***
Chaeyoung narrowed her eyes at Felix Han, who was sitting comfortably across her. "Tell me the real reason for your visit!"
"I am just here to warn you."
"Bullshit!"
Felix chuckled at Chaeyoung's words. "They asked me to sabotage your presentation and module."
"Who?" she asked.
"Prime Minister's wife."
"And why should I believe you?"
"You don't have to." Felix said before getting up. "I am just being a nice person. It's up to you, to trust me or not."
"I'm leaving." He added before he left, without waiting for Chaeyoung's answer.
Meanwhile, Chaeyoung just stared at Felix Han's departing back. People had been continuously warning her not to go to Luxembourg. However, instead of having second thoughts, Chaeyoung was now adamant about going there. That Country was ruled by the Lee Family. Someone that might be related to Henry Lee.
Thus, coupled with the fact that she looked exactly like Henry Lee, she had some ideas that she had never thought she would have in this lifetime.
Chaeyoung let out a sigh while thinking about the things that she had learned so far. First, there was a possibility that her mother was still alive. Second, Jacob Park was not her father and there was a possibility that it was Henry Lee instead. The fact that her father was trying to kill her was something that Chaeyoung couldn't seem to understand. There was also a possibility that Henry was not her father, but someone related to him. Maybe, a brother? However, according to her research, Henry Lee never had a brother. Only a dead, twin sister.
So, who was her father? And why did Henry seem to hint that she was the Rose in his story?
Chaeyoung frowned when she thought about Henry's story again. Rose was someone, who caused a war between two kingdoms. Was it possible that Chaeyoung was also like that? Was it possible that her origins would also cause chaos and hurt her loved ones?
If that was the case, then the reason Henry was trying to kill her was just to avoid that chaos, right? He wanted to kill Chaeyoung, so he could save someone close to Chaeyoung, like her mother-Claire.
So, did that mean that Claire was indeed alive? If she was alive and captured by Henry, then why would he be afraid for her safety? She should be safe around him, no?
But what if she was not around Henry Lee?
The thought instantly baffled Chaeyoung. Was it really possible that Claire was alive and was not being held captive by Henry? What if Henry was also looking for Claire?
Chaeyoung's mind traveled to the box that was given by Jia Yan's father.
'Do Not Trust Anyone.'
'Do not trust' but whom? Was that the reason Claire was not letting her know about her presence? Because someone on Chaeyoung's side was a traitor?
Then, her gaze traveled to the code that was written on the paper. It looked as if it was just random numbers and letters, something that would not make any sense to anyone. But the letter clearly said that only Claire and Chaeyoung could decipher the message.
Chaeyoung closed her eyes, as her memory tried to once again solve the code on that piece of paper.
Nothing.
Still Nothing.
It seemed that only her mother could solve the code, not her.
With these in mind, Chaeyoung decided to stop thinking about things that wouldn't make any sense to her and continue her work. In about two weeks she would finish her drone and would use it to check out Henry's mansion.
Chaeyoung's drone was equipped with a technology called 'Hollowlens'. Something that could penetrate walls, creating an X-Ray vision that would allow Chaeyoung to survey Henry's mansion and see if her mother was really held captive against her will.
That was also the reason Chaeyoung kept this project a secret. If anyone knew about the drone's capabilities, then she was sure that they would do everything to obtain that information. Especially, the military.
So, if not this innovation, then what was Chaeyoung going to show to the people from Luxembourg?
Chaeyoung was planning to show them a drone, without all these sophisticated features. She was planning to remove its ability to record Audio and its X-Ray vision. In that way, people would not think that she was creating something that would illegally spy on a person, hundreds of miles away from them.
Chaeyoung was sure that once the nation knew about that invention, they would do everything in their power, to poach her and her company. They would surely try to make her work for them and use her mind to create more devastating things.
Like an AI controlled bomb: Chaeyoung's next personal project.
Days passed by and everyone in the Tech Industry was now aware that Chaeyoung and Angler Tech would once again compete in Luxembourg. Everyone was really curious to know, why was Chaeyoung being so secretive about her project, not letting anyone know what it was.
