The world had barely recovered from Hana's press conference when Kang Joon-Hyuk detonated the next bomb.
The media swarmed them the moment they exited the building.
"Hana-ssi! What is your connection to the Kang family?"
"Mr. Kang, are you supporting her claim financially?"
"Is there a business merger underway?"
Joon-Hyuk didn't answer.
He reached for Hana's hand.
She froze—but didn't pull away.
Then, in front of dozens of flashing cameras, gasping reporters, and half the country watching live—
He kissed her.
Right there on the steps of Kang Tower.
Not just a press kiss.
Not a PR stunt.
This was a statement.
A claim.
Min-Ji choked on her bottled water inside the limo watching the live feed. "That's… one way to shut down rumors."
Mi-Ho grinned from her spot beside her. "Or start a thousand more."
Baek flipped through news headlines, his hand trembling with fury.
Kang Joon-Hyuk Kisses Seo Heiress—Public Alliance Confirmed?
From Tragedy to Triumph: Seo Hana's Comeback with a Billionaire by Her Side
Power Couple or Power Play?
He hurled the tablet across the room.
"Get her silenced," he snapped to his bodyguard. "I don't care what it takes."
The man hesitated. "Sir… she's untouchable right now. Too much public heat."
"Then make her untouchable the hard way."
Later that night, back inside the Kang estate, Hana paced Joon-Hyuk's study.
"You kissed me," she said flatly.
He shrugged, lounging on the couch. "I did."
"You didn't even warn me!"
"Would you have said yes?"
She folded her arms. "No."
"Exactly."
She turned to leave—but paused at the door.
"…Thank you."
He raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
"For making the world think I'm not fighting alone."
Her voice was soft. Honest.
He stood. Walked up behind her.
"You're not," he said. "And I didn't do it for the cameras."
She turned to face him—and this time, the silence wasn't awkward.
It was charged.
But she stepped away first.
Not because she didn't want it.
Because she wanted it too much.
And right now? Her war wasn't over.