Hana stared at the invitation again. A charity gala, hosted by Jin Ae-Ra's family. Of course.
"She's trying to bait you into her arena," Mi-Ho said, leaning on the balcony beside her. "That event will be crawling with reporters, business moguls… snakes."
"She wants to control the narrative," Hana said quietly. "Make me look like the desperate girl who stumbled into power."
Mi-Ho glanced at her. "You don't have to go."
Hana met his eyes. "I have to. But I won't walk in as a beggar. I'll walk in as the storm."
That evening, cameras flashed as Hana entered the gala in a midnight-black gown, sleek and commanding. Beside her, Mi-Ho in a tailored tuxedo made a statement: Untouchable power couple.
Jin Ae-Ra approached with a mock clap. "You clean up well. For someone who was bought."
Hana's smile was cold. "And you speak well. For someone who's threatened."
Their stares clashed, the real battle beginning without swords—only words, looks, and legacy.