The Unseen Scar
Perhaps intrigued by her casual use of the old man’s name without even calling him ajusshi, he straightened his posture. Instead of chopsticks, he toyed with the cup of cold barley tea, stifling a chuckle.
“At least in South Korea, that’s an impossible premise, isn’t it?”
“Then don’t waste your breath. I only deal with people richer than Sa Jae-cheol.”
“They say you were thrown out on the street.”
Her chopsticks stilled at his words.
“And?”
“I heard you’re the old man’s savior.”
“So what.”
“Looks like your grandfather got hurt once?”
Had Sa Jae-cheol been in an accident? There was no such information in the report. Kim Ui-jae, this bastard was hiding something?
So... you don’t know everything either.
Yeon-jae felt as though she’d found a sliver of light in a maze. A weakness. Something Sa Hee-eon didn’t know. And he thought she had it.
“You don’t even know what happened to your grandfather... I’m not planning to stay here long. Don’t come looking for me. I just need to squeeze some money out of the old man.”
Ah, more precisely, your grandfather. She smiled sweetly.
“What’s with everyone gathering like this?”
The dining room held three tables. The Sa family’s men, daughters-in-law, and daughters sat in clusters, along with their grandchildren, when Sa Jae-cheol walked in. Unlike the calm old man, the family rose tensely, pushing back their chairs. Two sons, one daughter—their descendants filled the main house’s dining hall.
“Father, where on earth have you been all this time? We were all so worried.”
Eldest son Hyeon-o approached to help Sa Jae-cheol sit. No one glanced at the neatly arranged meal; all ears were on what the patriarch would say.
Sa Jae-cheol surveyed the tense room and laughed heartily. “Let’s all eat first. It’s good to have everyone together, at least.”
“Yes, Father. Everyone, please sit.”
They rose in unison, then settled back down. Servants stood hidden in the kitchen corner, preparing fruit for dessert.
It was nearly the first time so many family members had gathered at the villa instead of the Seoul main house, and everyone remained on edge.
“Still, thanks to the eldest handling things well while you were gone, everyone’s been quiet. The shareholders seem more concerned about your blood pressure, though.”
“Tell them to stop worrying about my blood pressure and focus on their work.”
“You need to stay healthy, Father.”
“Enough chatter. Eat.”
Only after Sa Jae-cheol picked up his utensils did the clatter of dishes begin. Forced smiles and awkward pleasantries filled the air, while faint classical music from hidden speakers cleverly bridged the gaps in conversation.
Hyeon-o, who had poured An-dong soju into small glasses for his father, sat beside Jae-eon and lightly draped an arm over his shoulder.
“But why did you bring a guest to the villa?”
The old man’s eyes flicked toward Jae-eon before dropping to his wine glass. “Mind your own business. I told you she’s my savior.”
“Still... you should let us know what happened so we can prepare, Father.”
“Prepare for what? She’s pretty, well-mannered, and had nowhere to go, so I gave her a place to stay. What, someone’s unhappy about it?”
Sa Jae-cheol raised his sharp eyes over his round glasses. The daughters-in-law, already forbidden to question, shut their ears; the sons and daughter exchanged wary glances.
“You know cyber-leeches are the biggest headache lately. If Father moves, they’ll swarm like bees. Last time with Kyo-eon’s incident...”
“Yes, that brat. Honestly, isn’t he more of a problem than me? When will he ever act like a proper human?”
The eldest son’s face paled at the sudden outburst.
“He’ll be arriving soon. I’ll guide Kyo-eon well and find him a position. He’s working hard.”
“Working hard? Just don’t disgrace the family. And stop tormenting Hee-eon! Don’t think I don’t know you’re using his name to cover up Kyo-eon’s mess.”
“Father, that’s not true. It’s all for the sake of Sahwa...”
“If you’re incompetent, at least live quietly like Hee-eon! How wonderful—to do what you love and live elegantly. If it weren’t for the second son, he’d have achieved far more!”
Every time Sa Jae-cheol mentioned Hee-eon, the room stiffened. But Jae-eon remained relaxed. He knew Hee-eon better than anyone.
He’s like twilight. Moving secretly, almost visible, an unpredictable fellow. Even handling affairs in place of Sa Kyo-eon would have been part of Hee-eon’s plan, he thought.
“I’ll keep a close eye on Kyo-eon when he arrives, Grandfather.”
With Jae-eon’s words shifting the mood, Hee-eon’s name no longer surfaced at the table. The meal concluded with measured portions, the aroma of coffee and the tart scent of fruit filling the dining hall.
The people who had been restless before Sa Jae-cheol’s arrival now sat silent, as if nothing had happened. Just chattering mouths, anxious about losing their share.
Jae-eon smiled faintly and bit into a crisp apple, its bright red skin gleaming.
Tap. The acrid smoke of a lit cigarette curled upward like flowing water. Jae-eon slipped away from the post-meal conversation and headed toward Hee-eon’s workshop. Each step crunched on lingering snow, quickly muddied.
Yet behind the main house, a bright light glowed like the moon. White illumination blended with glass walls, resembling a crown atop a snowy peak.
Jae-eon called his secretary, Geum-san.
“There’s something I’m concerned about.”
“Contact the main house security team, recheck the attending physician’s records, and find out when the chairman went missing.”
“Have a car ready in three hours.”
Jae-eon hung up with a satisfied expression. The wind was cold.
The dinner conversation had clarified the woman’s existence. The family clearly knew nothing. Sa Jae-cheol was a man who’d sacrifice his own life for Sahwa. This wouldn’t be easily dismissed. Sa Jae-cheol and a woman... wasn’t that too unnatural? Especially with the grandmother watching with wide-open eyes.
Our old man wouldn’t even set up a mistress like the aristocrats of old.
With a cigarette between his fingers, Jae-eon trudged up the hill and paused near the villa where the mysterious woman stayed. A sensor light flickered on at the porch.
The person who opened the villa door was Sa Hee-eon. Without a coat, one hand in his pants pocket, he seemed not to notice Jae-eon.
“Hey.”
Jae-eon raised a hand, puzzled. Hee-eon, ascending the shallow steps, turned.
Long limbs, a small face with large hands, and strikingly placed features made him look like a work of art. Sa Hee-eon was truly extraordinary—his radiance visible from afar, like the Glass House on that hill.
He inspired a faint envy and jealousy in those who saw him.
“Why’d you come out?”
Jae-eon inhaled smoke until his cheeks hollowed and strode toward Hee-eon.
Hee-eon turned to avoid the smoke and climbed the steps.
“You ate?”
Jae-eon frowned, not closing the distance. “With that woman?”