"I'm sure she is using that module for drones, the one that destroyed our system." Sana said. Chaeyoung had stepped on her and embarrassed her, made her wish she was dead when their system had been breached. She made it look like that Sana was not knowledgeable enough, to notice that the codes were loaded with traps.
Because of that, Sana felt the need to prove to everyone that she was not a loser. She might not be as talented as Chaeyoung, yet, she was almost there. Just a little bit more, and she could achieve what Chaeyoung had achieved. Moreover, Sana got her confidence from the Prime Minister's wife, who wholeheartedly supported her in her intentions against Chaeyoung.
Sana was well aware of Felix Han's deal with the Prime Minister's wife because he had asked her to accomplish that for him. Felix Han's reasoning was simple. He couldn't just touch Chaeyoung without ruining his reputation. The foolish Sana instantly nodded her head and agreed to his words. She was unaware that Felix was just using her as a possible scapegoat.
Everything had already been set for a good show. If a problem arose, the blame would all be put on the jealous and unreasonable Sana.
Sana was so happy when Felix told her about this. She thought that Felix trusted her very much. Otherwise, why would he tell her a highly classified transaction like that? 'Felix must love me so much,' she thought.
Poor Sana...
.....
Days continued passing without them realizing that Chaeyoung was already done with the drone that she had specifically made to spy on Henry Lee.
She decided to test it with everyone, to show them that the project was successful. Of course, her audience included Long Die and Jungkook, as well as Taehyung and Lisa, who seemed nervous for some unknown reason.
Chaeyoung assumed that Lisa must have been nervous about her project. She had already invested millions in this project, as well as an endless amount of time and effort. If she failed then Lisa was sure that Chaeyoung would be heartbroken.
With these in mind, Chaeyoung moved towards Lisa and slid her hands into hers, interlocking their fingers together. Her wife was just the sweetest.
Of course, Chaeyoung was unaware that Lisa was worried not because of the project. She was worried because of the fact that Claire was already not with Henry Lee, but was sitting there with them. The guilt of hiding this fact from Chaeyoung was slowly consuming Lisa. She wanted to tell her the truth. Yet, she knew that Claire had her own reason for doing that. And for some reason, she also believed Claire's words. Lisa thought that if they let Chaeyoung know everything, it would just put her in danger.
At that point, Claire was still unaware that Chaeyoung made that drone just to find her. All she was thinking about right now, was her proud heart. She even felt emotional while she watched Chaeyoung examining the drone.
They were currently on the rooftop of Wang Empire building, sitting under a tent that was set up just for this event.
Claire was staring at Chaeyoung, her eyes complicated. Working with Chaeyoung was such a wonderful experience as a mother.
When Chaeyoung was born, Claire had never planned on teaching her daughter something that would make her this outstanding. Yet, watching Chaeyoung right now, was giving her deep satisfaction. She was a proud mother-a very proud one.
Claire realized as she was watching Chaeyoung that she had made a very big mistake while raising her. She should have introduced her to this world as soon as possible. She should have made her an expert at a young age, to help her protect herself against everyone, who wanted to hurt her. If she would have been given a chance to go back to the past to redo everything- she would gladly take that chance.
A chance to restart everything with her daughter.
"Alright... are you ready?" Claire watched, as Chaeyoung beamed in front of them. She couldn't deny that her daughter's smile was making her happy. Too happy.
Everyone nodded at Chaeyoung's words.
"The 'Colossus's' speed is comparable to that of a jet fighter, if not faster. This way, it could reach the north of this country within seconds." Chaeyoung explained. "Now, it's programmed to follow my voice, and I can also use this control panel right here…" she waved a square-shaped device in front of everyone. "Thanks to our brilliant engineer, Long Die!" Chaeyoung nodded at her while smiling.
"Alright, let's start." Chaeyoung's expression turned serious as she fixed her attention on the drone.
That was it. She would now see if Claire was on Henry's island.
The anticipation was killing her.
