RACA 24

“Hey, you know what?”

As Eunsol stepped out of the hospital and headed toward the parking lot, he glanced sideways. Bulgom, who had been staring at the number display, shot him a questioning look.

‘Honestly, just that expression alone would make most ordinary people jump out of their skin.’

How did Pyo Jaebeom manage to surround himself with people who fit perfectly as his subordinates? Unconsciously recalling Pyo Jaebeom, Eunsol lowered his voice even further than before.

“I’m genuinely curious, okay? Don’t get the wrong idea. Why does the CEO want a child?”

When his pregnancy became reality, Eunsol found himself strangely curious about it. Thinking about it, it made sense. Having lived as a beta all these years, he’d never considered the possibility of having a child himself.

So when the doctor came home for an examination, he’d spent a week in a daze, completely overwhelmed.

Only after the ultrasound, seeing his own belly, did reality sink in. Only then did he belatedly want to understand the motivation behind Pyo Jaebeom’s actions.

“The boss is really handsome, talented, and rich. Everything about him is great.”

Like a father suddenly bragging about his child, Bulgom rattled off a string of compliments about Pyo Jaebeom. Eunsol flashed a momentary “What do you want me to do?” expression before nodding in understanding. To hear the important stuff, you have to learn to tune out this kind of weird talk.

‘There are far stranger people on set. What’s the big deal?’

Working with PDs, directors, writers, staff, actors, cast members – even animals – you inevitably encounter all kinds of difficult personalities. Over time, you develop the skill to tune out the nonsense.

“But if there’s one thing lacking, it’s his background, right?”

“His background?”

“Yes. Isn’t the Chairman being a bit much? Just think of everything hyung-nim has done for us. He joined that organization at 22, handled all the dirty work, and expanded the business into something respectable, it was all hyung-nim’s doing.”

Eunsol recalled the protagonist’s backstory as portrayed by Jaebeom. It mentioned a troubled childhood in an orphanage leading to a life in gangs, but few details were provided beyond that.

“Honestly, considering everything our boss has done so far, shouldn’t he finally get some recognition?”

Bulgom clicked his tongue in displeasure.

“But the Chairman said since he’s not married and have no heir to inherit the business, everything he’s built should just be handed over to his son. Is that really what he said?”

“Wow… That’s totally a thief’s mentality?”

Eunsol found himself agreeing.

“Exactly!”

Bulgom, who had unconsciously vented his pent-up frustration, quickly regained his composure and cleared his throat. He belatedly realized that no matter how dissatisfied he was, he shouldn’t speak ill of the Chairman to others.

‘But…’

Bulgom glanced down at Eunsol’s reflection in the mirror. His petite frame, slender build, skin as soft and white as glutinous rice cake, and features so finely etched they seemed densely packed.

‘So this is what hyung-nim liked.’

It was almost miraculous how such a tiny face could hold all those features so perfectly arranged.

Were all Omegas like this? Even after seeing many, none had been so captivating…

“So? So the CEO got so angry he kidnapped an Omega… No, posted a job ad? Looking for someone to bear his child?”

Eunsol chattered away, oblivious to what Bulgom was thinking. He couldn’t fathom the chairman’s logic, and Pyo Jaebeom, who’d abruptly brought the Omega home after hearing that, was even more bewildering.

‘What kind of bullshit…‘

Eunsol clenched his jaw, suppressing the torrent of harsh words threatening to spill out. He closed his eyes, then opened them again.

It seemed the chairman coveted the business Jaebeom had built from scratch, scheming to hand it over to his own bloodline.

It was the most despicable thing imaginable. Yet he could accept it, knowing full well that those in power always acted this way, he’d seen it firsthand.

He’d witnessed countless times how even minor appointments were swayed by personal gain.

“Wow, come on. This is just too much!”

Even if it were something he could shrug off with a sigh…

‘But to ruin someone’s life over something like this, just because you lost your temper? That’s not right!’

Eunsol clenched his fists tightly against the rising anger. This was definitely not something he could let slide.

When he got off work tonight, he would definitely have a word with him!

A resolute determination hardened on his face.

