Ransomed Fiancée (Michaeng) ✔️

Summary (Part 24)

Chapter 33:

The GroundUp shoe line collection launch had went smoothly and successfully. Both GroundUp teams and Velore inventment teams celebrated the after party.The celebration wasn't extravagant. It was intimate and designed to feel like a relaxed camping trip. A bonfire crackled in the center, surrounded by a mix of colorful string lights and rustic wooden tables. The after-party atmosphere was casual and friendly with laughter echoing through the night.

Chaeyoung had spent the better part of the week meticulously planning this evening. She and her teammates had prepared meals beforehand which was home-cooked dishes filled with heart and effort. The food was meant to be the centerpiece of the evening. It was a small token of gratitude for all the team's hard work.

But as the dinner began, a loud rumbled interrupted the chatter. A truck pulled up. Its side adorned with the logo of an upscale catering company.

Yuta stepped out with his elegant suit and announced with a flourish, "Surprise! I thought I'd make tonight even more special with a little treat for everyone."

Cheers erupted and Chaeyoung sighed. She watched as a team of servers unloaded luxurious dishes. It was delicacies far beyond the humble, heartfelt meals she had prepared with her team. Their homemade dishes suddenly felt insignificant compared to the lavish spread being unloaded.

Her teammates exchanged uneasy glances. Chaeyoung hesitated but finally nodded to her team. "Let's just go with it. It's polite." So they tucked their food away, leaving it forgotten in the shadows as everyone flocked to the catered buffet.

As the evening progressed, Yuta seemed determined to make his presence known. Though none of the team had worked with him directly, they certainly recognized him. He was the second son of the CEO of Silire La Beauty, a renowned fashion empire and a well-known fashion designer in his own right. Yuta dominated most of the conversations, his voice louder than necessary and his laughter grating. Chaeyoung did her best to ignore him, focusing on small talk with her teammates. But Chaeyoung noticed the way his gaze flicked to her occasionally.

And surely Yuta wouldn't let her fade into the background.

"Everyone," He called out, raising his glass, "A toast! To the incredible success of GroundUp's shoe line. And, of course, to the genius behind it all. Son Chaeyoung!"

Applause followed and Chaeyoung gave a small, awkward smile.

Yuta wasn't done. "You know, it's truly inspiring to see someone like Chaeyoung succeed. She's proof that no matter where you come from or what mistakes you've made, you can still achieve greatness."

The laughter that followed wasn't warm. It was tinged with judgment. Chaeyoung's smile faltered.

"And let's not forget," Yuta added with a smirk. His tone laced with condescension, "The kind of resilience it takes to bounce back from... well, a cold prison. Not everyone has the strength to pull that off, right?"

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. The sting of Yuta's words hit Chaeyoung but she forced herself to remain composed. She clenched her fists under the table, not wanting to let him see the effect his words had on her. Yuqi, who sat beside her opened her mouth to retaliate but Chaeyoung quickly caught her arm to silence her. She didn't want to create unnecessary scene.

Mina who sat at a table across the room, set her wine glass down with a sharp loud clink. Her eyes were fixed on Yuta.

Sensing the tension, Yuta chuckled and raised his glass again. "Here's to moving forward!"