Noémie's nerves were on edge as he caught a glimpse of her. Mr. Kang's sole focus is on her, widened in recognition. Her anxious eyes and a subtle shake of the head caused him to furrow his brows as he entered the double doors.
Mr. Jung's eyes were latched on her as she rearranged glasses on the tray. "Everything alright, Tae?" he asked the younger man, whose eyes were locked on her. A little shaken to see Noémie working at the Jung Surray.
"Er...nothing, she seems a bit familiar...but maybe I just thought so?" His stare remained fixed on her as she politely grinned. Noémie kept her gaze fixed on rearranging the trays, her heart beating erratically sensing Mr. Jung's scrutiny.
"I get that quite often, Sir..." She fleetingly lifted her gaze, attempting to sound different with a more local voice. Despite her efforts, her cute French accent couldn't be hidden. Her amused eyes flashed as she bit her lower lip, avoiding Mr. Kang's amused smirk and looking down. He was well aware that she was indeed Ms. Seo, with such an open, pretty face.
Mr. Jung gave her another calculated look and led the Elites deeper inside. Noémie sighed in relief, thinking it was too close for comfort. A slightly older and very handsome club member greeted them cheerfully, and Ajij grinned and bowed deeply. He, the main waiter, requested the girls to serve the guys some drinks asap.
As more guests entered the spacious man cave, their excited chatter filled the room. Mr. Jung's top-floor suite at the resort hotel offers breathtaking views and houses his office and his PA's office, with a double door leading directly to his exclusive imperial suite. The hotel also boasts four presidential suites, reserved for distinguished guests such as celebrities, chaebols, and politicians.
According to the crew, Mr. Jung's man cave features a grand double sandblasted glass door at one end, leading to his opulent private suite. This lavish private haven includes a state-of-the-art kitchen equipped with premium appliances from a prestigious German luxury brand, a spacious dark wood dining room with an elegant marble table seating 12, and a luxurious living room with plush leather seats. The living room leads to a king-size bedroom, complete with a 87-inch television, and a personal spa bathroom featuring a private sauna, walk-in rain shower, lavish gold and white marble bath, plush white robes, and all essential amenities.
Noémie stifled a snort, well aware that he was the billionaire owner of this opulent hotel. Hoping to wrap up her "community service" by the next day, she anticipated returning to her full-time role at the museum on Monday. The past few days had been draining.
Observing the crew effortlessly handling the chaotic Elites, Noémie marveled at their seamless synergy. Despite their age games, their camaraderie and mutual respect were palpable. Amidst banter and laughter, she found herself fixated on their group dynamics. Even the seemingly stern one couldn't resist smiling at the older one's dad jokes, creating a contagious atmosphere that extended to discreetly grinning waiters.
While handing out drinks from behind the counter, Noémie couldn't shake the unnerving gaze of Mr. Kang and Mr. Jung, leading her to accidentally spill a glass or two of expensive wine, earning a warning glance from Ajijs.
Ajij subtly raised his eyebrows, a warning for her to handle the expensive drinks with care. Noémie scoffed inwardly, questioning why they hadn't enlisted one of the more competent waiters from the restaurant's pool of eager candidates for the coveted Dream Team. She cringed at the thought of being in Mr. Imbecile's presence; his heated stares made her uneasy.
As Mr. Kang Tae-wook and a charming, lanky man with a winsome grin approached the drinks table, Noémie took a deep breath, putting on a polite smirk while nervously intertwining her hands. The handsome man, Mr. Park Kang-min, had smooth, gelled dirty-blonde hair and exuded friendliness. Bong-Cha's mention of the 'Spoiled Brat Society' had surprised her, revealing Mr. Park as a professional flirt who had previously engross with Hajoon. Although Hajoon knew how to return the flirtation, she maintained a respectful and professional distance.
"Are you the recent hire Ji-seok brought on board?" Mr. Park inquired, studying her face with raised eyebrows. He marveled at her huge licorice-colored eyes, framed by thick black eyelashes, a cute straight button nose, and full, kissable lips. Her flawless porcelain skin, adorned with a natural blush, caught his appreciation. It was evident why his friend, Ji-Seok seemed disoriented in her presence.
"Only a casual, temporary hire," you politely convey while handing them each a glass of sweet white wine and offering a bow. His smirk suggests insider knowledge, leaving Mr. Kang Tae-wook with a furrowed brow, intrigued by the teasing glint in his friend's eyes.
