Entering her office after the long meeting with some partners, a sigh of fatigue escaped her lips; being the Chairwoman of "Park and Kim holding" was for sure not an easy task; handling numerous subsidiaries, in addition, made the responsibility hanging over her shoulders heavier at such a young age, but it was an empire she inherited, an empire her family worked hard to build, and she wasn't someone who would throw her family efforts down the drain, she was better than being an ungrateful brat.

She took off her vest, hanging it on the hooker; she soon settled in her big black leather chair, bending her head back on the headrest to collect her thoughts.

Many documents need to be signed, and her agenda was packed, to say the less, not to mention the private matters she needed to take care of, nor the news from the last attack on her casino in Thailand, which fortunately has been well taken care of by her partner, Kim Seokjin, who was also a major shareholder, and the CEO of Park and Kim.

Her mood was not in its best state, but it seemed like the world had plans to ruin it even further when her husband decided to pay her a visit to her office.

She knew at the moment her secretary announced his presence over the phone that her day was damned already; she started longing for a glass of whiskey, which she strictly prohibited herself from drinking during working hours as a form of perseverance; she was indeed the ultimate example of professionalism. Seokjin knew it very well; that's why he tried to relieve her as much as he could from the exterior burdens that their business overseas faced or could face.

"Katarina, my love, I waited for you yesterday but was in vain; you never came home."

The tall man's eyes weren't mainly shooting love as his speech may have tried to portray; she was well aware of that fact, her gaze on his slender figure that approached her desk in lousy steps, while his left hand on his pocket, wearing an attire that must have costed more than the salary of the chief manager in that Holding. Still, those brands failed to hide his sly aura; he was the ultimate representation of shadiness. However, she knew how to read him, manage him, and cope with his loathing behaviors.

"To what I owe the visit this time, Lee Min Ho-ssi?"

The lad made his final step toward her chair, turning it to face his handsome face, while his head titled toward her face in a failed attempt to steal a kiss from her plump lips, only to be pushed away in a very chic way, it seemed.

"Please take a seat, but I would appreciate it if you could make it straight to the point; you see, I have some urgent matters to tend to."

"Katarina, you know, babe, that this is no way for a couple to live; I miss your scent in our bed, babe, till when should I keep sleeping alone?"

His lies were always disgusting, not to mention his lame excuses that were trying to hide the real reason behind his visit, and what made her rage grow more extensive was that she knew how to read between his lines very clearly; she was no stupid woman to be deceived by his looks, although, truth to be told, he lacked in nowhere physical wise, he was a sculpted by the deities in the figure of an angel, masking the devil that possessed his soul.

"Is it a matter of lust? Cause I think I'm providing you with the best girls in our clubs, and you're always the first tester, but if you need some new faces, I can provide that much for my husband with no problems, but let's take care of these kinds of matters on the phone, with my secretary would be easier."

She knew her husband's hunger for desire; he was untamed and unrefined, unlike her; although the age gap between them, he was always on the childish side, a teenager that forgot to grow up from his puberty crisis, not at all classy, and many times those behaviors of his, brought her unnecessary troubles she could have stayed away from.

" You know it's not about that, babe; you know that I want only you; I'm doing this because you don't take care of my needs, although I have rights to you, Lee Katarina."

"Park, Katarina Park, Lee Min Ho-ssi, my name has never changed, and it would never change under a fake marriage such as ours, so please let's avoid this argument that we have discussed multiple times, don't push me to remind you our agreement once more. I will send a few new girls, and I don't need to remind you of the ethics; simple kinks are accepted, but no violence; I hope I'm being clear here."

She didn't want to drag the discussion further; she knew better than that; talking to the man in front of her was no better than talking to a wall; perhaps a wall could have understood by the number of times she repeated her stance regarding their marriage, but he kept feigning ignorance, sometimes to annoy her. Some others, since he genuinely wanted to enjoy his powerful woman, he wanted to taste the forbidden fruit. Still, his company of attempts was always in vain without any success.

" Are you talking about violence now? I don't think that kind of speech should come from your beautiful lips, Katarina, common babe; we know each other very well, so let's spare our time."

" Sure, you can take it the way you prefer; it is the same for me."

"Anyway, I came here today since there is going to be a deal soon, and I want you to be the negotiator; I know you're the only one who can convince the stubborn old hags. Tonight, Westin Josun Hotel's restaurant Hong Yuan, don't be tardy; the dinner will begin at nine o'clock."

