Chapter 157

Dawn, after the heat of the awards ceremony had cooled a little.

In the quiet car heading toward Jaedamjae, Sae-i had been sitting with her eyes closed in exhaustion when her phone buzzed briefly.

The caller displayed on the screen was none other than her grandfather.

"Yes, Grandfather."

"I saw your acceptance speech. You've got quite the way with words."

Had he stayed up this late, refusing to sleep, just waiting for his granddaughter to get off work?

Joo Tae-baek's voice, coming through the receiver, was thick with sleepiness, but underneath it was a warmth he couldn't quite hide.

"I said it believing you'd be watching. Did you enjoy the broadcast?"

"No surprise you're my blood — you held your head high and didn't lose your nerve, and it was good to see. It's late, so come home and get some rest."

It had been a short, simple call, but…