The night was crisp, its chill cutting into Seo-yeon's thin blouse as she stepped out of Joon-woo's office building. The black folder held tightly in her fingers was heavy with more than it should be, like the weight of a whole lot heavier than just an agreement.
And this was no agreement.
This was manipulation.
Her hands trembled as she clutched the folder against her chest. Within it were items that would seal Joon-woo's fate if she had opened them. She hadn't, but she didn't have to. She already knew that whatever was within was not meant to give her strength.
It was meant to take it away from her.
Her phone buzzed.
Seo-yeon's breath caught as she glanced down.
Joon-woo.
Of course, he was always watching. Waiting.
She leaned forward cautiously and pressed answer.
"Seo-yeon." His voice was smooth, certain. "Have you opened it yet?"
Her fingers cramped. "Not yet."
"You should."
There was a silence, one beat. And then—
"Because after tonight, there's no going back."
