Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 68
Memories of living in Byeolnaeri Village began rushing in like a tide.
And ultimately, why they had to leave that place.
If it weren’t for that accident that took her mother’s life and her aunt’s intelligence…
“I became close with someone I met there, and I wondered if they’d get along with Chairman Kwon, so we met as a trio. But contrary to expectations, they growl at each other whenever they meet, you know?”
“…I see.”
“In my opinion, they don’t really hate each other. Otherwise, they wouldn’t show up at gatherings occasionally. They just seem to enjoy growling and bickering.”
Fortunately, Artist Ja-myeong briefly added his thoughts about Byeolnaeri Village before moving on to discuss the exhibition.
Ga-eun forced a smile while harboring anxiety that Artist Ja-myeong might know her mother or aunt.
Somehow, she felt an ominous sense of dark clouds gathering.
* * *
“Director Woo!”
A middle-aged woman with styled hair and flashy clothes rushed toward Woo Ji-hyang, who was standing at the front desk.
“Oh, you came? You came so quickly. You must have been burning with curiosity.”
“How could I not be? When you’re becoming in-laws with the Hwanhee Group?”
At Mrs. Kim’s loud voice, not only the front desk staff but everyone around turned to look their way.
Woo Ji-hyang put her index finger to her lips, feigning embarrassment.
“Shh, you’re too loud. We haven’t even had a family meeting yet.”
“Oh my, oh my! A family meeting! Goodness gracious!”
“Oh please. Let’s talk inside first. We’ll go to the lounge.”
“Yes, I’ll escort you to the Black Lounge.”
Mrs. Kim’s eyes widened.
“B-Black Lounge? Did I hear that right?”
“Young Master Kwon upgraded us all to Black tier status for our convenience. Our entire family.”
“My goodness, my goodness! Young Master Kwon? And the whole family? What kind of money windfall is this?”
“Let’s go inside first, we’ll talk inside. Okay? Calm down a bit.”
The two followed the staff member to the Black Lounge.
At the entrance, a dedicated lounge attendant escorted them while introducing the facilities.
“If you need anything or have any questions, please press this button anytime. Please enjoy your time.”
As soon as the door closed, Mrs. Kim began gushing with endless exclamations.
“Oh my, what a day! To think I’d set foot in Youngso Hotel’s Black Lounge! I’m living the high life thanks to you. Oh my, look at me. I have to take pictures.”
Watching Mrs. Kim taking selfies all around the lounge with her phone, Woo Ji-hyang suppressed her own desire to do the same and maintained her dignity.
After all, I can come and use this anytime.
The thought filled her chest with pride.
This is why people should live virtuously. I accepted my husband’s illegitimate child and raised her without discrimination from my own child, and heaven rewards me like this.
No, isn’t it? In some ways, I raised her with even more attention than my own child. How strictly did I watch over her compared to So-yeon, worried she might go astray.
Woo Ji-hyang, who packaged her coldness and mistreatment toward Ga-eun this way, leisurely savored her tea.
‘Ah. It would be nice if our So-yeon became Hwanhee Group’s daughter-in-law.’
While she was thinking this, Mrs. Kim, having taken her fill of photos, finally came to sit beside Woo Ji-hyang and picked up her teacup.
“Goodness, this is too wonderful… I’d heard the Black Lounge was luxurious, but the rumors don’t do it justice. Oh my, even the tea’s aroma is this good? I’m so envious, dear. You’re headed for nothing but success.”
“Not necessarily. I’m full of worries. There’s still so much to teach.”
“Oh come on, who doesn’t know how proper and capable Ga-eun is? You know everyone’s had their eye on her as potential daughter-in-law material.”
Woo Ji-hyang’s lips twisted slightly at Mrs. Kim’s words.
“How did you know it was Ga-eun getting married?”
“Oh my, you’re such a tease! Of course it’s Ga-eun. She’s pretty, slim, smart, and competent. And her personality is so proper, isn’t it? Perfect posture and elegant speech.”
Mrs. Kim whispered to Woo Ji-hyang.
“Just between us, honestly, So-yeon doesn’t quite compare to Ga-eun. Did So-yeon take after her father?”
“Well…”
“Hmm, but Representative Gye isn’t bad-looking. Ah, then So-yeon must take after that mother-in-law you used to complain about? You know, the one you said looked like a praying mantis when you first met her?”
“…”
“You should have given birth to So-yeon to look like you, like Ga-eun, hoho.”
