Flames Of Ambition
Episode 44
Listen well, you ungrateful prick.
Your mother came looking for me saying she had little left to live,
and she begged me to acknowledge you as my son.
You get it?!
I only told people you were my son out of pity for your mother!
I always owed her a lot.
She's the one who introduced me to General Nam when I was about to go bankrupt.
It was thanks to her that I was able to build the giant this group has become,
and this was my way of paying her back for all she did.
- Is that so? - You little...
You leave me with no other options, then.
I'll have to ask a court to verify whether what you said is true.
You pathetic fool...
Do as you please.
No... Maybe I should add Minjae to the equation as well.
Say what? Minjae is my grandson!
Turns out Youngmin Hyung took a DNA test with Minjae.
But as luck would have it, I managed to acquire that test's results.
Curious, aren't you? About what those results said.
Is anyone out there? Come in right now!
You can keep calling all you want, but nobody will come.
Since we're the only ones here.
You must be scared...
Considering you never know what I might do with that.
What would you do with it?
Let's hear it!
Would I bring you any harm? I'm only trying to get something out of this.
You could just call Youngmin Hyung and ask him.
What those DNA results say.
You wicked fool...
Take this and have your test. Go see if you're my son or not!
Uncle.
What are you doing here?
I was going to take the subway, but I forgot my wallet.
- Are you still asleep? - Uncle, where are you headed?
- Want a lift? - I'm late, Uncle....
Go get your wallet, I'll wait here.
Just a moment.
- What are you looking for, Grandpa? - Ohh... Some water.
Go have a seat over there.
Grandpa, are you alone?
I came out to have a drink, and I didn't see anyone around.
Heejeong Nuna is really something... She could have told me to stay a little longer.
How do you want your water, warm or cold?
Old men shouldn't drink cold water.
Yeah, Oppa.
Why did you go to Gahwedong?
Oppa... How could you just tell him?!
Now we're screwed!
Think... Now is not the time to go at Nayoung's throat.
If she goes down, we'll never get what we want.
What?
I can't wait to see all the Kim burn in hell.
So, what, you're setting the boat on fire just to see some fireworks?
Whatever!
How about my department store?
Hurry back here, let's draw a new plan.
Is it too hot, Grandpa?
Want me to mix it with some cold water?
- You can go now. - I've got plenty of time.
Heejeong will be back in no time, so just go.
What?
You really like Ingi?
- Is your mother still against it? - I guess she doesn't like her.
As long as you do, that's enough.
- Right, Grandpa? - Yeah.
Go now.
- Will you really be all right by yourself? - Sure... Just go to work.
Yes, Grandpa.
Ahh... Minjae.
Come sleep at home, all right?
Yes, Grandpa.
Sorry, Uncle. I was talking with Grandpa.
So Baek Ingi is going to Hollywood to shoot a movie?
Yes.
Your mother, really...
You like her so much, she could have just accepted her...
A year is not that long to wait...
One year?
It's more than enough to shoot that film and come back.
You really believe your mother would let her?
I'm sure she struck a deal with her.
Sending her to Hollywood in exchange for giving up on you.
Let's go, Uncle. I'm late.
What did Baek Ingi say?
Forget it all and just do it! Get married!
What could your mother possibly do?
So what's your plan?
Say it.
How are you going to bring the chairman down?
If we put your shares and mine together, we can win.
- Would that be enough? - The chairman doesn't have that many.
Shares alone won't cut it.
If you add your folks' shares as well, it'll make a difference.
They refuse to help you?
They probably would.
But listen, I've got a secret weapon.
What is it?
So? Tell me.
We just make sure the chairman can't come to the meeting.
- And how? - Leave that to me,
and make sure your husband can't come, either.
And I thought you had a decent plan...
That's the only way we'll get through this.
Shut it. You really think I don't get where you're going?
- Aeri... - You're only doing it so Minjae can inherit it all.
The chairman won't give Minjae a thing.
That old fart likes him more than Youngmin.
I just came to see what you'd try to scheme.
But, what?! You want to join forces? Give me a break...
But Minjae is not...
Minjae is not what?
Never mind, then.
Can you promise me this much?
That you'll push for my husband as chairman.
All right.
Then, start by dealing with your sister.
Don't worry about her. She doesn't even dream about staying with him.
I hear Kim Youngjun went to Ulsan to fix that raw fish restaurant of hers.
So that they can go live there together.
Not too confident, are you? The mighty Nam Aeri.
Just do as I say.
We're pretty much grass widows for life as it is.
Where are you going now, without saying a word?
