CHAPTER 16: Ghosts in the Ballroom

The investor gala glittered like a crown jewel.

Kang Enterprises pulled no punches—luxury, excess, power on full display.

Hana walked in wearing a sapphire gown that turned heads.She knew the whispers would follow her.

"That's Seo Hana? The one who was sold?""I heard she was just a street girl…""What did she do to trap Kang Min-ho?"

Let them talk.

She had learned to wear their sneers like armor.

But nothing prepared her for the face that appeared in the crowd.

Park Sung-jin.

One of the men who had once bought her.

Her blood turned cold.

He stood across the ballroom, champagne in hand, smirking.Like he owned the place.

Hana froze.Her hands trembled.

Not here.Not now.

But before she could bolt, a strong hand wrapped around her waist.

Min-ho.

"Smile," he murmured in her ear."The wolves are watching."

Hana struggled to compose herself.

"You knew he'd be here, didn't you?" she hissed.

Min-ho's grip tightened, protective, possessive.

"He's part of the investors," he replied coolly."But he won't touch you again. Not while I'm here."

Their eyes met.For the first time, Hana saw something more than arrogance in Min-ho's gaze.

Fury.Possession.A promise she hadn't asked for.

The gala became a chessboard.But tonight, Hana wasn't playing alone.

Min-ho led her into the crowd, daring anyone to challenge them.

Seo Hana might have ghosts...But now, she also had a shield.

And maybe, just maybe...An unexpected ally.