The grand ballroom of the Vivenne Westwood headquarters gleamed with elegance. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the room, casting shimmering reflections over the polished floors. The air hummed with the quiet murmur of high-profile guests, all clad in designer suits and gowns. CEOs from fashion empires, international investors, celebrities, and socialites—each of them had gathered here to celebrate the announcement of Areum as the new CEO of Vivenne Westwood.

It was her moment.

The evening had been meticulously planned, and Areum was both proud and overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the event. Her new role at Vivenne Westwood wasn't just a title—it was a statement. The weight of expectation settled heavily on her shoulders, but she wasn't going to let it crush her. Tonight, she was going to show the world that she deserved to be here.

As Areum entered the ballroom, her nerves were momentarily forgotten. She was in her element. Her gown—a custom creation by the brand, of course—hugged her form in all the right places. The delicate black lace and silver embroidery sparkled under the lights, and her makeup was flawless, her hair styled into soft waves that framed her face. She felt confident, but more importantly, she felt like the woman she was meant to be.

Jeonghan, ever the attentive presence, was by her side, looking every bit the part of a powerful figure. His tailored suit was sleek and modern, complementing her look without drawing attention away from her. His hand, resting lightly on her back, sent a current of warmth through her, grounding her amid the swirling chaos of the evening.

"You look stunning," Jeonghan murmured, leaning in close enough that only she could hear. His voice was low, warm, and the sincerity behind it made her chest flutter slightly.

"Thank you," Areum replied, offering him a soft smile. "I'll take the compliment, but you look like you own the room."

Jeonghan's lips quirked into a smile, but his eyes didn't shift from hers. "I think you're the one who's stealing the spotlight tonight."

The compliment made Areum's heart race a little faster, but she kept her composure, stepping into the room with the kind of confidence that only a woman who had fought her way to the top could possess.

Around them, the chatter of influential people filled the air. Areum was introduced to several key figures in the fashion industry—investors, models, designers, and stylists—all offering their congratulations and support. She smiled, shook hands, and maintained an air of professional grace, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being sized up by each of them.

It was only when they reached the center of the room, where the massive display of champagne flutes waited for guests to take their pick, that Areum noticed a familiar face in the crowd.

Haemi.

Her ex-girlfriend's presence sent an immediate chill down her spine, even though Haemi looked every bit the picture of elegance in a sleek red gown that perfectly matched her fiery personality. She moved through the crowd with ease, as if she belonged here, as if she had always been a part of this world. The glint of challenge in her eyes was unmistakable, but Areum wasn't about to let her intimidate her.

Jeonghan's hand tightened subtly on her back, sensing the shift in her energy. He didn't say anything, but his body language was enough to let her know that he was aware of Haemi's presence.

"Let's get a drink," Areum said, her voice steady despite the knot in her stomach. "I need a moment to breathe."

Jeonghan nodded, offering her a reassuring smile as they made their way toward the bar.

But as they approached the sparkling drink station, Areum found herself face-to-face with none other than the person she least wanted to see.

"Areum," Haemi said, her voice smooth, but there was an edge to it that made Areum's pulse spike. "I didn't think you'd make it here tonight. It's so charming to see you in your element."

Areum kept her posture straight, even as a wave of discomfort washed over her. "I didn't realize we were still having these conversations," she replied, keeping her tone even.

Haemi's eyes flickered toward Jeonghan, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It's funny, isn't it? Seeing how quickly people move on. You must have charmed him with your position, because I know he never cared about you before this. It's all about what you can do for him, isn't it?"

Areum's stomach twisted, but she refused to let Haemi's words cut deeper than they already had. The insinuation was clear: Haemi was trying to undermine her, trying to make her feel as though her success had been handed to her on a silver platter.

But she wasn't going to fall for it this time.

"Everything I've earned, I've earned on my own, Haemi," Areum said, her voice unwavering. "You don't get to diminish that."

Haemi tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh, I'm not trying to diminish anything. I'm just pointing out the facts. You've only been able to climb because of what Jeonghan can offer you. Without him, you'd still be just another pretty face, wouldn't you?"

Areum's jaw clenched, her hands balling into fists by her sides. She could feel the pressure building in her chest, but before she could say anything, Jeonghan stepped forward, his presence commanding as he placed a hand on her arm.

"That's enough, Haemi," Jeonghan said, his voice low but firm. "You've made your point. Now, if you don't mind, we're here to enjoy the evening. So I'd appreciate it if you could leave us alone."

Haemi's lips curled into a smile, but it was nothing short of venomous. "Oh, I see. Jeonghan's still playing the protector role, huh? How sweet."

Jeonghan didn't flinch. "Leave. Now."

The tension hung in the air for a moment before Haemi gave a sharp, bitter laugh and walked off, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Areum exhaled in relief, feeling the weight lift from her chest as she watched her walk away.

Jeonghan turned back to Areum, his gaze softening as he reached for her hand. "You didn't let her get to you."

"I wasn't going to," Areum replied, the confidence in her voice growing stronger. "She can't touch me anymore."

Jeonghan smiled, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "You're stronger than you think, Areum."

They stood in the center of the ballroom, watching the world around them, the glittering lights and the chatter of powerful people buzzing in the background. This was her moment. The start of something bigger than either of them.

And nothing, not even Haemi, could take that away from her.

The evening continued, filled with music, laughter, and business talk, but for Areum, the weight of the moment wasn't lost on her. She was the new CEO of Vivenne Westwood, and nothing—no one—could erase what she had worked so hard to achieve.

Not even Haemi.