Chapter 6
Chapter
Six
“ I don’t think it’s a good idea. Won’t you please reconsider going? No good can come out of being in contact with those people.”
Ethan’s heart tightened. This was something he’d dreamed about since he was a child but he didn’t want to let his mother down. “Eomma, if you really don’t want me to go, I won’t.”
A heavy sigh on the other end of the line met his ears. “You’re an adult and I can’t tell you what to do, but there’s a reason I kept the identity of your father away from you. When you went to Korea that summer, I was sick with worry.”
Despite the knowledge of his mother keeping the secret of his birth father from him, Ethan couldn’t bring himself to resent her decision to do so. Raising him as a single mother in a country where English wasn’t her first language, Ethan was well aware of all the sacrifices she made in order to give him the best life she possibly could.
He might not have grown up with name brand labels or the latest gadgets but he never wanted for anything. His mother helped him pay his way through college and medical school, often by working more than one job. There were nights she’d come home so exhausted, she could barely stay on her feet but somehow she always managed to keep food on the table, a roof over his head and made sure he was well taken care of.
But that didn’t mean he didn’t long to know about his father’s side of the family and where he’d come from. He’d been a toddler when he realized he was missing something in his life. At the time his mother worked late hours and a neighbor would watch him sometimes because she had a son around Ethan’s age.
Ethan saw that his friend Jake had a mommy and daddy. He asked his mom why he didn’t have a daddy and even at a young age he could tell the question upset her. So, he didn’t bring it up again for a long time but as he got older he realized, even the kids whose parents were divorced still have fathers.
The television shows that displayed the loving bond of father and son was something he longed for. Once he hit middle school, he built up the courage to ask his mother about the subject again.
Her answer had been a curt, “He’s gone.” There was no elaboration on what that meant and Ethan couldn’t discern whether he was dead or alive from her answer. But when he sought to get clarification, his mother changed the subject.
Though he didn’t bring the subject up again, it didn’t end his thirst for the truth about the identity of his father. When Ethan was in high school, his mother won a trip through her job. He couldn’t go with her because of his part time job. Having the house to himself while she was away, Ethan used that opportunity to look through her things. Figuring out the combination to her safe wasn’t hard considering she used his birthday.
It was then he’d discovered the name of his father which led him down a rabbit hole of not only learning that his father was very much alive but was married with two other children in Korea.
The biggest surprise, however, was finding out his father was a member of a wealthy chaebol family. Ethan’s grandfather was the founder of one of the largest food distribution companies in all of Asia and had recently broken into the US Market.
“I know you were, but you had nothing to worry about,” Ethan replied not bothering to keep the bitterness from his voice. Even at 38 it still stung that his countless attempts to get in contact with his family had been ignored. During the summer of his junior year of college, he had an opportunity to do a work study program abroad in Seoul.
Of course he’d jumped at the opportunity since it would bring him closer to his family there. It wasn’t long after reaching out that he was contacted by the family’s attorney to cease all contact or else he’d be thrown in jail for harassment and deported.
Ethan understood that a prestigious family would need to take precautions from all kinds of weirdos attempting to make claims on their names and fortune but it didn’t hurt any less to be rejected. All he wanted was a chance to talk to them, to find out more about them beyond what he’d read in the news.
But finally, after all these years, they wanted to see him. Well, specifically the acting head of the JKB Corporation. He could have told them all to fuck off after being ignored all these years, but he didn’t want to live a life of wondering what if.
“I get that you’re concerned, and rightfully so but I need to do this for me. You may not talk about it often but I know it still hurts you that you were cut off by your parents. I remember when I was younger when you got a letter from a distant relative that your father died, you were devastated. I know you have regrets that you didn’t do everything you could to reconcile with them. I want to be able to say that I did all I could to establish some kind of connection to my family. And if in the end nothing comes of it, so be it. At least I can say I tried.”
“And do you know what that letter said? It was a cold message informing me that my father died and to not come to the funeral. That was even more painful than when they disowned me in the first place. My father held his grudge even in death. And when my mother dies, it will be more of the same. I just want to save you from the pain I’ve experienced.”
“Eomma, not to be disrespectful, but that’s my cross to bear. Trust me, I can handle it.”
“Then, I guess all I can say.” Her voice wobbled. “Just be careful.”
His heart constricted. The last thing he wanted to do was upset his mother but now that he was set on this course of discovering his roots, there was no turning back. “Eomma, please don’t cry.”
She sniffed. “I know there’s no point in trying to deter you because I’m sure you’ve already made up your mind. But I can’t shake this ominous feeling in the pit of my stomach.”
Ethan didn’t know how to respond to that statement. His mother was no more manipulative than most moms who used guilt with their children to get their way. But in general, she didn’t resort to these tactics. Plus, whenever she said she had a bad feelings about something by some miraculous force of nature, she was usually right.
“Ethan, are you still there?”
“Yes, Eomma, I’m still here. I was just thinking. I know you have concerns, and rightfully so, but I promise, I’ll be careful. I have to go to the appointment now. I will call you afterward and tell you how it went.”
