Do-Hyun's eyes narrowed.
Who told you, Ah-Rim? You have to tell me.
Ah-Rim stood her ground, despite feeling intimidated.
A woman named Sarah. She's a former employee of Cha Industries.
Do-Hyun's expression darkened.
I know her. She was fired for embezzlement.
Ah-Rim felt a surge of anger.
That's not true! She told me about the scandal, and I have the evidence right here.
Ah-Rim held up the folder, but Do-Hyun snatched it from her hand.
This is none of your concern, Ah-Rim.
You're not going to sweep this under the rug, Do-Hyun, Ah-Rim said, her voice firm. I deserve to know the truth.
Do-Hyun sighed heavily.
Fine. Let's go somewhere and talk.
He took her hand, leading her to his car. Ah-Rim hesitated, unsure if she should trust him. But she got in, and they drove to a secluded spot overlooking the city.
Do-Hyun turned off the engine and turned to face her.
My father made some mistakes, Ah-Rim. He got in over his head with some bad people, and now we're paying the price.
Ah-Rim listened intently, trying to understand.
What kind of mistakes? And who are these bad people?
Do-Hyun hesitated, looking out the window.
My father was desperate to save the company. He made some...questionable deals with some powerful people. And now they're threatening to expose us unless we pay them off.
Ah-Rim felt a wave of nausea wash over her.
That's extortion! Why didn't your father go to the police?
Do-Hyun turned back to her, his eyes filled with sadness.
He was scared, Ah-Rim. He thought he could handle it himself. But now it's too late. If this gets out, we'll lose everything.
Ah-Rim felt a mix of emotions: anger, sadness, and confusion. She didn't know what to believe or who to trust.
Do-Hyun reached out and took her hand.
I want to protect you, Ah-Rim. I want to protect us. Will you help me?
Ah-Rim looked at him, searching his eyes for the truth. She saw only sincerity and desperation.
Yes, Do-Hyun, she said finally. I'll help you.
Do-Hyun smiled weakly and pulled her into a hug.
Thank you, Ah-Rim. Thank you for believing me.
As they hugged, Ah-Rim felt a sense of unease. Was she making a mistake by trusting him? Only time would tell.
As they pulled back, Do-Hyun looked at her with a determined expression.
We need to get to the bottom of this, Ah-Rim. We need to find out who's behind the scandal and put a stop to it.
Ah-Rim nodded in agreement.
I'll help you, Do-Hyun. But we need to be careful. If these people are powerful enough to threaten your family, they won't hesitate to hurt us.
Do-Hyun's jaw clenched.
I'll protect you, Ah-Rim. I promise.
Ah-Rim smiled softly.
I know you will, Do-Hyun. But we're in this together, okay?
Do-Hyun nodded, and they shared a tender kiss.
As they pulled back, Ah-Rim looked at him with a serious expression.
We need to talk to your father, Do-Hyun. We need to know the truth.
Do-Hyun nodded reluctantly.
Let's go see him now.
They drove to Do-Hyun's family home, Ah-Rim's heart pounding in her chest. She was nervous about meeting Do-Hyun's father, but she knew it was necessary.
As they arrived, Ah-Rim could feel the tension in the air. Do-Hyun's father, Mr. Cha, was pacing back and forth in his study, his face etched with worry.
Do-Hyun knocked on the door, and Mr. Cha turned to face them.
Do-Hyun, Ah-Rim, he said, his voice strained. What are you doing here?
We need to talk, Father, Do-Hyun said, his voice firm. We need to know the truth about the scandal.
Mr. Cha's expression turned cold.
I've already told you, Do-Hyun. It's being handled.
Handled? Ah-Rim spoke up, her voice firm. How can you say that when your family's reputation is at stake?
Mr. Cha turned to her, his eyes narrowing.
And who are you to question me, Ah-Rim? You're just Do-Hyun's girlfriend.
Ah-Rim stood her ground.
I'm someone who cares about Do-Hyun and your family. And I want to help.