Chapter 28: Morning Missteps and Heavy Conversations

Sounds like a den of villains.

For the record, Grandfather adored Bae Ji An. As expected of a heroine, her kindness and empathy effortlessly won over the family’s patriarch, securing her a powerful ally. I’d love to learn that social finesse someday.

Dressed in jeans and a black tee, I left my room. Downstairs, the staff asked if I wanted breakfast, but I declined. I planned to eat with Mother at the hotel and talk.

As I headed out, the front door opened, and Do Yoon walked in.

His face was flushed, his body drenched in sweat. My jaw dropped.

“You… went exercising this early?”

In a short-sleeved tracksuit, he looked utterly exhausted. Stunned, I strode toward him. He flinched, stepping back.

I felt the staff’s eyes on us. What, does this look like I’m bullying him? Embarrassed, I smiled and said.

“Busy morning, huh? You didn’t run off because I was snoring, right?”

He shook his head vigorously, his red face suggesting a long run.

“No… I just wanted to exercise.”

Wow, classic main character.

So diligent and perfect. Exercising on a Saturday morning without anyone prompting—destined for greatness from the start. I was genuinely impressed.

“I didn’t know you worked out on weekend mornings. Since when?”

Do Yoon subtly avoided my gaze, his fingers fidgeting nervously. Bathroom emergency? Considerately, I waved him off.

“Go on in. You must be tired.”

But he suddenly looked up and asked.

“Where are you going, hyung?”

“Uh, just some errands…”

No need to mention Mother. Then, his face stiffened, and he asked clearly.

“Did Hyung Joo call you?”

Why’s he bringing him up? I asked, puzzled.

“No? Speaking of, how’s it going with him?”

A flicker of panic crossed Do Yoon’s face. Taking advantage, I pressed on.

“Are you two still studying well? He seems to have my number but hasn’t called. Not coming over anymore? Did his grades improve?”

Overwhelmed by my questions, Do Yoon fanned himself, pretending to be hot.

“I’m gonna shower. Have a good day, hyung.”

He bolted upstairs.

Blocked, huh? I just asked since he brought it up. Puberty kids are tough. He was crying for a hug yesterday… I felt a bit hurt.

The Haewon Hotel’s monochrome first-floor interior exuded a refined ambiance. Not as modern as newer buildings with bright marble and glass, its constant renovations kept it from feeling old. The dark tones and pricey porcelain decor blended tradition and modernity, fitting for a hotel hosting diplomats and dignitaries.

Mother was in a suite. When I called, she came down, visibly pleased. We sat in the innermost part of the 18th-floor restaurant, with Seoul’s skyline, gentle mountains, and blue sky visible through spotless windows.

Eating brunch with this view should’ve felt like a luxury, but my heart wasn’t at ease. Mother sipped water and asked.

“What brings you here so early?”

“Missed you.”

Her eyes widened, then she beamed—a smile I hadn’t seen since entering this novel.

“You’re my only one.”

“Noona was worried too.”

I was sure Seung Hee worried more. Her help with my job was clearly to ease Mother’s stress, which I understood.

Mother just smiled without responding. Pretending to cut a pancake, I said.

“You’re upset about Father, right?”

“What’s new about that?”

She replied instantly, slicing a sausage elegantly, as if it were nothing. After seeing her scream yesterday, the nonchalance felt jarring. She added.

“But did you really come for that? Not to ask for something?”

“Do I always ask for stuff?”

I was here to ask, but it was different from her usual expectations of Seung Hyun.

Nervous, my throat tightened. With a serious face, I spoke.

“Mother.”

“Yes, son. Stop being dramatic and spit it out. Did you cause trouble already?”

“I think to live happily, you need to distance yourself from what you hate.”

“…?”

“You really don’t think about divorce? Father’s done this before.”

Her knife froze. Her face hardened. Including Do Yoon’s mother, I knew of two mistresses, but we all knew there were more.

A cold silence fell. Then she spoke.

“For whose sake?”

Realizing she sounded too sharp, she forced a smile.

“Besides, I need to see my Seung Hyun become Haewon’s chairman.”

It sounded like she was enduring for that goal. My heart sank. In the novel, Seung Hyun doesn’t become chairman—he ends his life tragically. My voice trembled.

“You know I don’t have that ability.”

Her face turned fierce. She slammed down her silver fork and knife, clanging loudly, and faced me.

“Don’t give up already, Seung Hyun. You’re only twenty-five. You can still earn Grandfather’s approval. You don’t need to be like Seung Hee—just act like you’re trying. Show some will, and he’ll like it.”

Unintentionally, she opened the door for my point. I took a deep breath and said.

“Then couldn’t Noona be chairman? Isn’t she the most likely among us?”

I was serious.

Shin Mi Sun should back Seung Hee, not me, as Haewon’s heir. It’d make leaving this family easier and help mend my relationship with Seung Hee.

Seung Hee isn’t swayed by fleeting kindness. Impressing her requires clear cooperation. To prevent her from siding with Do Yoon later, this was the move. A perfect way to score points.

But Mother scoffed, as if I’d asked something absurd.

“As if your grandfather would allow that. Do you know how disappointed he was when I had Seung Hee, a girl, as the firstborn?”

Her eyes flashed with undeniable anger and hurt. My mouth went dry as I asked.

“What if Grandfather supported her?”

“That’d never—”

“No, just hypothetically. If he told you to choose between me and Noona, what would you do?”

“…”

A heavy silence lingered. Then, with a faint smile, she said.

“I’d still choose my son.”

“Even if I was sitting next to Noona?”

She laughed, as if I were a child seeking affection.

“I’d whisper it to you secretly later.”

But I couldn’t laugh anymore. I repeated Grandfather’s words.

“Why? Do you think Noona can’t be chairman because she’s a woman? Afraid she’d side with her in-laws after marriage?”

“What’s that nonsense? Not in this day and age.”

“…”