LEGACY OF AMELIA: THE HEIRESS REVENGE

Seoul welcomed her like it always had, cold, brilliant, and pretending nothing had ever happened. Amelia Hudson stepped into Incheon International Airport with practiced composure, like she belonged to the city, and maybe, once upon a time, she had. She stepped ‎elegantly with her heels echoing softly against the airport tiled floors. She was dressed in a flowy red silk armless gown, with her glossy flawless long black hair dancing behind the black wool coat resting on her shoulders. She moved confidently in the midst of the buzzing terminal. The terminal buzzed with movement; executives on hurried calls, celebrities hidden behind sunglasses, families reuniting in quiet joy, but none of it moved her. She moved through it all like a ghost dressed in silk and confidence, She was untouched by the chaos around her because to her, everything looked the same. Untouched by her past it had buried. ‎She had always imagined and anticipated this moment for a long time. Her return. She adjusted the black wool coat resting on her shoulders, with her fingers brushing against the smooth fabric. Her hair fell neatly down her back, dark and glossy, framing a face that had learned restraint the hard way. People noticed her. They always did. Some slowed their steps. Some whispered. Others stared too long before remembering themselves. Amelia Hudson had a presence. Power followed her now, the kind that didn't need to announce itself. "Welcome back." A voice suddenly cut through the noise. A deep, bold, calm, and unmistakable voice. She turned. Her gaze landed on Jackson Park who was standing a few steps away from her, with one of his hands in his pocket, and the other hand holding a bouquet of roses. His posture was relaxed yet refined. Time had reshaped him; broader shoulders, sharper jaw, eyes steadier than the boy she remembered. His suit was simple but screaming luxury and tailored to perfection, the kind worn by men who didn't need logos to be recognized. His hair was neatly styled, his expression calm, and his eyes were softened and warm as her stared at her. For a heartbeat, they stood there staring at each other. ‎Amelia quickly adjusted her gaze as Jackson smiled at her. It was a warm, familiar smile that brought back memories of the little 10-year-old Jackson who had once stayed up all night sitting outside her room, afraid of something happening to her. She reassured herself with the warm smile that both the 10-year-old boy back then and the one standing before her would always be the same person for her. "Hi Jackson," she said softly as she moved closer to him. Her voice was smooth and controlled, with no trace of the child who had once lost her words completely. ‎Jackson stepped closer to her and pulled her into a soft warm embrace. Time froze for a while. The embrace reminded her of the fact that she was not alone in this city no matter how dangerous the journey may be. Because to her, coming back to the city, is almost equivalent to walking back into enemy territory. After the embrace, he handed her the flowers. ‎"Welcome back Amelia." ‎ "‎Thank you." she collected the flower from him with a cool aloof face. "You've changed, and you look stunning." He said. "Well, same as you." Amelia replied. ‎He chuckled quietly. ‎ ‎"Do you still remember the promise I made to you back then?" Jackson suddenly asked. ‎ ‎"I do. So, are you ready? It is not going to be a smooth ride" She asked him back. ‎"I never go back on my words, let alone my promise to you." He replied with a firm look on his face. ‎ ‎Amelia's face lit up, and her lips curved a bit. ‎"Let's go. The driver is waiting." He said as he collected her bag and they both walked slowly toward the exit together. Outside, a sleek black sedan was waiting for them with its sharp engine humming quietly. Jackson opened the door for her, and placed her luggage neatly into the boot. He also entered and the driver drove off. Amelia watched in silence as Seoul city unfolded before her. The tall tower buildings, lively streets, traffics, the wide and dark Han River beneath the bridges. Amelia watched the water with her fingers tightened slightly on her lap. Jackson noticed and broke the silence. "Chairman Park is waiting," he said gently. "But if you want some time first..." "I'm fine," she interrupted, then softened her tone. "How is Chairman Park?" ‎"Father is still the same as always, still patient," Jackson replied jokingly. "Still dangerous." A corner of her mouth lifted. "Then nothing's changed." After a long ride, the sedan turned into a quiet mansion tucked away from the city's chaos. Chairman Park's mansion is huge but dignified. Inside, the house smelled faintly of tea and aged paper. Chairman Park rose the moment Amelia entered, his sharp gaze assessing her from head to toe. He smiled slowly. "You came back exactly when I expected," he said. "You've grown into yourself." Amelia inclined her head respectfully. "You gave me the chance to. Thank you Chairman." His expression softened for a fraction of a second. "Your mother would have been proud." Chairman Park said. The words struck deeper than any accusation ever could. She steadied herself and bowed her head slightly. "Thank you for waiting for me." "I never doubted you'd return," he replied. "Seoul is... unfinished business. And I hope you are ready?" "Fully ready. I prepared myself for the past 15 years, for me to take down all those who caused my mother's death and my pain." Amelia replied with rage and determination in her eyes. "Good. I will have your back, and Jackson will assist you in any of your plans, so feel free and unleash yourself." "Yes Sir." Amelia replied. The three of them gathered and spoke briefly for a while, about herself, their plans and her business. The CEO of GMD group and founder of A.Hudson Atelier's fashion company, and the influence her return would create. Every word was measured. Every pause was intentional. When the meeting ended, Amelia stepped out onto the balcony alone. The city stretched endlessly before her, alive and indifferent. Because somewhere beyond the skyline stood an empire that had erased her existence. An empire that had believed time would bury its sins. She tightened her grip on the railing. Behind her, the balcony doors opened. Jackson joined her quietly, handing her a glass of water. "You don't have to carry everything by yourself, you know?" he said. She stared at him. He is now a fine mature young man. But his eyes still held the same promise they had years ago. "I know," Amelia said. "But in this part, I have to walk alone." "Rest assured, I will walk the path with you." Jackson said. The river shined below them, calm and merciless. Every time she saw water like that, painful memories taunt her. The sound of waves. Her mother's voice, crying for help. The way she drowned and left her all alone. Amelia closed her eyes. Every time she saw any river, she remembered the day her name was stolen from her. The day her world was shattered. When she opened her eyes again, the city reflected back at her; sharp, dazzling, and waiting. So was she.