The woman who was not chosen

Chapter 9

Dara Park inhaled deeply to clear her mind. She knew it was pointless arguing against these people.

She decided to focus on Joo-yeon who was still sitting on the floor, refusing to get up. "I was trying to fix this situation with the hopes of coming to a solution. But it seems that wasn't your end goal. You wanted to create a scene and now you have one." Her eyes swept over the judging looks of the servants. Did they not have anything better to do than stand here and gossip?

"I don't have time to engage in your damsel-in-distress act. And for the record, you're not getting an Oscar for your horrible performance. It's either you come with me in private so that we can discuss a solution, or you can sit on the floor and cry like a baby. I'm fine with either decision, but don't jump to conclusions and try to slander my name."

She heard the gasp of the servants but brushed it aside.

"You're a grown woman with perfectly working legs. Stand up and stop crying on the floor. It's pathetic." She glowered at Joo-yeon, her eyes on fire. If looks could kill, Joo-yeon would've long been buried.

"You know what? You are right. I'm just another rich woman who thinks money can buy her way out of her problems."

Joo-yeon was secretly gloating. She was happy that Dara Park had finally been provoked by her plan. While it hurt her ego to be condescendingly talked to, she knew it would only be a matter of time before this reaches the ears of Kwon Jiyong.

Dara Park walked closer to Joo-yeon and with each step, her heels echoed on the floor. It sounded like tiny clicks of fireworks that would eventually lead to an explosion. The frightening and bone-chilling aura that had emerged from her presence was hard to miss.

Dara Park leaned down to whisper to Joo-yeon so that no one else could hear their conversation. "If you think this little act of yours will evoke pity from Kwon Jiyong, then try again. You think you're the only one who can play the role of a white lotus?" She chuckled, her mocking laughter paralyzing Joo-yeon to the spot.

The dangerous aura that can only be honed by years of training to become a powerful family's matriarch passed by everyone the moment Dara Park softly laughed. Traces of fear flashed through Joo-yeon but she ignored it, believing that she still had the upper hand.

"Oh, little girl. You don't know who you're messing with." She whispered, twirling the white strings on Joo-yeon's uniform. Dara Park instantly picked up that it had clearly been altered. While it still looked similar to uniforms worn by other higher-ranking maids in the estate, Joo-yeon's uniform can be undone by one rough tug. Joo-yeon wanted it to be feeble and fragile so that at any moment, she can give easy access to Kwon Jiyong.

"Before I lose my patience with you, I suggest you stand up and act like a civilized human."

Joo-yeon felt her anger flare at Dara Park's confident words. "You vicious woman, I will cry to Kwon Jiyong and-"

She was interrupted by Dara Park's mocking tone. "Kwon Jiyong? I was not aware servants like you can sound so familiar with your employers. And whose side do you think your master will take? The woman he hovers over like a stubborn fly or an insignificant maid?"

"Accept my hand when I offer it and stand up. If you come to your senses now, I'll be generous and play the 'horrible rich woman' stereotype you had in mind. I'll give you a few million for your dress and bracelet."

Joo-yeon's desire to ensure Dara Park's downfall was even stronger. The fire growing in her heart was being fanned by Dara Park's threatening insults. A few million? Hah! If I marry Kwon Jiyong, a few million will mean nothing to me! It can be used as toilet paper for all I care.