23.3

“Are you saying you’ll help me get expelled?”

“This is where the gamble starts. Plan A. If you give up on an arranged marriage, your brother will let his guard down. But once Chaeyoon becomes your wife and starts supporting you in earnest, the tables will turn. Neither your brother nor your sister-in-law can handle Chaeyoon.”

“I know Chaeyoon is exceptionally capable, but Mother, you seem to have more faith in her than I do. How can you be so sure? You haven’t known her that long.”

“How do you do business without being able to judge people?”

“Well, Chaeyoon has been speaking highly of your abilities based on the few days she’s seen.”

“It seems she has better judgment than you do.”

Seonkyung said mockingly.

“What about Plan B?”

“Expelling you under the condition that they won’t bother you.”

“Ah! Not bad. What do you gain from that, Mother?”

“Getting a daughter-in-law I like. Very simple.”

Seonkyung smiled enigmatically, different from her usual cynical smile.

“Something feels ominous.”

“What feels ominous?”

“I don’t know, it’s like I have to share Chaeyoon or something. You’re not planning on playing the mother-in-law role, are you?”

Seonho narrowed his eyes.

“The kind of mother-in-law you’re thinking of is very different from me. I read an article about an actress who got married because she wanted to be part of the mother-in-law’s family. So, if you don’t want me to take her away, you better stay alert.”

“What are you trying to do with me now? I’ve already had enough headaches because of Joo-eun, and now I have to compete with you, Mother?”

Seonho’s eyes widened.

“I’m pointing out your incompetence in failing to secure Chaeyoon’s heart.”

“I’ve almost got it, you know?”

Seonho retorted.

“If it’s not ‘completely’, it might as well be zero. Strive harder. She needs to become your wife in order to be my daughter-in-law. It’s such a pity. If it were up to me, it wouldn’t be this difficult, tsk.”

“I don’t know how I ended up hearing this from you, Mother.”

In a completely unexpected turn of events, Seonho ran a hand through his hair.

“Be careful not to let your relationship with Chaeyoon be exposed until August.”

“Is there a plan for negotiation?”

“I’m thinking of registering your father’s daughter on the family registry.”

“You don’t need to go through all that trouble because of me.”

“It’s something that needs to be done anyway, so we might as well use it. That’s how you play a joker.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

“It’s the first time I’m hearing ‘thank you’ from your mouth.”

“The process of winning Chaeyoon has been hard on me alone. Through it, I’ve come to realize how many people there are to be grateful for.”

Seonho’s eyes shimmered with humility and gratitude.

“Keep your promise. The one about giving me the opportunity to live vicariously through you.”

Seonkyung’s gaze at Seonho was deep.

“Of course. I won’t disappoint you.”

Seonho gave Seonkyung a radiant smile.

Yeah, I guess at least one of us could live with such an expression.

***

At the dinner hosted by the honorary chairman, Seonho’s sister-in-law Yoonjeong was absent.

“Where’s sister-in-law?”

Seonho asked Minhu.

“At the hospital.”

“Is she sick?”

“No. Since when have you been so concerned about her?”

Minhu made an annoyed face, clearly not keen on discussing it further.

“If you don’t want to talk about it, then don’t.”

The dinner began with the entrance of the honorary chairman and Chairman Yoon, along with Seonkyung. As soon as they sat down, the honorary chairman looked pleased with Seonho, which darkened Minhu’s expression.

“I’m going to enroll Seonho in an MBA program this fall.”

Seonkyung informed the honorary chairman.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t want to study abroad?”

The honorary chairman looked at Seonho.

“Working on this project made me realize I need more education.”

“That’s good. It’s about time you came to your senses.”

Minhu, who had kept his mouth shut throughout the meal, chimed in, his face brightening.

This was an opportunity. He had to send Seonho to study abroad before he could make any more progress. In the meantime, Minhu planned to advance his own achievements to counterbalance.

His wife was currently hospitalized undergoing IVF treatment. If it resulted in pregnancy, his position would be further solidified.

“What about marriage?”

“We’re preparing carefully. Marriage is important, and it shouldn’t be rushed.”

Seonkyung spoke calmly.

“It would be better if he got married and studied abroad.”

The honorary chairman expressed his concerns.

“I should have finished my studies earlier, but I’ve been procrastinating. It’s better to go before it gets any later.”

“Right, it’s hard to concentrate on studies after marriage. You’ve made a good decision, Seonho.”

Minhu quickly supported Seonho.

Postponing an arranged marriage that would boost Seonho’s position was also advantageous.

“It feels like the first time you’ve supported what I say, brother.”

Seonho grinned at Minhu.

“As your elder brother, I should naturally encourage you in matters that aid your growth, right, father?”

Minhu’s transparent maneuvering did not elicit a response from Chairman Yoon. Instead, the chairman turned to the honorary chairman with a grave expression.

“Father, about what we discussed last time…”

“You don’t seem to care much about Seonho.”

Seonkyung cut off Chairman Yoon.

“He doesn’t necessarily need my praise, does he?”

“It would be better if you didn’t spoil the mood, even if you can’t manage to say anything positive. Today is meant to celebrate Seonho, isn’t it?”

Seonkyung’s words, delivered with a cold smile, distorted Chairman Yoon’s face.

“Right. Let’s just have good conversations today. How about a glass of champagne? Hahaha.”

Unlike usual, the honorary chairman’s cheerful words and demeanor left Chairman Yoon unable to voice his concerns, only glaring at Seonkyung.

***

“Are you really going to behave this way?”

Chairman Yoon grabbed Seonkyung’s arm as she was about to leave the mansion. Seonkyung forcefully shook off his grip.

“Did I do something wrong? I don’t remember doing anything wrong.”

Seonkyung tilted her head, feigning ignorance.

“Am I the only one who had affairs?”

“Of course not.”

“Then why act like this? Pretending to be so high and mighty.”

“I’ve never done that. We agreed not to interfere with each other’s affairs after Minhu was born. And one more thing. We agreed not to have children out of wedlock, but you seem to have forgotten that.”

“It was just one mistake.”

“One or not, you broke the trust. So you shouldn’t act so righteous. You should be begging, hoping I would forgive you.

“You want me to beg?”

Chairman Yoon burst out in anger.

“Do you love that woman?”

“What?”

“You seem to find your daughter very dear.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“It’s just unusual for you to act this way, given your nature. Is she different from your other mistresses?”

“She is different. She’s the only person who makes me feel at ease.”

Chairman Yoon said sarcastically.

“So, are you going to settle down with her?”

“You’re not jealous, are you?”

“Jealous? That’s ambitious of you to dream.”

Seonkyung scoffed.

“You are my only legal wife, and that won’t change until I die. Let’s just drop this now.” 

Chairman Yoon said wearily.

“I’ll wait quietly. After all, I am the one who has to endure ridicule without any fault. For the sake of the two women you cherish, shouldn’t I endure at least this much humiliation?” 

After casting a piercing glance at Chairman Yoon, Seonkyung turned and went on her way.