Chapter 373
A black Maybach stopped in front of the gate of the Lee family mansion with three passengers on board.
“Sir, are you sure you want to be here? She might not be here.” 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. “The one place the Lee’s own that is impregnable to external forces, it’s the Lee ancestral mansion, so I know she’s in there.” 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 father’s 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 couldn’t let that happen.
“You know what to do, right?” He asked.
“Yes, I do. But wouldn’t this be too suspicious? I mean he could already know, especially if she’s here.” The man said.
“Then do you have any other ideas?”
.....
“No, sir.”
“Then do as I said. And if there’s one thing I know is that Chairman Lee is sly just as his son is stupid and stubborn.” 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.
“Make sure the madam stays indoors and tell him to not come here,” 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.
“Chairman Lee,” A pleased voice greeted as the man stepped into the pavilion with a young man trailing behind.
“Yong-Gun,” Father Lee called as he stood up and received the man with a warm handshake and a bright smile.
“It’s been a while, Chairman Lee.”
“Chairman Lee? You don’t have to be so formal, Yong-Gun.”
“I’m not being formal, the respect comes with the name.” The middle-aged man laughed.
“Stop it. What’s the name in the presence of friends and family.” Father Lee chided amidst laughter, while Mr Kim joined in.
Mr Kim turned to the young man beside him. “This is my right-hand man, Stephen. He’s both my secretary and personal assistant.” He introduced the young man who quickly bowed to Father Lee.
“It’s an honour meeting you, sir.” He said as he bowed while Father nodded with a smile.
“He looks like a good kid.” Father Lee said, liking the young man’s attitude.
“He is.” Mr Kim affirmed. He’s like a son to me, and he’s 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.” Mr Kim said amidst laughter, and father Lee couldn’t help but laugh as he looked at the slightly shy young man.
“No one wouldn’t 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,” Stephen said with another bow.
“You have a sweet tongue, young man. I like it.” Father Lee told him with a pleased smile. “Would you like to look around?” He asked making Stephen gaze at him in shocked surprise.
“It would be an honour, sir.” He deeply bowed appreciatively while Father Lee laughed. He turned to his butler and said, “show the young man around, would you?”
“Yes, sir.” The butler replied before leading Stephen away for a tour.
“Thank you.” Mr Kim said making Father Lee turn towards Mr Kim.
“It’s 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?”
“You’re trying to sway my person already?” Mr Kim asked with an amused smile.
“Of course not.” Father Lee laughed while Mr Kim joined in.
“It’s a pleasure to see you here. Ever since your brother left, none of you Kim’s has come to visit us.”
“My apologies. You know good memories aren’t here for us in country C, especially my brother and his wife.” Mr Kim said and Father Lee couldn’t help but sadly nod in agreement. Indeed there weren’t many blissful memories for the Kims in country C, especially for his dear friend and his wife, Sena.
“How are they?” Father Lee curiously inquired.
“They’re fine. Living overseas has made them heal and move on. They’re enjoying the early retirement.” Mr Kim said while Father Lee nodded.
“Indeed they must. It’s been over fifteen years.”
“Yes, it has.” 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.
“And what about you?” 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. “The country also doesn’t 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-law’s predicament. After losing my wife, I realized just how difficult and unbearable it must’ve been for you to have lost a loved one talk more of two.” He deeply sighed.
Mr Kim’s countenance faltered and he sadly sighed. “Those are memories I don’t want to look back to.” He said and Father Lee nodded in understanding.
They turned towards a servant who came with tea to serve them.
“So 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 you’ve visited me today?” Father Lee inquired as they picked up their cups.
“Both.”