" I have a business to deal with, and I'm afraid I can't provide some of my time tonight."

"Is there a need for me to remind you of the reasons behind our marriage now? I thought you never forgot, don't be late, Katarina; I love you, babe."

The man stood up after succeeding in raising her anger, which she managed to hide for the sake of the situation, for the sake of her pride.

He was never a gentleman as he thought highly of himself, definitely not of her in all cases; using their marriage was always a plausible way to get whatever he wanted, but he failed in getting her in the end.

Pathetic.

"Lee Min Ho-ssi, please refrain from having nonconsensual intercourse with our maids; I can't afford more time in recruiting new ones. Otherwise, my schedule will become tight, and I won't be able to attend events like the one tonight."

"Babe, there's no way I did such a thing. You know me."

"I do, but the footage shows me otherwise, see you at the restaurant."

The man gulped as he heard about the footage; in the end, no matter how immature he was, he had a dignity to maintain, and indeed the latter would be scattered into pieces if someone got to know about his affairs with his maids. Such a low-level behavior was not supported in their world, and he knew it very well; he decided then to take his leave without dragging on the argument, an attempt from his side to keep the matter buried, not only but also as a way to let her know that he understood clearly her intentions.

Katarina finally found her peace after seeing him leave her office; she couldn't cope with her unrevealed anger; she took a cigarette from her purse, grabbed her customized golden lighter, and made her way to the terrace to vent out the feelings on her chest.

It was definitely not her perfect day.

Her attention was suddenly grabbed to her phone that was now ringing; usually, when she is in a bad mood, she doesn't even bother picking up the line, no matter who's the caller, but it was her partner this time; she knew it would be urgent if he called during the busy morning hours, sliding the accept side, she took his call without further do.

"Oppa, something is wrong in Thailand again?"

"Not at all, and what's with the behavior? Shouldn't you be asking about me before anything else?"

"You're right, Oppa; I'm sorry, but you never call at this time, and honestly speaking, my day isn't one of the best."

"Is it your husband again? I told you to divorce him already; he's useless on different notes."

"Don't worry, Oppa, I will take care of it soon; tell me, what's the reason behind the call? I'm inquisitive."

"I found someone very suitable for our requests Katarina, young and with enough strength; the man is Hulk, and also, he is needy, which makes him an easy target; anyway, let's meet in the club tonight; we will discuss further details there."

" Okay, Oppa, see you at our place at midnight, I have a dinner to attend, but I'll make sure to reach you as soon as it ends."

If Katarina ruled with power, Seokjin ruled with his mind; his tactical approach made it always more accessible for the two partners to achieve their common goals; on the other hand, her business mind was an attraction of many investors and shareholders, luring them with her brilliants business ideas, passing them right after to the older lad for a brainwashing session, in which he exceeded, no blames on him though, in business everything is allowed.

They were partners in the legal business, but not only, but they were also partners in illegal one; however, in that department, Katarina exceeded; in the end, she learned from the best in the underground world, and she inherited the Russian knowledge from her mother side, and the Korean one from her father side, making her web more significant connection wise, and her name noticeable and known in fame, in a business that men usually dominate.

The profit she was making from her illegal business was all laundered in her paper companies before entering her balance, a safe way to keep her under the radar, maintaining a smooth flow of the activity.

Learning about the excellent news Seokjin provided, she mused, she knew the deal was finally secured, but soon enough, she reminded herself that she needed to take care of the damn dinner her so-called husband forced her into.

Knowing exactly what to do to make it easier for herself, only one person came to her mind; his excellent planning and fast reaction skills were precisely what was needed in her instance.

Without hesitating over the matter twice, she took her phone handy and dialed his number; the hold didn't take much; he seemed to be on standby as usual.

"Kim Taehyung, I will need you to bring me some useful information about a few gazers; the percentage is 3.5% in cash; the time limit is 9 pm. I will be waiting."

"Sure, send me the details, Miss Park; I will proceed accordingly."

Another important figure in this woman's life was no one else but Kim Taehyung, Seokjin's half-brother, she'd saved him from his designated death on his way back after a visit to his north-Korean girlfriend when he attempted to escape the country through Russia, providing him after that incident with the necessary training, growing him up into the fine man he became, if not for her, Seokjin would have definitely given up on the younger man, it's not like a typical brotherhood love connected them in all cases, in fact, Seokjin loathed Taehyung's mom for having stolen his father from his mother as the latter thought him since his childhood, the woman was struggling with colossal jealousy crisis which she cannot be entirely blamed for, fed her child toxic thought about his father and younger brother, making them growing apart from each other.

