SS - 52

Sena had been told that people weren’t interested in the truth, so it was clear she must have been deeply disappointed in Joo-Hyuk, regardless of the reason.

“We need to tell the truth.”

“What?”

“It’s what we do best.”

Joo-Hyuk shared his thoughts with Seol-Yoo.

All news conveyed by KMS would be communicated thoroughly from start to finish, no matter how long it took. They wouldn’t copy articles from other media outlets.

Reporters would conduct their own investigations from beginning to end, write their own stories, and take full responsibility for their articles. This system would establish accountability.

“There will be backlash from the reporters.”

“If they don’t even have that level of professionalism, tell them to leave.”

“You know it’s not that simple.”

“If this succeeds, we’ll have an unparalleled system that no newspaper or broadcasting company can replicate. Moreover, being a KMS reporter will become a distinct and prestigious career.”

“That’s assuming it works. We’re still skeptical.”

Seol-Yoo still looked half-convinced. It was ironic—this kind of bold, adventurous idea was usually something she proposed. Joo-Hyuk smirked slightly at the role reversal.

“Taking responsibility for their articles will make it hard for reporters to inject personal biases or opinions. That way, they’ll maintain neutrality, which is the foundation of journalism. It’ll be tough at first, but eventually, it’ll make things easier.”

“Why?”

“People will appreciate receiving accurate information without being swayed by reporters’ opinions. By staying neutral, we won’t alienate anyone, and KMS will avoid becoming a hated media outlet.”

“That makes sense for general news, but what about investigative reports on scandals or allegations?”

“We won’t publish anything until there’s sufficient evidence. But isn’t that the right approach? Anyone can spout words, but journalists need to go further.”

Perhaps Joo-Hyuk’s words were finally sinking in, as a faint smile appeared on Seol-Yoo’s face—a smile he hadn’t seen in a while.

Seeing her come around gave him some peace of mind. If there was no better alternative, this plan, though extreme, was the best option. 

He also trusted that she’d support him. After all, she was the one who always enjoyed taking risks like this.

“Is everything okay with Ms. Sena?”

At Seol-Yoo’s question—unaware of recent events—Joo-Hyuk smiled brightly for the first time in a while.

“Of course.”

Everything was fine. 

They had resolved all their fears and decided to move forward together. It had to be fine.

The warmth of the sunlight on his fingers as he rolled up the blinds hinted that spring was approaching.

---

Chairman Kang sat scowling deeply, while Oh Yeoja glared at her side with venomous eyes.

To face them head-on, Sena had a helper bring over a dining chair.

Once the chair was ready, she sat down and waited for the last person, who had yet to come downstairs.

“What’s taking so long? She acts crazy when she leaves, but now she’s dragging her feet.”

Sena paid no attention to Chairman Kang’s toxic remarks.

Today, as she left this house, she intended to sever all ties with this family completely.

“What’s going on?”

Ji-Chul descended the stairs, scratching his messy hair.

“What time do you think it is? Still lazing around in bed?”

“Oh, come on. He was out fishing with you yesterday. He’s probably tired from driving.”

Oh Yeoja quickly defended Ji-Chul against Chairman Kang’s rebuke.

“Are you here?”

Ji-Chul glanced briefly at Sena before plopping down next to Oh Yeoja.

“Well, now that everyone’s gathered, speak up. What’s this about? Finally decided to get a divorce?”

“Twelve years ago…”

Ignoring Chairman Kang’s question, Sena began speaking.

“What?”

“I came to tell you why I left home twelve years ago.”

“Honestly. What’s so important about this that you barge in on a weekend morning…?”

“Kang Ji-Chul tried to assault me.”

Surprisingly, an unexpected silence fell over the spacious living room.

Ji-Chul’s face showed no emotional reaction, as if he had anticipated this moment all along.

Oh Yeoja frowned and slowly alternated her gaze between her son and Sena.

“Who… tried to do what?”

“The man Father brought into the house, my half-brother, tried to assault me, his half-sister.”

“Wha, what…?”

Chairman Kang’s voice trailed off, unable to form a coherent sentence.

“I know full well that even after twelve years, bringing this up won’t make you bat an eye. You’ll blame my actions, as usual. That’s why I ran away. I kept silent all these years while enduring your insults about my mother and me. Nothing would’ve changed anyway.”

“Liar! Stop lying!”

Suddenly, Oh Yeoja shot up and screamed at Sena.

