The conference room was silent except for the crisp sound of pen against paper as Seo Ji-an signed her name on the IMFG contract. The moment the final stroke was completed, a quiet exhale escaped her lips. It was done. Officially, she was no longer just a former idol struggling to stay relevant—she was now an ambassador for IMFG. A new chapter had begun.

  Joon-ho, watching from across the table, leaned back in his chair with an air of satisfaction. "Welcome to IMFG, Ji-an. This isn’t charity. It’s a partnership—one that benefits both of us."

  Ji-an met his gaze, her grip on the pen tightening for a brief second before she placed it down. "I know," she said, her voice steady. "And I intend to make the most of it."

  Beside her, Kang Ha-neul remained composed, her expression unreadable as she closed the contract folder. Though she was still wary, she acknowledged the opportunity in front of Ji-an. "This might be your best shot at reclaiming your influence," she finally said, her voice level. "Don’t waste it."

  Ji-an nodded, absorbing the weight of those words. For so long, she had been drifting, caught in a cycle of uncertainty, but now—this was real. A sense of excitement bloomed in her chest, but with it came the tendrils of doubt. Could she truly rise again? Was she stepping back into the industry as the same Seo Ji-an, or had she changed too much?

  Still, as she sat there, she could feel it—the rush of being part of the world she once loved. The thrill of the spotlight, the anticipation of an audience, the challenge of proving herself again. It wasn’t the same as standing on stage, but it was close. A smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Finally.

  Joon-ho observed her silently before smirking. "Judging by that look on your face, I’d say reality is sinking in."

  Ji-an scoffed but didn’t deny it. "It is. And for once, I think I’m ready."

  Joon-ho chuckled. "Good. Because the media isn’t just talking—they’re already circling. Our CCTV feed has been picking up journalists snooping around IMFG’s building since this morning. Look."

  He reached for the remote and turned on the large screen mounted on the wall. The CCTV footage revealed reporters lingering outside the entrance, some pacing while checking their phones, others trying to peer inside through the tinted glass doors. A journalist from StarDaily stood in the lobby, pretending to scroll through his phone while clearly waiting for something—or someone.

  Ji-an’s gaze flickered toward the screen, her phone vibrating in her hand as notifications poured in. Speculations, debates, and opinions flooded social media. The moment she stepped through IMFG’s front doors, she had practically announced her return. The scrutiny was nothing new, but this time, she wasn’t just bracing herself for it—she was preparing to face it head-on.

  Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture. "Let them talk. I’ll show them soon enough."

  Joon-ho’s smirk widened. "That’s the Ji-an I remember."

  Joon-ho leaned forward, his fingers tapping lightly against the polished surface of the table. "Now that you're officially with us, let’s talk about the real goal. Saint Regis."

  Ji-an raised an eyebrow. "Saint Regis? The ultra-luxury brand?"

  He nodded. "They define exclusivity. Their name carries prestige, and their clientele is the kind that doesn’t settle for anything less than perfection. If we land a deal with them, it won’t just elevate IMFG—it’ll cement your status in a completely new league."

  Ji-an folded her arms, skepticism creeping into her expression. "And how exactly do you plan to make that happen? Saint Regis doesn’t work with celebrities, let alone former idols."

  "Which is why we’re playing the long game," Joon-ho replied smoothly. "This isn’t something we can force. We need to reshape your image, align you with the luxury market, and establish credibility before we even approach them. Right now, you’re still an outsider in their world."

  Ji-an let out a breath, leaning back. "So, I’m basically a long-term investment?"

  Joon-ho smirked. "A very valuable one. If we do this right, it won’t just be about proving you belong—it’ll be about making them want you."

  Ha-neul, who had remained silent, finally spoke. "It’s ambitious. But it’s not impossible." She studied Ji-an carefully. "It’s going to require a level of discipline and transformation that you might not be used to. Are you ready for that?"

  Ji-an hesitated. Could she fit into that world of aristocrats and high society? Or would she always be seen as the idol who fell from grace? Doubt gnawed at her, but she forced it aside. She had come this far—there was no turning back now.

  She met Ha-neul’s gaze and then Joon-ho’s. "I guess we’re about to find out."

  Joon-ho leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "We’re starting small—selective brand placements, high-profile events, the kind of things that will subtly shift public perception. You won’t just wear luxury; you’ll embody it."

  Ji-an sighed, drumming her fingers against the armrest. "So, in other words, I need to convince the world that I belong there before Saint Regis even considers looking my way."

