CHAPTER 19: Fractured Walls

For days, Hana avoided Min-ho.

She buried herself in work, in late-night research, in climbing the corporate ladder that now felt more like a battlefield.

But no matter how hard she pushed, his presence lingered.

His scent on her clothes after the gala.His voice in her head.His words... "I need you."

What did that even mean?

She told herself it was all strategy.Min-ho was using her as a pawn in his empire.

But the crack in her resolve grew wider each night she spent staring at the city lights, wondering what it would feel like to let him in.

Across the city, Min-ho faced demons of his own.

His father—the ruthless Chairman Kang—summoned him to the estate.

"You're distracted, Min-ho," the old man sneered."By that girl."

Min-ho remained cold."I handle my business."

The Chairman slammed his cane on the marble floor."You think emotions have a place in this empire? Love is for fools. She is a weakness."

Min-ho's jaw tightened.

Weakness.

The word haunted him.

His entire life had been a war to prove he wasn't soft.That he was Kang blood through and through.

But now...Seo Hana made him question everything.

That night, he stood alone on the rooftop of Kang Tower, whiskey in hand.

And for the first time, he whispered the truth to the wind.

"Maybe I do need her."

Below him, the city sparkled like a kingdom.

And all he wanted was a girl who didn't belong in his world.