Chapter 10- An Apology With Twist.
Mr. Lee exhaled, already exhausted.
"...이번엔 또 뭘 하시려는 건지."
What is she planning this time...?
---
Pari adjusted the sleek black blazer on her shoulders, her expression cold yet unreadable. Beside her, Mr. Lee, dressed in the same dark attire, looked like a mix between a bodyguard and a shadowy government operative-his presence radiated authority, while his eyes carried a flicker of restrained anger. Together, they could've been mistaken for agents straight out of Men in Black, though their mission tonight was far more personal.
The black Thar gleamed under Seoul's fading streetlights as they slipped into its leather seats. Pari chose the car intentionally-imposing, unmissable, yet dignified. She sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, her mind rehearsing every word of the conversation that was about to happen. Mr. Lee remained silent as he drove, but the furrow in his brows betrayed his thoughts: he was protective, restless, perhaps even questioning this dangerous plan.
By the time the vehicle rolled into the narrow, dimly lit lanes of an old Seoul neighborhood, the tension inside the car was almost palpable. Pari stepped out first, her heels clicking softly against the uneven stone pathway. Her eyes darted to the tall iron gate in front of them. It matched the address written neatly on the card clutched in her hand.
"Is this it?" she asked quietly, though her tone left little room for doubt.
Mr. Lee checked the note once more, then gave a firm nod. "네, 맞습니다. (Yes, it is correct.)"
Pari inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly as though sealing away her emotions. With a knock, the heavy wooden door creaked open.
A woman stood framed in the doorway, her posture arrogant, her face twisted into that permanent sneer only people drunk on pride seemed to carry. Just behind her lingered a man who looked perpetually unemployed-lazy eyes, loose posture, as if responsibility had never once weighed on his shoulders.
The woman's gaze flicked to Pari, scanning her from head to toe. Not admiration, not warmth-only a cold evaluation, as if measuring her worth in currency, in designer fabric, in the glitter of status.
Pari smirked faintly. That single glance was enough. She already knew. They haven't changed at all. Soo Han's parents... as shameless as ever.
She straightened her back, masking every emotion behind a professional façade, and bowed politely. Then she extended her hand.
"Hello, ma'am. Nice to meet you," she said in crisp English, her tone dripping with polite sophistication. "It's an honor to meet the person who gave birth to such a brilliant child."
The woman's brows shot up, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. Mr. Lee, playing his part as the dutiful translator, stepped in smoothly.
"안녕하세요, 마님. 만나 뵙게 되어 영광입니다. 이렇게 훌륭한 아들을 낳아주셔서 감사합니다."
(Hello, madam. It's an honor to meet you. Thank you for giving birth to such a wonderful son.)
He delivered the words with professional poise, pretending as though Pari understood none of the Korean exchange.
"My name is Leah," Pari continued, her expression unwavering. "I'm the manager of the international head branch in charge of your son Soo Han's company."
Again, Mr. Lee translated seamlessly:
"제 이름은 리아입니다. 저는 국제 본부에서 수한 씨의 회사를 담당하고 있는 매니저입니다."
At once, the woman's eyes lit up. The arrogance didn't fade, but her posture shifted-interested now, her greedy curiosity piqued. Pari could practically see the calculations running through her head.
"I'm here today with my colleague, who works for the same branch here in South Korea," Pari explained smoothly, motioning at Mr. Lee. "He's here to help me translate."
"저와 함께 있는 동료는 한국 지사에서 근무하고 있습니다. 오늘 통역을 도와줄 예정입니다." Mr. Lee echoed.
Pari clasped her hands lightly in front of her and softened her voice just enough to sound convincing. "We're here to share some wonderful news about Soo Han."
The woman's face brightened instantly at her son's name. "수한에 대한 좋은 소식이라구요?" Mr. Lee translated her words back into English for the act, though Pari already knew what she had asked.
"Yes," Pari nodded. "His new book is about to be released. But there is... an issue." She allowed a flicker of concern to cross her face. "There has been some backlash from haters. We want to divert the media's attention away from negativity, toward something more powerful. Something emotional."