  "Exactly," Joon-ho confirmed. "And the first step? The luxury gala next month. It’s an invitation-only event, and it’ll be your first real test."

  Ha-neul nodded in agreement. "This is more than just showing up in a designer dress. You’ll need to blend in, navigate conversations, and prove you can hold your own among CEOs, investors, and old-money elites. No second chances."

  Ji-an exhaled sharply, feeling the weight of the challenge settling over her. It was a world that had once felt unattainable, but now, she was being given the opportunity to step into it. Whether she thrived or crumbled would be entirely up to her.

  She straightened in her seat, determination flickering in her eyes. "Then I better start preparing."

  Since Saint Regis isn’t an option yet, IMFG needed a major project to launch Ji-an’s transformation. The team gathered in the sleek conference room, charts and documents spread across the table as they brainstormed the best approach.

  Joon-ho leaned back in his chair, scanning the room. "Before we even think about Saint Regis, Ji-an needs to establish herself in the luxury market. This first project is crucial. We have to get it right."

  Ha-neul nodded. "The question is, what’s the best way to introduce her new image? We can’t rely on her idol past. This has to be a fresh start."

  Yoo Seul-bi, Joon-ho’s secretary, adjusted her glasses as she pulled up a list of proposals. "We have several potential directions, each catering to different facets of the luxury industry."

  She clicked a button, and the screen displayed the first option.

  

  
• Luxury Beauty Campaign – A high-end cosmetics, skincare, or jewelry brand that would position Ji-an as a modern beauty icon rather than a former idol.


  
• Exclusive Designer Collaboration – Working with an independent high-end designer to create a bespoke collection, giving her credibility in the fashion space.


  
• Art or Philanthropy Event Sponsorship – Aligning Ji-an with cultural and charitable efforts, appealing to high society’s philanthropic circles.


  
• Niche Timeless Brand Partnership – Partnering with a luxury brand known for understated elegance, ensuring Ji-an’s transformation is about sophistication rather than celebrity status.


  

  Ji-an listened, her gaze flickering between the options. "So, which one makes the most sense?"

  Joon-ho steepled his fingers. "That depends on you. We can shape your image however we want, but it needs to be something you can sustain. Something that feels authentic."

  Park Yeon-jin, a former actress turned IMFG Director, crossed her arms. "And let’s not forget PR training. You’ll need to refine your image—not just in fashion, but in etiquette, socializing, and industry networking. The goal is effortless sophistication."

  She glanced at Ji-an with a knowing smirk. "I’ve seen plenty of rebrands, and trust me, looking the part isn’t enough. You need to act like you’ve belonged in this world from the start. No hesitation, no missteps."

  Ji-an swallowed, absorbing the weight of Yeon-jin’s words. "And how exactly do I do that?"

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Yeon-jin tilted her head. "Simple. You study, you observe, and you perfect the art of making them believe you were never an outsider in the first place."

  She leaned in slightly, scrutinizing Ji-an’s features. "First, we change your look. Your current hairstyle? Too soft, too safe. We need something bold—sleek, structured, something that screams sophistication. Makeup? Understated, but sharp. Think sculpted elegance, not just pretty."

  Ji-an instinctively touched her hair. "So, no more loose waves?"

  Yeon-jin shook her head. "No. You need a signature look, something that makes people remember you. And fashion—no more playing it safe. You’re not a pop star anymore, so drop the cute aesthetics. We’re talking power dressing, high fashion, statement pieces. You should walk into a room, and people should know you mean business."

  Ji-an exhaled, feeling the weight of the transformation. "That’s… a lot."

  Yeon-jin smirked. "It is. But it’s necessary. Reinvention isn’t about erasing who you are—it’s about amplifying the parts that make you unforgettable. And if you want to be seen as luxury, you have to embody it in every detail."

  Joon-ho nodded in agreement. "Not different. Just a version of you that the luxury market will respect."

  Yoo Seul-bi made a note in her planner. "I’ll arrange the schedule. You’ll start with fashion consulting, followed by social etiquette training, and we’ll schedule meetings with key industry figures."

  Ji-an nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of it all. "And my past? How much do we acknowledge?"

  The room fell silent for a moment before Joon-ho answered. "We reframe it. You’re not a fallen idol trying to claw your way back—you’re an artist evolving into something greater. Your history is a foundation, not a crutch."

  Ji-an met his gaze, a mixture of apprehension and determination in her eyes. This was her shot—a second chance at a career, a reputation, and a future she thought she had lost.

  "Then let’s make it work," she said, resolve hardening her voice.

  Joon-ho’s lips curved into a smirk. "That’s the spirit. Now let’s get to work."

