"I always knew you were trash, but I didn't expect you to stoop this low," Yeon-Su sneered, his voice dripping with disdain as he cast a disparaging glance at Sung-Hoon, his presence evoking a sense of revulsion. The seriousness of his remark was lightened by the sarcastic tone, eliciting a chuckle from Yixan and paving the way for some lighthearted ribbing between them. Turning his attention to Tae-Min, Yeon-Su remarked, "As much as it doesn't surprise me that you share blood with them," he said, referring to the antics he witnessed previously, "I must admit I'm relieved you distanced yourself from this chaos early on."
While his own story was never cloaked in secrecy, it remained largely untold. It was Yixan who finally broke the silence about Tae-Min, elucidating their complex relationship. She explained how Tae-Min was Yui-Hyuk's grandchild through his daughter-in-law, who had married into the family, a connection he had weathered before her untimely passing. Tae-Min had joined them for a brief period but had left soon after the loss.
"So, you're saying he found that music player and then just left with a man he didn't even know?" Sung-Hoon asked incredulously, his eyebrows knitting together in disbelief. Although it was evident that Yui-Hyuk had ulterior motives for revealing his connection to his father, intent on extracting something from him, Sung-Hoon struggled to comprehend why he had taken Yeon-Jun along, given that his own grievances were solely with him.
"He was so shaken that he collapsed," Joong-Ho interjected, joining the intense exchange. "It's no surprise he chose to follow the stranger who validated his fears, rather than the one who had kept him in the shadows for far too long." Though painful to admit, Sung-Hoon nodded thoughtfully, exhaling a deep sigh as he dabbed at the water pooling on the ice pack pressed against his bruised face.
"Speaking of which, what exactly happened to you?" Joong-Ho inquired, breaking the tension as he gestured toward Sung-Hoon's swollen features and the angry gash on his lip, which he had been pressing the ice against. A heavy silence enveloped the room, eyes turning uneasily towards Yeon-Su, who sported red knuckles that bore silent testimony to the unfolding drama.
"So what if I punched him?" Yeon-Su immediately defended himself. "He deserved it, and more," he stood his ground, and no one scolded him because they knew he was speaking the truth.
The scenario unfolded in a way that was far from ideal, leaving no clear lines to be drawn, but one thing remained indisputable. Yeon-Jun had been kept in the dark about numerous pivotal truths, many of which directly influenced his perception of life and mental well-being. Sung-Hoon, in withholding this critical information, had crossed a line—an affront that, at the very least, warranted a punch, if not more severe consequences.
"Where did Yeon-Jun go?" Yixan inquired, a sense of urgency palpable in her voice. Joong-Ho responded after a brief pause, revealing that Yui-Hyuk had taken Yeon-Jun back to the mansion. It was apparent that Yui-Hyuk intended to leverage Yeon-Jun as a pawn in a devious scheme against Sung-Hoon and his father. Fortunately, they had Joong-Ho as their intermediary, but they knew they required more eyes within the mansion's walls.
"We could take Hee-Jun's help," Joong-Ho proposed, tentatively. "However, it might also mean we have to include Woo-San." He hesitated, allowing the weight of his words to settle as Yixan interjected, "But we can't be certain of Woo-San's loyalty to Yui-Hyuk." Despite their friendliness, Hee-Jun and Woo-San's relationship had always a tough standing. Yui-Hyuk had been diligent in using Hee-Jun as a pawn to cause discord and fuel his succession scheme. There remained a lingering doubt as to whether Woo-San would remain steadfast if he perceived the potential loss of his inheritance.
"Yui-Hyuk's manipulations have built a foundation of doubt between them from the very start," Yixan concluded.
"There's no need for their direct involvement right now," Yeon-Su interjected, voice steady and firm. "Based on the patterns I've noticed, it's probably known that Noona and Hyung maintain a good friendship, or at the very least, a personal relationship. Therefore, the Kims should anticipate an inquiry from you, should Hyung ever go missing. You could reach out to Woo-San, and ask him indirectly. If Yui-Hyuk hasn't involved Woo-San, he'll probably tell you the truth." The group nodded in agreement, appreciating the ingenuity behind Yeon-Su's suggestion.
Yet, just as hope began to rise, Tae-Min voiced a concern that veiled the optimism. "Why would Yixan ask Woo-San about his disappearance if they don't even know each other?"