Her words, through Mr. Lee, turned into fluid Hangul:
"그의 새 책이 곧 출간될 예정입니다. 하지만 일부 안티팬들로 인한 문제도 있습니다. 그래서 저희는 언론의 시선을 부정적인 곳에서 감동적이고 의미 있는 곳으로 돌리고 싶습니다."
The woman leaned closer, intrigued. Pari let the silence hang for a beat before dropping the real card.
"That's where we need your help."
The arrogance snapped back in an instant. The woman narrowed her eyes. "우리의 도움이 필요하다고요? 무슨 도움이죠?" (Our help? What do you mean?)
Pari's expression hardened. She no longer smiled. "We want you to apologize to Soo Han," she said firmly, each word deliberate. "For abandoning him in his childhood. For giving him trauma. For leaving him when he needed you most."
"What we ask of you is simple," she began, her words measured, almost courteous. "Apologize to Soo Han. Not for his sake alone, but for your own dignity as parents. For leaving him when he was only a child. For the loneliness he carried all these years. For the scars you left behind."
Mr. Lee translated smoothly into Korean, his tone echoing the same respectful firmness:
"저희가 원하는 것은 단순합니다. 수한 씨에게 사과해 주세요. 부모로서의 체면을 위해서라도. 그가 어린 시절에 버려졌던 것에 대해. 그가 오랜 세월 동안 짊어졌던 외로움에 대해. 당신들이 남긴 상처에 대해."
Pari's gaze didn't waver from theirs. "I am not here to fight you," she continued, her voice low but resolute. "I am here to ask you-sincerely-to make amends. All it takes is one apology. A few honest words that could mean more to him than you realize."
This way, Pari sounds mannerful, composed, yet her quiet anger and disappointment slip through like a blade wrapped in silk.
The man, who had been silent until now, stormed forward, his face flushed red with rage.
"What the hell are you talking about?! Are you insane?!" he shouted, fists clenched.
Mr. Lee translated calmly, though the fury in the man's tone was enough without words.
Pari met his anger with cool defiance. "Sir, don't worry. We know everything about Soo Han-his past, his struggles, his survival. All of it. But we won't release this information. All we ask is one thing: that you apologize to him, sincerely, and in person, at his home."
Her voice didn't waver, though inside, her blood was boiling. Every word of his parents' denial clawed at her nerves, but she held her ground like steel.
The woman opened her mouth to lash back, but Pari cut her off smoothly-striking exactly where she knew it would sting less and tempt more.
"I'll pay you."
Those three words dropped like a bomb in the stale air.
Both their faces froze, caught between greed and disbelief.
"Yes," Pari continued, her tone silk over steel. "Money. All you have to do is show up at his house, apologize sincerely, and the rest will be handled. We'll arrange paparazzi to be nearby, capture the moment, and release it publicly. Of course, your faces will be blurred-according to South Korean law, we cannot show anyone's face without consent."
Mr. Lee delivered the translation word for word, his voice steady.
Pari's eyes glinted sharply as she finished, "This way, the public sees redemption. We solve the backlash problem. And you-" she tilted her head ever so slightly, "-you get paid. A simple exchange."
The couple fell into silence, the weight of greed already gnawing away at their anger. Pari stood tall, every inch of her exuding control. In that moment, she wasn't just undercover-she was untouchable.
---
Pari leaned forward, her eyes sharp as a blade.
"Look," she said firmly, her voice carrying both authority and quiet menace, "I know everything there is to know about Soo Han-his life, his secrets, even his past. But iformation alone isn't enough. What I need now is a scandal-a family scandal that will explode in the media. And once that happens..." She paused deliberately, letting the weight of her words sink in. "You'll receive ten million won. In cash. No strings attached."
The couple sitting across from her froze. Mr. Lee, ever efficient, translated her words into Korean. The husband's jaw slackened as he heard the figure, his eyes nearly bulging out of his head. Greed shimmered in them like fire. Without hesitation, he blurted out, "Yes! Yes, we'll do it!"
But before his excitement could carry him further, his wife grabbed his arm.
"Wait, you fool!" she snapped, glaring at him with a mix of irritation and caution. Her sharp gaze then shifted to Pari. "How do I know you'll actually pay us that amount? And what guarantee do I have that my face won't be plastered all over that video? I'm not taking a risk without proof."
