Chapter 70
Song Hyeon-ok was originally the group’s central figure, who had been engaging in subtle power struggles with Woo Ji-hyang, who had joined the group late and tried to form her own faction.
Today, feeling displaced from the center due to Ga-eun and Si-heon’s marriage, she finally found something to attack.
“I’ve felt this for a while. Honestly, it’s So-yeon who needs strict discipline, not Ga-eun. You keep such tight control over Ga-eun who does everything well on her own, while being too lenient with So-yeon who needs firm guidance. Isn’t that strange?”
Song Hyeon-ok raised the corner of her mouth while looking at Woo Ji-hyang, who seemed to be struck right at her core.
“Oh my, why that expression? Surely Ga-eun isn’t… not your real daughter? Come to think of it, she doesn’t resemble Director Woo at all. Perhaps Chairman Gye outside…”
“Mrs. Song! Aren’t you going too far? Every time I hear you speak, you really…!”
“What? ‘You’? Did you just speak to me informally? Where does a flat-faced thing like you get off…”
Their quarrel escalated into a physical fight, both grabbing each other’s hair while shouting “I’ll kill you!” The bystanders’ voices grew louder as they tried to break up the fight.
The regular gathering, meant to celebrate Woo Ji-hyang’s family becoming in-laws with the Hwanhee Group, had devolved into complete chaos.
It took the combined effort of the staff and others to finally separate the two women.
Mrs. Kim supported Woo Ji-hyang as they headed to the car.
“Oh dear, what a sight. And on such a joyous day too, hmm?”
“That Song Hyeon-ok, I never liked her from the start. You remember how she glared at me, looking me up and down when I first joined.”
“Yes, I remember.”
“How dare she say such things? How little must she think of me to say that to my face?”
“Calm down, dear. Mrs. Song just lost her temper. And I’m saying this for your own good… actually, such rumors have come up a few times. They say you favor So-yeon too much.”
Woo Ji-hyang, stung by the words, raised her voice unnecessarily.
“F-favor? What nonsense! Do they have too much time on their hands, criticizing others’ parenting? As if they’re such perfect parents themselves.”
“You know how wealthy families thoroughly investigate their potential in-laws before marriage. I’m telling you this because strange rumors could harm you. You know how much I care about you, right? Don’t forget about me later, okay?”
Despite her defiant attitude, Woo Ji-hyang’s lips grew increasingly dry.
Mrs. Kim was right.
* * *
It was obvious that if rumors about her favoring one child spread, it would work against her – especially when it wasn’t even clear if the Hwanhee Group knew that Ga-eun was illegitimate.
If the marriage became void, not only would she lose access to the Black Membership, but both her company’s and her own future would become uncertain.
‘These rumors can’t spread. I need to be more careful from now on.’
Sigh. If only it was our So-yeon marrying Kwon Si-heon instead.
The thought kept growing deeper in her mind.
Meanwhile, Song Hyeon-ok was equally busy venting her frustrations.
“Just be patient. You know how these nouveau riche are.”
“Yes, that upstart Woo Ji-hyang, I’ll bring her down somehow.”
But unlike usual, no one echoed her sentiments.
“Why are you all making those faces?”
“Mrs. Song, why don’t you extend an olive branch first? Sure, she’s an uncultured nouveau riche, but she’s going to be connected to the Hwanhee Group now.”
“That’s riiiight. You’re always so magnanimous. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt us to get some help from the Hwanhee Group too.”
Ha! Song Hyeon-ok let out an exasperated breath.
“Didn’t any of you notice? How shaken Woo Ji-hyang was when I asked if Ga-eun was her real daughter?”
“She was probably just upset because the sisters are so different.”
“Yeah, that comment was a bit too harsh, Mrs. Song.”
“Wow, after everything I’ve done for you all. So this is how it is – everyone’s going to side with Woo Ji-hyang now?”
Song Hyeon-ok muttered with a vengeful expression.
“Just wait and see. I’ll definitely bring down that gloomy woman.”
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