MMH(Jenlisa Adaptation)

Part 23

"Good evening, dears," Hyun-joo said sipping from a tea cup.

"Mother?" Jennie gaped at Hyun-joo, completely flabbergasted of the older woman's presence.

"Close your mouth, dear, it's not becoming of a lady." Hyun-joo stood and placed her tea cup into the sink.

Lisa's grip on Jennie's shoulders tightened before she shook her head confused. "How did you get in here?"

Hyun-joo turned from her place in the kitchen, sporting her best smile. "It is my daughter's home after all."

"So?"

Jennie finally shook off her momentary paralysis, shutting the door behind them but making no movement of walking towards her mother. "Yes, Mother, I believe Lisa asked you a question."

Hyun-joo inhaled as if she were speaking to children and her patience was wearing thin. "Your doorman allowed me entrance into the building, and I have a copy of your key."

Jennie's lips parted in shock again as she looked at the keys in her grasp.

Lisa's own eyes widened at the information. "You gave your mom a copy of your-"

"No." Jennie hissed. She took several deep breaths and rolled her shoulders, before tossing her keys and clutch onto the side table with indifference. "Whatever you need, Mother, it's late. I'm sure it can wait until the morning."

"I can't congratulate my daughter on her big night?" Hyun-joo moved from the kitchen and walked gracefully toward the pair still lingering by the door. She cupped Jennie's face between her palms and smiled, eyes roving over the younger Kim as if taking her all in. "I am so proud of you, dear."

Jennie swallowed hard once, her own brown gaze searching her mother's for any hint of insincerity. She dipped her head ever so slightly in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Mother."

Lisa shuffled from foot to foot as Hyun-joo pulled her daughter into a hug. Jennie was stiff in Hyun-joo's arms, but just as Hyun-joo was going to release her, Jennie relaxed and hugged back for just a second before pulling away herself.

Hyun-joo remained fixated on her daughter, proud and genuinely happy for her. Lisa couldn't deny Hyun-joo's sincerity. She could see the edges of her eyes crinkle in her smile, but she couldn't help but shake her head at the woman who only seemed happy whenever Jennie was doing something "right" for her career and their family name. The joy left Hyun-joo's face when she turned to properly acknowledge Lisa, a look of forced acceptance replacing her previous expression.

"Ms. Manobal," Hyun-joo greeted with pursed her lips.

"Mrs. Kim," Lisa replied just as tersely.

"You look well."

"I am."

"And Wo Jin?"

"Good."

"Splendid." Hyun-joo clapped her hands together once before turning her attention back to Jennie. "I'll let you get to bed, dear. It'll be a busy few days ahead of you, but I'll see you at Sunday brunch."

Jennie looked taken aback. "What?"

"Dear, this cold shoulder you've been giving me is a little too immature even for you." Hyun-joo moved past them to get her coat from the rack by the door. "I expect you at brunch."

Hyun-joo had her hand on the door and was ready to turn it when Jennie spoke. "No."

Hyun-joo turned slowly. "I beg your pardon, dear?" As always her words were dripping with intent, and if Jennie knew what was best, she'd take the out Hyun-joo was giving her.