“Okay, son. I love you.”
“I love you too. Don’t worry. I’m a big boy. I can handle myself.”
“Of course you can. Don’t forget to call me.”
“I won’t.”
After disconnecting the call, Ethan took a deep breath.
What he didn’t tell his mother was that he was already sitting in the parking lot of the hotel where he was going to meet a representative from JKB.
He deliberately waited to tell his mother about this meeting at the last minute because he was afraid, she’d try to change his mind. Ethan believed his mother meant well but ultimately this was his decision. He just wished she’d be more open about what she knew so he wouldn’t have to find out for himself.
Taking a deep breath, he glanced at himself in his rear view mirror and made sure his appearance was neat. He flicked a stray strand of hair from his forehead and straightened his tie.
Walking through the parking lot, his heart beat a mile a minute. He wasn’t sure if he would finally meet his father or someone representing JKB. Ethan’s only contact was a Mr. Kevin T. Yoon from the American legal arm of JKB. Perhaps this was their way of feeling him out to make sure he wouldn’t cause public embarrassment to the family or looking to cash in on their wealth.
Ethan glanced at his watch and noted he was a few minutes early when he arrived at the Red Room Restaurant in the hotel.
The hostess, dressed in all black, gave him a wide smile. “Good afternoon, Sir. Will you be dining alone or will there be more people joining your party?”
“I’m actually meeting someone today but I may be a bit early. The last name is Yoon.”
She looked at the little computer on the hostess stand. “Aw yes. Your party is already here. I’ll take you dining area. Please follow me.” She led him to the back of the restaurant that was already full, and down a hallway to a private dining room. Standing outside the door was a man, who was nearly as tall as him, with slicked back black hair and gold wire frame glasses.
He held his hand out to Ethan. “Dr. Han. I’m Kevin Yoon, you’ve already seen my communication which is why you’re here obviously. I work for the law firm that represents the personal interests of the Jung family. Thank you for coming. Madam will be here shortly. In the meantime, please go inside and make yourself comfortable. Order a drink or help yourself to some of the refreshments, on the table.”
“Ugh, thanks.” Ethan briefly shook the offered hand before walking into the private room. Once inside his shoulders tensed and the insides of his stomach tightened.
Madame?
Ethan had dug up as much information as he could find about his family in Korea. He knew that his father Jung Kang-Chul was the current head of JKB, taking on the position after the passing of Ethan’s grandfather Jung Kang-Dae.
There were various aunts, uncles and cousins who worked in the company and the two recognized children of Kang Chul’s marriage to a Kim Soo-ah of the Kim family that once ran one of the biggest construction companies in Korea.
In recent years however, the Kim family had gotten into trouble after being cited for several building violations and paying off officials to create shoddily made structures.
So who was the Madam, Kevin referred to? Could it be his grandmother who though in her 80’s was said to still be active in society and traveled extensively since the passing of her husband? She was also still a major shareholder in JKB.
There was only one large table set up in the center of the room that looked like it was used for small private functions. Two servers stood against the wall.
When Ethan took a seat, one of them, approached the table. “Can I offer you a drink, Sir?” she asked, filling the water glass in front of him.
“A cup of coffee would be great.” He smiled his thanks.
Kevin had not exaggerated when he said there was a spread on the table waiting for him. There was a tray of fresh fruits and a cheese and crackers platter along with assorted breads next to a dish of butters shaped like flowers.
“How many people am I supposed to be meeting?” he muttered under his breath.
The waitress quickly returned with a coffee pot. “Would you like sugar and cream?”
“Just one sugar please.”
Once she was finished serving him, she retreated to the wall again, with her hands behind her back.
Ethan took a sip from his cup as he waited. Kevin didn’t enter the room with him so he supposed the lawyer was waiting for the mysterious Madam .
He was halfway through his cup of coffee when the door opened and a woman walked through followed by Kevin.
Ethan pushed away from the table to stand.
Immaculately dressed from head to toe in a green silk, print dress that fell just below the knees, brown leather belt with a gold buckled that cinched her small waist and mauve six inch heels. Her elegantly style hair cascaded to her shoulder in waves. The only thing giving away the fact that she was a middle age woman was the iron gray streak of hair casually blended into otherwise jet black hair. Her makeup was tastefully done and the handbag she carried probably cost as much as an average worker’s annual salary.
Ethan had seen a picture of her online. It had been a photo snapped at a charity event in Korea where JKB was one of the biggest sponsors. This was his father’s wife. Kim Soo-ah.
In the photo she was smiling and gracious but in person, cold brown eyes stared at him without a hint of warmth. Her pink tinted lips were in a firm line of displeasure and her nostrils were slightly flared.
Ethan instantly realized this meeting would not go well but he stood up, pasted a smile on his face nonetheless and closed the distance between him and the clearly hostile woman, with his hand outstretched.
She stared down at his offered hand as if it was the filthiest thing she’d ever seen. Her lips curled in a sneer before she brushed past him. She halted by one of the chairs at the table.
