Chapter 5 A BEAUTY TO

Nadia quivered, her voice trembling with conviction. "No, Mom, I am not lying. Lara is the one twisting the truth. I personally witnessed her bullying a student, and Adrian reprimanded her for it. I swear, I would never fabricate such a claim." Lara's anger erupted as she yelled, "How dare you accuse me of lying, Nadia! You are simply envious because Mom always favors me, and my modeling career has achieved greater success than yours. You are just trying to tarnish my reputation!" Mrs. Brown's stern gaze bore into Nadia.

"I find it hard to believe that you are attempting to stain Lara's image. She is my cherished daughter, and I will not tolerate anyone spreading false accusations against her." Nadia, holding back tears, spoke with earnestness. "Mom, I am not lying. I saw it happen with my own eyes. I only want you to know the truth. I care about both of you, but I cannot stand idly by and watch Lara bully others, even though she is my twin sister." Lara smirked triumphantly. "See, Mom? Nadia is playing the victim. She has always been jealous of me. Can't you see that?" Mrs. Brown's voice grew louder as frustration set in. "I do not wish to hear any more of this, Nadia. You are causing unnecessary drama, and I will not tolerate it. Stop your attempts to spoil Lara's reputation." Nadia felt a deep sense of hurt. "Mom, I am not trying to create drama or damage Lara's reputation. I simply wanted you to know the truth. I apologize if my actions have caused conflict." "Just shut up!" Lara yelled, her voice filled with contempt. Nadia, realizing that her words would fall on deaf ears, chose to walk away without uttering another word. BLACKWOOD MANSION Vince adjusted his tie in the mirror with precision. "Today is the day I introduce Adrian as my heir to the business. Although he lacks interest in the corporate world, I must ensure he takes his responsibilities seriously." Adrian entered the room with reluctance, an absence of enthusiasm evident in his demeanor. "Dad, do I truly have to go to the office? You know I have no interest in this corporate world. I have my own dreams and passions." Vince's irritation seeped into his response. "Adrian, we have discussed this countless times. While you may not have chosen this path, it remains your duty as my son and heir to familiarize yourself with the business. You must comprehend the responsibilities that accompany our family name." Adrian sighed, voicing his discontent. "Dad, I never asked to be a part of this. I never desired to be your heir. It is unfair to force me into a life I never wanted." Vince's anger flared as he yelled, "You have a duty to fulfill, whether you like it or not." Adrian stood defiantly, unyielding. "Duty? What about my own dreams and aspirations? Do I not deserve the opportunity to pursue what genuinely makes me happy?" Vince's voice grew louder as he asserted his authority. "This is not about your happiness, Adrian. It concerns our family's legacy. You must set aside your personal desires and consider the bigger picture." Adrian's frustration became palpable. "The bigger picture? What about my happiness? What about my own identity? I refuse to be a puppet in your grand plan. I will not allow you to control my life." Vince's tone remained firm as he reiterated his position. "Adrian, I have provided you with everything you ever needed. I have supported you and afforded you the best education. This is your chance to contribute to our family's success. Do not discard it all so hastily." Just then, Judith entered the room, her astonishment evident upon witnessing the heated exchange between father and son. "Adrian, please do not go against your father," she pleaded, her voice laced with desperation. "What brings you to my room? Did I not express my desire to avoid seeing you?" Vince bellowed at Judith. "Dad, stop yelling at Mom. She deserves respect; she is not a child," Adrian said, defending his mother. "Respect, you say? As far as I am concerned, she is unworthy of my respect," Vince retorted coldly. "Now, get ready for the office." Adrian, determined not to succumb to his father's wishes, spoke with unwavering resolve. "I will not allow your mistakes to define my life, Dad. I refuse to let you dictate what I should do. I have my own path to follow, and it does not lie within this stifling corporate world." "If you choose not to accompany me, your credit cards will be seized," Vince declared with a cold, calculating tone. "Vince, please don't do that to our son. Adrian will go with you," Judith interjected, pleadingly. "Adrian, I beg of you, for my sake, do not defy your father. Please, go with him," Judith begged, tears streaming down her face. "Mum, I cannot bear to see you cry. I will go with him," Adrian said, relenting to ease his mother's pain. Vince smirked from his position, reveling in the satisfaction of his manipulation. "I knew Judith would get the job done, she knows how to manipulate Adrian after all. That is all she is good for." "Dad, I am prepared to go with you," Adrian stammered, his determination shining through. "That is better for you," Vince responded coldly. THE KIM'S HOME Ji Hye awoke with an anticipation that shimmered in her eyes. She had devised a brilliant plan to surprise her elder brother, Jae, at his office. Determined to create an unforgettable day, her mischievous nature took hold. Bounding down the stairs, Ji Hye discovered her mother, Mrs. Kim, preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Sporting a sly grin, Ji Hye couldn't resist teasing her mother before unveiling her surprise. "Mum, guess what? I have a secret mission today," Ji Hye declared, her voice oozing with mischief. Mrs. Kim turned around, a curious expression on her face. "Oh, really? Please, tell me about this secret mission, Ji Hye," she replied, playing along with her daughter's game. Leaning in closer, Ji