You know that, right?
We may have just shaken hands in front of the press,
but we're still business rivals.
Of course. I may be new in the game, but I get how this works.
Even if we're rivals, that doesn't necessarily mean
we have to be enemies.
I'm not so sure about that.
It kind of depends…
on what happens next, don't you think?
ONE HOUR EARLIER
Hello, everyone. Right now, we're here at Greater Tower.
In just one hour,
a major national project auction will take place.
Hosted by The Greater Duty Free.
The energy inside is buzzing already.
Let's take you inside for a closer look.
I just got here, Dad.
I'll be there in about 20 minutes.
Have you talked to any reporters yet?
Even after rehearsing 100 interviews,
I'm still nervous.
Thinking of grabbing a drink…
might help me relax a bit.
That's a good idea, sweetie.
Stress won't help you one bit.
This is your first real event.
Your debut as Superior's new leader.
Iced matcha latte, no syrup, please.
One moment, please.
It's not just the press you'll be dealing with.
There are plenty of Thai business rivals waiting for us.
When you face them, stay calm.
Stay sharp.
Think carefully before every move.
Otherwise, they'll say
that you were never cut out for this from the start.
Got it, Dad. I won't slip up.
I'll prove to everyone
that I'm not just some rookie they can take down easily.
Especially not Orienna.
Orienna?
Why?
You've got plenty of rivals.
What's so special about this one?
Well…
Because the face of Orienna
is also a woman like me.
Same age too.
And she's just as good-looking.
But she's more experienced.
She gets way more media coverage than I do.
She's a public figure.
She probably thinks
what she has gives her an edge over me.
But I'll make her see
the more we're underestimated,
the stronger our urge to win becomes.
I'll probably arrive just before it starts.
We won't have much prep time.
Just remember
you are the face of Orienna.
Where are you going, Ms. Ai?
-Smoke break? -Not a chance.
If anyone sees you, your image will tank.
Please, I'm begging you.
I get it. People warned me before you did.
Was it the Chairman?
Help me out here.
What can I do to kill this boredom?
There's still almost an hour until showtime.
Walk. Just wander around the building.
It'll kill time, burn calories, and you can scope the place out.
Once this bidding war's done, we'll be working here often anyway.
Good to get the lay of the land first.
Every war starts with studying the battlefield.
Exactly. Let's go.
Wait.
Let me grab a matcha real quick.
Hello.
-One sweet iced matcha, please. -Sure, just a moment.
Here's your matcha.
I'm so sorry. Are you okay?
I'm fine.
Sorry again.
All set. Let's head out.
Ms. Ai.
Did you see that woman sitting over there?
Yeah.
Isn't that Ms. Maevika, heir to the Superior Group?
Knew it.
But I hear she just came back from abroad.
Why is she here at this event?
Could Superior be sending her to represent them?
So what?
If that's the case, you should stay far away from her.
Don't get close. Don't get friendly.
Why? You think she's here to steal our secrets?
I'm not dumb enough to let that happen.
I know you're smart, Ms. Ai.
I just want you to be careful.
Right now, whoever you talk to or hang out with,
you've got to be extra cautious.
This competition's brutal.
The stakes are massive.
Everyone's ready to fight to the death.
The old players aren't much of a threat.
We've already got the data on every one of them.
But…
a newcomer like Ms. Maevika?
Once she hits the real game, we don't know her playbook.
Better to treat her as a wildcard.
She doesn't seem scary to me.
She's kind of cute, actually.
Ms. Ai, you can't be serious.
It's my great pleasure
to welcome you all to the official press conference
for The Greater Duty Free bidding event.
We aim to develop this into a brand new landmark
for duty-free shopping
that ranks among the biggest in the region.
The Greater isn't just a retail complex.
It's also a key move for driving the national economy forward.
And we firmly believe
this venue will attract tourists from all over the world.
Boosting spending and opening endless business opportunities
for both public and private sectors.
Today, we open the floor to investors…
…and capable business operators
to become part of our ambitious project.
Lastly, I'd like to thank all members of the press
for your interest in and support for this project.
Our bidding process involves multiple phases.
I hope everything goes smoothly.
Let's see who comes out on top.
Is there a particular reason, Mr. Attawit,
why you chose Ms. Aiwarin to lead this project?
Because I trust her.
That's all there is to it.
Ms. Aiwarin is the sole heir to Orienna.
So you must have a lot of faith in her, Mr. Attawit?
I do.
She may be young,
but she thinks and makes decisions like someone much older.
Not like most her age.
I think it's clear to everyone
that many aspects of our hotel operations are actually her work.
And all of it has been very well received.
But Orienna has always been a hotel business.
Entering the duty-free concession space,
isn't that unfamiliar territory?
Maybe a step behind others?
Like Superior, for example. They're in retail.
What do you think gives you the edge to win?
Maybe ambition.
