Chapter 7

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Stepping out of the sleek car, you tossed the keys casually to a waiting guard, a silent directive to have it cleaned

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Stepping out of the sleek car, you tossed the keys casually to a waiting guard, a silent directive to have it cleaned. The frustration etched on your face painted a narrative of its own as you approached the grand entrance of the mansion. The weight of a hidden family secret pressed heavily on your shoulders, and within the confines of your determined stride was a singular focus – guarding it from the prying eyes of the world.

As the ornate doors swung open, Butler Hwang, the ever-watchful guardian of your sanctuary, approached with an air of deference. "Sir, dinner has been prepared for you," he announced, moving to assist you with your coat.

With a dismissive wave, you halted his efforts. "Leave me be, Hwang," you ordered, your voice carrying a hint of agitation. The butler, perceptive to the unspoken need for solitude, stepped back, allowing you to navigate the expansive halls of the mansion on your own.

The scent of opulence enveloped you, and the hushed murmur of plush carpets cradled your footsteps as you made your way to the mansion's bar. The crystal glasses gleamed in the ambient light, and you poured a drink with measured grace. The liquid within whispered tales of solace as you raised the glass to your lips, the amber glow reflecting the tumultuous thoughts that swirled within the depth of the mansion's opulent embrace.

 The liquid within whispered tales of solace as you raised the glass to your lips, the amber glow reflecting the tumultuous thoughts that swirled within the depth of the mansion's opulent embrace

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The dim glow of the mansion's bar offered a refuge from the weighty concerns that accompanied you. With each sip, the rich liquid provided a momentary escape, a respite from the clandestine world you navigated. The ornate surroundings seemed to absorb the echoes of unspoken burdens, casting shadows on the mahogany walls.

The subtle hum of your thoughts merged with the ambient silence as you leaned against the polished bar, contemplating the intricate dance of secrecy and public facade. The crystal glass cradled in your hand mirrored the amber flickers of the internal turmoil, catching the play of shadows in its gleaming surface.

In the distance, the grandeur of the mansion's halls whispered tales of generations past, each echoing footstep a reminder of the responsibilities etched into the very fabric of your existence. The mansion, with its timeless elegance, stood as both witness and guardian to the complexities that unfolded within its walls.

As the liquid courage wove its magic, the frustration on your face gradually softened. The solitude of the bar became a haven, shielding you momentarily from the demands of a world that sought to unravel the carefully woven tapestry of your family's hidden truths. The mansion, a fortress of opulence, cradled the weight of secrets and the solitude you sought within its stately walls.

 The mansion, a fortress of opulence, cradled the weight of secrets and the solitude you sought within its stately walls

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With a subtle yet commanding hand gesture, you beckoned Butler Hwang into your proximity. As he complied, stepping into the intimate space, a shroud of darkness masked your features. In a swift and intense moment, your fingers closed around his collar, the grip tight and unyielding, your eyes piercing through the shadows with an unwavering intensity.

"How long have you been working for me?" you demanded, the gravity of the question echoing palpably in the air.

"Since you were nine, Master," Butler Hwang responded, his voice delicately blending fear with unwavering loyalty. Despite the tension simmering beneath the surface, his demeanor remained outwardly calm.

Your grip tightened momentarily, a silent communication through the clasp of fabric. "So you know what that bastard father of mine did, right?" you questioned, the words sharp and incisive.

A measured pause lingered in the air before Butler Hwang replied, "Yes, Master."

Releasing his collar, you smoothed out the fabric with a touch that seemed almost tender, a stark contrast to the intensity of the moment. "Who else knows, besides you?" you inquired, the room enveloped in a heavy silence.

"Just a few workers, some of whom still work for you. However, seven of them were caught stealing, and you had them fired. Charges were pressed, and they were jailed," Butler Hwang divulged, his voice steady despite the weight of the revelations.

The echoes of the mansion seemed to absorb the gravity of the conversation, the ornate surroundings becoming silent witnesses to the intricate dance of loyalty, betrayal, and the shared burden of family secrets.

The weight of the revelation hung in the air as you processed the information. After a contemplative moment, your gaze shifted, fixating on Butler Hwang once again.

"And what about Ha Joon?" you inquired, a steely edge cutting through the air. The mere mention of Ha Joon, one of the thieves, introduced a new layer of complexity to the intricate narrative unfolding within the mansion's walls.

Butler Hwang hesitated briefly, his eyes meeting yours with a sense of anticipation. "Master, Ha Joon was among the workers caught stealing. He was involved in the theft, and the consequences were the same for him. Fired and jailed," he confessed, the weight of the truth carried in his measured words.

The room, steeped in history and guarded by opulent artifacts, bore witness to the revelation. The dance of shadows and subdued light seemed to echo the intricate tapestry of loyalty and betrayal woven through the years.

As you absorbed this additional piece of the puzzle, a flicker of emotion passed across your face. The mansion, an eternal guardian of family secrets, held its breath, the heavy silence punctuated only by the whispered confessions within its walls.

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