Episode ----- 4
Areum stood outside her father's private office, heart pounding. For years, she'd accepted his distance, believing it was the price of his work. Now she saw the truth — it had been the price of his guilt.
When she entered, Han Joon Hyuk looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"You knew," Areum said without preamble. "About the curse. About everything."
His expression tightened. "Areum, listen—"
"No," she interrupted, voice shaking. "All my life, I thought you were protecting me. But you were protecting your secret."
Joon Hyuk stood, his shoulders heavy with regret. "It was to keep you safe."
"And yet I'm still trapped," she whispered. "Trapped with him."
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At the same time, Junseo sat in the boardroom, facing directors who questioned his youth, his control, his right to lead.
One man, Chairman Park, spoke boldly. "Your obsession with ancient family curses makes investors nervous."
Junseo's jaw tightened. "My personal affairs don't concern the board."
But he saw it in Park's eyes — knowledge. Someone had told him.
After the meeting, Junseo cornered Park in the hallway. "Who told you?"
Park's smile was thin. "Secrets never stay buried, young master."
---
That night, Areum stood at her window, memories clawing at her.
A night, years ago — she had stood in the garden, crying, blood on her hand after falling. And Junseo, still a boy, had come to her side.
"Don't cry," he'd said, voice gentle. "I'll protect you."
But later that same night, she'd overheard him tell Grandfather: "She's weak. She'll never survive this."
That was the moment her heart had turned against him.
Yet now she wondered — had she misunderstood? Or had he changed
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Teaser for Ep 5:
Areum decides to leave the mansion.
Junseo stops her — but not with kindness.
And the power he swore never to use may finally break its chains.