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Chapter 9: A TOAST TO ENEMIES AND EXES.

The gala buzzed with soft jazz, clinking glasses, and fake smiles. Some girls where trying to steal Joon-won's attention but to no avail.

Meanwhile, Ha-eun stood by the long banquet table, observing the vultures dressed in silk and suits. Joon-won rolled up beside her, his aides at his back and a glass of aged wine in hand.

“You’re quiet,” Is the party boring?".he said.

"No". “I’m calculating.”

“Good.” He smirked. “But can you drink?”

She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t drink, especially alcoholic drinks".

“Then I challenge you,” he said coolly, raising his glass. “One sip for every man here who underestimated you and your abilities".

That was at least eight sips.

She snatched the wine and drank—slow, deliberate. Her throat burned, but her pride burned hotter as she did not want to show her weakness in front of Joon-won.

By the time they reached the end of the hall, her eyes were glassy and her words slightly slurred.

“Still standing,” she giggled, poking his chest. “You… cheat. You’re sitting all day.”

“I warned you.” Joon-won leaned closer. “But I’m impressed.”

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Midnight .......... Back at the Penthouse

Dragging her up the stairs was a nightmare. Her heels were off. Hair undone. She was half-asleep, half-laughing.

“You’re not even heavy,” he muttered. “You’re chaos.”

“I’m majestic,” she slurred, arms draped around his shoulders.

He finally dropped her onto the couch and was about to turn when—

CRASH!

Glass shattered.

He froze.

In the hallway near his bedroom, a dark figure moved.

He rushed over—and found a woman cloaked in black, trying to pry open his safe.

Before he could speak, Ha-eun appeared behind him, eyes glowing faintly, voice low.

“Get away from him.”

The woman turned—and paused.

Joon-won recognized her immediately.

Soo-mi.

His ex.

“Joonie,” she purred. “I missed you.”

Before she could take a step forward, Ha-eun snapped her fingers and whispered a curse under her breath.

A burst of invisible energy knocked Soo-mi against the wall. Her feet lifted off the ground.

Her face twisted in rage. “What is she?!”

Joon-won moved quickly, stepping beside Ha-eun—calm, cold, dangerous.

Then, in one fluid motion, he took Ha-eun’s face in his hands and kissed her. Deep. Bold. Possessive

I suggest you get the message,” he said to Soo-mi without breaking eye contact with Ha-eun. “She’s not after me. She’s with me.” She is my mistress now".

Soo-mi hissed. “This isn’t over.”

“No,” Ha-eun whispered, her eyes glowing faintly. “But you are.”

Joon-won gave a silent nod—and his guards dragged Soo-mi out of the penthouse.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Later, in the silence of his room, Ha-eun lay on the bed, one hand over her lips.

“You kissed me,” and in front of her too, what was it all about", she murmured.

“You saved me.”From my past, my pain, my ex".

“That wasn’t part of the deal you know".

“No,” he said, brushing her hair back. “It’s part of the chaos.”