Pay With Your Heart

Chapter 444: Meeting With Mr.Kim.

Dan-Han ambled into the restaurant with Eun-sun by his side, her hand safely buried in his to assure her there was nothing to be worried about – that he was going to protect her by all means.

They met a waitress at the entrance who directed them towards the private room Mr.Kim had reserved.

Had this situation been different, Dan-Han was sure he’d never want to attempt the plot in his head. He had never tried to goad anybody into taking his bait. His approach to things has always been direct.

If an enemy was in sight, he never dallies to push their hand or bait them. Rather he handled them the best way he could. That was how he had climbed and stayed at the top and the only way he had done things until now.

But unfortunately, things were different. This was a delicate matter. There were so many people involved and so many things to be considered. The variables were also factors to be considered.

A DNA test might prove Eun-sun’s paternity to Ki-Jun, but it wouldn’t prove his brother, Yong-Gun, as the mastermind of what had happened.

It would be stupid to raise suspicion verbally or make any accusations. Even if he related Mi-Cha’s existence to it, Yong-Gun could easily turn the table around and take the role of a sacrificial brother. Then it would be his words against his.

.....

The worst that could happen was Yong-Gun getting away with everything. And if he did, Dan-Han was sure he’d return and attempt to execute his plans once again, and that time, he wasn’t going to wish Eun-sun away; rather, he’d end her as well as her father to get what he wanted.

Dan-Han believed Ki-Jun had no idea who his brother was or how greedy and ruthless he could be. His greed was what led to all this. And even that was also something Dan-Han still hasn’t been able to figure out.

Why was Yong-Gun trying so hard to take over everything the Kim owned, even as far as going mad with this plan of his?

He was a member of the Kim family, so he was bound to have a good amount of fortune under his name. Thus it wasn’t making sense why he would go this far to take his brother’s share.

Ki-Jun had been in charge of their companies after their family patriarch passed away, but because of Sena, he made an early retirement and kept Yong-Gun in charge. But again, Dan-Han knew too well that Ki-Jun still made the final decision.

He could never completely let go. That was something every true businessman could never do.

Their companies and establishments always owned a part of their heart and soul because of the years of sweat and blood put into them.

Dan-Han couldn’t figure it out, but he felt something was amiss.

His eyes darted around as he observed the surrounding. He spotted two men that looked out of place in the restaurant and believed they were Yong-Gun’s security.

He had no worries because he believed Yong-Gun was at a disadvantage and, right now, had no reason to come after him or anyone until he saw Eun-sun.

He tightened his hand around Eun-sun’s when he felt how clammy it was. Her face was taut with almost palpable tension.

“Don’t be scared.” He told her, and Eun-sun slowly nodded.

He knocked on the door before opening it. He stepped in first while Eun-sun fell a step behind him.

“Mr. Kim,” Dan-Han greeted as he stepped into the room.

“Lee Dan-Han.” The man thickly called back. With the cold and odd way the men recognized each other, even a passerby would know there was a silent war between them.

Dan-Han observed his eyes darting behind him, and he side-stepped to reveal the petite figure tucked behind him. He stretched his hand, which she received as she stepped forward before looking at Yong-Gun, who seemed like a lightning bolt had struck him.

Dan-Han stood beside Eun-sun as he observed Mr. Kim’s stunned reaction, and as if the man realized his odd expression, he regained his composure, but not as quick as he wanted it. And despite how calm he wanted to look, Dan-Han could still see the shock in his eyes.

Turning to Mr.Kim, Dan-Han made the introduction. “Mr. Kim, meet my fiancee, Eun-sun.” He said, intentionally omitting her first name, and continued, “Love, this Mr. Kim, a family friend.” Dan-Han said in his most casual tone, which showed no emotions whatsoever.

“Good afternoon, Sir.” Eun-sun greeted with a bow. She raised her face to look at the man who had a stupified look on his face, but again he recomposed himself, this time a bit quicker than before.

