"Why can't I speak harshly to you, Mom?"

"You…!"

"You used your daughter to secure your position. But I can't do the same to you?"

"……."

"If you're going to play dirty, at least make it fair!"

Her sister In-ah, who had been dozing off nearby, jolted awake at the loud voice. She instinctively stepped between them, but it was no use.

Heeju’s eyes burned with a defiance that wasn’t born overnight. Even In-ah felt momentarily overwhelmed by the force of her presence.

"You don’t even like me, Mom."

"……!"

"You hate me, don’t you? Because I’m the product of …