The tension in the air was sharp that evening. Rain drizzled over the glass ceiling of the small rooftop café where Hena sat in a dark trench coat, her eyes hidden behind lightly tinted sunglasses. She checked the time again. The message had been vague: "I have answers. Come alone. Rooftop Café, 8 PM."
She was used to being careful now. Trust was a currency spent only on the worthy.
The door creaked open. She looked up.
A tall man in his mid-thirties entered. His sleek black coat, tailored suit, and calm demeanor made him stand out. His features were sharp, his expression unreadable—yet there was something oddly familiar about him.
"Seo Hena," he greeted, sliding into the seat across from her. "You've grown."
She tilted her head. "And you are?"
"I'm Seo Jun-ho," he said. "Madam Seo's eldest son."
Her posture stiffened slightly, but she didn't show any visible alarm. "Never heard of you."
"I stay away from family affairs," he said smoothly. "My mother and I... don't see eye to eye. Especially not after what she did all those years ago."
He paused, watching her.
"I was there. That night. I saw your father take you away. He said it was to protect you."
Her gaze narrowed. "So you watched your mother raise my sister like her own, and you said nothing?"
"I was fifteen," he said quietly. "And afraid of what she'd do to me too. She always needed a pawn. Hara became hers. I chose to disappear."
Hena sat back, studying him. "So what do you want now?"
Jun-ho smiled bitterly. "You're gathering strength. I admire it. You've taken her by surprise. But you won't win alone."
"I'm not alone," she said sharply.
"True," he nodded. "But I know things. Where she's hiding documents, offshore accounts, blackmail files—things that could destroy her completely. You want her gone, don't you?"
Her expression didn't change. "Why now?"
"Because the woman who raised me—if you can even call it that—has lied and manipulated everyone for too long. She destroyed our family to create a new one she could control. And now, she's losing her grip."
"And you want to help me… out of guilt?"
"I want her exposed. I want justice," he said simply. "And I want back what she stole from my father and me. But I need you to help me bring her down."
Hena took a long breath.
"You say you want to help. But I've already started a war," she said. "You're late, Jun-ho. The pieces are moving. The world is watching. This isn't just a family feud—it's a full-scale takedown."
"I know," he replied. "That's why I came to you. Not my sister. Not even the Media. But I chose to meet You."
She leaned in, folding her hands.
"Then here's my offer: don't just help me expose her—join me. Be the insider I need. Every file, every secret, every hidden transaction. You give me that, and I'll make sure she has no place to hide."
Jun-ho's eyes lit with interest. "And what do I get?"
Hena's voice was calm. "Redemption. And maybe a chance to rebuild the name Seo without blood and lies."
He chuckled softly. "You sound more like her than you think."
"No," she said firmly. "I sound like someone who won't run anymore."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The soft sound of rain echoed through the rooftop.
Then Jun-ho extended his hand. "Alright. Let's destroy her together."
She shook it without hesitation.
Back at the Seo estate, Madam Seo sat alone in her study, watching news headlines flashing across the TV. Her empire was slowly cracking, and Hena's name was rising in every article, rumor, and social feed.
She clenched her fists.
This wasn't over.