"Woo-San may assume there's an issue involving him, and in turn, involving you, Yixan," Joong-Ho countered sharply. "This could give the impression that you're exploiting a third party's name to extract information. And he wouldn't take it lightly especially now that you're both on the battlefield."
"There's no way to casually ask for their help without spilling," Sung-Hoon finally spoke, his tone grave as he surveyed the group. "There are simply too many loose ends—ends that are likely to catch fire if we continue. It may seem unreasonable, but let's take a moment to step back. Chairman Kim would never allow an enemy to stay too close. Whatever he has in store, he will eventually set it into motion. Regarding the problem of not having enough eyes inside the mansion, it's an easy solution." He directed his gaze toward Yixan and Joong-Ho. "Agree to Yui-Hyuk's conditions and move back in."
Fortunately, Yixan still had the option of moving back to the mansion. "If Yui-Hyuk's motive behind this was merely to coax you back, it's likely that this situation will pass if you comply. However, if it escalates, we will gain some insight into his mindset. It might not be a grand move, but it's a necessary starting point." Yixan consented, nodding thoughtfully at Joong-Ho.
Though Sung-Hoon had long foreseen the possibility of this scenario happening, he had never anticipated it would be so intricately woven into a larger strategy—one whose outcomes remained uncertain and whose motivations were shrouded in ambiguity. At that moment, all Sung-Hoon could do was cling to the hope that everything would somehow resolve itself. Despite the prospect of potentially retrieving Yeon-Jun, he knew deep down that the bond they once shared would be irrevocably altered.
"The chairman called for you," Hee-Jun informed Woo-San, who was deep in the throes of preparing for a grueling all-nighter to secure a pivotal brand deal for one of their top artists. Woo-San rolled his eyes at the curt message he'd received: "I want you here, now," as if the chairman held some divine right to dictate his every move.
"No matter what happens, I'm securing this deal before anything else," Woo-San declared with unwavering authority, his voice firm. "Besides, I don't get his issue. Is he the chairman, or am I? Do I still need to fight tooth and nail for my inheritance, or do I already have it? That old man really needs to find a hobby."
Hee-Jun observed the fervent glint in Woo-San's eyes, recognizing his reluctance to leave the office, but he gently prodded him with a hint of speculation that hinted at larger issues at play.
"The chairman went to Strawberry Hanok today," Hee-Jun whispered, his tone conspiratorial. Woo-San immediately perked up, eyebrows furrowing in suspicion as he stopped his work and paced toward Hee-Jun with an urgent stride. "He took Joong-Ho and booked the grand ballroom at the hotel," Hee-Jun added, gauging Woo-San's response. Driven by instinct, Woo-San snatched his car keys and headed for the door with purpose, Hee-Jun following closely behind. Whatever awaited him, Woo-San knew he had to confront Yui-Hyuk immediately.
"What is happening!?" Woo-San shouted as he burst through the door into Yui-Hyuk's study, where a group of planners was gathered, going over color palettes and fabrics for what looked like a grand event. "You're here!" Yui-Hyuk exclaimed, his face lighting up with a wide grin that masked deeper insecurities. He shuffled towards Woo-San, cane in hand, and enveloped him in a somewhat awkward hug. "My heir is finally getting married!"
Woo-San's brows knit together in utter confusion as he surveyed the room, which exuded a bridal atmosphere filled with soft pastels and delicate floral arrangements. "Heir…" Hee-Jun uttered softly from behind him, his mouth agape with disbelief upon entering the vibrant space, both stunned by the sight and the implications. "Are you really getting married?" He turned to Woo-San, whose expression mirrored his shock.
"You can't decide my marriage on your own!" Woo-San finally burst out, the room falling silent as the wedding planners shifted uncomfortably. Yui-Hyuk halted his enthusiastic parade, his smile faltering momentarily, before he closed the study doors firmly, dismissing everyone with a wave.
"I decide who I marry and when I marry," Woo-San continued, his voice steady and defiant. "I don't care if you try to blackmail me with this heir nonsense. If you want to rally the board against me, go ahead. But I will not marry someone because you say so. Besides, I already have someone I like." A smirk tugged at his lips, knowing full well that he would not allow Yui-Hyuk to manipulate him into submission on this front, though he could sense the stakes rising.
