Passion and Power

Chapter 65

"Hello, Mother."

"I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

"No. Fortunately, I was finished."

"Minji, really?" Jihyo said with distaste. "Is that anyway to behave as the CEO of KimCorp?"

"It's KCorp, Mother." Minji said, walking over to her desk and taking a seat behind it. "But the good news is that I won't be CEO for much longer."

"And that's exactly why I'm here." Jihyo said, getting up from the couch and standing in front of Minji's desk.

"Of course it is." Minji seethed, but this time managed to sound more calm. "Worried about our shares, are we?"

"I'm worried about you, Minji. And the Company. And your Father's legacy." Jihyo said, sounding indignant.

"And your own. You'll always be associated with KCorp, regardless of who is running it."

"But you're the one who will be the biggest loser." Jihyo said. "You're giving up everything you've been working for. Everything you've wanted to accomplish. In order to 'make the world a better place' - in your own words! And how can you do that without KCorp assets behind you?"

"Let me worry about that."

"And for what? For some girl!"

"Watch it, Mother." Minji squeezed her fingers into tight fists, but held her hands tightly to her sides. "Leaving KCorp is about much more than my relationship with Hanni."

"I'm only saying - out of concern for you that...well, just that you've had a lot of women in your life, Minji. Many have caught your eye, and then they're gone. Some you were interested in for some time. And then they're gone. What about that Jang woman? You were serious about her for what - nearly a year, wasn't it? They disappear. Mostly because of you, moving on, pushing them away."

"Back off, Mother." Minji nearly growled.

"You see?" Jihyo scoffed. "You're not the type of alpha to settle down. You were born to conquer. To take what you want, enjoy it, and then move on. This relationship won't be any different."

Minji could feel her face turning fiery red. She held her hands tightly to her sides and fought the urge to respond.

"You're upset because I'm speaking the truth." Jihyo said. "Why do you think this woman will be any different?"

"I've warned you, Mother." Minji said, standing from her seat and gripping the edge of her desk. "Leave Hanni out of this. I've told you it's about much more than her..."

"Don't you see, Minji? You really can have it all. You can have the girl and the company- for as long as you want. And when you're done, you can move on. And still have all the power and wealth of KCorp behind you. No one will care what happens to her."

Minji could feel the rage building up as her mother leaned in to make her point.

"I can see why you're attracted to her. And you can have her, for as long as you want. You don't have to give up the company for her. The truth is, she's really not that special. And knowing you, she'll be gone before the end of this year."

At that point Minji couldn't stop herself. Her hands shot out and wrapped around her mother's neck. She felt relief and pleasure at the power of making her mother stop. At last stopping the horrible words coming out of her mouth. Finally taking control the way she knew she could.

"I warned you, Mother. And I swear, if you open your mouth again to disrespect Hanni...I won't be responsible for what happens." Minji squeezed tighter and watched as her mother's eyes grew wider, realizing the seriousness of her situation as it became more difficult to breathe. Jihyo gripped Minji's wrists tightly, trying desperately to get free.