At least take someone with you, Chairman!
- Did anything happen while I was away? - Not really?!
- Did anyone come visit? - Just Youngshik.
What did he do to the chairman, now?
Listen to you... He's so scared of the chairman, he can't even look at him straight...
And why are you prancing around away from home all day?
I went out with other chaebol wives, why?
Like they'd even talk to you?!
Everyone is going crazy asking for Heejeong's hand in marriage.
Give me a break...
Did you take a DNA test?
I'm asking you whether you and Minjae took a test behind my back.
You should read the contract before you sign, President.
Leave for the States first and lay the groundwork, I'll send Ingi next week.
Get the best writer you can and start working on the script,
and choose a top director. Spare no expenses.
But it will take some time for that. Maybe we could wait a while to send her...
Shouldn't she learn English first? Think it'd take a few days?
I want to produce a good film. One that can make Ingi a worldwide star.
All right.
Announce the project with a press conference.
Why aren't you answering me? Did you or not?
I said answer me!
I never did such thing.
Although I did contemplate taking one for a while.
So why is Youngshik going around spreading those rumors?
He told me to ask you whether Minjae was your real son or not.
Don't go around making silly mistakes.
Think how bad Minjae will feel if he finds out.
Is that the reason why you wanted to see me?
No.
You've run the group for a while, so by now you should know how things work.
Someone else is still controlling this group.
Don't you know?
I know.
And it's not just General Nam.
He's not the only one who's using me to fill his pockets, that's what I mean.
And we need to get them out of the way with a clean sweep.
This shareholder's meeting will be crucial.
If things go according to plan, Atlantic Group will finally be safe.
And that's the kind of company I want to leave you. Understand?
Yes, Father.
Also, about your wife.
Go ahead, Father.
Once this meeting is dealt with, separate.
- Father, she's just... - Just do as I say.
You'll only inherit this group if you separate.
Why, you can't do it?
- I'll think about it. - Answer me right now.
Then, shall I just leave it to Youngdae?
At least tell me why I should break up with her.
You don't need to know.
I won't break up with her, not unless you explain why you hate her so much.
There's a very good reason, that's why.
So what's your choice?
Ehh... You little...
All right.
I'll do as you wish.
Listen.
This breaks my heart, too.
- You can spare me such excuses. - Excuses?!
What else do you want me to do?
Tell me what other price I must pay to inherit the group.
That'll do.
The contract is signed and sealed.
I was worried because of the huge budget figures,
but the president signed without saying a word.
- Congrats, Ingi. - She said not to worry about money.
What's the matter, Ingi? You just hit the jackpot.
Jinsuk, what's wrong with her?
Must be because of Minjae.
Hey! If this movie does well, you'll find men a thousand times better than him!
Just stay out of this, will you?
- What else is up? - I don't really know, either.
Aren't you supposed to at least have a clue?
Wake up! Aigoo...
Just be positive, Ingi.
She must have a conscience too, so she's trying to be good to you.
Is it because you feel sorry for Minjae?
It wasn't going to work, anyway. Just forget him.
You say that because you didn't see the look on his face when I took off that ring.
I'm the only one he's got.
His father is a chaebol, why would you worry about him?
I said I'm the only one he's got.
So it's a no even if I change?
I'm not the man you want.
How do you know that? Whether you're the man for me.
Honey.
I just want a normal life.
If you start living with some country hick, will you suddenly become normal?
Don't you know that your father's blood still flows in your veins?
Give it a year, and you'll be regretting it already.
You might be right.
If you know that, why would you do something you know you'll regret?
I never said I'd marry Yoon Jeongsuk.
So?
I just like being with her.
So you'll live with her because of that?
It's not a matter of living together or not.
What's with you today? Answering me blow by blow.
One year?
No, just live with her six months.
You'll miss the good old days in a heartbeat.
Probably.
The days when I was blinded by my desire of gaining my father's seat.
Those voices still haunt me, whispering that I should oust Youngmin and become owner.
And it's not easy to resist the urge.
But whenever I'm with her, all that ambition completely vanishes.
And when you see me, it starts burning inside once again?
That's what you mean.
Because that's the only thing that can satisfy someone like you.
So that's why I'm asking you. Would you come back to me if I changed?
It's up to you.
If you don't come back, Atlantic Group will suffer the consequences.
Because I'll try everything in my power to completely destroy it.
You love your father, don't you?
Youngmin is only pretending, but you really love him.
I've got enough information to send your father to prison.
You really want to see the man you most love be summoned by prosecutors?
The ball's in your court.