"Oh, is that so... just a temporary hire?" he grins, taking the wine glass and briefly touching her fingers, followed by a wink, a small head bow, and a move towards Ajij, stationed in front of the finger luncheon serving two members. Noémie is puzzled by the apparent double meaning. Mr. Jeong Jungwon, a younger Elite member with a calm and intimidating demeanor, inquires about food options with Ajij. He, too, is attractive with large soulful eyes and a half-smirk as he enjoys meaty pies. As the CEO of a shipping conglomerate, Mr. Jeon is married with a child and another on the way.
"So, Miss, have we met before?" Mr. Kang's quiet voice draws Noémie's attention. Sipping his wine, he gazes at her with sheer amusement in his light eyes. They lock eyes and share an amused smile.
Noémie took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Please, pretend you don't know who I am. Mr. Imbecile—uh, I mean Mr. Jung—might have strange ideas and fire the entire crew because of me. I'll inform you later." He grinned and smirked lightheartedly, finding her humor amusing. Taewook wondered if his friend Ji-seok knew what she almost called him behind his back, pondering their explosive relationship.
"I'm glad to hear that... so you're the girl that cost my friend some valuable sleep, Ms. Seo," he chuckled. Recalling Ji-seok's complaints at Elite Club gatherings about a rude French girl challenging him, Taewook noted the older Hyungs teasing Ji-seok, suggesting he found her captivating.
She glanced over to where Mr. Jung played snooker with another member, Mr. Han Hyung-joon, a renowned publisher with reddish-brown wavy hair and adorable dimples. Bong-cha mentioned he was a highly esteemed author of espionage novels, some adapted into films. These successful, young guys intrigued her.
They shared a good laugh at a snarky joke from Mr. Min Yo-hun, the stoic one. Noémie was surprised at how attractive Mr. Imbecile looked in his casual designer wear, exuding comfort and contentment with his brothers.
As a strange emotion entered her heart, Noémie gulped and swiftly suppressed it. What was the matter with her? Why were unfamiliar butterflies wreaking havoc in her stomach? Her gaze wavered on his sharp jaw and cupid bow lips, captivated as he leaned over the pool table. The play of muscles beneath his black silky shirt revealed defined abs, igniting a subtle fire of attraction that flashed in her eyes.
Caught in a dazed, she suddenly realized the intensity of her attraction. Her cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment as his gaze locked onto hers, a knowing smirk playing on his soft lips, acknowledging the unspoken awareness between them.
She looked down, flushed with embarrassment, she realized she'd been caught marveling at him. His gaze, playful yet knowing, met hers, creating an subtle moment where undeniable physical tension hung in the air.
Casting a nervous glance at Mr. Kang, who had a knowing grin on his face, she took a deep breath. Her cheeks were slightly red, chastising herself for fantasizing about a guy already in a relationship, and one she doesn't particularly like. He was the type to get on your nerves easily. His allure was dangerous.
Mr. Kang's eyes lit up as he observed the discreet interaction between them. Both were slyly stealing glances when the other wasn't aware, and Tae-wook fought the urge to burst into laughter at their awkward exchanges. The level of physical attraction between them was no longer amusing. When Noémie raised her brows at him, he just smirked and cleared his throat to suppress a snort. Mr. Kang had certainly caught onto their dynamic, and Noémie sighed with a bit of shame at her openly ogling the imbécile.
Clearing his throat softly, Mr. Kang asked, "So, you and Ji-seok?" as he looked at his cheerful friend, shoving shoulders with Hyung-Joon
"No, it's a long and exhausting story... and I'm hoping he can relieve me of this burden by tomorrow. I'll see you at the museum on Monday. Just don't say you know me, please. I don't want him to know about my business," she pleaded softly.
Tae-wook smiled, "Let's meet for lunch then... Monday, noon. I believe we can discuss the final security detail." They both nodded with a bow, and he turned to where the rest of the boys were enjoying the delectable finger luncheon. With a nod, he left to join his friends at the buffet table.
"Gosh, these guys are so good-looking," Hajoon exclaimed softly as she reached Noémie's vicinity. Noémie absentmindedly nodded, her thoughts once again drifting to the intriguing territory of Mr. Jung.
"Yeah... they are. Are they all bachelors obviously the Mr Jeong is married?" She inquired, observing them with interest.
