The black car rolled to a stop in front of the Lee family mansion, its sleek body glinting under the afternoon sun. Jaehoon sat in the back seat, his gaze fixed on the towering gates ahead. The mansion, nestled in the heart of Seoul’s most exclusive district, was a marvel of architecture—an imposing fusion of traditional Korean design and modern luxury. The massive gates, wrought iron twisted into intricate patterns, stood as silent sentinels, watching over the grand estate.
Jiwoo squeezed his hand. “This is it,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, her excitement tempered with uncertainty. “It’s like something out of a storybook.”
Jaehoon could only nod, his heart pounding in his chest. He had known the Lee family was wealthy, but standing at the threshold of their world made that wealth seem almost surreal. The estate was more than just a building—it was a symbol of centuries of power, influence, and tradition. It felt like a world that had never been meant for him, a world that he had no place in, despite what the letter had said.
As they stepped out of the car, a cold breeze swept across the grounds, rustling the leaves of the meticulously manicured trees that lined the path. The mansion’s marble steps glowed in the dimming sunlight, leading them into the heart of the estate. Jaehoon’s feet felt heavy as he walked, as if the ground itself was resisting his intrusion into this world that wasn’t his.
The grand entrance doors opened before them, revealing a hallway that stretched long and wide, adorned with priceless artworks, family portraits that seemed to stare down at them, and delicate vases from eras long passed. The air inside was cool, almost unnervingly so, as though the mansion had been preserved in time, untouched by the outside world.
Every corner of the house was a reminder of the Lee family’s long history—an empire built over generations, each layer of wealth and influence adding to the imposing structure. The smell of aged wood and polished marble lingered in the air, and the silence felt almost sacred, as if Jaehoon was walking through a museum, not a home. It was beautiful, yes, but it was also overwhelming. Every step felt like a misstep, like an intrusion.
As they moved further into the house, a figure appeared at the end of the hallway. Lee Minwoo, the family’s legal representative, stood there waiting for them, his posture immaculate, his face composed. He gave them a polite smile, but there was a certain coldness in his eyes, an aloofness that suggested he had seen many people like them before.
“Mr. Lee, Mrs. Lee,” he said, his voice smooth, almost rehearsed. “Welcome to the Lee family estate. Please, follow me.”
Jaehoon and Jiwoo exchanged a glance before following Minwoo down the hall. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the cavernous space, amplifying the nervous energy that buzzed between them. Jaehoon felt the weight of every gaze that seemed to follow him, every portrait and every sculpture watching him with quiet judgment.
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They passed through a series of rooms—sitting areas decorated with fine furniture, a grand piano in one corner of a drawing room, and large windows that offered sweeping views of the estate’s gardens. The mansion was a world of opulence, a world that Jaehoon could never have imagined being a part of, let alone inheriting.
Finally, they reached a large sitting room, where an imposing wooden table dominated the center of the room. Thick curtains, drawn to keep out the sunlight, cast the space in a cool, shadowy light. A series of high-backed chairs were arranged around the table, each one more regal than the last.
“Please, take a seat,” Minwoo said, gesturing to the chairs. Jaehoon and Jiwoo sat side by side, the tension between them palpable. Minwoo took a seat across from them, folding his hands on the table with an air of authority. Behind him, a pair of lawyers—dressed in dark suits, their faces unreadable—stood silently, waiting for their cue.
“Let me first express our gratitude for your presence today,” Minwoo began, his voice steady and deliberate. “You’ve taken the first step in what could be a transformative journey for you and your family. The Lee family’s history is rich, spanning generations of influence and success. We’ve spent decades building an empire that has touched every aspect of society—from real estate and technology to culture and politics.”
Jaehoon listened intently, his mind swirling with the implications of what Minwoo was saying. This wasn’t just an inheritance—it was a vast network, an empire that had taken decades to build. And now, it was being offered to him. The responsibility felt almost suffocating.
Minwoo continued, “The family has seen many changes in recent years, and we believe it is time for a new chapter. As you know, your grandfather’s disownment by the family is a part of our history we have long wished to forget. But we’ve come to believe that you, Mr. Lee, are the key to mending this fracture, to reconnecting the legacy that was lost.”
Jaehoon glanced at Jiwoo, who seemed just as overwhelmed as he felt. The mention of his grandfather’s disownment struck a chord deep within him. He had never known much about his family’s past, other than what his parents had shared, and that had been little more than fragments of old stories and hushed conversations.
“Mr. Lee,” one of the lawyers interjected, his voice sharp and precise, “before we move forward with the details of the inheritance, we need to ensure you understand the gravity of the decision you are about to make. This is not just about accepting wealth. It is about becoming part of a legacy—a legacy that comes with expectations, obligations, and yes, burdens.”
Jaehoon nodded, his throat dry. “I understand,” he said, though a part of him wasn’t sure he did. The weight of it all was beginning to settle on his shoulders, and the room, once grand, now felt suffocating.
Minwoo’s expression softened, but just barely. “You must understand, Mr. Lee, that the Lee family is not just a name. It’s an institution. And institutions are built on trust, loyalty, and power. To accept this inheritance means stepping into a world that operates by rules you may not fully understand yet. The Lee family has its own way of doing things.”
Jaehoon met Minwoo’s gaze, sensing the undertone of his words. It wasn’t just about money. It wasn’t just about business. There were hidden currents here—currents he had yet to see, but that he could feel pressing in on him, forcing him to make choices he wasn’t ready to make.
“Are you ready for this, Mr. Lee?” Minwoo asked, his voice low but with a hint of challenge.
Jaehoon’s answer would shape his future—and the future of his family.