Chapter 45:

The next morning, the first golden rays of sunlight streamed through the massive windows of Ha-Joon and Scarlet's bedroom, casting a soft glow over the luxurious space. Scarlet stirred as the alarm buzzed, reaching out lazily to turn it off. She blinked the sleep away, adjusting to the reality of the day ahead.

They were finally returning to Silken Crimson Threads after weeks away, and it wasn't going to be a simple, peaceful return. Ha-Joon groaned, stretching beside her. "Already morning?"

Scarlet smirked. "Yes, Chairman Wi. Time to get back to work."

He sighed dramatically, running a hand through his messy hair. "Can't we just stay in bed for one more hour?"

She shot him a knowing look. "We have a company to run, and more importantly, a few people to deal with."

At that, Ha-Joon's lazy demeanor hardened slightly. The scandal about their secret marriage had caused a storm in the fashion industry. While some people supported them, others had turned on them purely for attention. Employees who had once worked under them had given false interviews, dragging their names through the mud to gain their own moment of fame.

Ha-Joon sat up, rubbing his jaw. "I almost forgot. Today's the day we take out the trash."

Scarlet hummed as she slipped out of bed and made her way to the walk-in closet. "Exactly. No second chances."

Silken Crimson Threads was more than just a fashion house, it was an empire. The company had built its reputation as one of the leading forces in high-end fashion, with exclusive collections that dominated every runway they touched.

The headquarters, shaped like a massive black mannequin, stood proudly in the heart of Paris, a symbol of power and creativity. The grand glass doors led into a sleek, modern lobby, where employees bustled about, handling fabrics, sketching designs, and discussing upcoming shows. As soon as Ha-Joon and Scarlet stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. Heads turned, whispers spread like wildfire.

"They're back."

"She looks so powerful in that outfit."

"I wonder if they're really going to fire those people today."

Miss Christine Hamberg, Scarlet's loyal secretary, rushed forward, heels clicking against the marble floor. "Welcome back, CEO Rogers, Chairman Wi."

Mr. Thomas James, Ha-Joon's secretary, was right behind her. "Sir, Madam, the board is waiting for your arrival. Also, the..." He hesitated. "The traitors are gathered in the conference room."

Scarlet smirked slightly. "Perfect. Let's not keep them waiting."

Ha-Joon simply adjusted his cufflinks, nodding. They moved through the building with an air of authority, making their way toward the large executive conference room. The air was tense, the employees who had remained loyal watching silently as their bosses prepared to deliver long-overdue justice.

Inside the conference room, twelve individuals sat stiffly. Some were past colleagues, some were fashion designers who had worked under Scarlet's vision, and others were high-ranking employees who had been given golden opportunities, only to throw them away for a moment of fame.

The room was silent as Scarlet and Ha-Joon entered. Scarlet, dressed in an all-black power suit, took her seat at the head of the long glass table. Ha-Joon, in an equally sharp dark gray suit, sat beside her.

Christine stood behind Scarlet, a tablet in hand. "Madam, I've prepared all the records of the interviews they gave. The false statements, the dates, and even the money some of them received for their slander."

Scarlet leaned back in her chair, tapping her nails lightly against the table. Her Blue eyes swept over the twelve people in front of her, the air growing suffocating under her intense gaze.

"Let's begin," she said coldly.

The tension crackled like a live wire.

"Each of you," she continued, "was given an opportunity most people in this industry would die for. You worked under this company, under me, and yet, at the first opportunity to grab a little fame, you turned your backs."

Some swallowed nervously. Others refused to meet her gaze. Scarlet's tone remained even, dangerously calm. "I don't like wasting my time, so I'll be blunt. You are all fired."

A ripple of shock went through the room. One of the designers, Elise, dared to speak up. "Ms. Scarlet, please! It was just one interview..."

Scarlet raised a hand, cutting her off. "Just one interview? You called me manipulative, unworthy, and claimed I stole designs from my own company."

Elise paled. "I... I didn't mean it like that! The reporters twisted my words..."

Scarlet turned to Christine. "Play the clip."

A video played on the massive conference screen. Elise's voice echoed through the room: "Scarlet? She's not even a real designer. She just steals ideas from those more talented than her."

Silence. Elise visibly shrunk in her seat. Scarlet turned to Ha-Joon, who had remained silent the entire time, his expression unreadable. "What do you think?" she asked, though she already knew his answer.

Ha-Joon barely spared Elise a glance. "Not worth our time."

Scarlet nodded. "Next."

One by one, each of the twelve were confronted with their words, their false claims, and their betrayal. Some tried to argue. Some begged. Some sat frozen in place, knowing there was no escaping the consequences.