Claire or Long Die gulped at the coordinates that kept on flashing on the screen in front of them. She only has two words in her mind, as it seemed to stop processing the other thoughts-Henry Lee.
The coordinates were exactly Henry Lee's mansion location. She couldn't help but stare at her daughter, who was seriously staring at the tablet that showed the visual information broadcasted by the drone. Then, her gaze landed at Lisa, who was also coincidentally staring at her. She could see the guilt in Lisa's eyes. She too, felt the same way, in fact, watching Chaeyoung like that made her feel very guilty, she wanted to just run to her daughter and hug her, tell her that she was here, standing just beside her.
She lowered her head as a determination flashed in her mind. Tonight, she would tell Chaeyoung the truth.
On the other side, Chaeyoung was frowning while staring at the video in front of her. She activated the X-ray vision once again. Yet, there was no one, who looked suspicious inside Henry's mansion. She couldn't help but wonder if her mother was really with Henry Lee.
Or, what if she was really dead? What if she was just hoping in vain? Hoping for a miracle… for the impossible to come true.
She let out a sigh before biting her lips in an attempt to suppress her tears. Maybe, her imagination had really gone too wild. Maybe, her instincts were wrong this time. Maybe, her mother really died in that car crash.
"Alright! It seems that it was a success," she said after composing herself. The other members couldn't see what was on the tablet. Everyone immediately nodded their heads and cheered for her. Everyone, except Lisa.
Lisa slowly patted her back and kissed the nape of her neck. Lisa was trying to comfort her… or maybe, herself. At that point, Lisa had already decided to tell Chaeyoung about Claire. Lisa had once promised not to keep any secrets from her.
Chaeyoung decided to celebrate their success and bought some food and beverage for everyone working in Wang Empire. Although no one, aside from her own team, was aware of that achievement, she wanted everyone in Wang Empire to celebrate her success.
The celebration lasted for a few hours before Chaeyoung and Lisa, as well as her team, went back into her office to make final preparations for the trip to Luxembourg.
"What's wrong?" Chaeyoung asked Long Die when she noticed that the latter did not leave alongside everyone else.
"I have something important to tell you." She said before stealing a glance at Lisa.
"You are making me nervous." Chaeyoung smiled and scoffed. "What is it?"
Long Die did not answer her. Instead, she went to Chaeyoung's door and locked it, as well as the blinds in her office.
Her strange behavior instantly earned a raised eyebrow from Chaeyoung. Why was Long Die behaving so strange now? Chaeyoung couldn't help but think if this was the time when the latter would inform her about the reason why she was afraid of Luxembourg.
"This serious?" she jokingly said when Long Die came back to her seat.
"Yes." Long Die nodded before slowly taking off her wig, revealing her black bob hair. That earned a surprised gasp from Chaeyoung.
Without saying anything, Long Die just smiled at Chaeyoung before slowly dampening the prosthetics make up with a wet tissue. Then, she slowly removed it.. revealing a face that could have rivaled Chaeyoung's.
At that point, Chaeyoung had already realized what Long Die was trying to do. She already suspected something when Long Die started removing her make up. Yet, seeing her mother's face after she removed everything, still brought nothing but a shock to her.
"You…" Chaeyoung was unable to say anything. She was honestly speechless. Her mother… Claire… was sitting across her. She was smiling, as tears started spilling from her eyes.
The duo just looked at each other, without saying anything. Both were crying, unable to voice out the words they had, running in their minds.
"Mom...?" Chaeyoung said before getting up from her chair.
"Chae..." Claire's voice was hoarse, the voice of Long Die, who was almost always trembling, was gone. "I'm sorry."
Chaeyoung's tears instantly burst onto her cheeks, the moment she heard her mother's words. It was as if the word was able to reach the depths of her heart. Tugging it, opening the deepest pain that she felt when her mother had left her. Chaeyoung did not remember running towards Claire's arms. All she remembered was her mother's arms wrapping around her, the moment she started crying.
Her chin trembled, as she buried her face on Claire's shoulder. All the walls that she had built when her mother died collapsed, as her emotions poured out. Her mother was alive.
