THE BITCH CEO (Im Nayeon)

50

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

NO ONE'S POV

Nayeon was livid. No, beyond livid. Her clenched fists trembled as she paced back and forth inside the private jet, trying to keep herself from breaking down into tears.

This was supposed to be a relaxing trip to Jeju Island with her closest friends, yet here she was, feeling ambushed by the bombshell that paparazzi had dropped on her.

Earlier at Gimpo Airport, their group's arrival had caused a frenzy.

Paparazzi and media were already swarming the private terminal when the black vans pulled up. Cameras flashed like lightning as reporters shouted over one another, desperate for attention.

It was to be expected. After all, this wasn't just any group. Nayeon and Jennie were both renowned business tycoons; Rosé, a globally loved idol; Jisoo, a celebrated actress; and the triplets Momo, Sana, and Mina were not only wealthy businesswomen but also the daughters of Japan's Prime Minister. Even Jhiyo, the only non-celebrity among them, had become a subject of interest simply because she was often spotted with the famous group.

But it wasn't just their fame that fueled the chaos. It was the question.

"Miss Im, are you going to Jeju Island where the DeBourbon sisters are vacationing?" One paparazzi had yelled, stopping Nayeon in her tracks.

Another followed up with a sharper inquiry: "Will you and Hans DeBourbon will meet there?"

Her heart sank, and her throat tightened. She thought she'd moved past the chapter of her life involving Hans DeBourbon.

Their relationship had been intensely private, revealed only after the photo of them at Taylor Swift concert—an event that had left the media ravenous for details.

And now, this? This was why the paparazzi had swarmed them? The DeBourbons were also in Jeju, and she had no idea.

The moment the jet doors closed behind them, Nayeon turned on her friends, her piercing glare enough to make them all freeze in their tracks.

"Who. Set. Me. Up?" She asked, her voice as sharp as broken glass.

No one answered. Instead, they exchanged nervous glances. Jeongyeon, Jennie, Mina, Jhiyo, Rosé, Momo, Sana, and Jisoo looked anywhere but at Nayeon.

Inside the jet felt stifling, their usual playful energy now replaced with tension.

"Did you not hear me? Who set me up?!" Nayeon snapped.

"Unnie, no one set you up. We had no idea the DeBourbons were in Jeju." Jeongyeon said and cleared her throat, breaking the silence.

"No idea? No idea?! Then how do you explain that paparazzi circus out there? How do they know and I don't?" Nayeon said as she crossed her arms, her glare unrelenting.

"It's just a coincidence, babe. Jeju is a big island. Maybe they're there for their own reasons. It's not like we're going to bump into them." Jhiyo offered cautiously.

"Exactly. Total coincidence." Rosé chimed in with a sheepish smile.

"I don't believe you." Nayeon said and her eyes narrowed.

Her gaze shifted to Jennie, who was sitting suspiciously still. Too still.

"Kim Jennie, do you have anything to say?" She said, her voice dangerously calm.

Jennie squirmed but kept her mouth shut.

She knew her best was mad because Nayeon only used her fullname when she's mad.