He couldn't forget what she did for him, be it saving his life from a definite death, or trying her best to unite the two brothers again, even if the latter failed.

He devoted his youth to her, taking care of any obstacle in her way, clearing the path before her, so she could focus and provide better results. The woman was also very generous to him, giving necessary needs. Not only, but also the payment came in cash every time and on a commission basis.

Katarina had complete trust in Taehyung; she knew for sure that an emotional impact was essential to gain someone's fellowship, but her world also taught her that the right amount of money would keep that fellowship strong and the bond ongoing. Therefore she never hesitated to show her generosity, and he never failed her expectations.

The vintage Rolex setting on her wrist that her mom gave her on her eighteen birthday indicated half past eight before being hit by uneasiness; her phone indicated a notification from Taehyung, who sent a detailed email containing several attachments, and pictures, most of them along with a few videos.

Entering Westin Josun Hotel accompanied by a few guards, she led her way to the restaurant where Min Ho and his guests were waiting for her.

Her graceful figure wrapped in a beautiful yet straightforward black velvety dress, black coat, and high heels that were also black provided her with that extra touch that was an alluring mix between beauty and danger.

Katarina loved showing an ambiguous aura around her; she knew that was a necessary accessory in her world, a world that created prejudices about women, considering them weakling creatures that can never be successful without the help of a strong man.

Entering the private dining room, her scent proved to them how powerful she was before her acts, not like they were already unaware of that fact. Still, it was a matter of confirmation, from her to them, the potent mix between Oud and Patchouli reached the gazers faster than her handshake; no man could be blamed, though, not even her useless husband, that was now drooling over her sexy appearance, she was a true beauty, and she knew how to portray it in the best possible way, also, how to put that into her advantage.

"Fancy having you here, Katarina; it has been so long since we last met; I think it was at Mr. Park's funeral. Correct me if I'm wrong."

"It's a pleasure indeed, Oreoshin, to meet you back after all this time; I hope you're taking good care of your health."

"I'm in perfect shape given my age, darling, wishing to see your children before I cross over; I would like to talk about how cute they would be with Mr.Park."

"It's planned for Oreoshin, it's just that me and Katarina being the busy bees we are, don't have the time for a child, but I guess its time for us to settle, isn't"

Even his business ethics were out of the line; her husband was definitely a pain in the butt; she thanked the deities for having sought help from Taehyung before meeting the gentlemen. Otherwise, the night could have dragged way too much had she put her beliefs on her dull-witted husband.

" It was such a delicious dinner; I really thank you for having chosen this beautiful place and to have accepted our humble invitation tonight, so to avoid any waste of time for your busy selves, I will be pointing out the reasons for our meeting tonight."

"I like that about you, Katarina; you sure have some strong guts regarding business."

"Thank you, Oeroshin; I will take it as a nice compliment, so about the deal in New Jersey, my husband and I would like to provide our help; my company will handle the logistics, making me claim the thirty percent of the deal, the rest, will be handled by my husband which will go up to thirty-five percent, taking in consideration the risk we will be taking, I think our offer is more than fair, what you think about it."

"Katarina, you make me want to retrieve what I just said about you, my dear; the deal you're proposing will cause us serious loss, and honestly, there is no way I can accept such an offer; instead, to be honest with you, it came down to my ears as an insult. Therefore, I will take countermeasures."

Her husband's eyes widened at the geezer's stance; pushing back his chair, he stood up hurriedly to convince the older man that was leading his way out of the private room. However, her demeanor showed otherwise, in conflict with the one offered by her husband; she was calm and collected, a smirk on her face anticipating her victory.

Intellect and beauty, together, are dangerous.

" Oreoshin, I advise you to sit back and check your email; it will be for the best, the best for us all; I assure you that, with my honor at stake."

From that private dining room, Katarina came out first, a smirk of victory drawn on her lips; she had no doubts whatsoever regarding that, in the end, victory as happiness only came to those who worked hard, trying to prove their selves to earn what was ruled to be theirs, the woman she knew it better than anyone else.

Her next step was already decided long ago, to state facts, the feature she pulled with Min Ho was not even planned for; on the other hand, what she was about to discuss with Seokjin was a plan on standby for quite the time, knowing that they had finally found the one, made out for the awful start of the day she had it made her happy ecstatically.

Oreoshin: a respectful way to call an older person (over the fifties) who holds a specific power or control.

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