The atmosphere in the conference room was suffocating. The twelve individuals sitting across from Scarlet and Ha-Joon fidgeted under the heavy silence. The weight of their own betrayal pressed down on them, yet not a single word had been spoken by the two most powerful people in the room.

Scarlet sat with her arms crossed, her blue eyes cold and unreadable. Ha-Joon leaned back in his chair, his expression impassive, his fingers tapping lazily against the polished surface of the table. The silence was deafening. Then, finally, someone dared to speak.

Elise, the former senior designer, cleared her throat and leaned forward. "Madam, sir... I just want to say that it was never my intention to harm either of you or the company. The reporters... they twisted my words! They asked questions in ways that made it hard to answer correctly. I was under pressure! I would never say something against you intentionally."

Silence.

Seeing that neither Scarlet nor Ha-Joon responded, Elise hesitated before adding, "I have worked for this company for years. I have contributed so much to our designs. I just... I didn't know how to handle the situation when the scandal broke out! The media was everywhere, and they wanted something to sell. If I didn't say anything, they would've made something up about me, too!"

Still, not a single reaction from the two people sitting in judgment.

Daniel, a marketing executive, shifted uncomfortably before speaking up. "Look, we were all put in a tough position. The media came after all of us, asking for statements, and at that time, we had no idea how serious things were. If I had known it would blow up like this, I wouldn't have said a word."

A short pause.

"Besides," he continued, voice faltering, "some of the things I said weren't exactly lies. The secrecy of your marriage, it did create instability. Some investors were worried. I was only speaking from a business standpoint. I was trying to control the damage, not add to it!"

A faint scoff echoed from someone else at the table. Marie, another designer, folded her arms. "This isn't fair. You're firing us for doing what anyone else would've done! The fashion world thrives on gossip, on scandal. We were asked for comments, and we gave them. That's how the industry works! If anything, we helped keep the public engaged. People were talking about Silken Crimson Threads more than ever! Isn't that good for business?"

The audacity of the statement made a few of the others tense up, but Scarlet and Ha-Joon remained stone-faced.

Jonathan, a senior stylist, sighed. "I just want to say that I regret everything. I was angry... angry that the truth had been hidden from us. We worked under you for so long, and yet we never even knew you two were married. It felt like a betrayal, like we weren't trusted. And I..." He hesitated. "I let that frustration get the best of me when reporters started asking questions. I was reckless. I shouldn't have said the things I did. I realize that now."

The confessions kept coming. Sophie, a PR manager, bit her lip. "I was approached by someone... a journalist who promised that my statement would remain off-record. I didn't think it would ever be published. If I had known, I would never have spoken."

Eric, an assistant designer, clenched his jaw. "I was drunk when I spoke to them. I didn't even remember what I had said until I saw the headlines the next day."

The room was filled with excuse after excuse, justification after justification. Some tried to appeal to loyalty, claiming they had been pressured into speaking. Others blamed the media, acting as though they had been manipulated into slandering their own company.

A few took a more direct approach, attempting to paint themselves as victims, employees who had been forced into the situation because of Scarlet and Ha-Joon's secrecy. But through it all, the one thing that remained constant was silence. Scarlet and Ha-Joon did not speak.

They did not argue. They did not refute anything. They simply listened. And that silence, the complete and utter lack of reaction, was what terrified the twelve the most. But Scarlet did not budge. She had no interest in hearing excuses. When it was finally over, she stood.

"Security is waiting outside. You will hand over your ID cards and leave immediately. Any attempt to cause further issues will be met with legal action. Your contracts have been officially terminated."

Ha-Joon finally spoke again, his voice carrying finality. "This company was built on loyalty and talent, not cheap scandals. You chose your side. Now live with it."

The traitors were escorted out, their faces pale, their futures in the industry ruined. Scarlet exhaled as the doors shut behind them. The room was now free of snakes. Christine adjusted her glasses. "Would you like me to prepare a press statement, Madam?"

Scarlet smirked. "Yes. But make it short and sharp."

Christine nodded. "Understood."

Ha-Joon, watching his wife handle everything with precision, smirked slightly. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

Scarlet shot him a knowing look. "You already know what happens when you do."

He chuckled, standing up. "Let's get back to work."

Scarlet nodded, feeling the weight of betrayal finally lift. It was their company, and today, they had made sure it remained in the hands of those who truly deserved it. And with that, Silken Crimson Threads was back in order.

***

Scarlet had barely settled into her office when Christine entered, her ever-efficient assistant holding her tablet as she checked the day's schedule. "Ma'am, there's a meeting scheduled with Mr. Yim Siwan this evening," Christine informed her, adjusting her glasses.