Pari didn't even flinch. Instead, she tilted her head slightly toward Mr. Lee, who understood instantly. With a silent nod, he unzipped a black leather bag at his side and pulled out two things: a sleek suitcase and a thick stack of documents. He placed them on the table with a deliberate thud.
"Here," Pari said, her voice calm but commanding. "This suitcase holds the five million won. And the remaining amount of five million won will be given to you after the work finished.
And these documents state, in writing, that your face will remain hidden in the footage. No one will ever know it was you. Once the job is done, we will cut all ties-you'll never hear from us again. The money will be yours. Completely. No conditions."
The wife's eyes widened, her greed now fighting against her suspicion. Her hand trembled as she reached for the suitcase, opening it just enough to see the crisp stacks of notes inside. She gasped.
Pari leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smile. "Good deal, right? So..." She let the sentence trail off, her voice dropping into a dangerous whisper. "Do we shake hands and sign? Or...?"
"I'll sign! I'll sign!" The woman burst out, faster than even her husband could react. She looked desperate now, her earlier caution melting into hunger. "If I sign now, do I get the money immediately?"
Pari's smirk deepened. "Of course. Five million won. Right here. Right now."
"Then it's a deal," the woman said, almost breathless. "I'll sign the contract and do it tomorrow afternoon. Will that work for you?"
Pari's eyes hardened with precision. "Tomorrow before noon," she corrected. "Soo Han is flying to the States tomorrow evening. I'll give you the address of the hotel where he's staying. That should make your job easier... yes?"
The couple nodded quickly, more eager than cautious now. After the papers were signed and the suitcase pushed into their hands, they left in a hurry, whispering to each other like conspirators.
As soon as they were out of sight, laughter bubbled between them. They clutched the suitcase, their faces lit with excitement, greed practically dripping from their expressions.
"We have to do this properly," the wife warned, her tone suddenly serious as she glanced at her husband. "That girl... she's dangerous. If we mess this up, it won't end well for us."
The husband only chuckled, though unease lingered in his eyes. "Don't worry. We'll get it done."
Inside the car, as the city lights blurred past the windows, Mr. Lee finally broke the silence.
"So, ma'am... what now? Wasn't this just about making them apologize? Is that it? Are we done here?"
Pari's gaze was fixed outside the window, her reflection staring back at her. Slowly, a sly smile spread across her lips.
"You'll know," she murmured, her voice low and cryptic, "when the time comes."
Mr. Lee sighed, shaking his head with a half-smile of his own. He had worked with Pari long enough to know she never revealed her full hand until the game was already in motion. And tonight, her silence was louder than words.
Pari and Mr. Lee stumbled into the living room, both collapsing onto the sofa in utter exhaustion. The silence stretched for a moment until Pari straightened her posture, her eyes sharp with determination.
"Our work isn't over yet," she said firmly, her voice cutting through the stillness.
Mr. Lee groaned, leaning his head back against the cushion. "What? Why? Haven't we done enough already? Is there still something left?"
"Yes," Pari replied with certainty, her gaze unwavering. "A lot, Mr. Lee. You can't give up so soon. Tomorrow, we're following them the entire day."
Mr. Lee shot her a helpless look, rubbing his temple. "Oh my god... what more could you possibly have planned for that couple?"
Pari's lips curved into a sly smile. "You'll see."
The Next Morning.
At exactly ten o'clock, Pari and Mr. Lee slipped into the car and drove toward the couple's house. Mr. Lee kept glancing at her from the driver's seat, his face a mixture of confusion and doubt.
Sensing his gaze, Pari looked back at him and raised a brow. "Mr. Lee, don't cloud your head with so many questions. Trust me. Even if you're unsure, I'll let you know what's going on."
She leaned back, her voice calm but commanding. "We're going to their house to make sure they actually go to Soo Han and apologize. But that's not all... there's something else that needs to be done."
"And at this time?" Mr. Lee asked incredulously. "What if they've already gone? How do you know they'll wait until after we get there?"
Pari let out a sarcastic laugh. "Because I've studied them, Mr. Lee. People like them don't do anything early. They're lazy, predictable, and only move when money pushes them forward. They'll do the job, but only at the very last moment."
Mr. Lee nodded slowly. "I guess you're right..."
