Chapter 13

The past often presents a complex tapestry woven with threads of memory both cherished and painful. For many, it can be an arduous journey to reminisce, especially when the recollections are tied to experiences one might either wish to erase or cling to desperately. Yet, one immutable truth remains: the past cannot be completely forgotten. While it may slip from immediate consciousness and nestle away deep within the hippocampus, its essence lingers, refusing to fade entirely. This was a reality that Yeon-Jun grappled with each time the first drops of rain graced the ground. He was acutely aware that the downpour stirred a profound yet elusive connection within him, a bond layered with significance that he couldn't fully comprehend. Despite his desire to move beyond it, the rain was a haunting reminder of a past he could neither escape nor deny.

In stark contrast, Yixan found herself at a pivotal crossroads, ready to confront the shadows of her lineage. With resolute determination, she stepped into the grand, echoing halls of the family mansion, her heart racing with anticipation and trepidation. Upon entering Yui-Hyuk's study, she summoned her family members to gather around—a prelude to what she anticipated would be revelatory. Woo-San and Hee-Jun exchanged glances, their expressions flickering with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity; they had sensed Yixan's readiness to unveil some long-overdue truths, particularly after Hee-Jun's probing words the night before. Yui-Hyuk, however, appeared taken aback by her unannounced visit, the unexpected tension thickening in the air.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Yui-Hyuk's voice broke the silence, an attempt to alleviate the palpable strain that had settled over the room. "I presume you're not here to contest my claim to the inheritance," he continued with a teasing lilt, a playful note attempting to mask the rising tension. "Though I trust you realize that you hold no right to it. Still, should you choose to pursue that path, I wouldn't hesitate to add you to the family registry. You could even vie for your share—after all, who knows, perhaps you would emerge victorious." His words, laced with sarcasm, were intended to incite a response, particularly from Woo-San, whose demeanor had shifted in silent protest, or at least from Hee-Jun, who sat quietly, tightly scrutinizing Yixan's reaction. Yet, the only response was an unexpected muffled laugh from Yixan, a sound that echoed with defiance amidst the heavy atmosphere, hinting at the tumultuous reckoning that was about to unfold.

Hee-Jun had confided in Woo-San about his recent exchange with Yixan, though even he could not grasp the full significance of her cryptic statements. Their collective knowledge of Yixan's life left little room for mystery, particularly since Yui-Hyuk was also in the know. What secrets could Yui-Hyuk possibly be concealing that would catch Yixan's attention? However, Yixan's intention was not to unveil hidden truths; she had arrived with a different purpose altogether. This was a moment of reckoning for her—one that demanded she make substantial sacrifices in her own life in order to ensure her family experienced the repercussions of their own devious machinations. Woo-San, despite his limited understanding, sensed that there was a deeper layer to Yixan's revelations; however, he simply couldn't connect the dots.

The secret Yixan possessed was intricately linked to the very mystery that Hee-Jun was ardently trying to unravel. It was also the same catalyst that had propelled Woo-San to break into the house of Yeon-Jun—or Sung-Hoon. The motive behind his intrusion stemmed from a photo book he had stumbled upon while tidying up Yui-Hyuk's office. Within its pages, he found an old photograph of an employee who had once been exceptionally close to his family, akin to a relative—someone like Hee-Jun. This man was Soo-Hyun Cha, Sung-Hoon's father, who had departed from the company when Woo-San was still a child.

Driven by his curiosity and the need for clarity, Hee-Jun had been diligently investigating the reasons behind Sung-Hoon's departure. His inquiries revealed odd financial transactions between Yui-Hyuk and Soo-Hyun, even after the latter had severed ties with the company. With the aim of establishing a concrete link between them, Hee-Jun began to delve deeper, suspecting that Yui-Hyuk may be entangled in some perilous dealings. It was during this investigation that he learned of Sung-Hoon's connection to Yixan, prompting him to leverage that relationship in hopes of uncovering more about Soo-Hyun. Unbeknownst to him, Yixan was already aware of his machinations. After a prolonged silence, she resolved to take action, fully prepared to confront her family and turn the tables on them.

