The sky was a brilliant azure blue that morning, the crunch of gravel beneath tires signaled the arrival of a luxury car at the grand estate. A sleek, black sedan, its surface gleaming like polished obsidian, glided up the winding driveway. The soft purr of its engine grew louder, then faded into silence as the car came to a stop before the manor's imposing entrance where a small group of uniformed maids stood, heads delicately bowed and hands clasped in front of them.
Sunlight danced across the car's curves, highlighting the subtle lines and contours that spoke to its exceptional craftsmanship. Chrome accents glinted like polished jewels, adding a touch of understated opulence to the vehicle's already-elegant design.
As the driver's door swung open, a chauffeur emerged, impeccably attired in a crisp, black uniform. With a slight bow, he opened the rear passenger door.
"Welcome home Miss Lee!" The maids echoed as the person inside the car stepped out.
A young woman, radiant with beauty, stepped out onto the driveway. Her slender legs, clad in sleek black stockings, unfolded from the car's interior like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. Her fitted dress, a masterpiece of understated sophistication, hugged her curves in all the right places. The rich, velvety fabric seemed to glow with a soft, inner light, as if infused with an subtle sheen. The dress's subtle rustle as she moved was like music to the ears.
As she stood up straight, her long, dark mahogany brown hair fell down her back like a straight waterfall. Her skin, a flawless canvas of creamy porcelain, seemed to glow with an inner radiance. Her features, delicate yet striking, were finely etched, as if by a master artisan. Her eyes, bright and sparkling but still sharp and assessing. They seemed to hold a weight unknown by the rest of the world, as if holding secrets and stories that only she knew.
As she stepped away from the car, her high heels clicked on the driveway, the sound echoing through the air like a subtle announcement of her arrival. She moved with the confident, fluid stride of a woman who knew her own worth, her very presence commanding attention and admiration.
"...", The maids dared a peek at this powerful looking woman.
Lee Hye-Ri.
The formidable first granddaughter of Old Master Lee. She was the daughter of Master Lee's second son who had passed away when Hye-Ri was just ten years old. Her mother had followed two years later and Hye-Ri was left alone in the poisonous den that was her greedy family.
"Are they all here already?" Hye-Ri took a side glance at a maid who startled and mumbled a hasty "Yes Miss!"
Nodding sharply, Hye-Ri swept a glance at the mansion. The grand manor sprawled out, its facade a masterful blend of classical elegance and modern sophistication. Tall, slender columns supported a sweeping portico, while intricately manicured gardens stretched out across the estate like a vibrant, emerald tapestry.
It had been about ten years since Hye-Ri had set foot in the Lee family mansion. The house held a lot of memories, more bad than good, memories that stirred awake as she breathed in the sickeningly familiar scent of roses that permated the air.
If she had her way, Hye-Ri would have never come back here, but life had a habit of dealing cards that no one wanted.
Sighing discreetly and mentally preparing herself for the hell that was going to ensue, Hye-Ri flicked back her hair and stepped into the mansion.
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"Lee Hye-Ri?" A young lady with short black hair and wearing an expensive looking gown stepped in front of Hye-Ri no sooner than she had entered the foyer.
It was Hye-Ri's younger cousin, Lee Ha-Yeon, only daughter of Old Master Lee's first son.
"..." Hye-Ri didn't bother to reply and made to step around her but Ha-Yeon held out a hand.
"Where do you think you're going to huh? You finally decide to show your face around here when grandpa is on his death bed!" Ha-Yeon tsked. "Such an unfilial granddaughter. You are probably here for part of the inheritance. Well let me tell you now Lee Hye-Ri, you're not getting anything!"
Hye-Ri raised a brow at Lee Ha-Yeon and brushed off her hand.
"What makes you think I'm here for the inheritance? I don't need it, my company could buy this family four times over?"
Lee Ha-Yeon stilled and bit her lip.
It was undeniably true. Lee Hye-Ri had taken up her mother's small shop which was started as a hobby in District F and turned it into the world renowned Haneul Beauty™, a luxury cosmetics line.
Everyone had marvelled at how a young lady could achieve such fame and her family had tried to leech off on her name and personal wealth, but to no avail as Lee Hye-Ri had cut off all contact with them.
"W...Well what are you doing here then?!" Ha-Yeon stuttered, "Since you're so high and mighty, why do you need to come here if not to scramble for the inheritance?! You act all untouchable but you're no better than a filthy beggar!"
"Lee Ha-Yeon." Hye-Ri took a menacing step towards Ha-Yeon, making her falter and take a step backwards. "If you don't have anything sensible to say, you should just shut it. You're wasting oxygen."
Hye-Ri pushed past her cousin whose eyes went wide. Whirling around, Ha-Yeon shreeked;
"Lee Hye-Ri!"
Ignoring the crazed shout behind her, Hye-Ri walked towards the room where she knew everyone would be gathered in...
Her grandfather's bedroom.
"!"
The doors were roughly slammed open, startling the occupants inside who all turned to look at whoever dared slam open the door to Lee Joon-Soo's bedroom.
"Hello family." Hye-Ri stood at the doorway like a formidable spirit.