrolled, he remembered her confident demeanor most of all, but it was her vivid features that lingered in his mind. Her long, elegant neck, the graceful movements of her hands, the seemingly silky softness of her skin were etched into his thoughts. He could almost feel the warmth of her presence, the allure of her beauty, as he scroll through the myriad of photos in his web. He clicked on a link, which led to an in-depth profile on a business magazine’s website. The headline read, “Yoona Lim: The Youngest CEO to Revolutionize the Art Auction Industry the Philippines.”
Junho skimmed through the article, his annoyance giving way to a grudging respect. Five years ago, Yoona had taken over the helm of the struggling Aphrodite Galleries as the Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy at just twenty-eight, steering it through financial turbulence and transforming it into a powerhouse in the art world. Her sharp business acumen, innovative approach, and a keen eye for art had earned her accolades and a formidable reputation.
He clicked on another link, this time leading to an interview video. Yoona’s image filled the screen—her poised demeanor, articulate speech, and those piercing eyes that seemed to see through any facade. Junho watched, captivated, as she discussed her vision for the auction house, her passion for art, and her journey to the top.
“Impressive,” he muttered to himself, a begrudging smile tugging at the corner of his lips. But the more he watched, the more he found himself not just admiring her achievements, but also recalling the way her eyes had flashed with determination when she had told him no. He could still hear the decisive snap in her voice, still see the fire in her eyes. She had stood her ground against him, and he couldn’t deny that he found it… hot.
But this was not a situation he could let lie. The Salvation Necklace was not just any piece of art; it was a symbol of their heritage, a priceless artifact that held immense sentimental value. Letting a conman get his hand on it was already disgraceful enough. Allowing it to be sold off to the highest bidder was unthinkable. He had to find a way to get it back—and getting the upper hand over Yoona Lim would be an added bonus.
An idea began to take shape in his mind. He needed to attend every event she attends, make his presence known, and find a way to maneuver the situation to his advantage. He quickly scrolled through his calendar and found what he was looking for—two invitations that he previously dismissed because he thought that they are just frivolous affairs for the artistically vapid. But now, he saw them as opportunities and the first one is set to take place in a week’s time.
Junho quickly called his assistant at the front seat, who immediately turned, his expression attentive and ready for instructions. “Jin,” Junho began, his tone clipped but deliberate, “I need you to find out if Ms. Lim will be representing Aphrodite Galleries at the upcoming SM and JYP events. Once you confirm her attendance, accept the invitations for both events. Make sure our presence is noted.”
With a new plan forming, Junho’s mood shifted. He relished a challenge, and Yoona Lim was proving to be exactly that. He would attend these gatherings, learn more about her and her operation, and find a way to reclaim his family’s heirloom. And if it meant spending more time in the company of the intriguing Ms. Yoona Lim, well, that was a complication he was willing to entertain.
No comments:
Post a Comment