innocence that we’re trying to prove but Rotelle’s guilt.”
But it wasn’t conjecture. Jihae could’ve inadvertently been pulled into the espionage scheme, but she’d distanced herself from the situation. She was innocent but the situation reeked of her father’s guilt.
“So what’s next?” Colin dragged his fingers through his hair, pacing his office.
“We need to continue keeping an eye on Sylvia Taylor and Jihae Park.”
“On Jihae? She’s not a part of this.”
“We don’t know that for sure. She may even be the key to solving this case.”
Colin blew out a frustrated breath, not liking the idea of Jihae being watched. It could also reveal their relationship, but he would deal with that later. He needed to protect Jihae from being under the PI’s surveillance.
“Look, Garrett. I’m sure Grandmother has relayed to you that I’m working with Rotelle Entertainment while keeping an eye on Jihae Park. From everything I’ve seen so far, I believe her innocence. But if she ever diverges from that, I’ll be there to see it. Jihae is already under casual surveillance by her father’s people. Following her would only risk the PI’s cover and expose our investigation.”
“I see your point. Then we’ll leave Jihae Park up to you and focus on Taylor.” There was a slight pause on the line. “Colin, I appreciate you doing this for the family, but be careful. You don’t need to risk your dream for us or Hansol. If things get too hot, I want you to stop and focus on producing your film. Is that a deal?”
“Deal.” A small smile quirked Colin’s lips. Garrett was like an older brother to him, and he appreciated how he always looked out for him. “Thanks for the advice, hyung.”
The weight on his shoulders feeling significantly lighter, Colin walked back to his bedroom. Jihae was asleep exactly where he’d left her. She slept with her hand tucked under her chin like a child. He could imagine touching her skin and finding it hard and cold as porcelain, she was so perfect in her sleep. Then her pouty lips blew out a soft breath that sounded like puuuu.
He wasn’t quick enough to cover up his snort but managed to hold back his laughter with his hand over his mouth. He loved that sound. It was so adorable. She always did that—blew out puffs of air like she was trying to extinguish a row of birthday candles—when she was especially tired.
Still laughing softly, he tiptoed to the dresser and searched for a blanket, since she was sleeping over the duvet. He pulled out a soft knit throw and laid it gently over Jihae’s sleeping form. He badly wanted to climb into bed with her and hold her as she slept, but no alarm would wake him if he got that cozy. Frustratingly, sleepovers weren’t allowed in their secrecy pact, so he would need to wake her up in a couple of hours to send her home.
Colin walked to the kitchen and got some coffee going. He would stay awake and catch up on some work. Then he would provide Jihae with the most erotic and satisfying wake-up service she’d ever had.
Ten
“Sylvia Taylor is trying to leech off NAM and their clients. I’m not a brainless pawn you can push around,” she said in a commanding tone she’d never used with her father. “I know I haven’t been a perfect daughter to you, but if you see me as an intelligent human being, you have to let me make my own decisions.”
“You have always been too soft. And stubborn. If you are aware that you’ve disappointed your mother and me, you should obey me without question.”
It didn’t come as a surprise that her father would take a hard line with her. But that didn’t mean she was going to take it lying down.
“Why are you so set on helping Ms. Taylor?”
“Who says I’m set on helping her? You don’t need to know anything other than the fact that I want you to do this favor for Taylor. I am keeping you in the dark for your own good.”
“No. I refuse to do it.” Jihae’s heart pounded so loudly she was afraid she wouldn’t hear her father’s response. She had never outright defied her father except for her rebellion after college.
“Then I will remove you from your position at Rotelle Entertainment effective immediately.” It wasn’t an idle threat. He wouldn’t hesitate to take away what was most important to her. Unless it wasn’t in his best interest.
“I’m in the middle of