Hye's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You see, I plan to surprise Jae at his office today. I want to witness the expression on his face when he sees me there!" she exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement. Mrs. Kim's eyes widened in surprise, but she couldn't help but chuckle at her daughter's audacity. "Oh my, Ji Hye! That sounds like quite the adventure. However, remember to be on your best behavior. We wouldn't want to disrupt your brother's work," she reminded her mischievous daughter. Ji Hye nodded eagerly, her grin widening. "Of course, Mom! I promise to be good. But a little teasing won't hurt, right?" she replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Mrs. Kim laughed, well aware of her daughter's playful nature. "Alright, just a little teasing. But don't take it too far, my dear," she warned, attempting to conceal her own amusement. With breakfast completed, Ji Hye bid her mother farewell and made her way to Jae's office. BLACKWOOD HOLDINGS Upon arriving at the building, her heart raced with excitement. As she approached the entrance, she noticed a stern security guard. Taking a deep breath, Ji Hye donned her most innocent expression. Approaching the guard, she spoke in her sweetest voice, "Excuse me, sir. I'm here to surprise my brother, Jae. Could you possibly assist me?" The security guard, unwavering in his commitment, peered down at Ji Hye with a stern countenance. "I apologize, miss, but I cannot permit unauthorized visitors into the premises. It goes against the rules," he responded firmly, leaving no room for negotiation. Ji Hye's mischievous spirit surged in the face of resistance. She resolved to put up a fight, refusing to abandon her plan. Summoning her courage, she attempted to reason with the guard. "But I truly wish to surprise my brother! It will only take a few moments, and I assure you, no trouble shall arise," Ji Hye pleaded, her eyes brimming with unwavering determination. The security guard remained resolute, unaffected by Ji Hye's entreaty. "I understand you, miss, but I am bound by duty. I cannot compromise the building's security or the privacy of its occupants," he explained, his tone unwavering. Ji Hye's mischievousness escalated, and a new plan formed in her mind. She believed she could outsmart the guard with her cleverness. Sporting a sly grin, she decided to distract him while attempting to sneak past. Engaging the guard in conversation, Ji Hye unleashed her mischievous charm, diverting his attention from the entrance. She cracked jokes, performed magic tricks, and even attempted a little dance. Nonetheless, the security guard, appreciative of Ji Hye's efforts, remained steadfast in his duty. Meanwhile in the office, Vince scolded Adrian for his poor performance in the meeting. Frustration evident in his voice, Adrian questioned his father's expectations. "Dad, how can you expect me to excel?" Adrian exclaimed, his frustration palpable. "Silence, little boy! Like mother, like son," Vince retorted sharply. "Dad, I beg you, refrain from mentioning my mother in our conversation. I find it unpleasant," Adrian stated firmly before walking out. BLACKWOOD COLLEGE Jermaine expressed his concern about Adrian's absence and unresponsiveness. "Why isn't Adrian here today? He's not answering his calls," he said, his worry evident. Seth pondered the situation and voiced his thoughts. "I hope he hasn't gotten into another disagreement with Uncle Vince," he remarked, sharing Jermaine's concerns. Jermaine nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's a possibility. He did mention attending a meeting with Uncle Vincent," he added, acknowledging the likelihood of a conflict. BLACKWOOD HOLDINGS "Why won't you let me enter? I'm here simply to see my brother," Ji Hye yelled in frustration. The security guard stood firm in his duty. "Miss, you are not permitted to enter," he replied, maintaining his stance. Adrian, feeling disheartened and frustrated, emerged from his father's office with his head held low and disappointment weighed heavily on him. As he made his way towards the exit of the office building, consumed by his own troubles, he noticed a commotion near the entrance. Ji Hye, with her fiery spirit, refused to back down. Fearlessly, she engaged in a heated exchange of words with the stern security guard, undeterred by the potential consequences. Caught in the midst of his own frustrations, Adrian couldn't help but admire Ji Hye's audacity. Her unwavering determination to fight against the odds ignited a spark of inspiration within him. Filled with newfound confidence, Adrian approached Ji Hye and the security guard. "Excuse me," he interjected, his voice brimming with assurance. "What seems to be the issue here?" Both Ji Hye and the security guard turned their attention towards Adrian, momentarily taken aback by his interruption. The guard, maintaining his stern expression, proceeded to explain the situation. "This young lady is attempting to gain unauthorized entry into the building, which is in violation of the rules." Adrian's gaze fell upon Ji Hye, captivated by her beauty. He found himself drawn to her magnetic presence, both externally and internally. Lost in a trance, Adrian struggled to tear his eyes away from Ji Hye. He marveled at the twinkle in her eyes and the way her smile illuminated the room. Her carefree nature and fearless spirit fascinated him, despite the chaos that surrounded them. Adrian's heart raced as he searched for the right words to express his admiration, but before he could speak, Ji Hye snapped him back to reality. "Hey mister, what are you staring at?" she questioned, bringing him back to his senses. "Oh, um, it's nothing," Adrian stammered, abruptly leaving the scene without further explanation. Ji Hye, slightly perplexed by Adrian's behavior, muttered to herself, "Oh, he's so weird," before leaving the premises as well.