Page 15 of Rewind

“Then, I guess all I can say.” Her voice wobbled. “Just be careful.”

His heart constricted. The last thing he wanted to do was upset his mother but now that he was set on this course of discovering his roots, there was no turning back. “Eomma, please don’t cry.”

She sniffed. “I know there’s no point in trying to deter you because I’m sure you’ve already made up your mind. But I can’t shake this ominous feeling in the pit of my stomach.”

Ethan didn’t know how to respond to that statement. His mother was no more manipulative than most moms who used guilt with their children to get their way. But in general, she didn’t resort to these tactics. Plus, whenever she said she had a bad feelings about something by some miraculous force of nature, she was usually right.

“Ethan, are you still there?”

“Yes, Eomma, I’m still here. I was just thinking. I know you have concerns, and rightfully so, but I promise, I’ll be careful. I have to go to the appointment now. I will call you afterward and tell you how it went.”

“Okay, son. I love you.”

“I love you too. Don’t worry. I’m a big boy. I can handle myself.”

“Of course you can. Don’t forget to call me.”

“I won’t.”

After disconnecting the call, Ethan took a deep breath.

What he didn’t tell his mother was that he was already sitting in the parking lot of the hotel where he was going to meet a representative from JKB.

He deliberately waited to tell his mother about this meeting at the last minute because he was afraid, she’d try to change his mind. Ethan believed his mother meant well but ultimately this was his decision. He just wished she’d be more open about what she knew so he wouldn’t have to find out for himself.

Taking a deep breath, he glanced at himself in his rear view mirror and made sure his appearance was neat. He flicked a stray strand of hair from his forehead and straightened his tie.

Walking through the parking lot, his heart beat a mile a minute. He wasn’t sure if he would finally meet his father or someone representing JKB. Ethan’s only contact was a Mr. Kevin T. Yoon from the American legal arm of JKB. Perhaps this was their way of feeling him out to make sure he wouldn’t cause public embarrassment to the family or looking to cash in on their wealth.

Ethan glanced at his watch and noted he was a few minutes early when he arrived at the Red Room Restaurant in the hotel.

The hostess, dressed in all black, gave him a wide smile. “Good afternoon, Sir. Will you be dining alone or will there be more people joining your party?”

“I’m actually meeting someone today but I may be a bit early. The last name is Yoon.”

She looked at the little computer on the hostess stand. “Aw yes. Your party is already here. I’ll take you dining area. Please follow me.” She led him to the back of the restaurant that was already full, and down a hallway to a private dining room. Standing outside the door was a man, who was nearly as tall as him, with slicked back black hair and gold wire frame glasses.

He held his hand out to Ethan. “Dr. Han. I’m Kevin Yoon, you’ve already seen my communication which is why you’re here obviously. I work for the law firm that represents the personal interests of the Jung family. Thank you for coming. Madam will be here shortly. In the meantime, please go inside and make yourself comfortable. Order a drink or help yourself to some of the refreshments, on the table.”

“Ugh, thanks.” Ethan briefly shook the offered hand before walking into the private room. Once inside his shoulders tensed and the insides of his stomach tightened.

Madame?

Ethan had dug up as much information as he could find about his family in Korea. He knew that his father Jung Kang-Chul was the current head of JKB, taking on the position after the passing of Ethan’s grandfather Jung Kang-Dae.

There were various aunts, uncles and cousins who worked in the company and the two recognized children of Kang Chul’s marriage to a Kim Soo-ah of the Kim family that once ran one of the biggest construction companies in Korea.

In recent years however, the Kim family had gotten into trouble after being cited for several building violations and paying off officials to create shoddily made structures.

So who was the Madam, Kevin referred to? Could it be his grandmother who though in her 80’s was said to still be active in society and traveled extensively since the passing of her husband? She was also still a major shareholder in JKB.

There was only one large table set up in the center of the room that looked like it was used for small private functions. Two servers stood against the wall.

When Ethan took a seat, one of them, approached the table. “Can I offer you a drink, Sir?” she asked, filling the water glass in front of him.

“A cup of coffee would be great.” He smiled his thanks.

Kevin had not exaggerated when he said there was a spread on the table waiting for him. There was a tray of fresh fruits and a cheese and crackers platter along with assorted breads next to a dish of butters shaped like flowers.

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