Three days after the confession that shook the nation, Hana stood in front of the towering glass skyscraper once owned by her father—Seo Global Holdings.
Mi-Ho adjusted her blazer and whispered, "Are you sure about this? The board's full of vipers."
"I used to be afraid of snakes," Hana murmured, her voice like steel wrapped in silk. "Not anymore."
Cameras flashed from the sidewalk as the press swarmed. Joon-Hyuk, ever the commanding presence, stepped ahead and held up his hand.
"No comments today. Ms. Seo has an appointment with her future."
As they entered the building, every employee paused. Some gasped. Others whispered. But all stared.
Because Seo Hana—the girl sold like property, hidden in silence for two years—was now walking through the lobby with fire in her eyes.
In the boardroom.
The board of directors sat like a lineup of smug gatekeepers, led by none other than Chairman Hwang, the temporary CEO appointed after Hana's father's death.
"Miss Seo," he said smoothly, adjusting his tie, "we weren't expecting you."
"That's the thing about me," Hana replied, placing a thick manila folder on the table. "I don't wait for invitations."
Inside the folder? Copies of her father's original will. Digital forensics proving the tampering by Baek and his allies. And sealed video testimony from the lawyer who had drafted the original will.
Hana's voice remained calm. "Effective immediately, I am reclaiming my role as majority shareholder."
Gasps rippled.
Joon-Hyuk crossed his arms. Mi-Ho grinned. Hwang paled.
"This is outrageous!" Hwang snapped. "You're not experienced enough to run this company—"
"I was running this company at my father's side before I even graduated high school," Hana cut in. "But don't worry. I'll show you just how 'inexperienced' I am."
Silence.
Then one board member slowly stood. "All in favor of recognizing Ms. Seo Hana as rightful CEO?"
Hands raised—one by one—until they were unanimous.
Later that evening.
In her father's old office, now hers, Hana stood alone by the window, looking down at the Seoul skyline.
Joon-Hyuk walked in quietly, holding a glass of sparkling water.
"Feels different, doesn't it?" he asked.
She nodded. "It's like I've been breathing through a straw… and now suddenly, I can take a full breath."
He offered her the glass.
"To breathing again," he said.
She clinked her glass to his.
"To never going back," she replied.