Corporate Cupid

Chapter 17: Secrets Revealed, Battles Fought, and Love Affirmed

Hari finally found herself cornered by Chairman Kang, forced to reveal the full truth about her fake relationship with Wonho. She tried to explain everything, starting with the contract she and Wonho had made. However, before she could finish, Chairman Kang interrupted, furious at the deception. Believing their entire relationship had been nothing but a charade, he demanded that she stop seeing Wonho immediately.

The conversation was cut short when Chairman Kang received a call about Wonho's accident, leaving abruptly to head to the hospital. Hari, concerned, followed him there, only to be confronted again by the chairman, who lashed out at her. However, as they argued, Wonho walked in, relatively unharmed except for a broken arm.

When Hari tried to leave, Wonho stopped her. With a firm voice, he told his grandfather, "I love her." Chairman Kang was shocked, insisting that Wonho should end the relationship, but Wonho refused. He even went as far as to threaten never to give his grandfather grandchildren if he forced them apart. Though the chairman was deeply upset by all the lies, Wonho took full responsibility for everything.

Hari left the hospital, but the rain outside reminded her of Wonho's tragic past, so she returned, worried about him. The two of them stood by the window, watching the rain fall. Wonho, opening up more than he ever had, began to talk about his childhood and the accident that took his parents' lives. He explained that on his birthday, they had been rushing home to take him to an amusement park when the crash happened. He still blamed himself, fearing they resented him for causing their deaths.

Hari, touched by his vulnerability, reassured him that his parents would never resent him, just as he didn't resent her for causing his recent accident. She insisted that his parents loved him, just as she did. This heartfelt conversation deepened their bond.

Later that night, Hari fell asleep in Wonho's hospital bed, only to be caught sneaking back home the next morning by her mother. Fortunately, her mother thought she was heading out to work early, ushering her out the door without realizing what had happened.

Back at work, things were unraveling for Hari. Yuna showed her a promotional video featuring Hari and Min-woo that had been uploaded by Wonho Motors. In the comments, Yoo-ra had attacked Hari, accusing her of crushing on Min-woo for years while dating the company president. The post quickly gained attention, leading to bad publicity for Hari. Chairman Kang, seeing the scandal unfold, had the video taken down immediately.

At the office, Ms. Yeo told Hari's team that the higher-ups had decided to halt their current project, citing the negative attention surrounding Hari's name. Though people were gossiping about her, Hari's own team stood by her, defending her against the rumors. Overwhelmed with emotion, Hari broke down in tears, hugging her team in gratitude.

Yuna, worried about the scandal reaching Hari's parents, went to her family's restaurant to keep them in the dark. Meanwhile, Wonho remained oblivious to everything happening, feeling relieved that his grandfather now knew about their relationship. He even called Hari, eager to tell the world about their love. Just as he was about to propose the idea of marriage, the call disconnected, leaving Hari unaware of his intentions.

While Wonho was still in high spirits, overhearing his grandfather talking about sending him abroad shattered that optimism. Chairman Kang planned to send him to work in America for two years to give him time to reconsider his relationship with Hari. Wonho, outraged, stood his ground, declaring that he wanted to marry her. But his grandfather remained firm in his decision.

Later, Chairman Kang confronted Hari again, offering her a "solution"—to work in the Daejeon factory until the scandal died down. If she wasn't willing, he suggested she resign. Defiantly, Hari refused to back down, listing off all the achievements she had contributed to the company. She left to clear her head, walking alone to process everything.

At the same time, Wonho finally discovered the full extent of the scandal. Hearing about his grandfather's plans to either transfer or push Hari out devastated him. Knowing the board could demand his resignation if he pushed back only fueled his desperation. Determined to find Hari, he rushed to her family's restaurant, where he addressed her parents as "Mother" and "Father." Confused, they still believed he was just Mr. Gye, her colleague. It was Ha-min who corrected them, revealing that he was actually President Kang and was dating their daughter. Shock swept through the family.

Meanwhile, Yuna's father visited her and Woozi, inviting them to dinner. There, he told them he approved of their relationship and even suggested Woozi could inherit his company, signaling his desire to make amends with Yuna. Overwhelmed by this turn of events, Yuna agreed to give things time. On their drive home, however, she found a diamond ring hidden in Woozi's glove box. Shocked, Woozi pulled over and, right there on the side of the road, proposed to her.

Hari, finally returning Wonho's calls, met him at the Seoul Tower. After an emotional reunion, Wonho begged her never to disappear again. Their love for each other undeniable, the two went back to a room together. As they kissed, they started to undress each other, ready to take the next step in their relationship.

The episode ended with both couples facing turning points in their lives—Hari and Wonho deepening their commitment despite the challenges ahead, and Yuna and Woozi entering a new chapter of their relationship with a surprise proposal.