CHAPTER 22: The Queen’s Debut

The engagement announcement exploded across every headline in South Korea.

"Kang Conglomerate Heir Engaged to Mysterious Heiress Seo Hana!""From Shadows to Spotlight: The New Queen of Kang Empire Revealed."

Paparazzi flooded Kang Mansion.Social media erupted in speculation.

Who was Seo Hana?Where did she come from?And why was Kang Min-ho—known for his cold heart and aversion to marriage—suddenly tying the knot?

At the official press conference, Hana stood beside Min-ho, dressed in a sleek white power suit.

Flashes from cameras blinded her, but she stood tall.

Min-ho, ever the strategist, slipped his hand around her waist, pulling her close for the cameras.

A perfect performance.

A perfect lie.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Min-ho said smoothly, "I'm pleased to introduce my fiancée, Seo Hana.She's not only the heiress of Seo Group but the woman who has captured my heart."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

Hana smiled, perfectly poised.

Inside, she fought to keep her hands from shaking.

This was the life she chose.

To stand in the spotlight.To play the game by their rules.

At the after-party, Seoul's elites whispered behind crystal glasses.

"She's not worthy.""A gold digger.""A scandal waiting to happen."

Hana heard every word—but her mask never cracked.

Until Min-ho leaned close, his breath hot against her ear.

"Do you hear them, Hana?" he whispered."They hate you already."

"Let them," she whispered back."I'm not here to be liked. I'm here to win."

For a split second, Min-ho's gaze burned with something dark and hungry.

"You're playing with fire, Seo Hana."

She sipped her champagne.

"Good. Let's see who gets burned first."