The Girl No One Really Knew

Chapter 13: Whispers Behind Closed Doors

The long dining table was set as usual—with candlelight, soft jazz playing from the speakers, and more silverware than Arin would ever need for a single meal.

“Arin, eat more,” her mom said gently, placing a piece of grilled salmon on her plate.

She smiled and nodded, though her mind was far from the perfectly seared fish in front of her.

“I heard you’ve been doing well in school,” her father said from the other end of the table, his tone casual.

Arin glanced up. Her father rarely talked about school. “I try.”

He gave a small nod, then continued, “I want you to join the executive board meeting tomorrow.”

That made her blink. “Me?”

“Yes,” her brother Jaehoon added, dabbing his mouth with a napkin. “Grandfather will be there. It’s important.”

Her heart sank a little. Not because she didn’t want to go—but because she knew what those meetings were like. Formal. Intense. Public, sometimes.

And she was right.

---

The next day, Arin stood in front of the towering Daehan Group headquarters, dressed in a sleek navy blazer and black slacks, her long hair tied in a low ponytail. The air was buzzing with reporters, bodyguards, and company staff.

As she stepped inside, her phone buzzed.

[Unknown Number]: Smile pretty today. You’ll be on camera.

Her grip tightened.

But when the meeting started, she realized the cameras were focused only on the board members and the chairman—her grandfather, Mr. Han Taekjin. A stoic, commanding man with sharp eyes and decades of power behind him.

Arin sat quietly in the far corner, not introduced, not acknowledged—just observing.

Until she saw him.

Seojun.

He was there. Not in school uniform, but in a formal black suit, standing near a group of directors. His father, apparently, was part of the business presentation today.

Their eyes met for the briefest second.

He looked surprised. She looked away.

---

Later that night, social media was buzzing.

> “Who was that girl in the Daehan Group meeting?”

“She wasn’t shown properly, but she looked young. A daughter? A niece?”

“Why is everyone talking about this mystery girl?”

At the same time…

@daehanhighgossip on Twitter posted:

> “BREAKING: The chaebol heiress isn’t Arin Lee, it’s Hyeri Choi! Sources say she’s the granddaughter of Daehan Group's chairman!”

The school exploded with rumors.

Arin just sighed. Hyeri, as expected, was basking in the spotlight. Posting cryptic captions, showing off luxury bags, hinting at “family dinners with high-profile guests.”

Meanwhile, Arin stayed quiet. Like always.

But Jihoon had that look in his eyes again—like he was starting to connect the dots.

And somewhere in her locker, a new note had appeared.

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