Scarlet, who was in the middle of reviewing documents, looked up. "Yim Siwan?" she repeated, the name tugging at a distant memory.

"Yes, he's the CEO of Regal Steps, the luxury footwear brand," Christine clarified. "He reached out regarding a potential collaboration with Silken Crimson Threads for an exclusive collection, our designs paired with his footwear."

Scarlet nodded and gestured for Christine to leave before sinking into her chair. The name Yim Siwan echoed in her mind as she opened the digital profile Christine had sent. She scrolled through his information, her eyes skimming over the details, CEO of Regal Steps, a major player in the luxury shoe industry, known for his precision and perfectionism in footwear design. But it wasn't his professional accolades that made her pause, it was his face.

She knew that face. A slow smile curled on her lips as realization dawned. He was my classmate. A memory flashed, familiar school corridors, a younger version of Yim Siwan sitting at the back of the classroom, his head bent over sketches of shoes, too immersed in his world to pay attention to anything else.

Scarlet chuckled softly. "I wonder if he still remembers me... or Ha-Joon." She leaned back and took a sip of her coffee, amused at the twist of fate. Who would have thought that after all these years, their paths would cross again, not as students but as business titans in the fashion industry?

***

By evening, the atmosphere in the executive conference room was poised and professional. The walls of the room, lined with sketches, mood boards, and prototypes of upcoming collections, reflected the creative powerhouse that Silken Crimson Threads was. Scarlet, dressed in an elegant emerald green pantsuit, exuded power as she sat at the head of the long glass table.

Ha-Joon, looking effortlessly sharp in a navy-blue suit, sat beside her, his expression unreadable. He had been informed of the meeting but, like Scarlet, hadn't put much thought into who they were meeting beyond business. The doors opened, and Christine stepped inside first. "Mr. Yim Siwan has arrived."

Scarlet straightened slightly, and Ha-Joon glanced up as a tall, refined man entered the room. Siwan was impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, his presence exuding confidence and quiet authority. He carried himself with the same precision as his brand, a man who valued detail. His dark eyes scanned the room, pausing briefly when they landed on Scarlet and then Ha-Joon.

Then, his lips quirked up. "Well, if it isn't Scarlet Rogers and Wi Ha-Joon."

Scarlet arched a brow, amused. "So, you do remember us."

Siwan chuckled, sliding into the seat across from them. "It's not every day you sit in a business meeting with your old classmates."

Ha-Joon leaned back in his chair, giving Siwan an assessing look. "I almost didn't recognize you. You used to be a scrawny kid who never talked much."

Siwan smirked. "And you used to be an annoying flirt who thought he was the king of the school."

Scarlet hid a laugh behind her hand as Ha-Joon scoffed. "Still am, except now I'm an annoying flirt who actually runs an empire."

Siwan shook his head in amusement before turning to Scarlet. "And you... you always had that same sharp look in your eyes. Like you were already planning world domination, even back in school."

Scarlet tilted her head. "Not world domination. Just the fashion world."

Siwan chuckled, then got down to business. "It's good to see you both again, but let's talk about why I'm here. Regal Steps is looking to collaborate with Silken Crimson Threads for an exclusive collection."

He placed a portfolio on the table and slid it toward them. Scarlet opened it, flipping through the designs. "Your shoes are stunning as always," she said, genuinely impressed.

Siwan nodded. "Thank you. We're looking for a high-profile collaboration, our luxury footwear designed specifically to complement your upcoming couture line. Think of it as a full-package experience, exclusive outfits paired with matching footwear, ensuring that both brands benefit from the publicity and exclusivity."

Scarlet studied the sketches. The designs were sleek, elegant, and innovative. She could already picture them on the runway, perfectly enhancing Silken Crimson Threads' aesthetic. "We've never collaborated with a footwear brand before," Ha-Joon pointed out, his business mind already working through the potential risks and rewards.

Siwan leaned forward slightly. "Exactly. It would set a new precedent. We'll create a limited-edition collection, only a select number of outfits, each paired with a specially designed shoe. The exclusivity will drive demand through the roof."

Scarlet tapped her fingers against the table. "And distribution?"

"We handle footwear, you handle apparel. We do joint marketing campaigns, featuring both brands in every promotion. The goal is to have the collection showcased at Paris Fashion Week," Siwan explained.

Ha-Joon exchanged a look with Scarlet. "High risk, high reward," he murmured.

Scarlet nodded. "It's ambitious. But I like ambitious." She turned back to Siwan. "We'll need to work closely. Every design needs to be cohesive, no disjointed elements. If we do this, our brands need to be seamlessly aligned, visually and conceptually."

Siwan grinned. "That's exactly why I wanted to work with you. You don't settle for anything less than perfection."