Hajoon snorted, "We wish... Mr. Park is super hot and single, but he only dates famous models and actresses. Mr. Kang Tae-wook is dating a Japanese supermodel. Mr. Kim Se-hun, the super hot one with the striped jacket, is single, gosh that broad shoulders makes us breathless, but we hear his PA has feelings for him... then Mr. Han Hyung-joon, the one playing snooker with Mr. Jung, is also a single Pringle. Yes, Mr. Jeong, the youngest, is married, and then there's Mr. Min. He's the most recognizable because he's a record producer and has won numerous international music awards. Gosh, he is scary but also happily married with the cutest baby boy, and his wife is petite and super gorgeous." She looked dreamy thinking about the hot Hyung of the group.
"Okay, and our own Mr. Jung is almost married?" Noémie inquired, not quite understanding why she should care since she'd heard he's been in a long, committed relationship. Wasn't he supposed to be married by now?
Hajoon nodded softly, "Yes, but he and his girlfriend are on a relationship break," she clicked her tongue regretfully.
"What does this mean? Their relationship has come to a grinding halt." Noémie seemed surprised at that revelation. So he is technically single. Hmm interesting.
She laughed heartily, and whispered, "Sort of...but they are apparently still madly in love with each other. She appears to be afraid of commitment, or she is just a career woman loving her unattached lifestyle. Don't ask me how I know. I once overheard a conversation between him and his Eomma. Don't judge?" She muttered something.
Noémie furrowed her well define brows, "So they're still a couple, but not physically together? That is confusing. Where is she...his girlfriend?"
"She lives in NYC," Hajoon says as she stacks the dirty plates on top of each other." She works as a senior curator at a museum in New York City. We last saw her in Seoul almost eight months ago. It's extremely difficult for him without her by his side. I can't imagine having... but not having a girlfriend. He is completely devoted to her. We never heard he cheated on her, and many women want him so badly, including the staff workers–" she sighs dreamily. Noémie just snorted.
"Perhaps she got tired of his bossy attitude..." you snort, thinking about his jerk behavior.
"She's a little too possessive of him. We've all heard you're in his bad books because you damaged his expensive Bugatti sports car, so you're working your punishment off. The staff is ecstatic about your guys' antics... some of the staff members believe you two have some real chemistry. He never paid attention to any of us. And some are envious of you having his undivided attention... even if it's negative," she murmured something. Noémie appeared embarrassed. What the hell...what chemistry? She wished he would just ignore her existence so she could live her life away from this hotel.
The 'Brat Society' had a great time together. They later watched a UEFA soccer game on the massive theatre tv.screen, and the amount of screaming that came from them was incredible. The chemistry between them was tangible.
Ajij poured more drinks for the guys, satisfied that the day was so successful. Noémie discreetly checked her diamond Cartier watch and noticed it was nearly four p.m. She couldn't wait until she got home. Feeling a bit tired and realizing she hadn't spent much time with Ha-ni and her aunt, Noémie wanted to enjoy some time with her cousin before the Cartier event. Her boss informed her that he wanted a special screening of the diamond collection at a banquet. So she and her team, who would arrive soon, would have to pull that off as well. Noémie even played model for certain diamond items.
The crew busily cleared tables, platters, and wine glasses, serving more wine to the guys. Hajoon placed it in a large crate for the kitchen staff to wash.
Noémie inwardly wondered when Ajij would announce it's time to call it a day. She quickly assisted in gathering the remaining glasses. Mr. Tae-wook asked her to pour him a glass of sweet red wine and bring it to him on the side where Mr. Jungwon and Mr. Kang-min were playing darts.
Noémie and Mr. Jung shared discreet glances following her candid conversation with Hajoon. He infused an unsettling feeling in her that irked her greatly. She couldn't comprehend these intense emotions of sudden attraction toward him. These new feelings made her acutely aware of this idiot, and it felt ludicrous.
Ji-seok and his friends had a great time, discussing Se-hun's brother's upcoming wedding in a few months.
Hyung-joon smiled as he noticed Ji-seok's gaze fixed on a particular waitress. They were all well aware of his altercation with a certain staff member, and Ji-seok's attention was constantly drawn to this stunning French girl with her thick raven black hair in a bun. It was confirmed that this French beauty was indeed the girl Ji-seok had knives out for.
She appeared indifferent, as if she wished she could be somewhere other than here.
Hyung-joon smiled softly, "So, the girl you were so intensely looking at is the notorious Ms. Seo from France."