Kevin promptly rushed over and pulled out the seat for her.
She flounced down and placed her handbag on the empty chair beside her.
“You may be seated,” she said in Ethan’s direction without quite looking at him, in perfect English with just the slightest hint of an accent.
Ethan was fluent in Korean because he grew up speaking it with his mother. He wondered if Soo-ah, was using English because she didn’t think he spoke it or as a power move. Either way he would take her lead to see where this was headed.
He returned to his seat which was directly across the table from hers.
She narrowed her gaze, seeming to take in his appearance from head to toe. Without a word she snapped her fingers, and the male server was at her side in an instant.
“A cup of hot water for tea.”
“Of course, Madam. Right away.” The server disappeared to another room and returned within a minute.
He placed a cup and saucer in front of her along with a brown lacquered box. “Can I get you anything else?”
She waved her hand dismissively. No please or thank you.
The longer Ethan sat in her presence the more perturbed he grew. He understood Soo-ah hailed from a wealthy family but that shouldn’t have excluded her from having manners.
She opened the box and took her time selecting a tea. Still she didn’t say a word. Was she waiting him out?
If she was trying to intimidate him, Ethan wasn’t easily phased. He’d waited all these years to hear from his family. This woman didn’t scare him in the least.
He noticed Kevin standing off to the corner with his hands behind his back like a faithful servant. The man shifted to one foot from the other, clearly uncomfortable but he remained in his spot.
Kevin didn’t take one of the many seats still available at the table nor was he offered one.
Only after taking a sip from her teacup did Kim Soo-ah settle her full attention on Ethan once again. “You look like him.”
Ethan leaned forward, certain he’d heard her incorrectly. He didn’t expect these to be her first words to him. He suspected she was referring to his father but he wanted to hear her say it instead of speaking in vague riddles. “To whom are you referring?”
She squinted ever so slightly as she placed her teacup back on the platter and circled the rim with her index finger. The large diamond ring she wore shimmered against the light. “Let’s not play these games, Ethan. You don’t mind me being informal with you, do you?”
Ethan folded his hands on the table and smirked. “Not at all…Soo-ah.”
The older woman turned a bright shade of red. Her lips curled into an ugly sneer before she straightened in her seat.
Ethan knew enough about Korean culture to understand the social nuances of addressing an elder and one of status. He was certain that Madam looked down on him for being an illegitimate son and expected him to treat her with deference. But he was not one of her subordinates to be dismissed so easily and he intended to return the same energy he was being given.
“I hope you’re more respectful to your patients.”
He cocked his head to the side. “Am I being disrespectful? My apologies, I thought we were being informal here. Speaking of my patients, it seems you’ve done some research on me.”
She lifted her tea cup again and took the tiniest sip. “Of course, Dr. Ethan James Han. 38 years of age, raised by a single mother, Han Min-na who now goes by Mary Han. You excelled in school from an early age and even graduated from High School at 16. From there you attended college on an academic scholarship, not an Ivy League school, mind you but I supposed that’s good enough for someone with your background. You were on an accelerated track because you had credits before you entered the university and graduated by the time you were 20.”
“From there you went to medical school, graduated and did your residency here in Philadelphia and then a fellowship. Shortly afterwards, you became partners in your current practice with your former mentor when the previous doctor retired. By all accounts, you’ve accomplished a remarkable feat, being in your position at such a young age. From what I can tell you’ve been successful in your career and in providing a comfortable life for yourself. Most people would be impressed.”
It was clear from her tone that she was not one of those people.
Ethan raised a brow. “You were thorough. I’m surprised you didn’t list all my hobbies.”
Her lips tilted slightly into a shadow of a smile. “I have no interest in your little extracurricular activities. But I’m you occasionally play basketball on the weekends at the park.”
Ethan didn’t know whether to be impressed or creeped out that this woman knew so much about him. But he supposed with the amount of money backing her, nothing was impossible. “Was there any particular reason you wanted to tell me that you’ve had me investigated?”
She raised one shoulder in a nonchalant shrug. “Not particularly. Before one enters a battle it’s prudent to study the enemy.”
Ethan raised, a brow? “I’m an enemy?”
“You are if it’s your intention to make trouble for my family.”
Ethan released a heavy sigh, growing more irritated by the second as this woman continued to drag this out. “There’s a reason you’re here today, so how about getting to the point.”
Instead of answering him she snapped her fingers and Kevin came rushing to the table. He placed some documents in front of Ethan.
Ethan did a quick scan of the top page. All he saw was a bunch of legalese, but something that particularly caught his attention were the words, relinquish all rights .”
“What the hell is this?” he demanded as it dawned on him that this woman’s goal wasn’t to help him meet his father but the exact opposite.
The smirk returned to her lips. “You’re a doctor, so I can only assume you’re an intelligent man. But if you need me to spell it out for you, this document will ensure that you will make no further attempts to contact any member of my family or make any claim toward our assets. If you need further clarification, the man you claim to be your father wants nothing to do with you.”