POV: Ahn Min-jae
The sirens grew louder, flashing red and blue lights illuminating the dark orphanage grounds. The police stormed in, weapons raised, as Hyun-sik lay pinned beneath Min-jae.
"Get off me," Hyun-sik spat, struggling against Min-jae's grip.
But Min-jae wasn't letting go. Not after everything.
"You're finished," Min-jae muttered before stepping back as two officers grabbed Hyun-sik, pulling his arms behind his back and securing him in handcuffs.
Hyun-sik sneered, but there was a flicker of defeat in his eyes. "You think this is over?"
Min-jae exhaled, his fists still clenched. "No. But your reign of chaos is."
The officers dragged Hyun-sik toward the police cars. As he was shoved inside, he turned his head toward Seo-jin.
"You don't belong anywhere," he called out mockingly. "You'll never be more than a mistake."
Seo-jin, who had remained silent through the entire ordeal, finally stepped forward. His jaw was tight, his hands trembling.
"For someone who calls me a mistake, you sure spent a lot of time trying to get rid of me," Seo-jin said, his voice eerily calm.
Hyun-sik's smirk faltered, but before he could respond, the car door slammed shut, silencing him.
For a moment, there was nothing but silence.
Then, Ha-neul stepped forward, placing a hand on Seo-jin's shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Seo-jin let out a slow breath, his gaze still fixed on the car disappearing down the road. "I don't know," he admitted.
Min-jae exchanged a look with Ha-neul. "We'll figure it out," he said firmly.
Seo-jin turned to him. "But what if—what if I really am just a mistake? What if I was never meant to exist?"
Min-jae's eyes darkened. He stepped closer, gripping Seo-jin's shoulder. "Then why did you survive?"
Seo-jin blinked.
"You fought to be here," Min-jae continued. "That means something. It means you're meant for more than what Hyun-sik made you believe."
Seo-jin swallowed hard. His whole life, he had been searching for a place to belong. And now, he wasn't sure what to do with the truth.
Min-jae glanced at Ha-neul. "We should go."
Seo-jin hesitated. "Go where?"
Min-jae gave him a small smirk. "Home."
---
Two Days Later – Ahn Corporation Board Meeting
POV: Ahn Min-jae
The conference room was filled with murmurs as the board members waited for the meeting to begin.
Min-jae sat at the head of the table, his fingers tapping against the polished wood. Across from him sat Seo-jin, dressed in a tailored suit that felt unfamiliar to him.
This was it.
The moment where everything would change.
"Let's begin," one of the senior board members said. "The question before us is clear. With Chairman Ahn's recent passing, the rightful heir to Ahn Corporation must be determined."
Min-jae leaned forward. "There's no question. Seo-jin is the rightful heir."
The murmurs grew louder. One of the board members adjusted his glasses. "With all due respect, Mr. Ahn, you have been running the company successfully for years. Why should we accept this sudden shift?"
Seo-jin swallowed. He had expected resistance, but now that he was here, facing these powerful figures, doubt crept in.
Min-jae met the board member's gaze. "Because the truth is no longer hidden. Seo-jin is the son of Chairman Ahn. That makes him the rightful heir."
The board members exchanged glances.
"Even if that is true," another man spoke up, "he has no experience in business. We need stability."
Min-jae smirked. "And I will ensure that stability."
The room fell silent.
"I will remain CEO," Min-jae continued. "Seo-jin will take his rightful place as the chairman, but I will handle the daily operations of the company until he is ready to lead on his own."
Seo-jin turned to Min-jae, surprised. "You're staying?"
Min-jae gave him a small smile. "Someone has to teach you how to run an empire."
A long silence filled the room before the head board member finally spoke.
"If Min-jae continues as CEO, then I see no issue in reinstating the true heir," he said slowly. "A vote will be taken now."
One by one, the board members cast their votes.
Min-jae sat still, watching. Seo-jin clenched his fists under the table.
After what felt like an eternity, the results were announced.
"The majority has voted in favor," the board member declared. "Seo-jin will be recognized as the rightful heir to Ahn Corporation."
Seo-jin exhaled sharply.
It was done.
Min-jae stood, extending a hand toward Seo-jin. "Welcome home, Chairman Ahn."
Seo-jin looked at him, a flicker of emotion in his eyes before shaking Min-jae's hand firmly.
"Let's build something great," Seo-jin said.
Min-jae smirked. "We already have."
---