  Joon-ho leaned back in his seat, watching the cityscape blur past as the limousine cruised through Seoul’s elite district. Seul-bi sat in the front, acting as their chauffeur, while Ha-neul and Yeon-jin occupied the seats beside Ji-an. The atmosphere inside the limo was thick with anticipation.

  "This place we're heading to," Yeon-jin began, adjusting her sunglasses, "isn't just any boutique. It caters exclusively to chaebols, socialites, and a few handpicked celebrities. It’s not about what you can afford—it’s about whether they think you belong."

  Ji-an crossed her legs, staring out the tinted window. "So, is this the place where you used to bring all your girls?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Joon-ho smirked. "It is. But don’t worry—I used to be a regular. Before... well, before everything."

  Ji-an shot him a mischievous look. "Then I’ll make sure to pick only the best... and maybe try my best to bankrupt you while I’m at it."

  Joon-ho chuckled. "I’d like to see you try. But if you can’t, what’s the loser’s punishment?"

  Ji-an tilted her head. "Hmm... good question."

  Joon-ho leaned closer, his voice teasing. "How about this—you lose, you become my girl."

  Ji-an scoffed, crossing her arms. "In your dreams, Kang Joon-ho."

  The limousine smoothly pulled up to the entrance of an ultra-exclusive shopping district. Before anyone could even step out, camera flashes erupted from the sidewalks. A handful of journalists and paparazzi, ever-hungry for a scandal, had spotted them.

  "Damn it," Seul-bi muttered. "They’re fast."

  Ji-an tensed. "This is going to be all over the news."

  Joon-ho merely chuckled. "Let them speculate. That’s exactly what we want."

  As they stepped onto the pavement, the boutique’s staff immediately recognized Joon-ho and hurried to greet them. "Welcome back, Kang Joon-ho-nim. We have everything prepared as per your usual preferences."

  Inside, the boutique exuded sheer opulence—custom-tailored pieces, private fitting lounges, and walls lined with the latest couture collections. The store specialized in high-end fashion, offering exclusive designer dresses, handcrafted accessories, and even custom lingerie, all tailored to the elite clientele. The ambiance was a blend of sophistication and exclusivity, with attentive staff ready to cater to every whim. Ji-an hesitated slightly, feeling the weight of the expectations surrounding her.

  Yeon-jin placed a hand on Ji-an’s shoulder. "Head high. Confidence. You’re not just here to shop—you’re here to own the room."

  Ji-an inhaled deeply and stepped forward.

  The moment the paparazzi photos hit the internet, the media frenzy exploded.

  [Breaking News] Seo Ji-an spotted in Kang Joon-ho’s limousine—Is she making a comeback, or just another conquest?

  [Netizen Reactions] K-pop’s fallen star, Seo Ji-an, seen with notorious chaebol playboy Kang Joon-ho. Is she trying to rebrand or just riding his coattails?

  Some commenters defended her:

  

  
• 
  
    "Ji-an deserves a second chance. Stop tearing her down!"
  
    


  
• 
  
    "She’s a grown woman. Let her do what she wants."
  
    


  
• 
  
    "She’s working on something big. Watch and see."
  
    


  

  Others, however, were harsher:

  

  
• 
  
    "From idol to accessory? Pathetic."
  
    


  
• 
  
    "She’s clearly trying to social climb."
  
    


  
• 
  
    "Joon-ho’s got a new toy. Wonder how long she’ll last?"
  
    


  
• 
  
    "She fell off so hard she had to resort to being a chaebol’s arm candy."
  
    


  

  Ji-an scrolled through the news on her phone, her grip tightening with each comment. "This is ridiculous. They’re acting like I’m some kind of... of—"

  "Gold digger?" Yeon-jin finished, unimpressed. "It’s predictable. But the real question is: Who’s fueling this narrative?"

  Joon-ho’s eyes darkened as he scanned the headlines. "It’s too coordinated. Someone’s pushing this angle deliberately."

  Seul-bi, ever efficient, had already begun digging. "Ji-an, I think it’s your former agency. They’re leaking rumors to smear your name before your relaunch gains traction."

  Ji-an exhaled sharply, forcing herself to stay calm. "Of course, they are. They’d rather destroy my name than let me rise without them."

  Joon-ho smirked. "Then we play it smarter. Let them push their narrative—for now."

  Just as public skepticism reached its peak, an unexpected voice entered the conversation.