Chaeyoung sobbed on Claire's chest unceasingly, as the latter held her daughter in silence, stroking her back. Claire watched as one by one, the walls surrounding Chaeyoung heart fell, tumbling down, crashing into waves of an emotional puddle.
"I'm sorry." Again, Claire mumbled, whispering into her daughter's ear. She should have done it earlier. Yet, she knew, she couldn't do that. She needed to be careful and be aware of their surroundings.
Claire knew that someone close to her had tried to kill her, almost killing Chaeyoung in the process. And it was the main reason she did not want anyone else to know that she was alive. She still needed to find out, who was the traitor. She needed to keep her daughter safe.
Claire initially thought that she could just stay hidden, away from the prying eyes. She was planning to just watch over Chaeyoung. Yet, Henry chose to visit her daughter. Because of that, she was forced to find a way to get closer to her daughter as Long Die.
Then, Chaeyoung decided to go to Luxembourg. This time, Claire couldn't ignore the danger anymore. She couldn't just watch her daughter deliver herself into the lion's den. She needed to stop it. Stop her.
She originally thought that going with Chaeyoung was enough since she was unable to change her mind. But when she saw her sad expression, as Chaeyoung watched the live footage of Henry's mansion, was her last straw. As a mother, she couldn't let her daughter feel that pain because of her anymore.
Claire felt Chaeyoung clutch her dress, not wanting to let her go. She immediately hugged her daughter tighter, letting her know that she was not going anywhere. She was here to stay with her.
Chaeyoung's shoulders trembled and her chest heaved with emotion. She was in her mother's arms. Her tears continued spilling her cheeks, releasing the sadness and sorrow that she had held inside her during these years. She missed her… she missed her mother.
So, this was how it felt… Chaeyoung once wondered what would she do if she found out that her mother was alive and was with Henry. Would she cry? Would she laugh and celebrate that her mother was alive? Then, she thought about the things that she would do once she found out that she was not alive. She vowed not to cry, she had already cried enough when her mother died. So, what was the point of doing it again?
Yet, when she saw that her mother was not in Henry's mansion, she felt an intense, deep sadness. She felt disappointed.
Dry, raging sobs continue echoing inside the room before it dwindled down into soft sobs.
After making sure that Chaeyoung was already calm and collected. Claire started telling her daughter about what had happened after waking up in Henry's mansion. Everything, including Yuri and Miyeon.
The reason she was not able to contact Chaeyoung, was that Henry had never allowed her near a computer alone. Even when she was talking to Yuri on the webcam, Henry would assign someone to watch over her.
Then, she told Chaeyoung about her escape, as well as Yuri's possible death.
"I was not able to see anyone lying in bed in Henry's mansion." Chaeyoung stated. "It could only mean that Yuri is not in his mansion. Is it also possible that she is already dead."
Claire nodded. "You are right. Henry Lee is ruthless... there is no way he will not torture Yuri."
Then, Claire told her why she was forced to reveal herself to Chaeyoung.
"You don't want me to go to Luxembourg?" she asked, making sure that she heard the right thing.
"You are right." Claire nodded.
"Why? Is it because of my father?" Chaeyoung's bluntness was a surprise to Claire. Chaeyoung's attitude reminded her of herself when she was at her age.
"Yes."
"And you can't tell me more, than this?" Chaeyoung asked.
"Yes." Once again, Claire nodded.
Chaeyoung turned silent at Claire's words. She couldn't help but wonder, why was her mother unable to tell her who her father was. Was he the King of Luxembourg? Chaeyoung laughed inwardly at her thoughts.
The fact that her father was putting her and her mother in danger was something Chaeyoung couldn't fathom. Just who was he?
"One more thing," Claire interrupted her thoughts. "You can't tell anyone about me, yet."
"Not even Grandfather and Uncle?"
Claire shook her head in response. Then, Chaeyoung asked, "Why?"
Claire took a deep breath as she stared at her daughter. "The car accident was caused by someone close to me."
"Someone has betrayed me." She added, her gaze unfathomable.