The chicken house is doing well... Why do you want to stop now?
Didn't she say she'll go live with him in Ulsan?
Aigoo... Shut that trap, will you?
My father keeps coming to mind, so I can't live here.
Say you miss the chief...
It's a wise move.
I think of our hometown all the time...
Honey, shall we sell the restaurant and go back to Ulsan, too?
Forgot how many debts we have?
Even if we followed her, we'd only be a burden.
Aigoo... So sometimes you do make sense?!
But what about the chicken house?
- Why don't you take over? - You really mean that?
Aigoo... Foolish hag... Where would we find the money?
We can just pay her back little by little!
Isn't that right, Jeongsuk?
Right.
Aigoo! The chief is bringing luck to us as well!
Why would you thank the chief for that? Aigoo...
Ahh... Sis, if it weren't for him, would she have decided to move back to Ulsan?
Aigoo... We'll have our cake and eat it...
My... Look at her, already blushing!
Hyungnim... What's wrong with you?
Let go... I said let go!
What were you trying to dig up?
I warned you, didn't I?
Told you that you'd pay if you messed with me again!
Who tried to ruin me first? It was you.
What?
Go around spewing that bullshit again, and this time I'll kill you for real.
Think that'd erase the problem?
You can hit me all you want, but you won't get rid of those DNA results.
You really think the chairman doesn't know?
I'm sure he took a test of Minjae's DNA long before you did.
He knows that Minjae's not your son, but is merely pretending otherwise.
And that's only to avoid an embarrassment.
Give it some time, and both Minjae and his mother will be kicked out.
And after them, it's your turn.
Listen well.
I have clear evidence proving that Minjae is not your son,
so don't even think of laying a finger on me again.
Is that clear?
Does me getting my due piss you off that much?
You swallow the entire group and... what? Pretend Minjae is your son?
That fool was so happy, he couldn't contain himself!
Minjae...
- Minjae is my son. - Yeah, sure.
You think I don't know why you prance around telling that lie?
Must be because you're afraid of the chairman, as he might kick you out.
You shameless piece of shit.
Uncle...
Uncle, what's wrong with your face?
Did you have a fight with someone?
What's this, Uncle?
Read it.
- DSY DNA Research Lab - DNA Report
- Paternity Test Results -
- Do Not Match -
They're the results of the test your father took.
Boss.
The boys wanted to go out for a drink?!
Boss.
Uncle!
Uncle...
Tell me it's a lie.
You were just kidding, right?
Say it isn't true, Uncle!
There is no way, Uncle.
I wish it wasn't true myself.
Dad told me.
He said that he took a DNA test, and results confirmed I was his son.
Your father is the one who lied!
There's no way he would.
Why would Dad lie about that?
He lied so that he could inherit the group.
Because if people learn you're not his son, it'd be over for him.
Oppa... What's with all that blood?
- I got it over with. - You what?
I said I did it.
What's the matter with you?
Did you have a fight?
Speak to me, Honey!
Dad asked me.
Whether I took a DNA test.
So what did you tell him?
- Did you tell him the truth? - It seemed like he knew already.
He was just jumping to conclusions.
So what, did you tell him?
That Minjae is not your son.
You could just deny it.
And I did.
But you really think my father would believe me?
Tell me! Explain what happened.
Say something, Honey! Shouldn't we deal with this?
Where are you going now?
I need to see my father.
Go there in this state, and he'll suspect you even more.
Youngshik knows!
So before he tells him, I must see Dad. See him and make sure that fool doesn't say a word.
Honey, I can deal with Youngshik!
Honey. All we need to shut him or Mijin up is money.
- It's all they want. - You know what he really wants?
To destroy our clan and everything it represents once and for all.
- He despises every single one of us! - Let me handle him.
Leave him to me, you worry about calming your father down.
Even if you have to beg on your knees, make sure all his suspicions are tamed.
Wait...
Youngshik might have met with Minjae.
He might have told him...
My phone.
Where did I put it...
Honey... Find my phone. I must call Minjae!
Don't call him! He still doesn't know a thing!
What was Minjae's number again?
Tell me his number.
I don't remember it.
You call him.
Hurry up and call Minjae.
Are you deaf? I said give Minjae a call!
You don't need to worry.
I told you there's nothing you should worry about.
I'm the only one your father is after.
As long as I leave, he won't do anything to you.
It's mine.
Yes, Mother.
- What do I owe this late call to? - Did Minjae come there?
I got a call from the practice range.
I don't really know what's going on, but they said Minjae ran out like a loony.
If you have Youngshik's number, give him a call.