Scarlet smirked. "Neither do you, apparently."

They spent the next hour ironing out the finer details, finalizing timelines, discussing marketing strategies, and planning the unveiling of the collection. Scarlet suggested a dramatic reveal, an invitation-only showcase where the elite of the fashion world would get an exclusive first look. Siwan agreed, adding that their designs should reflect a blend of both their creative philosophies, regal yet modern, luxurious yet wearable.

By the end of the meeting, the collaboration was officially set in motion. Siwan stood up, offering his hand. "I look forward to working with you both."

Scarlet shook his hand firmly. "Likewise."

Ha-Joon smirked, shaking Siwan's hand next. "If you mess up, I will blame you."

Siwan rolled his eyes. "You haven't changed."

Scarlet laughed. "Well, that was interesting."

Ha-Joon nodded. "It'll be a challenge, but if we pull it off, it'll be huge."

Scarlet smiled. "Then let's make sure we pull it off."

As the meeting wrapped up, Scarlet, Ha-Joon, and Yim Siwan exited the conference room, walking down the sleek hallways of Silken Crimson Threads' headquarters. The tension of negotiations had settled into a comfortable satisfaction, their collaboration finalized with promising terms.

Siwan adjusted the cuffs of his tailored black suit, glancing between Scarlet and Ha-Joon with an easy smile. "That went smoother than I expected," he mused. "I have a good feeling about this partnership."

Scarlet nodded, her expression confident yet pleased. "Me too. I think our brands complement each other well. It'll be a strong collaboration."

Ha-Joon smirked. "Besides, Scarlet doesn't put her name on anything that isn't bound for success. Consider this an early win."

Siwan chuckled. "I'll hold you to that."

As they reached the lobby, Siwan slowed his steps. "You know, since we're already catching up on old times... how about dinner tonight? My treat."

Scarlet raised an eyebrow. "Dinner?"

Siwan nodded. "Think of it as a mini-reunion. I actually know someone else from our school days... Choi Seung-Hyun. We've kept in touch over the years. He owns a restaurant now, a fantastic place. We could all catch up properly."

Ha-Joon's eyebrows lifted slightly in recognition. "Choi Seung-Hyun... That guy had the best grades in literature. I remember him."

Scarlet's lips curved in amusement. "And he was the one who always used to argue with the teachers about philosophy."

Siwan grinned. "That's him. Still the same, but now he's a businessman too. He runs a successful chain of restaurants here in paris too, but he's mostly based in Seoul." He looked at Scarlet. "I think it'd be nice for all of us to meet again. What do you say? He's currently in paris."

Scarlet glanced at Ha-Joon, who gave her a small nod. She turned back to Siwan. "Alright. It sounds like fun."

"Great," Siwan said, taking out his phone. "I'll let Seung-Hyun know. He'll be thrilled to see you two again."

***

The restaurant was a refined yet cozy establishment tucked into an elegant district of Paris. Named Élan, it was known for its fusion of European and Korean fine dining, with warm golden lights casting a gentle glow over the polished wooden interiors. The scent of fresh herbs and seared meats lingered in the air, mingling with the quiet hum of jazz playing in the background.

Scarlet and Ha-Joon arrived together, stepping inside to find Siwan already waiting near the entrance, because he left in his own car and scarlet and Ha-joon came with theirs. His face lit up when he spotted them. "Right on time," Siwan greeted them, shaking Ha-Joon's hand before gesturing toward the private dining area. "Come on, Seung-Hyun and his wife are already inside."

As they stepped in, they were welcomed by the sight of Choi Seung-Hyun, a tall and well-built man with sharp yet kind eyes. Dressed in a crisp black suit, he exuded the same composed confidence that Scarlet remembered from their school days. Beside him sat a beautiful woman with an elegant yet soft demeanor, Cha Joo-Young, his wife.

Seung-Hyun rose from his seat with a grin. "Scarlet Rogers and Wi Ha-Joon. It's been years, hasn't it?"

Scarlet smiled, stepping forward to shake his hand. "It really has, Seung-Hyun. I never imagined we'd be meeting like this."

Ha-Joon followed suit, shaking his hand as well. "I heard you became a literary professor for a while. Now you own restaurants?"

Seung-Hyun chuckled. "Couldn't resist the culinary world. Turns out, food is its own kind of storytelling." He gestured toward his wife. "This is my better half, Cha Joo-Young."

Joo-Young gave them a warm smile. "It's wonderful to meet you both. Seung-Hyun has mentioned you before."

Before they could respond, Siwan spoke up. "And since we're introducing spouses, my wife, Jo Yuri, will be joining us soon. She's just running a little late."