When the class ended, everyone left, except Jiwoo who remained.
Han slowly walked toward her.
"Noona, I know you hate me so much," he said. "But can you just treat me like a normal person in front of others? I know you hate me because I'm adopted… and not as good as the others siblings in business—like you, Christine, and our cousins. But I'm trying my best. Even though I don't want to do all this, I'm still doing my best… so I don't die like jihye."
At the mention of Jihye's name, Jiwoo's face tensed. She looked away, frustrated.
Seeing her turn her face from him made Han even sadder.
"Noona," he said softly, "I really want to live. I'm doing everything to make myself useful."
Jiwoo didn't want to be rude, but she couldn't let him continue.
"Han, get out. I have the next class here. Stop making a fuss in front of my students."
Han sighed, forcing a small smile through his tears, and left.
Outside, Seungmin had been listening to everything. When han left the room, Seungmin waited until han was gone and then entered.
"Noona," his voice was calm, steady, almost too controlled. "How are you? I heard you're a professor this semester."
Jiwoo turned with her usual straight face. "Yes. They couldn't find anyone, so Dad referred me here."
Seungmin gave a small, humorless smile. "So that's it. Keep you busy so Christine stays in his hands. Smart move, wasn't it?"
He stepped closer, eyes sharp, voice low. "Do you really think Mr Joon wants you to work here?
Noona, he just needed you out of the way. While you play professor, Christine stays where he can control her.
You should be worried. We both know how ruthless Mr. Joon can be when it comes to business."
Jiwoo's face tensed, but she didn't respond.
So he tilted his head slightly, gaze locked on her like a predator circling prey. "You always act strong. Untouchable. But I know you. You and I—we're the same kind."
Her jaw tightened, but she refused to look away. As if she didn't gave a fu*k what he was talking about. But Seungmin knew where to hit the nail.
Seungmin's tone didn't rise, but his words cut deeper than a shout. "It's good seeing you here. But you know what's not good? Seeing you make my man cry."
His voice turned colder, each word deliberate.
"Noona, I can't believe you still have the audacity to stand still infornt of him after killing his twin."
"Yah, Seungmin. Don't you dare say that. I didn't kill her," she said firmly, but her tone wavered ever so slightly.
He leaned in, expression unreadable, eyes merciless. "That doesn't mean you're free of blame."
The air between them was heavy, suffocating.
Finally, his words dropped like a blade: "If you can't treat him right, stay away from him. Because if I see a single tear in his eyes because of you again—your lover won't be safe either."
Jiwoo stood her ground. "Before you reach her, you'll have to face me."
Seungmin's lips curved—not into a smile, but into something darker. "Then I'll break you first."
Without another word, he turned and left, his steps calm but final, as if he had already decided the outcome.