CHAPTER 13…………………………..
‘Why does this woman look so cheerful?’
Min-hyung felt uneasy seeing Seo-young looking bright, when she should’ve been gloomy after hearing such a thunderbolt of news.
For Seo-young, who had become like a kite with its string cut, there was nothing good waiting for her at this shareholders’ meeting.
Even when his younger cousin suddenly appeared, he didn’t care. He only snickered whenever he saw her trying so hard.
But when she clawed her way up to the position of division head, he began to think differently.
How could he not care when an uninvited stone was rolling in to knock out the one already in place?
He had tried all sorts of schemes to drag her down, but her unshakable attitude made him keep his guard up.
On top of already being in a foul mood from dealing with his mother’s nagging and pressure, seeing Seo-young’s bright face only irritated him more.
That’s why Chairman Hong’s sudden retirement announcement was incredibly welcome news—like someone pulling him out of a swamp.
Unlike him, however, the atmosphere in the division head’s office had reportedly sunk as if someone had died.
Hearing that had delighted him even more.
But the moment he saw Seo-young walking in with a smile when she should’ve looked gloomy, an uneasiness crept over him.
He suddenly remembered how fond Chairman Hong had been of Seo-young.
‘Don’t tell me Chairman Hong suddenly said he won’t retire? Or did Grandmother decide to intervene?’
Min-hyung mentally went through all the possibilities in which Seo-young could flip the situation.
He knew Chairman Hong, who had watched Seo-young’s mother Jin-hee since she was young, felt sorry for the now-alone Seo-young.
He also knew that although Grandmother pretended otherwise, she quietly paid attention to Seo-young.
But none of those scenarios seemed realistic.
Chairman Hong had still announced his retirement despite liking Seo-young, and there was no way Grandmother—who had always insisted everyone earn their positions through ability—would suddenly take Seo-young’s side out of guilt for her youngest daughter.
‘She must be putting on a brave face out of pride.’
Thinking of the outcome that wouldn’t change no matter what she did, Min-hyung smirked and walked inside first.
As he walked forward greeting shareholders with a polite nod, his expression tightened when he saw his secretary hurrying toward him.
He found it distasteful—what on earth could make him rush like that in a place like this?
Contrary to his irritation, he kept a smile on his lips until the secretary reached him, then asked sharply in a low voice:
“What is it?”
Despite his smiling face, Min-hyung’s cold voice and sharp eyes made Secretary Park whisper urgently.
Min-hyung’s eyes widened for a moment, but he quickly controlled his expression, conscious of the eyes around him.
“What? Are you serious?”
“Yes. Please look at this.”
Secretary Park quickly showed him a news article on his phone.
The moment Min-hyung saw the headline, his brow furrowed deeply—and murmuring erupted around the room.
The other shareholders must have seen the article too, because the meeting hall was soon filled with loud chatter.
“This has to be fake news. There’s no way this is possible!”
While Min-hyung let out a disbelieving laugh, Seo-young stepped closer to him.
“What’s wrong? Why the face?”
Pretending not to know anything, she glanced at the phone in Secretary Park’s hand, then smiled even more brightly.
“Oh, that! It’s not fake news, Min-hyung oppa. I’m getting married next month.”
The chattering shareholders all turned their attention to her.
“What’s all this noise?”
Another shareholder of the Carlos Hotel, Kang Jin-kyung, entered the conference room and frowned at the unusual atmosphere.
Secretary Park hurried over and whispered the reason to her.
Just like Min-hyung, her eyes widened, then her gaze sharply snapped toward Seo-young.
After the shareholders’ meeting ended safely, Seo-young called Hyuk-jin.
“—Did the meeting go well?”
“Yes, thanks to you.”
“—Then it seems Miss Hyun Seo-young will be the next CEO.”
“Not yet. Many argued that just forming ties with Hanho Group doesn’t mean they can appoint me immediately.”
“—Then we need to move our plans along faster.”
“Yes, I think so too. Min-hyung’s side won’t sit still.”
After the marriage talk had settled somewhat, Seo-young had already discussed various secondary plans with Hyuk-jin.
Simply marrying the heir of Hanho Group—especially the Managing Director of Hanho Construction, a rival—did not guarantee real benefits.
Still, a chaebol marriage always carried potential for various forms of expansion.
Yet, because of major shareholder Jin-kyung’s fierce opposition, the shareholders’ meeting to appoint a new CEO was postponed for two months.
Chairman Hong’s retirement had to be delayed as well, but he agreed willingly, as he sincerely preferred the capable and passionate Seo-young over Min-hyung.
“—Regarding the MOU we discussed earlier, our working-level teams will exchange opinions first. Since Chairman Park has also gladly accepted the marriage proposal, let’s set a date for the formal family meeting.”
“Yes. I’ll call Grandmother and get back to you.”
Ending the call, Seo-young headed to the parking lot and dialed Chairman Park.
Chairman Park spoke as soon as she answered:
“—I heard the results. It’s not over yet. Stay alert.”
“Yes. Could we meet today? I have something to tell you.”
“—Come to the house.”
“I’ll head over now.”
Seo-young hung up and drove to the family home in Hannam-dong.
She had expected Jin-kyung and Min-hyung to never give up their positions quietly, so she felt relieved to have crossed at least one hurdle.
Not only was there the risk of the hotel CEO position suddenly becoming vacant, she also had to keep Cha Hyuk-jin of Hanho Construction in check.
‘Maybe this actually worked out better.’
Perhaps no phrase fit better than “crisis is opportunity.”
The strategic marriage contract she proposed would be praised as a success not only for herself but also for the hotel.
‘The same goes for Cha Hyuk-jin.’
Some would criticize them for giving up the land they secured, but collaboration with Hanho Construction—soon to become a competitor—was still a good deal.
In the long run, it was far more profitable than simply keeping a piece of land.
It would also strengthen her standing and allow her to gradually prove herself as a viable candidate for CEO. Truly a win-win.
Rumor had it that Hanho Construction planned to create a new subsidiary called Resort & Hotel.
After hearing that Hanho planned to expand into the resort business—building theme parks and more—she was grateful she had already researched Cha Hyuk-jin after he transferred from the automotive division to the construction company.
His sharp business instincts, hidden beneath a seemingly mild demeanor, were easy to deduce from the achievements he had already made at Hanho Motors.
Leaving the automotive division—which would’ve solidified his position as heir—just to move to construction was something even Seo-young, who hated succession battles, couldn’t understand.
Whatever his reason, the moment he stepped into the resort business, it was clear he would enter aggressively.
‘I’m really getting married…’
Only now, as she thought about setting a date to meet his family—the family of the man she always saw as a rival—did the reality of marriage sink in.
Before her parents passed away, she had dreamed of meeting someone she loved, having a passionate romance like her parents, and forming a warm, happy family.
Remembering the joyful times she spent with her parents, a soft sigh slipped from her lips.
How had she ended up in a loveless political marriage?
‘Life really is like a rugby ball—you never know where it’ll bounce.’
It hadn’t been long since her dream of starting a family had turned into firm resolve to stay single, yet here she was, swept into all of this.
