Song Minkyu and Kate Song were both in the her father's study room when she entered. The tea on the table hadn't been touched. That alone told her they'd been waiting. Ji Eun didn't greet them. She didn't sit either. She stood in the center of the room like a an attorney ready to question the defendant.
"Explain," she said.
Kate's eyes flickered with concern. "Ji Eun—"
"No," Ji Eun cut in, voice clean and cold. "Don't soften it. Don't circle around it. Why is Park Hyun Woo coming to stay at our house, he is not homeless, is he?" Song Minkyu met her gaze steadily. "Because it is the most reasonable arrangement—for now." Ji Eun's brows lifted. "Reasonable? Kate exhaled, choosing her words carefully. "The media attention is… intense. With what happened at the gala, it wouldn't look good if Mr. Park appeared to be pushed away publicly and privately." Ji Eun stared at them as if they'd spoken nonsense.
"So you're protecting his reputation?" she asked, voice sharpening. "After everything?" Song Minkyu's tone remained even. "We are protecting the Song family's stability." "And mine?" Ji Eun asked, eyes narrowing. "Or does that not matter to you anymore?" Kate's expression softened. "Of course it matters."
"Then why is he here?" Ji Eun pressed, each word a blade. "In my home. My space." Song Minkyu's gaze didn't waver. "it is only for a short while." Ji Eun laughed again—soft, bitter. "You keep saying that. Like time makes it harmless." Kate leaned forward slightly. "Ji Eun… you rejected him. Publicly. You made it clear you have no intention of accepting his proposal."
"Exactly," Ji Eun snapped. "So why should it bother me mom, is that what you wanted to ask?"