Why, Mother?
They said he was talking with Youngshik, and then he suddenly ran out.
Don't jump to conclusions... What could possibly have happened with him?!
- Why aren't you answering me? - Yes. All right, Mother.
- I'll give him a call. - You must.
If he was headed to Gahwedong, he'd already be here by now.
Don't worry, Mother.
Who called you?
Your mother.
She was saying Youngshik told Minjae something.
- See? I told you to call Minjae!! - You could have called him yourself.
Or if you were that worried, you could have told him not to meet Youngshik.
- Now you're blaming it all on me? - You're the one who took that test.
You think I don't know what you meant by that?
What's that supposed to mean?
You did it to cut your ties with him! Before your father could find out.
Aww... And I thought something serious happened.
Stayed up for nothing.
- Aren't you going to sleep, Mother? - Think I'd close an eye?
- I'm too worried. - Is Minjae still a kid?
Always up in arms about him...
Go to sleep, will you?
And to think that all these quarrels of ours are going to end soon...
- Are you going back home? - Everyone is asking me out for a drink.
Ahh... Really...
I'll have to invite all those executives here, can I just buy them a drink outside?
They're all curious to find out how good a cook I am.
I'll go to sleep, then.
What's wrong with her, really...
Honey. Looks like Minjae is acting up.
- Minjae? - Heejeong was telling me.
It seems that ever since Youngshik came here this morning, things went south.
Ehh... Why would he act up? I'd understand if his real mother was still alive.
Anyhow, all the better.
If Father starts worrying about him, you can only gain from that.
I met General Nam today.
Why did you?
If your father finds out, then what?
I brought it up, just a few hints.
Asking him who he will support at this shareholder's meeting.
- And what did he say? - That he sold all his shares.
- Down to the very last one. - And why?
Father was all up in arms about him?!
I guess there was some kind of backdoor deal between them.
So now that he filled his pockets, he'll let Dad have it his way, I guess.
But your father didn't change his mind, did he?
- Come here. - What?
Closer!
Honey! Why would you do that?!
Your father was finally starting to take your side, for a change...
We can't lose this opportunity to get him out of the way.
And you think you won't face any repercussions?
What can Dad do, anyway?!
Think that if he starts going in and out of the prosecutor's office saying I'm taking over,
the old man up the hill would let him go free without paying a penny?
"You've made enough money, so now it's time to pay back the courtesy!"
You're worrying me...
I feel you might be jumping the gun.
I'm the chairman of Atlantic Group, me. The owner.
I lead the entire group. I'm the man of the house, dammit.
Why would I be afraid?
Still, be careful, Honey...
If they take all this back, I won't be able to endure it.
Even if this is only a dream, let it last a long time, Honey.
Honey?! "Chairman!"
Yes! Chairman.
Aren't you sleeping?
Again with that photo... Why do you keep looking at it?
- But who's that? - Why?
- Let's have a look. - I told you she's my first love, didn't I?
And you're the one next to her, but what about the other man?
A friend.
- It's not Nayoung's father, is it? - Nah...
You said he was the only friend you had, back then.
It's just a friend.
So what's the reason you're looking at that photo at this hour?
I'm worried about Minjae, and also...
And for some reason, I got nostalgic today.
If she's still alive, why don't you keep in touch?
What for?
She'd probably be a wrinkled old granny by now.
Is she alive, at least?
Want a look?
See? Pretty, isn't she?
Aigoo... Really. She's all skin and bones.
She was all slender like a beauty queen.
Listen to you...
I really miss her.
If she was still alive, I'd search the four corners to meet her one more time.
Come in, Minjae.
Did you drink?
But you almost look drunk...
Ingi...
I...
am nobody.
You're what?
I'm nothing.
What are you talking about?
I'm even worse than a little pebble rolling down the street.
Give it here.
What?
The ring.
You got angry because I threw away the ring you gave me.
Don't you get what I said?
I'm nothing.
I'm not my father's son.
My parents are not chaebol,
I'm just an illegitimate child who doesn't even know his father.
But your mother loves you.
My mother died, Ingi...
Your father loves you, and I love you too.
So why do you keep saying that?
Ingi.
You know whose son I am?
Some scumbag from New York who conned women for a living.
So I'd rather be nothing.
Like air... I wish I could just vanish from this world.
Come here, Minjae.
I said come here.
I will miss you, Ingi.
Wherever I might end up, I will miss you.
Minjae, come here!
Minjae!
Wait, Minjae!
I'll come with you.
Wherever you might go, I'll come with you.