"That is exactly what I wish to address," Yixan declared, a strange grin creeping across her face as the atmosphere plunged into tension. "I demand my inheritance. But rest assured, I won't surrender without a showdown." She felt a surge of anticipation, her heart racing, as she caught sight of both Woo-San and Hee-Jun exchanging apprehensive glances, their once-stern expressions gradually crumbling under the weight of the unfolding drama. "I want my name officially added to the family register so that I may be eligible for the inheritance. However, I refuse to compete with just one person. If it's to be a contest, why not make it more challenging?" Yixan, whose confidence radiated at this moment, was finally speaking the language of the Kim family, and a broader smile spread across Yui-Hyuk's face. "I want you to include two additional competitors in this race: your other grandson, Tae-Min Seo, and your adopted grandson, Hee-Jun Go."

As she he finished speaking, the atmosphere shifted dramatically, morphing into something reminiscent of a telenovela. Yixan shot a piercing glare at Hee-Jun, then plastered a disingenuous smile across her face as she navigated the ensuing dialogue. "You took him in, nurtured him, even gave him a position within your business. It's only fair that he is treated equally alongside your legitimate grandsons, especially considering his unwavering loyalty all these years."

Taken aback, Hee-Jun stared at Yixan, shooting furtive glances at Woo-San, all while feeling his stomach churn at the prospect that was being laid before him. He had anticipated a negative response and braced himself for rejection, yet an ominous dread about the looming outcome settled heavily upon him. "This is a ridiculous demand, Yixan," Woo-San interjected, his voice laced with disbelief as he attempted to squash Yixan's suggestion. "What do Tae-Min and Hee-Jun have to do with our family legacy? Tae-Min chose to walk away, and Hee-Jun isn't even related to us by blood. Why would you—"

"Let's proceed with it," Yui-Hyuk's abrupt interjection sent icy chills racing down both Woo-San's and Hee-Jun's spines as they stared at him in paralyzed shock. "I'll have a discussion with my attorney regarding all the details. You will move in here by the end of the month." A satisfied smile bloomed on Yixan's face, a clear signal that she felt she had won an important victory. Yet, one critical element lingered unaddressed: whether Hee-Jun and Tae-Min would consent to this arrangement. But to Yixan, that was a mere footnote. At long last, she was poised to step into the Kim household, and her long-awaited revenge was only just beginning.

"Finally..." Yui-Hyuk exhaled deeply as he leaned back into the plush leather of his chair. As silence enveloped the space, his mind spiraled into a labyrinth of thoughts. At the forefront of his contemplation was Yixan; her recent actions puzzled him, and he found himself questioning her true motives. Despite this distraction, he reminded himself that he had never regarded anyone as his potential successor—only Woo-San held that distinction.

What he was orchestrating was merely a strategic ploy to stir the pot around his legacy. In an industry where perception often trumped reality, creating buzz was essential; controversy ignited conversations, and conversations kept the company alive in the public's consciousness. Yui-Hyuk was well aware that scandals, while risky, were a necessary evil in the competitive landscape of business. Yet beyond the frenzy of public opinion, there was a more personal motive—he yearned for the attention of his estranged brother, who remained at the helm of their father's company.

For years, Yui-Hyuk fantasized about mending the rift that had developed between them, a fracture deepened by their diverging values and the history of familial conflicts. His brother's steadfast refusal to reconcile, dismissing the company as a corrupt entity steeped in deception and betrayal, had only intensified Yui-Hyuk's determination to prove him wrong. Yet, silently, he harbored hopes that all would soon change. Or at least, that was what Yui-Hyuk convinced himself—clinging to the belief that within the chaos surrounding his enterprise lay the seeds of redemption.