The Heir (BBANGSAZ)

Chapter 1: The Ultimatum

THIRD PERSON'S POV [ MINJI ]

Kim Minji sat at the head of the long, polished oak table in the boardroom of Kim Enterprises, her expression as cold and impassive as the marble floors
beneath her feet. The room was filled
with executives and advisors, their voices a low murmur as they discussed the latest quarterly reports. 

Minji's father, Kim Seokjin, sat beside her, his presence commanding the room.

But Minji's mind was elsewhere. She was thinking about the conversation she had overheard in her father's office the previous night. A conversation that would change her life forever.

"Minji," her father's voice broke through her thoughts, dragging her back to the
present.

"Stay behind. We need to discuss something important."

As the room emptied, leaving Minji alone with her father, she felt a rare pang of unease. Her father was not a man who wasted words or time. Whatever he had to say, it was serious.

"Minji," Seokjin began, his tone uncharacteristically soft, "our family is
facing a crisis."

Minji raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. Her father was a master of
understatement, and a "crisis" in his
terms could mean anything from a
minor stock dip to a full-blown scandal.

"There is a scandal brewing that could ruin us," he said, confirming her worst suspicions.

"The media has gotten hold of some damaging information. Our only hope is to secure a strong alliance with the Pham family. And to do that, I have arranged a marriage between you and Hanni Pham."

Minji's heart skipped a beat.
"A marriage?" she echoed, her voice barely concealing her shock. "Father, you can't be serious."

Seokjin's gaze was unwavering. "I am. This alliance is crucial. Hanni's family
can help us navigate this scandal and bring much-needed stability to our business."

Minji clenched her fists under the table.

She had always known that her life was not entirely her own, but this...this was too much.

"And what does Hanni think of this arrangement?" she asked, her voice cold.

"She has agreed," Seokjin replied simply.

"Her family is in desperate need of financial support, and this marriage will provide that."

Minji looked away, her mind racing. She had met Hanni Pham only once, briefly, at a charity event. She remembered a bright, lively woman with a warm smile- nothing like the cold, calculated world Minji inhabited. The idea of marrying her, of bringing someone so different into her life, was unthinkable.

"But what about love, Father?" Minji
asked, a rare hint of emotion breaking
through her usual calm. "What about finding someone I truly care for?"

Seokjin's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. "Love can
come later, Minji. Right now, our priority is survival. The scandal is set to break in a matter of weeks. We need this alliance to protect our family's legacy."

Minji stood up, walking over to the

window that overlooked the bustling streets of Seoul. Her reflection stared
back at her, a mask of control and composure. But inside, a storm was
brewing. She had always been the dutiful daughter, the perfect heir. But this demand tested her limits.

"And if I refuse?" she asked quietly, still
facing the window.

"Refusal is not an option," Seokjin said
firmly. "If you refuse, the company will suffer, and our family will be disgraced. You are not just my daughter, Minji. You are the future of this company. I need you to understand that."