"Did I ever stop you from liking anyone?" Yui-Hyuk shot back, that same smile stubbornly affixed to his face. "You don't marry the person you like, son. You marry the person I choose for you." Woo-San felt a wave of irony wash over him, fully aware of the pain that forced marriages had caused within their family yet feeling powerless before his grandfather's relentless ambitions. As he was about to counter with another retort, Hee-Jun, suddenly pulled him aside, taking a phone call that abruptly disrupted the charged conversation.
"The board members just called for a meeting, about your dismissal as CEO," Hee-Jun informed, his voice low but urgent. Yui-Hyuk burst into loud, mocking laughter that echoed harshly through the study as he motioned for the wedding planners to return. Woo-San exchanged a heated look with him before Yui-Hyuk ushered him and Hee-Jun out of the room, the door slamming shut behind them.
"You've always said that if we ever came to this scenario, you'd walk away," Hee-Jun said, his tone laced with confusion and concern. The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, and it was clear that Hee-Jun felt unsure about how to guide Woo-San now that things had escalated so quickly. "I understand now. He went to Strawberry Hanok believing you were dating Yeon-Jun, and after learning how to utilize that threat, he arranged this marriage."
Woo-San sighed deeply, frustration evident on his face as he leaned his forehead against the wall. "If we walk away now, all our progress will be lost," he said firmly, turning to lead Hee-Jun back into his own study. Once inside, he pulled the door closed and locked it, ensuring their privacy. "If I refuse, there's no way we can expose Chairman Kim and Mr. Cha without this position. A marriage can be annulled, better yet, postponed." He gripped Hee-Jun by the shoulder, grounding him with determination. "We can't jeopardize everything we've worked for. We need to find out who this bride is, quietly. I'm sure we can negotiate a contract." Hee-Jun nodded with a newfound sense of urgency, departing the room with a clear strategy in mind.
A week later, the atmosphere in the cafe felt unusually still, a stark contrast to its usual lively buzz. As Yeon-Su meticulously wiped down the counter, he glanced over at So-Min, who was organizing the chairs in preparation for closing time. "It's been awfully quiet," he remarked, a hint of concern in his voice. Yixan was perched next to them, languidly stretching her limbs over the long wooden table, her mind preoccupied with Yoon-Jun's troubling situation.
"Telling Kyung-Min might've been the best move," Yixan mused, trying to find a silver lining. Yeon-Su let out a silent sigh, rolling his eyes at the mention of Kyung-Min. "At least this way, he can stay alert in case Yui-Hyuk sets his sights on them too." Yet deep down, Yeon-Su feared that no matter how watchful Kyung-Min was, Yui-Hyuk's ruthless nature meant that even the most alert person couldn't change the fate of a butterfly fluttering within his iron grip.
"Telling him would've had some benefits if he could look into Yui-Hyuk's mind," Yeon-Su shot back, sarcasm lacing his tone. The reality of their grim predicament loomed heavily over them—the group's only means of defense was to stay alert and support one another as they sought answers about Yui-Hyuk's twisted plans involving Yeon-Jun. "Unless Kyung-Min's grandfather takes matters into his own hands, we might stay in the dark forever," he added quietly, the uncertainty gnawing at him. Yui-Hyuk had dismissed the entire household staff, replacing them with a select few who were bound by secrecy, limiting any knowledge of the inner goings-on. Even Hee-Jun and Woo-San had been banished to a different house entirely, rendering their situation even more precarious.
Just as the trio's conversation dwindled into anxious speculation, the familiar chime of the cafe door rang out, breaking the silence, and in walked Kyung-Min, his face a canvas of distress. Clutched tightly in his trembling hands was a small envelope, visibly crinkled from his grip. Sensing the weight of his turmoil, Yeon-Su and Yixan rushed over, guiding him to a chair as he collapsed into it, tears spilling down his cheeks. "I found out what Yui-Hyuk wants from Yeon-Jun..." Kyung-Min gasped between sobs, brandishing the card like a weapon before slamming it on the table.
With grim determination, Yeon-Su's hands pried open the envelope as Yixan wrapped her arms around Kyung-Min. As he pulled the card free, the words etched upon it sent shockwaves through the air. "What is it?" Yixan questioned anxiously, her voice laced with dread, but Yeon-Su was momentarily speechless.
In a swift motion, So-Min snatched the card from his grasp. She began to read aloud, her brow furrowing as she comprehended its contents. "It's a wedding invitation..." She paused, her voice trembling slightly. "To Yeon-Jun's wedding..."