21. HIDDEN STAKES

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The next day, Taehyung was busy in his office when he heard a knock. He gave permission for the visitor to enter, and his secretary, Miss Lee, walked in.

"Good morning, sir," she said, her tone a mix of hesitance and formality. He nodded, offering a brief grunt in acknowledgment.

"What's the schedule for today, Miss Lee?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I need to request a few days of leave." she replied, her gaze dropping to the floor.

Taehyung's brows knitted together in irritation. "A few more days? You've already been away recently. I understand personal issues, but I can't afford to have someone who takes so many breaks. You're my grandfather's security, which is why I haven't fired you yet, but I'm seriously considering finding a replacement."

"Please don't fire me, sir. I truly need this job. Just give me a bit more time, and I promise I'll be back," she pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice.

He took a breath, softening slightly. "Fine, a few more days. But if you don't return, I'll have no choice but to let you go."

"Thank you! I promise I'll come back," she said, relief flooding her expression.

"Make sure to pass on everything to Ava before you leave," he added "Yes, sir," she replied, leaving his office with a heavy heart.

Ava arrived to the office. As she walked in, she noticed Miss Lee lingering near her desk.

"Miss Lee, what are you doing here?" Ava asked, puzzled.

Miss Lee froze, caught off guard. "Ava! I was just... um, waiting for you!"

Ava raised an eyebrow, glancing at her desk. "Really? It looked like you were at my desk just now."

Miss Lee felt a bead of sweat trickle down her back. "I was just looking at this frame." She picked up a childhood picture of Ava with her grandfather. "You look adorable!"

Ava seemed skeptical but shrugged it off. As she reached for her drawer, Miss Lee's heart raced.

"Ava, come on, let's go! I've been waiting for you for a long time. Why are you always late?" Miss Lee said, trying to distract her.

"I'm on time! You must have arrived early," Ava shot back, glancing at Miss Lee."Why are you waiting?"

"I'm on leave for a few days, so I need you to explain things."

"Okay! Is everything okay?" Ava asked

Miss Lee forced a smile. "I'm fine, just feeling a little under the weather."

Later, Miss Lee explained everything to Ava before leaving the building. As she stepped outside, her phone rang.

Recognizing the number, she answered hesitantly.

**"Hello?"**

**"Is the work done?"** the voice demanded.

**"Yes"** she replied.

**"Make sure it's done properly. You know the consequences if it's not."**

**"Don't worry; I'll handle it. Just please keep your promise,"** she said, anxiety creeping back.

**"I never go back on my word. Do your job well, and there will be a reward,"** the voice said before hanging up.

Taking a deep breath, she glanced at her phone screen and left.

As the sun set, warm light flooded the office, Taehyung and Ava stepped out of the meeting room, the weight of the day lifting slightly.

"Is everything done?" he asked Ava, glancing at the clock.

Ava shuffled the papers in her hands, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Yes, it's all done. You just need to sign a few documents."

"Alright, hand them over," he said, his tone shifting to a more focused one.

She passed him the files, watching as he meticulously reviewed each page. The quiet rustle of paper filled the air until he finally picked up the pen. he signed off the last document.

"Done" he declared, a small smile breaking through his earlier concentration.

As they stepped out of the office, the cool evening breeze greeted them, ready to enjoy the rest of their evening.

As they stepped out of the office, the cool evening breeze greeted them, ready to enjoy the rest of their evening

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