By the time they pulled up near the house, it was half-past ten. They parked a little away, keeping the building in sight. Minutes dragged on, stretching into an hour.
"Pari," Mr. Lee sighed, checking his watch. "It's already eleven-thirty. They haven't moved. Are they even coming out today?"
"They won't," Pari said calmly, her eyes glued to the house.
"What do you mean they won't?" he asked, frowning.
Pari pointed toward the locked door. "Because they're already outside. Look closely, Mr. Lee. The house is locked from the outside. They left long before we came."
Mr. Lee's mouth fell open. "Ah! How did I not notice that?" He scratched his head, embarrassed.
Pari smirked knowingly. "And besides, after receiving that suitcase full of money yesterday, what else would they be doing? Of course they're out spending it."
Mr. Lee's brows furrowed. "So you're just going to let them? With all that money?"
Before Pari could respond, the couple appeared in sight, walking back toward the house with arms full of shopping bags.
Pari's phone buzzed. She dialed the lady's number immediately, putting it on speaker so Mr. Lee could hear. The woman froze mid-step when she saw the caller ID flash on her phone.
"Oh no," the woman muttered under her breath before quickly answering, her voice trembling. "Yes, ma'am! Hello, how are you?"
"Drop the formalities," Pari said coldly, her eyes narrowing as she watched the woman from inside the car. Mr. Lee translated her English into Korean, his tone equally stern.
"Have you done the work? The paparazzi will be there soon."
The woman's face paled. "Yes, yes, don't worry, ma'am! We're going now. Everything will be finished before noon."
"It better be," Pari warned. "Or that generous amount of money won't save you."
Without another word, she ended the call, tossing her phone onto her lap with casual authority.
As if the conversation lit a fire under them, the couple rushed out of the house again, this time hailing a taxi to the hotel where Soo Han was staying. Pari and Mr. Lee followed from a distance.
At the hotel, the couple played their roles well-checking in like ordinary guests, securing a room, and sneaking upstairs. They soon found Soo Han's room.
Inside, Soo Han sat hunched over his desk, frustration etched across his face. His latest novel was due, but ever since the incident with his parents, inspiration had abandoned him. The blank pages mocked him, his pen lying untouched.
A knock broke his thoughts. He pushed back his chair and walked to the door, not expecting anything unusual. The moment he opened it, his heart sank.
Them.
His so-called parents.
Anger surged through him instantly. "Why the hell are you here again?!" he shouted, his voice cracking with fury. "What do you want now-more money?"
But before his rage could spiral further, the woman stepped forward, her face dripping with rehearsed sorrow. "Soo Han... my son," she said, her voice trembling with feigned emotion. "Please, don't be angry. We didn't come for money. We came... to apologize."
Soo Han froze. The word apologize struck him harder than any insult.
His father spoke next, his tone heavy with false remorse. "Son, I failed you. I made your childhood miserable. I was never there when you needed me. You are my star... and I let you slip away. I'm sorry."
Soo Han's chest tightened, his vision blurring with unexpected tears.
The woman joined in, pressing a hand to her chest as fake tears streamed down her face. "I'm sorry too, my son. I abandoned you when you needed me the most. I regret it every day. Please... forgive us. From today, you're free of us. We will never disturb you again. You deserve better."
They turned, walking away with practiced sorrow etched across their faces.
Soo Han remained frozen in the doorway, his lips trembling. His anger melted into disbelief, then into raw, uncontrollable emotion. Tears spilled down his cheeks as he sank to the floor, leaning against the door frame.
For the first time in years, he felt... light. His parents had finally admitted their faults-whether genuine or not, he couldn't tell. But in his heart, relief blossomed. The burden he carried for so long felt lifted.
From the car, Pari watched the entire scene unfold live on her phone, her men disguised as paparazzi capturing every second from a distance. She leaned back in her seat, exhaling softly.
"At least he'll feel some peace now," she whispered.
Mr. Lee glanced at her, still unconvinced. "So... is this it? Is this how you're ending things? With them walking away with all that money? Are you truly satisfied with this outcome?"
Pari smirked, her eyes glinting with something sharper, something hidden. "Ha. Do you really think this is the end, Mr. Lee?"