THE BITCH CEO (Im Nayeon)

52

NAYEON'S POV

It was five in the morning. The sky remained painted in soft hues of gray and lavender, with the sun barely peeking over the horizon. The villa was eerily quiet, save for the faint rustle of my daughter's small movements beside me and the occasional shuffle from Mrs. Jeong, her nanny.

We were ready. Bags packed, hearts heavy. The silence in the living room was deafening as I steeled myself for what was to come.

Just as I tightened the last strap of Haven's bag, footsteps echoed behind me.

"Why do you have to leave? Our schedule to go back home is on Monday morning, unnie," Sana's voice cracked as she whined, her figure appearing in the hallway, draped in her floral nightgown. She clutched it tightly, as if holding herself together.

"I don't understand," Jisoo chimed in, a steaming cup of coffee cradled in her hands. Her brows furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line as she leaned against the counter island. "Why is this so sudden? We never agreed that someone would leave first."

Before I could respond, Momo spoke up, her voice carrying a mix of determination and desperation. "If this is about Hans and her sisters, we'll call them right now and tell them to stay away!" she exclaimed, her hands already reaching for her phone.

But her boldness was met with a glare sharp enough to cut steel.

"Don't," I said, my tone cold and unyielding. I turned fully to face them, taking a step closer. "Don't try to trick me again. I mean it this time, Momo."

The air grew heavier, suffocating even.

"And I swear," my voice wavered but carried the weight of my finality, "I'll cut everything we have if I find out you've pulled another stunt to bring me and Hans back together. I know one of you here is feeding them information about me."

They all froze. Eyes darted to the floor, to their hands, anywhere but me.

"And if I ever find out someone here has talked about my daughter to the DeBourbons," I paused, letting the silence punctuate the threat, "our friendship ends here."

I scanned their faces. Guilt was painted across them, each more ashamed than the next.

No one dared to meet my gaze.

"The jet will fetch you on Monday morning. Stay here and enjoy without me," I muttered, my tone softening slightly as I picked up Haven, holding her close. With Mrs. Jeong trailing behind, we stepped toward the door.

"Wait!" Jennie's voice called out, breathless and pleading. She darted after me, followed by the others.

By the time I reached the van, Jennie had caught up. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her chest heaving as she stood at the door, desperate to explain.

"We didn't tell Hans or her sisters where we were staying," she began, her words spilling out in a rush. "We were just as shocked as you when they showed up last night. We did ask Lisa how they found us, and she said Hans tracked us down after learning we canceled our hotel reservation. It wasn't us—I promise!"

Her voice cracked on the last word, and I could tell how badly she wanted me to believe her. Behind her, the others nodded fervently, silently pleading for my trust.

"We're so sorry if we ruined this weekend getaway," Jihyo mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Please, unnie, forgive us," Sana added, her eyes glossy and her tone trembling with sincerity.

I looked at them—all of them. My closest friends. My family in all but blood. The pain in their eyes mirrored my own, and for a moment, the weight of my anger wavered.