  Fashion editor Han Min-ji posts on Instagram: "Seo Ji-an’s transformation is fascinating. She’s walking a fine line between reinvention and authenticity, and so far, she’s doing it masterfully. Can’t wait to see what’s next."

  The tides began to shift. Industry insiders—designers, investors, and former colleagues—began weighing in.

  

  
• 
  
    Renowned designer Jung Woo-sung: "Ji-an has always had the presence. Now she has the branding to match."
  
    


  
• 
  
    Luxury investor Park Hyun-seok: "Every great comeback story has skeptics. The real players see the long game."
  
    


  
• 
  
    Celebrity stylist Lee So-ra: "A rebrand is only as strong as the person behind it. Ji-an is proving she’s not just a passing trend."
  
    


  

  Former acquaintances reacted as well. Some were supportive, impressed by her determination. Others dismissed her efforts, unwilling to believe she could rise again. However, IMFG’s PR team quickly stepped in, subtly steering the conversation away from negativity and ensuring Ji-an’s narrative remained focused on her comeback.

  Ji-an leaned back, taking it all in. "I didn’t expect people to actually support me."

  Joon-ho smirked. "Not everyone wants to see you fail, Ji-an. But this is just the beginning. You need to be ready for what’s next."

  Yeon-jin tapped her nails against the table. "Exactly. Now that people are paying attention, you need to control the narrative. This isn’t just about proving them wrong—it’s about making them see the version of you that you want to be."

  Ji-an nodded slowly. "So, what’s the next step?"

  Joon-ho leaned forward. "We make sure that when they look at you, they don’t see a comeback story. They see someone who never should’ve been counted out in the first place."

  Ji-an met his gaze, fire rekindling in her eyes. "Then let’s keep going. Let’s make sure they have no choice but to acknowledge me."

  Joon-ho grinned. "That’s the spirit. Now, let’s give them something they won’t forget."

  While Ji-an’s resurgence gained momentum, Eclipse’s internal atmosphere grew tense. In their private practice room, the members gathered around their phones, watching the latest updates on Ji-an.

  Sera scoffed, tossing her phone onto the table with a sharp thud. "Unbelievable. She thinks she can just waltz back in and steal the spotlight? Let her enjoy her little moment—it won’t last."

  The tension in the room was thick. A few of the younger members exchanged uneasy glances, reluctant to speak up. Eun-ha, one of the newer members, hesitated before voicing the thought on everyone’s mind. "But... Ji-an’s getting a lot of support. What if—"

  Sera’s head snapped toward her, eyes narrowing. "What if what? She wins? That’s not going to happen. She’s old news. And if you have time to sit around worrying about her, maybe you should be worrying about yourself instead."

  Eun-ha shrank back, nodding quickly. The other members averted their gazes, knowing better than to challenge Sera when she was in a foul mood.

  Sera exhaled sharply, crossing her arms. "Listen up. Ji-an is nothing but a distraction. Let her play dress-up with Joon-ho all she wants. We have our own comeback to focus on, and if any of you waste another second thinking about her, you’re not serious about this group."

  The room fell silent, the members nodding in forced agreement.

  Meanwhile, behind closed doors in Eclipse’s management office, the atmosphere was just as charged. Their manager, Ji Sung-hoon, sat at the head of the conference table, fingers steepled as he listened to the latest media reports on Ji-an’s resurgence. Across from him, the PR team shuffled through their notes, exchanging concerned looks.

  "Ji-an’s comeback is gaining traction," one of the PR representatives noted grimly. "The media isn’t just covering her—they’re starting to root for her. If we don’t act fast, she’ll solidify her new image."

  Ji Sung-hoon leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable. "We can’t let that happen. Eclipse is the dominant brand, and we won’t let some washed-up idol disrupt that."

  Another PR team member spoke up. "We’ve already pushed out some pieces questioning her authenticity, but public sentiment is shifting. People love an underdog story. We need a stronger angle."

  Ji Sung-hoon’s eyes darkened. "Then let’s remind them why she fell in the first place. Leak a few more ‘exclusive’ stories—frame her as desperate, clinging to Joon-ho for relevance. Play up the ‘gold digger’ narrative. It worked before."

  The PR head nodded. "And if that doesn’t work? The public is already pushing back against the smear tactics."

  Ji Sung-hoon smirked. "Then we dig deeper. There must be something we can use against her. Old scandals, past mistakes—hell, even personal relationships. Find something. If we control the narrative, we control the industry."

  The room hummed with quiet intensity as the team got to work, strategizing their next move against Ji-an. This wasn’t just about competition anymore—it was about total erasure. And they were willing to do whatever it took.

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