Ji Eun continued, her voice unwavering.
"I respect traditions," she said.
"But I refuse to be treated as a transaction."
Every word was calm.
Measured.
Deadly.
She turned slightly, now fully facing Park Hyun Woo.
"And I refuse," she added quietly, "to marry a man who believes he can manipulate people's lives… by controlling what they value most."
The room froze.
That wasn't vague anymore.
That was specific.
Direct.
Targeted.
A few executives exchanged sharp looks. Some murmured to each other. Mo Han felt his chest tighten. Because he knew exactly what she meant.
Ji Eun lifted her chin slightly. Eyes blazing now.
"If a partnership must be secured through pressure…" she said softly, "then it is not a partnership."
Her gaze didn't waver from Hyun Woo's.
"It's control."
A heavy silence fell.