Wait here. I'll go get my things. Got it?
Don't you go anywhere.
Promise you'll wait for me here.
Wait here, all right?
Give me the ring.
Come on.
Where are you going, Ingi?
You can't break your promise to Director Jang!
You keep it.
At least take your phone!
And Minjae?
He left with Baek Ingi.
I couldn't stop him.
Because Baek Ingi is his last hope.
Minjae, don't...
Minjae, don't!
Don't!
I'll make sure you won't end up facing any consequence.
When Minjae and Baek Ingi are back, I'll take them both with me to the States.
And I used some money without asking you, by the way.
If the movie does well, I'll pay you back.
You don't need to leave.
You shouldn't feel guilty.
I don't even deserve to be treated so well.
After I'm gone, your father will explain everything.
Since I've told him all he wanted to know.
Just go and wait for me.
Once I'm done wrapping up things here, I'll follow you.
Honey...
You still don't get what I'm saying?
I'm going to break up with you.
Think about it.
If I keep living with you, Minjae and Baek Ingi will never be able to marry.
What's that supposed to mean?
What does Baek Ingi have to do with you, anyway?
She's my daughter.
I tried to marry a man I didn't even love.
I thought that if I got pregnant, his family would be forced to accept me.
Forgive me for deceiving you.
But my love for you was sincere.
And so was my wish to become the best mother for Minjae.
Although of course becoming the wife of the group's owner was my ultimate goal.
Because I thought it would make me happy.
I'm sorry that my foolish ambition made you suffer so much.
You don't need to get angry.
Since I'm already as good as dead, anyway.
Since I've lost...
every single reason to live.
You must end up victorious at the shareholder's meeting.
I want to see you become owner.
And after that, let me take the kids and leave.
And how would I go on?
If I become owner, does that solve anything?
Honey...
I can't let you and Minjae go this way.
You'll never be able to forgive me.
No...
You might learn to live with it, even if you won't forgive me.
But your father won't.
Then, just send Baek Ingi.
I'll convince Minjae.
Honey.
If you take him back, it'll kill him.
There's nothing we can do for him anymore.
Everything will go back as it was. Let me handle it.
Honey.
Just let go of Minjae now.
Yeah.... Just as you suggested, they're siblings.
But if we divorce, would that solve anything?
It would haunt me for the rest of my days like a scar.
I told you everything already.
Now you know what kind of woman I am.
So let go of Minjae.
Whatever anyone might say, Minjae is my son.
- Honey... - You worry about Baek Ingi.
Leave Minjae to me.
You were fine with it, and even said that letting him go was the right thing.
If you hadn't said that, I would have never told you the truth about Baek Ingi.
- How can you say that? - Honey...
How could you just lie like that?
Honey, let me explain. The reason I got pregnant...
Get your hands off me.
How could you deceive me as if it was nothing?
You should have kept your mouth shut for the rest of your days.
It was a secret you should have taken to the grave!
How could you tell me that?
I'll see if I can help him out.
Come here, you silly.
Come on in, Chairman. Your sudden visit surprised me.
- You're all right, I hope? - Sure.
Yes.
Sit.
I apologize for yesterday.
I said sit.
Yes.
There's an opening at our New York subsidiary, go there for a year.
I have no intention of working for Atlantic Group, Hyungnim.
When you're back, you'll instantly be promoted to director.
Meaning we'll accept you as family.
- Does the chairman... - I'm sure he thinks the same.
Since he wouldn't want your name to end up all over the papers.
So how about it?
Of course if you want to take this to the end...
Can't help it.
Is that your way of forgiving me?
Not forgiving you, but acknowledging defeat.
What will you do?
All right.
I'll have to settle for that, at least for now.
I wouldn't expect anything else if I were you.
Be too greedy and you might lose it all.
- Are you trying to intimidate me? - Go.
And keep your mouth shut until the day you leave.
Fine. I will.
Last time you visited me, you asked whether I took a test for Minjae and Youngmin, right?
What?
Don't you remember?
Yes... That?
- Why did you ask? - I was just... curious, you know.
So, like... it suddenly came to mind, out of the blue.
I...
But tell me, what did I say, again?
That you took them elsewhere, while I was overseas.
Isn't that right, Chairman?
You're right.
So why, is anything wrong?
Did Youngmin ever ask you to take another test?
- To me?! - He didn't?
Did he, or not?
Actually, I think he might have personally asked one of my researchers.
- So he couldn't refuse, and... - Will you get to the point?
- Just tell me whether he did or not. - Yes, he did.
What did the results say?
Answer me...
What did they say?