"Before the scandal. Before the reality show. Before going public and surviving every single scandal people threw at us." She met Haejin's eyes. "Before I learned that public opinion is just noise. And noise can't actually hurt you."
Taekyung was watching her carefully. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying whatever Hyunjoo planned—whatever narrative she's trying to build—it's not going to work." Soorin's voice went cold. Actually cold. "Because I'm not that scared girl anymore."
"Soorin—" Manager Park started.
"She wants me broken? Wants me to confirm or deny my background? Wants to create drama and boost her engagement?" Soorin smiled. Not friendly. Sharp. "She picked the wrong person."
Jisoo blinked. "Pretty noona is scary noona right now."
"Good," Soorin said simply.
Haejin was staring at her. This wasn't the woman who'd nervously agreed to a reality show months ago. This wasn't the makeup artist who'd been afraid to be seen with him publicly.
This was someone else entirely.