"Who?" Chaeyoung asked. If someone else had hurt Claire, then did that mean that Henry had actually saved her mother?
For some reason, the fact that Henry had saved her mother, was making her feel conflicted. Just, who was Henry Lee? What position did he have in her mother's life?
"I don't know yet. But I will find out soon." Claire said solemnly. She intended to find out very soon.
"So, are you going to continue pretending to be Long Die? Shall I send Jungkook and Taehyung to Luxembourg instead?"
"Don't send anyone." Claire answered before glancing at Lisa. "The two of you should know that this could be a trap set for Chaeyoung."
"I'm sorry Mom, but I don't understand." Chaeyoung interjected. "Is someone trying to kill me aside from Henry Lee?"
Claire slowly nodded.
"Who?"
"You don't need to know that now since I am not yet certain about it too. But I am sure they are from the Royal Family."
"Like the Prime Minister's wife?" Chaeyoung asked.
"Precisely."
"But why? Can't you tell me this? Can't you at least explain to me why this is happening? Why would someone try to kill me just because I'm your daughter? I am not even aware of who my father is." Chaeyoung needed an explanation. She needed to know. She needed the truth from her mother.
Claire let out a sigh before she gestured Lisa to sit down at Chaeyoung's table across them.
"Listen to me. And listen attentively." She began. "Your father holds a very important position in that country. He… chose the country instead of me… he did not know that I was pregnant when I left."
"Is my father the King of Luxembourg?" Chaeyoung asked.
"I don't know."
"What do you mean?" this time it was Lisa who asked. What kind of mother didn't know, who the father of her child was? Claire must have been kidding, right?
"When I met him… he didn't reveal to me his real identity. All I know is that... he was… Henry's twin brother." Claire's answer earned shocked gasps from both Lisa and Chaeyoung.
"But… according to…"
"Don't believe the records." Claire interrupted Chaeyoung. "He had a brother that was chosen by the main Lee Family when they were still toddlers."
"It is a secret rule. No one is allowed to know this, except family members. But Henry told me this secret when he discovered that his brother and I had been seeing each other. By then… it was already too late. I was already involve in their matter too deeply and.. it took me a while to get out of the situation."
"You mean my father is Henry Lee's twin, and you were unaware of this?"
"You are right."
"So, you believe that my father is either the King or the Prime Minister, disguised under another identity?" Chaeyoung asked, disbelief laced her eyes. So, these things did not just happen in the movies after all.
"So, why can't he know that I am his daughter?"
"Because you have a very special identity. You are – were supposed to become the next leader of the Vercello Family."
"What do you mean?"
Claire hesitated before finally deciding not to tell Chaeyoung everything. "I mean, you were destined to become enemies with the Lee Family."
Claire's words were something that Chaeyoung did not anticipate. Then, Henry's words seem to echo in her mind.
'Rose would only create chaos and war. Rose should die.'
She let out a long sigh, as her mind started processing Claire's words. So, she was supposed to be her father's enemy. Was that why Henry Lee wanted to kill her? Because she was someone that supposed to be his enemy?
"This is too complicated." Chaeyoung blurted out.
"It is." Claire nodded. "And I apologize for being dumb."
Chaeyoung shook her head and held her mother's hands. "This is not your fault."
In the end, Chaeyoung and Claire talked a bit more about Chaeyoung's life when her mother was not there.
Of course, Chaeyoung could feel that her mother was still hiding something from her. Something very important. Yet, she chose to ignore that for now.
She had already decided not to go to Luxembourg. She would rather stay here, beside her mother and Lisa, than dabble in a war that she couldn't win.
The trio then decided, to let Claire mask herself as Long Die and continue working for her.
They assumed that once Chaeyoung backed out from the project of Luxembourg, they would also stop provoking her. However, there were people, who couldn't just ignore Chaeyoung's identity. She was a genius, a prodigy that could create something impossible.
Chaeyoung was just the perfect secret weapon, a secret ally for the upcoming war.
......
Ahhh.. Yes, Rosie's father is Henry Lee's twin. hehe 😊