Ji-seok appeared irritated. "Please excuse me! What is there to look at? She's an obnoxious little brat," he pursed his lips with his brows furrowed.
Hyung-joon pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh, "Okay, if you insist. She is quite beautiful to look at. Isn't the French language alluring and romantic—"he stated teasingly, at his unimpressed friend.
Ji-seok wrinkled his brows and gave his friend a deadpan look, "No—"
Ajij looked at Noémie as she nervously poured a glass of red wine for Mr. Kang Tae-wook. She scoffed inwardly when she saw him standing next to Mr. Hyung-joon and the imbecile on the lounge side. Really! Noémie couldn't help but groan.
She placed the glass on the silver platter tray and excused herself from the bustling group to serve Mr. Kang Tae-wook his drink. Then, something unexpected happened as she nervously approached the trio. She didn't know what occurred or how it happened, but she unceremoniously tripped on something invisible.
In front of every waitress and onlooker's shocked eyes, the glass flew from the tray, and her shocked eyes widened as it landed with all the red liquid spattered on Mr. Jung's chest, splattering into a million shards on the porcelain-tiled floor. There was complete silence in the room for a brief moment, followed by stunned gasps. As he slowly lifted his gaze from his soaked black Armani shirt to her stunned and horrified eyes, her jaws were almost on the ground. The group could hear a few soft snickers from his maknae friends.
Mr. Jung's eyes were narrowed with sheer rage, and if looks could kill, she'd be six feet under. As he tried restraining himself not to explode, she could see his chest heaving up and down. Noémie gasped as she profusely apologized in French in front of the amused crowd. Why does bad luck always follow her? Ajij looked horrified, and Bong-cha's hand was on her mouth, speechless. Poor Hajoon looked more dismayed than her.
Ajij shook his head in shock.
Ji-seok shot dagger-like eyes at Noémie and immediately yelled in annoyance as he pulled his soaked shirt away from his chest, "WHAT THE HELL! Essaies-tu de m'aggraver? (Are you trying to aggravate me! Tu viens de le faire exprès? (Did you just do it on purpose)?" he hissed through his teeth. Ajij and Hajoon dashed to help save the situation. Ajij looked at Noémie with an annoyed expression on his face. How did this French girl ruin the boss's relaxing day with his pals?
"Mr. Jung... je suis désolé, s'il vous plaît, pardonnez-moi (I'm so sorry...please forgive me). It wasn't on purpose. It was an accident." The French language flowing from the couple sounded very romantic, but the tone showed that there was nothing romantic about the atmosphere. The boss was furious.
Noémie became emotional as she knelt in front of his feet to assist Hajoon, picking up some of the broken shards while being careful not to cut herself. She was too frightened to look up into his face.
Hyung-joon attempted to calm Ji-seok down because he looked too upset for words.
"Ji-seok, it was just an accident; I don't think she meant to do it!" Hyung-joon patted him on the back to calm him down.
Ji-seok looked at his friend in astonishment. "What an accident! Nothing is by chance with this... this... arrogant girl. She always has something staged." He took a deep breath and looked down at her with eyes narrowed into slits. Hajoon was trying to make her feel better as she whispered comforting words to Noémie, who seemed on the brink of balling her eyes out. What an embarrassing situation.
As the main waiter, Ajij believed it was his responsibility to take the blame for his team. "Sir... I sincerely apologize. Noémie is still new to waitressing. I'm sorry that we didn't have enough time to properly train her. I accept full responsibility for the mistake, sir," he humbly bowed down several times.
Noémie looked at him, surprised, from where she was on her knees wiping up the rest of the spilled wine on the floor. Hajoon gave her a cloth to help wipe. Bong-Cha moved quickly to place a new glass of wine in front of Mr. Kang, who accepted it with an amused smirk.
The Elites pitied the girl on the floor. Ji-seok could be completely unreasonable at times. But they were all aware that these two had a volatile relationship, if you can call it that. This girl irritates him to no end... but they knew there was some undeniable, underlying tension between the two that they didn't want to confront.
Mr. Jung narrowed his eyes at Ajij, "It's not your fault, Ajij. She will accept responsibility for her own stupid mistakes. She will not get away with this-" His eyes were flashing. Ajij just nodded and looked apologetically into your eyes. He tried to save her from Mr. Jung's wrath. Poor Noémie, it wasn't her day today. She just pursed her lips tightly. It was a truly genuine blunder. She tripped over her own feet because she was so nervous in their presence.