“You’ve always lied whenever you opened your mouth. You were like this as a child, and you’re the same now. Just like your mother—evil and wicked, always causing trouble.”

“You may not want to believe it, but it’s the truth.”

“Don’t make me laugh. Do you really think you can tear our family apart with this? You want revenge for your mother’s death, but honestly, whose fault is that? It’s her fault for not raising you properly until the end!”

When she first heard those words, they cut deep. But after hearing them so many times, they only made her laugh now.

“Kang Ji-Chul, say something. Am I making this up?”

Sena stared directly at Ji-Chul and asked.

“There’s no point in asking him. Did you think I didn’t notice the strange looks you gave him since you were little? Even if you only share half your blood, he’s still your brother. How dare you accuse him…”

“Enough! Just stop!”

Ji-Chul shouted.

Startled, Oh Yeoja collapsed back onto the sofa, and Chairman Kang stared wide-eyed at Ji-Chul.

“What do you mean, ‘mixed blood’? What kind of nonsense is this?”

“Ji-Chul, my son...”

“Enough of this charade, Mother!”

With a deeply twisted expression, Ji-Chul screamed at Oh Yeoja.

“What... what are you talking about? What charade?”

“What do you mean, ‘what’?!” 

Chairman Kang turned to Ji-Chul, sensing something was off as Oh Yeoja trembled and glanced nervously between them.

“I’m not Father’s child.”

“Ji-Chul!”

“Mother said I’m Father’s child, but I’m not! If you have eyes, look at me! Where do I resemble Father?”

Sena watched the scene unfold in utter shock. While she had often thought that Ji-Chul didn’t resemble either their father or herself, she had never imagined he might be someone else’s child entirely.

So does that mean Oh Yeoja deceived Father and entered our family under false pretenses?

“I suffered too, Sena! I didn’t see you as a sister—I liked you as a woman. I never intended to assault you. I just wanted to express my feelings…”

Ji-Chul clutched his head with both hands and burst into tears.

“No, no… What is going on here…?”

Chairman Kang clutched his chest in anguish, unable to continue speaking. Oh Yeoja sobbed uncontrollably, stomping her feet while caught between the two men.

Sena slowly rose from her chair and gazed down at the three of them with cold detachment.

“Liked me as a woman? Stop spouting such nonsense, Kang Ji-Chul. How is that expressing your feelings? Do you think it’s forgivable because we’re not blood-related siblings? That’s a crime!”

At the word “crime,” it wasn’t Ji-Chul who flinched—it was Oh Yeoja.

“You’re quite something, Madam. You strutted in here claiming to have a son and took my mother’s place. Didn’t you just say my mother’s death was her own fault?”

“...”

“It’s your fault! Your greed caused all of this suffering!”

Life is unpredictable, and one should always watch their words.

“Don’t even think about doing something drastic like suicide for the sake of protecting your own child. Understand?”

Finally, Sena turned her gaze to Chairman Kang.

Watching him gasp for air, clearly shaken by the revelation, she couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

“How does it feel, Father?”

His wandering eyes met hers.

“Do you understand now? Who betrayed this family? Who brought this misfortune upon us? My mother died because of people like you—people like this.”

Isn’t it absurd?

She had vowed not to cry, but tears welled up uncontrollably.

“How could you treat your only daughter worse than a stranger for the sake of these pathetic people? For money, you sold me off to marry a complete stranger.”

“Se... Sena...”

“Isn’t it hilarious?”

She turned her head away from his desperate, outstretched hand.

“Don’t ever try to find me again. I’ll take my leave now.”

Thinking this was her final goodbye, she bowed deeply to her father and rushed out of the house.

---

“…Done.”

Finishing the last sentence, Joo-Hyuk stretched his arms wide. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d written an article. It had been so long that it took him hours just to start the first sentence.

“Are you done?”

Sena, who had brought over a fragrant cup of coffee, smiled brightly from across the monitor.

“Yeah, just finished. Want to read it?”

“Can I really?”

“Who else would I show it to if not you? Just wait a moment.”

While Joo-Hyuk printed the article, Sena set the coffee down on the desk and perched lightly on its edge.

Her long, pale legs peeked out from beneath her pajama skirt, catching his eye.

Was she oblivious, or was she doing this on purpose?

She seemed completely unfazed, holding the cup with both hands and gazing out at the night view outside the window.

“Hmm. Here, take a look.”