Woo Minjae stepped onto the large patio of the Finite Hotel bar in Seoul and approached the man sitting alone. He was Lee Soo-hyuk and at one point, many years ago, they had been good friends. Now they were business associates, forced to keep contact because of a Consortium their grandfathers formed.

“I was surprised to hear from you.” He looked round. This was one of the Jung group’s prime properties, “neutral territory?”

“Something like that.” Lee Soo-hyuk’s smile was fleeting and didn’t reach his eyes.  

“Song Gaelin told you.” Minjae guessed and took a sip of the wine the waitress served, “how unfortunate.”

“And why is that?”

“It goes against the Consortium rules but I should have expected it. After all, she is your wife.” He leaned back in his chair, “But I expected more from her.”

“Hyung, there was a time when we were close, so I am asking you not to involve Song Gaelin in your schemes.”

“Yes, there was a time wasn’t there? So I suppose for the sake of the past I should be honest with you. I will continue to involve that woman and draw her to my side and I will do so under the rules of this Consortium and there is nothing you can do about it.”

“Why?” Soo-hyuk was interested, “It’s been so many years now. Do you still hate me because of what happened?”

“I also want to know why and perhaps one day you will tell me the truth. You could have had anyone you wanted. Mothers were lining up to have their daughters marry you. Why did you choose Song Gaelin and don’t tell me your parents chose.”

Soo-hyuk shifted, “She doesn’t love you.” Minjae continued.

“Is that even relevant?” Soo-hyuk enquired, his voice had dropped and Minjae was suddenly weary.

Minjae looked out at the view. He seemed contemplative, “If you care for this Consortium and everything we have worked so hard to protect, then you will let her go.”

“It's not in my interest to let her go. Song Gaelin still serves a purpose for the Lee Estate.”

“Is everything about winning and losing to you Lees?” Minjae looked disgusted. “Even if you tear that woman down, destroy her, do what you will. I will always be there. There will come a day when this Consortium will no longer bow to one family.” he rose and made to leave.

“She’s ill.” Soo-hyuk stopped him, “Hyung what you did, made her ill, so stop this.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t you?” Minjae accused. “