Noémie and Hajoon apologized profusely to an unamused Mr. Jung. His eyes were still dangerously irritated. Noémie gulped painfully, knowing that Mr. Jung would not let it slide.
He gave Hajoon a small smile, "Ajij, you and the rest of the crew are free to go. Thank you for your splendid service as always. But Ms. Seo, on the other hand, will be in charge of cleaning and ensuring that this suite is spotless..."
There was a stunned silence.
Everyone looked surprised as a smug Ji-seok exacted his revenge on a stunned Noèmie, who just stood there with a stoic expression.
The Elites were well aware that they could not interfere with Ji-seok and his employees. Noémie inhaled deeply as she nervously bit her lower lip, trying not to insult him in front of his employees and club members. She simply nodded like an obedient child and proceeded to the bar area, where all the dirty crockery and cutlery were.
She looked at a solemn Ajij, "Ajij, I'm deeply sorry; it was an honest mistake. I was...nervous." Noémie apologized. Ajij nod and just pat her on the shoulder.
"It's okay dear. You did well."
They were just relieved that their boss did not scold them or worse fire them.
Hajoon hugged her sideways, saying, "It's okay, Noèmie. Mistakes do happen.It was a pleasure to work with you."
Bong-Cha grinned, "At least, his suite has a private kitchen. Just put it in the dishwasher, and his private maids will finish it up tomorrow. I need to get home. I have a 7 p.m. date." she squealed.
Noémie sighed dejectedly, "You're very fortunate. When he's like this, Mr. Jung will let me leave by 8 pm tonight. I just know it." She noticed the Elite Club bowing and preparing to leave. Mr. Jung bowed and greeted the guys goodbye before exiting through the side door to his premier presidential suite... to refresh, giving the girl a last pointed look. Noémie sighed deeply as she watched her crew getting ready to leave after the Elites.
When the Elites Club was escorted through the side door by the PA's office, Noémie looked deflated. Mr. Kang came and stood next to her where she had picked up the glasses crate to take to the suite's kitchen. She was too scared to enter the boss's private domain.
Mr. Kang smiled softly, "Don't worry, dear, he'll cool off soon."
Noémie scowled, scrunching up her nose, "I doubt it. I'm sure he'll let me make amends in another day or two being stuck here."
The other Elite boys offered an apology, and she simply bowed as they all began to leave the man cave. Noémie sighed deeply, humiliated. Why do these things always happen to her? She quickly went to the sofa areas and began cleaning up. Fortunately, the cleaning utility room was hidden in a corner of the small hallway.
She took out the broom and quickly swept the area, mop the porcelain floors, dust, vacuumed the carpets, and disinfected and wiped the surfaces. Noémie put the scatter cushions back where they belong, and then she scanned the room to make sure everything in the man cave was neat and tidy. Now comes the difficult task of going inside the private suite and carrying the crate containing the dirty glasses and plates into the kitchen.
Noémie quietly opened the dark slider door that leads inside the suite, her eyes almost popping out at the luxurious space. The whole area was tiled in gleaming marble porcelain tiles! Fit for a wealthy billionaire. But she didn't want to stand there admiring the place for too long because Mr. Jung was occupied in his bedroom, and she had a chance to quickly sort out the dishes and get out asap.
Noémie placed the blue plastic crate gently on the beige marble counter and looked around with keen interest. Fitted with luxurious, genuine dark mahogany cabinets, and the appliances were all from an international brand, all shiny and stainless steel. From the espresso machines to the built-in microwave. The expensive shiny, steel double door fridge worked with a special screen that informed you what's currently inside the fridge or what needs to be replaced. Noémie snorted and wondered if it would inform any random person if a human head is inside the freezer.
She simply shook her head and began loading the dishwasher with glasses and plates. What a trying day. Some long strands of her hair had come loose and were hanging over her eyes. Noémie blew them out of the way as she finished the tasks at hand.
She put the wines in the fridge, which was already full of the most expensive foods in several containers. Seems like a woman's touch was depicted here. Maybe his PA or personal housekeeper. It's so nice to be super wealthy. Noémie quickly wiped the counter and sighed in relief. Now she's done, ready to leave.
Noémie decided to return to the immaculate man cave lounge to await Mr. Jung's decision, hoping that he would be gracious and let her go.
She knows she'll have to order an Uber back home, but then she felt a presence behind her and turned abruptly around in fear...
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