•••

Jaebeom received the report at the hospital less than ten minutes after Eunsol left the examination room. It contained a single ultrasound image and test results neatly organized for easy review.

Jaebeom read the confirmation of stable implantation without much emotion. After all, as a dominant Omega, the probability of early miscarriage was extremely low.

What mattered more was the fetal trait analysis.

“The embryo exhibits over 70% alpha-type traits in its initial phase, with exceptionally strong resonance with the omega.”

A 50% probability would be considered definitive, but a 70% prediction meant it was certain to be an alpha.

Only then did Jaebeom smile.

“An Alpha, huh?”

The trait itself held no interest for Jaebeom. What he craved was a result to present to Chairman Jang, a pretext to continue manipulating him to his whim.

“What a nasty old man.”

Jaebeom flicked the report down, hesitated briefly, then picked up his phone. With the results confirmed, he wondered about Lee Eunsol’s condition.

Was he still wearing that blank expression like before? Or was he causing trouble somewhere, demanding spicy food again?

“He needs to eat properly, no matter what.”

Jaebeom looked down at his own hands. His thoughts drifted naturally to the slender waist, hips, arms, and legs that had once fit snugly in his grasp.

“His stamina is also…

Even so, he hadn’t been able to satisfy himself fully at night because Eunsol, despite being a senior, couldn’t keep up with even half of what he could do.

So he needed to make sure he ate well and gained some weight to build a body that could endure. As Jaebeom unconsciously pondered his future with Eunsol and was about to call his subordinate,

But before that, the screen flashed with a caller ID reading ‘Director Kim’. The name seemed far from welcome, as Jaebeom frowned.

“Yes.”

[Good day, CEO Pyo Jaebeom. This is Director Kim. The Chairman wishes to see you immediately. Is now convenient?]

It wasn’t a suggestion, it was an order. Chairman Jang must have been itching to see him, judging by this sudden, urgent call.

“Why? Did something happen at the hospital?”

[That’s something you should discuss with the Chairman.]

When Jaebeom asked directly, Director Kim gave only that reply.

“I’ll be right there.”

Jaebeom ended the call without further delay. This was something he’d anticipated when sending Lee Eunsol to that hospital. More accurately, it was something he’d deliberately engineered.

That medical facility had a partnership with Chairman Jang to manage his organization’s health. If an omega had seen a doctor under his name, all the information would already be in his hands.

“But I didn’t expect him to demand a meeting this urgently. What could be so pressing?”

Well, he’d find out once he got there.

“Huh? CEO, are you heading out? G Distribution just called saying they’ll arrive soon! Should I tell them when you’ll be back?”

The moment he stepped out of the executive office, a subordinate who’d been slumped over his desk playing games on his phone straightened up and spoke as if he’d been waiting.

“Tell them to come back later.”

“Um… they said it’s because of funding issues.”

“Later.”

“Yes. But what if it happens again like last time? I can’t handle it alone!”

Jaebeom shot a annoyed glance at the subordinate who never gave up repeating the same plea. He’d hired anyone who could handle basic tasks, but this kid, fresh out of school with ink still wet on his diploma, sat there cluelessly.

‘Even Eunsol wouldn’t do this.’

If only he could cook well, he might be cute. But he can’t even find a decent restaurant, and delivery food never suits his taste.

“Where’s Kwak Sang?”

Jaebeom sought out the culprit who had brought this guy in.

“He said he went to handle something the CEO instructed him to do earlier…”

Only then did Jaebeom recall that Kwak Sang had been practically glued to the office, digging up every scrap of information on Lee Eunsol. He clicked his tongue in exasperation.

“If it’s urgent, call me.”

With that single command, Jaebeom swept out the door. His subordinate stared after him in bewilderment.

“But… Bulgom is at home with the Omega…”

The subordinate grumbled, but the target of his complaint was already gone.

‎

‎

“You’re here?”

Jaebeom, who had practically raced his car to the imposing mansion, was greeted by an Alpha in his mid-forties wearing a suit as sharp as a bluefish.

His slanted eyes were similar to Lee Eunsol’s, but his expression seemed sly and cunning. Jaebeom glanced at the man, gave a slight nod, and walked past him.

“The Chairman is waiting for you in the Jungheonjae.”