LEE FAMILY MANSION
A black Maybach stopped in front of the gate of the Lee family mansion with three passengers on board.
âSir, are you sure you want to be here? She might not be here.â The passenger seated in the shotgun seat of the car said to his boss seated in the back seat.
The man sighed and shook his head as he looked out the window to the building standing in front of him. âThe one place the Leeâs own that is impregnable to external forces, itâs the Lee ancestral mansion, so I know sheâs in there.â He confidently said as his eyes gazed at the windows of the rooms on the first floor of the building. He was certain Dan-Han had kept Soo-min in his fatherâs house, because he knew no matter how hard he tried there was no way he could get through, except by using this method. The woman he long thought dead has suddenly become the reason for his worries. The secret he has been keeping for over two decades was at risk of being exposed and he couldnât let that happen.
âYou know what to do, right?â He asked.
âYes, I do. But wouldnât this be too suspicious? I mean he could already know, especially if sheâs here.â The man said.
âThen do you have any other ideas?â
.....
âNo, sir.â
âThen do as I said. And if thereâs one thing I know is that Chairman Lee is sly just as his son is stupid and stubborn.â He said.
He signalled the driver to press the security bell, and soon the gates were quickly opened to them, revealing the beauty of the compound as they drove in.
Father Lee turned towards the gate when he heard it open. He has been waiting at the pavilion with his newly employed butler and a few personal guards, as well as the guards Dan-Han had imprisoned him with. He signalled one of them to come over before the car came to a halt.
âMake sure the madam stays indoors and tell him to not come here,â he ordered while the guard nodded and did as he has been instructed. Father Lee knew they reported directly to Dan-Han about his every move and call, and he was certain Dan-Han was already in the know about the visitor he was receiving.
Father Lee glanced at the car that had just driven into his compound, and he watched the people inside, alight.
âChairman Lee,â A pleased voice greeted as the man stepped into the pavilion with a young man trailing behind.
âYong-Gun,â Father Lee called as he stood up and received the man with a warm handshake and a bright smile.
âItâs been a while, Chairman Lee.â
âChairman Lee? You donât have to be so formal, Yong-Gun.â
âIâm not being formal, the respect comes with the name.â The middle-aged man laughed.
âStop it. Whatâs the name in the presence of friends and family.â Father Lee chided amidst laughter, while Mr Kim joined in.
Mr Kim turned to the young man beside him. âThis is my right-hand man, Stephen. Heâs both my secretary and personal assistant.â He introduced the young man who quickly bowed to Father Lee.
âItâs an honour meeting you, sir.â He said as he bowed while Father nodded with a smile.
âHe looks like a good kid.â Father Lee said, liking the young manâs attitude.
âHe is.â Mr Kim affirmed. Heâs like a son to me, and heâs been yearning to make an acquaintance since the day he knew our families have been friends. The moment he heard I was visiting the great Chairman Lee in his private castle, he hopped into the car before I did.â Mr Kim said amidst laughter, and father Lee couldnât help but laugh as he looked at the slightly shy young man.
âNo one wouldnât be excited to meet the man who dominates the economy of an entire country, and visiting the Lee family mansion has always been a dream for me, sir,â Stephen said with another bow.
âYou have a sweet tongue, young man. I like it.â Father Lee told him with a pleased smile. âWould you like to look around?â He asked making Stephen gaze at him in shocked surprise.
âIt would be an honour, sir.â He deeply bowed appreciatively while Father Lee laughed. He turned to his butler and said, âshow the young man around, would you?â
âYes, sir.â The butler replied before leading Stephen away for a tour.
âThank you.â Mr Kim said making Father Lee turn towards Mr Kim.
âItâs nothing. We have to make his dreams come true eh! And who knows what he might find? Maybe something that would make him jump ship and join my clan?â
âYouâre trying to sway my person already?â Mr Kim asked with an amused smile.
âOf course not.â Father Lee laughed while Mr Kim joined in.
âItâs a pleasure to see you here. Ever since your brother left, none of you Kimâs has come to visit us.â
âMy apologies. You know good memories arenât here for us in country C, especially my brother and his wife.â Mr Kim said and Father Lee couldnât help but sadly nod in agreement. Indeed there werenât many blissful memories for the Kims in country C, especially for his dear friend and his wife, Sena.
âHow are they?â Father Lee curiously inquired.
âTheyâre fine. Living overseas has made them heal and move on. Theyâre enjoying the early retirement.â Mr Kim said while Father Lee nodded.
âIndeed they must. Itâs been over fifteen years.â
âYes, it has.â Mr Kim concurred as they both took their seat. If Father Lee was to be precise, it has been roughly 20 years since the Kims moved out of the country and moved their company to Country A, while his friend moved overseas. He could remember how his late wife had been so heartbroken when they left, and Sena her best friend, became withdrawn after losing her child.
âAnd what about you?â Father Lee curiously inquired making Mr Kim glance at him with confusion etched between his brows.
Father Lee knowingly smiled when he saw the confused look on his face. âThe country also doesnât hold good memories for you too. Both children in your family died on the same day and so did the mother of your child. No one talked much about it then, because of your sister in-lawâs predicament. After losing my wife, I realized just how difficult and unbearable it mustâve been for you to have lost a loved one talk more of two.â He deeply sighed.
Mr Kimâs countenance faltered and he sadly sighed. âThose are memories I donât want to look back to.â He said and Father Lee nodded in understanding.
They turned towards a servant who came with tea to serve them.
âSo tell me Yong-Gun, to what do I owe this pleasure of seeing you after so many years? Is this just a courteous visit, or is there a reason why youâve visited me today?â Father Lee inquired as they picked up their cups.
âBoth.â