Love in the Shadows || Vsoo

|12|

They knocked on the door, and a deep, hollow voice from inside beckoned, "Come in." Stepping inside, they bowed respectfully.

Jisoo glanced at her father, who didn't acknowledge her presence, then at her mother, whose expression brightened upon seeing Gyuri but soured at the sight of Jisoo. Her older sister had yet to arrive.

Her grandfather stood up and enveloped her in a tight hug, a gesture that brought a sense of warmth amidst the coldness of her family's reception.

As she hugged her grandfather, she overheard her mother's low whispers to her father, her words dripping with disdain.

"We should have encouraged Gyuri and Irene to bond with your father, just like Jisoo. It could have secured us more money. This girl is the lord's favorite; we must emotionally manipulate her."

Jisoo heard it all, her heart sinking at her mother's callousness and greed. Despite being less powerful than she should be, she possessed keen hearing abilities unknown to others.

With a heavy sigh, she took her seat, determined not to let her mother manipulate her any further.

Today would be the day she stood up for herself and asserted her worth, regardless of her family's attempts to undermine her.

Jisoo settled into her seat just as Irene swept into the room, flanked by her father's siblings. Her father had two sisters and a brother.

Alessia Elrod, the eldest sibling, had devoted her life to running an orphanage for non-human creatures possessing human-like qualities.

Her ex-husband had abandoned her for another woman, leaving her with their daughter, Isla Elrod. Society scorned Alessia for being a 'bad' wife and for giving birth to a daughter, souring relations with her family.

Alfred Kensington, Alessia's father, harbored guilt for not supporting her and sought to amend things with financial assistance.

Serene Kartz was happily married to a wealthy merchant and had two children, Jasmine and Oliver Kartz.

George Kensington, the youngest brother, had three wives, each with a child: Adam, Noah, and Sofia Kensington.

Everyone arrived with their children, but not their spouses. Jisoo's mother was an exception, as she would be co-ruling with the eldest son.

Jisoo harbored a dislike for her relatives, except for Alessia and Isla, who understood her. Unfortunately, due to her father's animosity toward his own sister, they rarely had the chance to meet.

Alfred cleared his throat before speaking up, "I would like to start with George. For you, I am leaving my mansion in the Eastern mountains, along with gold worth one million dollars and an additional four million dollars. Any complaints?"

George knew his complaints would be futile given Alfred's bias, so he shook his head in refusal. "Great," Alfred continued, signing the papers and proceeding to Serene.

"For you, Serene, I leave behind your mother's diamond bracelet and rose gold necklace, along with five million dollars. Any complaints?" Serene replied, "No, father. Thank you." He smiled and signed the paper.

"My dear Alessia," Alfred's voice softened, his eyes reflecting fondness at the mention of his firstborn.

Jisoo had seen some images of her grandmother, Eliza, and Alessia was a spitting image of her. "I leave behind 10 million, all your mother's jewelry except for her wedding ring and silver necklace, and my cottage beside the lake." 

The cottage held cherished memories for Alessia, Eliza, and Alfred, where they had spent some of the most beautiful moments of their lives.

However, after Arthur, Jisoo's father, was born, everything changed. Alfred's business flourished, and the family bonds weakened.

Alessia simply nodded, and Alfred signed the papers, passing them on to her.

Alfred's expression sharpened as he reviewed the papers he had written for Arthur, his frown deepening as he signed two papers and passed them on to Jisoo and Gyuri.

Jisoo's eyes widened as she saw the document in front of her. Just as she lifted it to read, Arthur snatched it, his face paling as he read its contents.

"What is it, father?" Arthur shouted, rising to his feet. "Yes, the rest of my inheritance is under Jisoo's name, but since she is still 11, you have the right to it as long as she approves of it." The lawyer and other witnesses were stunned into silence. Jisoo's mind went blank at the news.

"And the throne! According to this, Jisoo is the one who decides whether I get the throne after your death or not. If she wants, she can remove me and place anyone in MY PLACE!"

Arthur emphasized the words 'my place,' holding Gyuri's paper, which stated her inheritance of her grandmother's silver necklace, a ship, and their mansion in the northern forest.

Irene stood up, her voice trembling, "What about me, grandfather? I didn't inherit anything!" Arthur's wife tried to calm her down, suggesting,

"The wedding ring must be yours!" But Alfred's sharp voice shattered Irene's hopes. "No, it's for Jisoo only."

"As for you, Arthur, I stand by my decisions. If you are unhappy with them, you are free to leave this house," came the firm retort. Alfred felt his blood run cold at the ultimatum.

"Now that everything is settled, I think everyone should gather in the dining area for dinner," Arthur announced, attempting to diffuse the tension. Jisoo rose to leave, but Arthur's voice halted her. "Wait!" he commanded.

"Irene, Jisoo, me, and Father stay. The rest of you, leave," Arthur ordered, swiftly thinning the room to just the four of them.

"Father, this is grossly unfair to me and my daughter, Irene. I should have inherited your wealth, and Irene should have received Mother's jewels. Despite knowing we deserved it more, you decided to give everything to her!" 

Arthur's accusations pierced the air, striking Jisoo's heart with each word like arrows. She bit her lip, struggling to hold back tears.

"Isn't Jisoo your daughter too?" Alfred countered. "By blood, perhaps. But not by heart. All she has ever done is let me down," Arthur's words cut deep, causing Jisoo immense pain. She fought to compose herself.

"It doesn't matter. What is yours is hers, and what is hers is yours. End of discussion," Alfred declared before leaving the room.

Jisoo moved to leave as well, but Irene stopped her, pushing her forcefully, causing Jisoo to hit her head on the corner of the table, sending a sharp pain through her.

Arthur stepped forward, looming over Jisoo. "Next Tuesday, you will transfer every inheritance you have received into my name," he demanded.

Jisoo immediately refused, trembling in fear. "N-no, grandfather gave me this responsibility, and I will handle it well," she stammered.

In a fit of rage, Arthur grabbed the table and hurled it across the room, causing Jisoo to tremble even more, feeling utterly helpless in the face of his aggression.

"You—" Irene's words were abruptly cut off by the sudden entrance into the room. Jisoo's face drained of color as she beheld the person standing on the door.