CHAPTER 08……………………………
The fact that the chairwoman of Shinhwa Group was her grandmother had been as shocking to Seoyoung as her parents’ death.
When Seoyoung had been preparing for the college entrance exam, Chairwoman Park suggested she learn the hotel business. Wanting to contribute on her mother’s behalf, Seoyoung studied even harder—earning her degree and then continuing into graduate school to specialize in hotel management.
She assumed she had fallen behind compared to her cousins, so she worked tirelessly during the day to learn the practical side as well.
Having grown up believing both her parents were orphans, Seoyoung tried to get along with her newly discovered relatives.
“Ah, so you really are Jinhee’s daughter. You look exactly like her. It’s late, but I’m glad to finally meet you, Seoyoung.”
But unlike her expectations, her aunt’s expression wasn’t warm.
She said the right words, but her eyes held clear displeasure.
It felt less like a joyful reunion and more like begrudging acceptance, enough to make Seoyoung shrink back.
Then she overheard her aunt speaking behind her back.
“Jinhee… that girl was useless when she was alive, and even dead, she’s still causing trouble. That little beggar brat better not mess up Minhyung’s inheritance.”
Her aunt, Jinkyung, spoke as if the bigger tragedy wasn’t her sister’s death but the possibility that her son might lose part of his inheritance.
Seoyoung clenched her fist.
The inheritance she was so angry about was the very thing her mother might have received had she lived.
They already lived comfortably—how much more greed could they possibly have?
The old saying the more you have, the more you crave came to mind.
The fact that they saw their dead sister’s daughter only as competition for money was so revolting she felt like throwing up.
“The hotel was meant to be given back to your mother when she returned. If you want your mother’s share, you’ll have to work for it, Seoyoung.”
That was what her grandmother told her before taking her into the family home.
She had said that if Seoyoung worked hard, nothing was impossible—and Seoyoung had resolved to do just that. But hearing Jinkyung’s spiteful words made her determination burn stronger.
Her uncle Jingyu had at least greeted her warmly, unlike his wife, but he was a stoic, extremely busy man, so they didn’t see each other often.
So Seoyoung made up her mind.
She would take back everything from her mother’s greedy siblings—everything they so desperately coveted.
Fine. If you all want that inheritance so badly… I’ll take not only my mother’s share but yours as well.
Chairwoman Park had taken a liking to her granddaughter—who was practical and ambitious unlike her deceased daughter—and promoted her rapidly, despite knowing her oldest daughter Jinkyung wanted the hotel to go to her son, Minhyung.
Part of it was because it belonged to the youngest daughter’s share, but it was also because Seoyoung’s hard work and competence were undeniable.
That didn’t mean Seoyoung had no resentment toward the grandmother who once abandoned her mother.
But after deciding to reclaim her mother’s share, she hid every emotion, gritted her teeth, and endured.
She no longer smiled brightly the way she once had, but poured all that energy into her studies and work.
Because she believed this was how she could survive—and how she could honor her late parents.
“I won’t pass down the company to someone just because they share my blood. If you don’t prove yourself, you will receive nothing. Remember that.”
Even though over twenty years had passed since she last had contact with her bloodline, Chairwoman Park had taken Seoyoung in after seeing the girl orphaned and alone—and told her to grow strong.
And now, the moment to claim her mother’s rightful share was finally in sight.
Because she had to pay her tuition and living expenses, she had moved into her grandmother’s house in Hannam-dong, but those words had stayed buried deep in her heart and became her driving force.
A newcomer in the family, she endured whatever her aunt or cousins said and forced herself to smile.
Unlike her parents—who always apologized for not providing much—Seoyoung received full support from her grandmother, including expensive tutoring, and entered the top university she wanted. After that, she focused solely on academics.
But she didn’t grow complacent just because she lived comfortably.
She now had a new goal—as the granddaughter of Shinhwa Group.
Everything came late compared to her cousins, so she carved out every spare minute to catch up.
She even worked part-time at the Kalos Hotel to gain hands-on experience in advance.
But as always, gaining something meant losing something.
Because she focused solely on her goals, she had no time for dating or friendships.
The cheerful high-school girl who lit up rooms despite her poverty became a calm, distant woman—someone who rarely smiled and lived as a career-driven single woman competing with men.
Still, thanks to all the sweat and effort she poured in, she had climbed rapidly to her current position as division head purely on merit.
Some people—swayed by Minhyung’s rumors—belittled her achievements as the result of her grandmother’s backing, but she ignored them.
Because she knew the truth better than anyone.
Even the most exceptional talent wouldn’t have reached this position without the advantage of being the group chairwoman’s granddaughter—and she acknowledged that honestly.
Thinking back on everything drew a bitter smile.
Even her aunt Jinkyung had once suggested she transfer to another company—something that nearly made Seoyoung curse out loud.
Her very first impression of Jinkyung had already shown her just how greedy the woman was.
After that, Jinkyung and Minhyung constantly kept her in check, afraid she might take what they wanted.
The more they pressured her, the harder Seoyoung worked—sleeping less, grinding more—and in the end, she produced results.
My parents used to worry because I slept too much. Now they’d never believe it.
Today, she couldn’t sleep unless she had finished every task on her list.
She had changed habits she once thought impossible to break—because she wanted her goal that desperately.
If President Hong hadn’t decided to retire earlier than expected, things would’ve gone much more smoothly, but thanks to the contract with Hyukjin, the path reopened.
The hotel is my mother’s. And I’ll take it through my own ability—fair and square.
Though her childhood was happy yet financially strained, Seoyoung had ambition—and she knew she could do better than her greedy cousin Minhyung.
Thinking of her late parents for a moment, she steadied her heart as she looked at the large gate ahead.
It was time to face a world completely different from the company.
* * *
“Welcome. The elders are waiting for you in the living room.”
A warm-looking middle-aged woman with a bob cut greeted Seoyoung and Hyukjin as soon as they stepped through the door after crossing the spacious yard.
“Hello, Mrs. Kim. Are my brother and his wife here too?”
“Yes. They arrived just a little while ago.”
Mrs. Kim went to the kitchen to finish preparing the meal, and Seoyoung followed Hyukjin to the living room.
“We’re here, Grandfather.”
At Hyukjin’s greeting, Chairman Cha lifted his head.
He had been wondering what kind of woman his grandson would bring, out of all the candidates he had recommended.
His eyes widened slightly when he saw Seoyoung.
Her long, wavy hair and gentle features caught his attention first—and then he recognized which group she belonged to.
His lips, pressed in a straight line, softened as a warm smile reached his eyes.
It was completely different from the cold, stern image the media portrayed.
Seeing him welcome her so warmly, Seoyoung felt relieved that she had worn her hair down and quickly bowed deeply.
“It’s an honor to meet you for the first time. My name is Hyun Seoyoung.”
“Welcome, Seoyoung. I’ve been very curious about the woman my son chose.”
As Chairman Cha smiled, Seunghoon and Mihyun also greeted her with bright, welcoming expressions.
“It’s nice to meet you, Seoyoung. Come, sit here.”
Following Chairman Cha’s gesture, the couple sitting in the spot he indicated—Youngjin and his wife—stood up to give her their seats.
