The city lights blurred past the tinted windows as the car sped toward Mo Han's company headquarters, but for Park Hyun Woo, everything was already decided.
For Ji Eun, however, it still felt like a fight she could win.
She sat across from him again, this time in the car, her fingers clenched tightly in her lap. She refused to look at him.
"You still haven't answered," she said coldly. "What happens if I lose?"
Silence lingered for a moment.
Park Hyun Woo didn't answer immediately. Instead, he watched the city outside, his expression unreadable, as though he was giving her the chance to reconsider.
When he finally spoke, his voice was calm.
"If you lose…" he said slowly, "you come back to me willingly."
Ji Eun's head snapped toward him.
"Willingly?" she repeated, disbelief lacing her voice.
"Yes."
He turned to face her fully now.
"No more running. No more resistance. You accept the engagement, not because your family forced you… but because you understand why."
Her chest tightened.
"And what 'reason' is that?" she challenged.
"That I am the better choice," he replied simply.
Her eyes burned with anger.
"You're unbelievable."
"Practical," he corrected.
But then...
His tone shifted.
Softer.
More dangerous.
"And I protect what's mine better than anyone else ever will."