The door closed behind you, leaving Hwang In Ho in the hallway with his cold, calculating gaze as you helped your daughter get ready for her outing with Sangwoo. Barely five minutes had passed when the doorbell rang.

"He's early," Hwang remarked, his tone dry and indifferent, but the slight clench of his jaw betrayed what he truly felt.

Sangwoo was there, impeccably dressed, with a smile that barely reached his eyes. Upon seeing him, Hwang crossed his arms, partially blocking the entrance as if staking his claim.

"Where's my daughter?" Sangwoo asked without bothering to greet him.

"Getting ready," Hwang replied with the same coldness, holding his position at the door.

The tension between the two men filled the air a silent confrontation charged with resentment and suppressed jealousy. You could feel it from the room as you helped your daughter with her backpack.

When you appeared with her, both faces softened but only slightly. Sangwoo extended his arms to his daughter, embracing her longer than necessary while his eyes sent a direct message to Hwang: She’s still part of my life.

"Don’t be late," you said, breaking the uncomfortable silence as you looked at your ex-husband with a mix of calm and authority.

"Of course," Sangwoo replied, not taking his eyes off Hwang. Before leaving, he added, "I hope your new 'companion' isn’t influencing my daughter too much."

Hwang stepped forward, his face now a mask of disdain.

"Your daughter is better off than she ever was with you," he shot back, his tone calculated and venomous.