Amused, Jieun rested her chin in her palm and looked at Jaeyeon.

"You're saying...you like my dad?"

Jieun's grin grew wider as she saw Jaeyeon's face turned red and even stole a few glances at her father that was still smiling softly, this encouraged Jaeyeon; she firmly nodded her head.

Jieun's mouth rounded as she gave a long 'oh' and furrowed her eyebrows as if contemplating something.

"How much do you like my dad then?"

Even without Lee Taegong's nudging, Jaeyeon knew she had to strike the iron while it was hot, as long as Jieun nodded her head, it was a non-refundable ticket into the Lee's.

"I'm willing to do anything for him!" Jaeyeon's palms sweated when Jieun's shoulder trembled and a laughter broke out, in such a way as if Jayeon had just given a joke.

"You like my dad, not because of the money?"

"No! Never!"

Jieun knew there was some truth in Jaeyeon's words. Her dad might be in the early forties, but he still looked as though one decade younger. Moreover, his good looks with the addition of masculine maturity, women were easily charmed by him.

"Not even the slightest?"

"Not at all!"

"Alright then..."

Lee Taewon was not at the least minded that his second marriage was seemingly to be approved. He shook his head, not to disagree but to be sorry of the two foolish people. He knew her daughter too well to miss her mischievous smirk, but this was not the case for both Lee Taegong and Jaeyeon; they had fallen into the trap of Lee Jieun.

"It's just that..."

"Y-Yes?" Jieun tried hard not to burst her laughter at Jaeyeon's attempt of being calm.

"It's just that my father is only an expert in business dealings, but when it comes to affection and relationships, he's a greenhorn." Jieun twirled her long locks and let her gaze stayed longer at Taegong before refocusing on Jaeyeon.

"My uncle and my dad may know you well, nevertheless this is still our first meeting so it's unavoidable that I still have some doubts. So..."

Jayeon's eyes widened in question, eager to know what Jieun had in mind.

"So, let's have a pact. Once you become a part of Lee's, you wouldn't take a single share of our family's property, as well as not having any children."

Jieun's gaze was so sharp that Jaeyeon thought it had pierced through her body and left not an inch unseen; she felt exposed and diffident.

"Don't worry, of course, this agreement will be under the supervision of the best lawyers in the nation that are under this household. A great way to show your true love towards my dad, isn't it?"

Jayeon paled at how Jieun emphasized on the words 'true love', she tried to seek some help from Lee Taegong, but Jieun continued again.

"You said you're willing to sacrifice anything for my dad and my dad is willing to do so for me, so you just had to be like that to me. If you agree, then you will officially be Mrs. Lee."

Words had been going around that the sole heiress of Lee Taewon- Lee Jieun was used to be indulged and her temper was not a joke. However, this was not a spoiled girl being a bear with a sore head, but rather an insidious and sly fox. Whoever that wanted to squeeze into the Lee's family was definitely for their property. If there was nothing that can be taken, yet still had to face Lee Jieun, then although Lee Taewon was desirable, there would not be a single woman that would want to marry him.

Lee Taegong had thought that the pact would not have much effect as long as Jaeyeon married his brother and became the second in charge in the family, then getting money would still be a piece of cake. Nonetheless, the mention of the lawyers under the Lee's to work on this agreement meant not a single opportunity to back out. His eyes on his older brother's property had to be dragged back at the moment, hence both Jayeon and Taegong used the excuse of finishing dinner to leave. However, Jieun did not have the thought of letting Taegong leave.

"Uncle."

Taegong was in a stupor to find Jieun smiling at him and calling him with such endearment; hope glimmered in his heart, but it was quickly wiped out and replace with resentment as Jieun talked.

"If, again due to unforeseen circumstances such as, loan sharks and in need of finance aid from my father, just be straightforward to ask for money. It's not as if you've never done it. Although dad is gracious enough to continue investing in such a useless prick like you, I still find it bothersome enough for you to come back here countless time, let alone coming with such wimpy tricks under your sleeves. Do that again, I'll gladly ask you not to show up again, such an eyesore."

Jieun's words hit on straight at Lee Taegong's sorest part and momentarily forgetting the older brother he was always cautious of, he raged at his niece.

"Lee Jieun! Is this how you treat an elder? I'm your uncle!"

"F**k the honorifics! Oh, have you ever thought that you're the younger brother when dad was casted out from the family? No! However, now that dad is successful and all, each of you came back crawling, begging like a stinking leech that cannot be shaken off! It's good enough to let you stay for a meal, but keeping up with such pathetic tricks, you won't be even seeing the door of this house!"

"You- you even screamed profanity at me? Is this how my brother raised you? Oh wait, like mother like daughter, a hustler just like your mother!"

Jieun swept the plates on the dining table hearing upon the insult of her mother and Lee Taegong screeched at the pain inflicted by the hot dishes and broken platters. He would have grabbed Jieun by the collar if it was not for the dangerously low voice that spoke.

"Taegong, you've crossed the line today."

As if being dumped a basin of cold water, Taegong was awakened from his anger and realized he had ridiculed his brother's lover who caused him to leave his family for. He even taunted his brother's sole daughter right in front of him too! Taegong glared at Jieun, she just had the ability to force someone to speak the very true words deep in the heart. What would be the consequences, Taegong did not dare to think further and hoped that Lee Taewon would just turn one eye blind at this.

"Hyung, I.."

"That's enough. The amount you owe the loan sharks will be credited to your account tomorrow. For now, just leave."

Taegong wiped his greasy face and left with a sulky face.

"Eun, you went overboard." Taewon muttered when there were only two of them and began to massage his temple. Immediately, Jieun went behind her father and formed two little fists, kneading both sides of his forehead.

"Dad, some certain words that you cannot say, I will say it. You could just use the excuse of a child being insensible and spoke wrongly. As long as you're here, I will be let off." Jieun cheekily raised her chin, showing her rare cute display of affection.

Taewon closed his eyes in comfort with he massage given by his daughter and smiled fondly at her daughter's words.

"Eun-ah...dad just hopes that you wouldn't be like me, where in the end no one stands at your side..."

Taewon opened his eyes when he felt the kneading stopped, just in time to see the slender arms wrapping around his neck. Jieun put her cheek to her father's and mumbled, "I don't care how others thought of me, whether they will be with me. As long as we stay together until the very end."

"I'll stay right beside you. Always." Lee Taewon assured his daughter.