Hara stood alone in her walk-in closet, clutching one of Damian's forgotten cufflinks. His scent still lingered faintly on it—clean, sharp, distant. Just like him lately.
She was losing.
It had started subtly: fewer calls, shorter texts, and then cold smiles that barely reached his eyes. And when she saw Hena wearing his jacket at the office, it confirmed the unthinkable—Damian was slipping through her fingers.
To her.
Her reflection in the mirror didn't lie. The cracks in her facade were beginning to show.
But she wasn't going down without a fight.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell. She opened it, only to find Jae-woon standing there—her ex-boyfriend, the violinist whose music once stirred her heart.
"Hara," he said, his eyes soft with concern. "I came because I know what's happening. I know you're hurting."
She didn't answer, folding her arms across her chest.
"I can help you," he continued. "You deserve to win. I can get rid of Hena if you want—make sure she never interferes with your life again."
Hara's lips parted in disbelief. "You think I'd stoop so low I'd need your help?"
Jae-woon faltered. "I just—"
She scoffed and stepped back. "You're pathetic. I don't need anyone. Least of all someone who abandoned me when things got hard. You didn't care about me then, don't pretend now."
His face fell. "You're letting your pride ruin you."
She glared at him. "And you're letting your guilt drag you back into something that's not yours. Get out."
He hesitated, then quietly left, shoulders heavy with rejection.
As soon as he was gone, Hara's knees buckled slightly. She gripped the doorframe for support.
The cracks were deeper than she realized.
---
Later that night, the glittering charity gala buzzed with elegance and hidden motives. Seoul's elites mingled under chandeliers, unaware of the silent operation unfolding in their midst.
Claire moved through the ballroom in a server's uniform, her eyes sharp and focused. This was her mission—to infiltrate the estate and find something that could bring Madam Seo down.
Her chance came when Madam Seo turned to chat with a group of investors. Claire slipped away into the corridor and climbed the side stairs to the second floor.
She reached the study. Just like Damian said, there was a locked cabinet behind the painting of peonies. She picked the lock quickly, her breath shallow with anticipation.
Inside, she found files, ledgers, photographs… but one envelope caught her eye. Sealed in red wax, marked Kang & Seo Estate Transfer – Private Adoption.
Claire's eyes widened.
She took a photo of the documents and carefully replaced everything as it was. Whatever this envelope contained—it was tied to Hena's identity.
Downstairs, Madam Seo's eyes swept the ballroom. "Where is that new girl?" she murmured, her instincts prickling.
---
Meanwhile, outside in the garden, Hena stood face to face with her twin sister.
"I know everything, Hara," Hena said, her voice calm but firm. "I know about your attempts to get rid of me. About how you lied to everyone, including yourself."
Hara sneered, folding her arms. "You're just bitter because you can't win. Damian chose me."
"He's choosing the truth," Hena said. "And that's not you."
Hara's eyes flickered.
"Madam Seo isn't our mother," Hena added. "She raised you, yes. But she isn't your real mother—or mine. We were both taken. Separated."
Hara's smirk faltered. "You're lying."
"No," Hena said quietly, pulling out the matching necklace from her pocket. "Our father gave us these. You had one. I have the other. I found it at the estate. Ask Grandma. Ask Mr. Kang. They'll tell you everything."
Hara stood frozen. The truth hit her like a slap—but pride quickly masked her expression.
"I don't care," she replied looking serious. "She raised me. She gave me everything. I don't need some fairytale explanation from you."
"She kept you because she needed a child to manipulate," Hena said. "I was hidden to be protected. And now I know why."
Hara took a step back. "You should leave."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"Then stay and lose," Hara hissed. "Because I'm staying by Madam Seo's side. I'll win this game—no matter what."
Hena looked at her with sorrow. "Even if it means destroying the only family you really have?"
Hara turned away, her voice cold. "Get out, Hena."
And Hena did—but this time, not in retreat.
This time, it was war.