“Good afternoon, young lady.” Mr.Kim greeted back as calmly as he could, but the tension in his voice was still detectable to Dan-Han, who acted ignorant to it as he pulled a seat for Eun-sun before taking the seat by her side.

Eun-sun observed the man before her eyes as she wondered if this was really her uncle. The urge to ask why he had done what he did prick at her, but she stopped herself.

“Mr. Kim, I hope you don’t mind me bringing her along. We were about to step out when I received your mail.” Dan-Han would have sounded apologetic to Mr.Kim had he not known how impudent he was. But Dan-Han’s impudence was the last of his worries as he stared at the girl before his eyes.

He glanced at Dan-Han. “You said she’s your fiancee?” He inquired to be sure, his eyes making a quick dart to Eun-sun’s finger, which Dan-Han noticed, and he made no pretense of not knowing Mr.Kim’s thought.

“We’re yet to get the ring.” He said, knowing that was what the man was looking for.

Mr.Kim narrowed his gaze at Dan-Han with suspicion. “Was she the person you mentioned on the phone?” He recalled Dan-Han’s words that had sounded mischievous.

His eyes furrowed deeper as thoughts made quick rounds in his head. He peered at Eun-sun again and reverted his attention to Dan-Han when he replied.

“Yes,” Dan-Han tersely replied, making Yong-Gun’s eyes darken with heightened suspicion. “We’ve been dating for almost a year now, so I thought it was about time she met my godparents before taking the big step.” He added, and that ripped a reaction from Yong-Gun.

“You met Ki-Jun?” Mr. Kim asked in a surprised tone, again losing control of his expression, but he reeled it back in.

“Yes,” Dan-Han firmly replied with a nod. He observed the flicker in the man’s eyes as well as his struggle to control whatever he was feeling. Suspicion? Fear? Anxiety? Or maybe all.

Eun-sun, who had been staring at Mr.Kim while trying really hard to keep an easy look on her face, threw a furtive glance at Dan-Han as he spoke. It was obvious to her that he had intentionally mentioned the time frame of their relationship on purpose, the same way he had not mentioned her first name.

Dan-Han looked at Eun-sun fondly before placing a hand on her clenched fist, which was on her thigh. She was nervous, and he could tell it. His countenance once again became stoic as he turned to Mr.Kim.

“When I got your mail, I thought about surprising you with the good news as uncle Ki-Jun had been very happy to hear about it. No matter our differences and pending matters, there’s undeniably years of relationship between our families.” Dan-Han meaningfully said while Mr.Kim intently glanced at him.

There was nothing on Dan-Han’s face to give him away. He furtively glanced at Eun-sun as he wondered what was going on.

Why was Dan-Han currently in country F sitting with a girl that shared a resemblance with his sister In-law? Was he really here for the purpose he had just said? But who was the girl?

Mr. Kim managed an easy smile as he stared at Eun-sun. “What did you say your name was again?” He asked, and Dan-Han squeezed Eun-sun on her hand, encouraging her to answer.

“Eun-sun, sir.” She replied, following Dan-Han’s lead, even though she was sure that wasn’t what the man wanted to hear.

Dan-Han had said he couldn’t discover her identity until her paternity had been confirmed. Finding who she was and digging up everything detail about her life would be an easy fit for someone like him, but withholding her last name would make things a bit difficult even for him.

With her last name, he could easily find her mother, and he’d recognize her if he had given her to Song-Hee directly.

Mr.Kim nodded with a fake smile. “What about your family? What do they do?” He asked.

But before Eun-sun could think of something to answer, Dan-Han spoke up. “You can call her a Lee, as she is already mine. And you don’t have to act too cordial as we both know our stand. Since we were both here, I tried to do the right thing by introducing her to you for the years of friendship between our families. But that aside, let’s talk about the real reason for your mail. Where’s the girl? Your ten days are long spent.”