Unlawful Act

Chapter 7

A confrontation between Minji and Yunjin escalated, emotions ran high in the luxurious office. Minji's voice quivered with a mix of disappointment and anguish as she confronted her once-close friend.

"Why, Yunjin? How could you do something so vile and hurtful?" Minji's voice trembled with the weight of betrayal.

Yunjin's expression remained stoic, but a flicker of remorse shimmered in her eyes. "Minji, you have to understand, it was a means to an end. I did what I had to do to protect my interests and secure our futures."

Minji's frustration and anger swelled within her. "Protect your interests? Is that what you call it? What about our friendship? What about the trust we shared?"

Yunjin's composure wavered for a moment, her eyes betraying a hint of vulnerability before hardening once again. "Friendship? Trust? Those are luxuries we can't afford, Minji. In this cutthroat world, we must make sacrifices for success."

The tension reached its peak, their words hanging in the air like a thick fog. Suddenly, the office door swung open, revealing Hyein, Minji's 17-year-old daughter, who had sensed the intensity from outside. With concern etched on her face, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around her mother in a comforting embrace.

"Mom, what's wrong? I felt the tension," Hyein whispered, her voice filled with worry.

Minji momentarily returned the embrace, her heart torn between the emotional turmoil she was experiencing and the instinct to protect her daughter. Gently pushing Hyein away, she said, "Not now, Hyein. This is something adults need to discuss."

Hyein took a step back, hurt and confused, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. She couldn't fully comprehend the magnitude of the conflict unfolding before her. Sensing her distress, Eunchae, who had been waiting outside, rushed in to console Hyein and guide her out of the office, providing her with the comfort she needed.

Once Hyein was out of the room, Minji turned her attention back to Yunjin, her voice laced with determination. "Yunjin, I can't believe what you've become. Our paths have diverged, and I will make sure you face the consequences of your actions. Our friendship is over."

Yunjin's eyes hardened, a defiant glint gleaming within. "So be it, Minji. You were always the weak one. I don't regret what I've done. You'll see that it was necessary, and in the end, I'll come out on top."

Minji's heart ached as she witnessed the transformation of someone she had once considered family. The pain of losing a cherished friendship weighed heavily on her, but she knew she had to stand firm and fight for justice.

Meanwhile, Hyein found solace in Eunchae's comforting presence. As they exited the office, Eunchae enveloped Hyein in a warm embrace, offering reassurance and support.

"Hyein, I know this is difficult for you to understand, but your mom and I are going through a tough time right now," Eunchae explained gently, her voice filled with empathy. "We need to be strong for each other and trust that we'll find a way through this."

Hyein sniffled, wiping away her tears. "I just... I can't believe Aunt Yunjin could do something so awful. She was like family to us."

Eunchae's grip tightened slightly as she gazed into Hyein's eyes, her voice unwavering. "Sometimes people change,"

As Hyein and Eunchae found solace in each other's company, memories of the past flashed through Minji's mind. She couldn't help but recall the journey she and Yunjin had embarked on, building their empire from nothing but sheer determination and unwavering ambition.

In a series of flashbacks, Minji remembered the early days when they were just young, ambitious women with dreams of success. They had met in college, drawn together by their shared drive and hunger for greatness. Yunjin's charisma and business acumen complemented Minji's analytical mind, forging a formidable partnership.