Ransomed Fiancée (Michaeng) ✔️

Summary (Part 19)

Chapter 22:

Chaeyoung was in the middle of explaining the next phase of GroundUp's expansion when she noticed the soft rhythmic tapping of Mina's pen against the table. Chaeyoung had learned to recognize this sound, it was a signal. A sign that Mina disagreed, or worse, was dissatisfied with something.

She hesitated but continued, pushing through the discomfort. "...So as we expand, our hiring approach will remain true to GroundUp's core mission. We'll continue to provide opportunities for ex-convicts, allowing them to reintegrate into society through meaningful work. This is essential for what we represent. I believe that—"

"I think you're missing the bigger picture, Ms. Son," Mina interrupted, her gaze fixed on the presentation slide that now displayed the resumes of several ex-convicts applying for roles, "We can't afford to be idealistic right now. If we're going to scale this business, we need people who have clean records, at least for now. Clients, and partners won't want to work with a company that employs people with criminal backgrounds. There's just too much prejudice out there." She added, her tone matter of fact.

The words felt like a punch to Chaeyoung's gut, each syllable landing heavier than the last. It wasn't just about the employees—it was about her.

Chaeyoung glanced at her teammates—Minjeong and Miyeon—who sat silently by near her side. Minjeong zipped up her jacket, burying herself into her headphones. Miyeon ducked her head, offering a faint smile that felt like an attempt to reassure Chaeyoung though neither of them spoke. They shouldn't be ashamed, Chaeyoung thought, but the sight of them trying to shrink away made something inside her burn.

Chaeyoung swallowed hard, "I don't think you understand," she said firmly, "I am one of those people you're talking about. GroundUp was built on the idea of offering second chances, Ms Myoui. That's our identity and I'm sure we've gone over this when we signed the contract,"

Mina's expression flickered for a moment, a flash of regret passing through her eyes but she didn't back down. "I know what you're trying to do, Ms. Son. But this is a business decision. People have biases. We can't ignore that. It's safer for the company to hire employees with clean records at least until we're more established. Right now, the board members are hesitating. I'm just suggesting that we start small and lowkey before taking a daring risk. Hiring ex-convicts right away might be a bit too much. And the fact that we are offering them an opportunity already speaks volumes about your vision,"

Chaeyoung's pulse quickened as she processed Mina's words. The logical business argument, the practical side, it all made sense. But if Chaeyoung wanted practicality, she wouldn't even start. The words dug deeper than Mina probably realized. Chaeyoung had worked so hard to distance herself from her past, to prove to herself that she was more than her past wrongdoings. And yet, here it was, thrown back in her face. Her worth as a person, all questioned again.

"No, you don't get it," Chaeyoung replied, her voice a little louder now, the frustration creeping in. "This isn't just about what looks good on paper or about taking small, safe steps until the coast is clear. We are offering them a chance. That's what matters. And if we compromise on that, we're not just compromising on the business, we're compromising on who we are. If we let fear and prejudice dictate our choices now, what does that say about us when we've already built everything on a promise of change?"

Mina's eyes narrowed as she absorbed Chaeyoung's words, "I'm not saying we abandon your vision but I'm asking you to take a step back and think long-term. Let's prove we can handle the basics first before anything,"

"I am thinking long-term," Chaeyoung rebuked, sighing when she realised the shimmering anger under her tone. She couldn't be upset, she shouldn't—not at Mina. Chaeyoung softened her voice, "But the long-term vision is about the impact we make, not just the profit we generate. This isn't a matter of being naive, it's about doing what's right. And if you think that sacrificing our values for the sake of safety will get us ahead then I don't think you understand what GroundUp is really about."