I once heard someone say,
the more we know we're underestimated,
the stronger our urge to win becomes.
Let's move over to Mr. Nuttakorn for a quick interview.
-Please, go ahead. -Hello, everyone.
We see you brought your daughter along today.
Will your daughter be involved in the project?
Well, with that setup,
do I even need to answer?
Yes, she will.
Maevika is my only daughter.
She'll be leading Superior in this bidding round.
We hear that Ms. Maevika
just got her master's abroad.
No work experience yet, right?
Aren't you worried, putting her in charge of something this big?
Exactly.
Well, I'd be lying if I said no.
But I trust my daughter.
Just like any father would, I guess.
If there are more questions,
maybe ask her directly?
-Sounds good. -Sure thing.
Hello, Mr. Nuttakorn.
I hear you let your daughter take charge of this project too?
Interesting move.
But this is still a national-level project.
It's not a training ground for fresh grads.
Honestly, Mr. Nuttakorn,
it'd be better if you were front and center again.
Let her shadow you, learn the ropes.
Then once she's more seasoned, she can take the reins.
Otherwise,
Superior might end up trailing far behind the competition.
Thank you, Mr. Attawit, for your concern.
But I don't see it that way.
Having experience doesn't always mean you have the upper hand.
Even someone who's never failed in their life
is still capable of falling flat.
If I may offer you some advice in return,
maybe start practicing how to comfort your daughter
when the day comes that she falls short.
From the look of it,
your daughter's very self-assured.
So in case things don't turn out as she hopes,
she'll be prepared to handle disappointment.
Dad.
Hello.
Hi.
I'm Maevika.
It's a pleasure to be here.
Now, we'd like to invite both Ms. Maevika and Ms. Aiwarin
to take a photo together as representatives of both companies.
Please, step forward.
You two seem to be from the same generation.
Did you happen to know each other before?
Yes, we've met before.
For the charity event next month,
anyone with ideas, feel free to share them.
-Me, please. -Go ahead.
CHARITY 2012 EVENT PLANNING MEETING
I'm Maevika from St. Aldrich School.
I'd like to propose a gala dinner for the event.
Since this involves two prestigious schools,
we shouldn't go small.
As for the venue,
I've talked to my dad, and we can use the hall in his department store.
He's fine with hosting it.
We also have an event organizer ready to handle everything.
All we really need to do is spread the word and get people to attend.
And help raise funds, of course.
If you still can't picture it,
I've also prepared a presentation to pitch my idea.
I disagree.
Go ahead.
A charity event is meant for giving back.
Making it over-the-top and flashy
feels more like showing off than giving.
I propose we keep it simple.
Use our school space to set up a creative market.
Let students from both schools take part,
make DIY goods to sell,
and donate the proceeds.
We could also have busking, performance art,
anything that highlights creativity and hands-on contribution.
Not just relying on one person's family fortune.
Let's not forget
society already sees us as rich kids from elite schools.
Privileged, well-connected.
Don't we want to change that image?
Not just live off luxury and connections?
And show we can do basic, functional things too?
You really think that's gonna change how people see us?
Bit too idealistic, isn't it?
Maybe not right away. But it has to start somewhere.
Anyone else want to pitch an idea?
If not, we'll proceed to vote.
Starting with Maevika.
What's your name again?
-Aiwarin. -Aiwarin.
All in favor of Maevika's idea, raise your hand.
Now, those in favor of Aiwarin, hands up.
Alright, we'll be going with Aiwarin's idea.
Aiwarin, well done.
In all my years of teaching, I've never seen a student like yours.
Thank you.
Let's give her a round of applause.
Yes, we've met before.
Hard to believe, right?
But we weren't close or anything.
Just vaguely familiar.
Back in high school,
our schools once co-hosted a charity event. That's all.
Well then,
I guess it's time to properly introduce myself, officially.
Nice to meet you,
Ms. Aiwarin.
Nice to meet you.
Ms. Maevika.
Find out everything you can about Maevika.
As much as possible.
And Aiwarin?
No need.
I already know her well enough.
You did well today, sweetie.
But you caught me off guard a little.
About what?
When you said you knew Aiwarin,
I thought you only knew her from the media.
Yeah, just like I said.
We only sort of knew each other.
That's good.
She's our rival.
If you want to learn more about her,
just don't let her see it coming.
You sure you don't want to grab dinner with me?
I'm sure. I'm not hungry yet.
I want to stay and survey the place a bit more.
Alright then.
-See you at home, sweetheart. -Okay.
G, take care of her.
Dad.
Earlier,
what Mr. Attawit said about me…
It's normal.
You may not have faced it before,
but now's the time you should.
So you'll understand why losing is not an option for us.
About you and Maevika…
There's nothing to worry about, Dad.
We only crossed paths briefly back in school.
In that case, stay here a while longer.
Survey the space. Get a feel for how things run here.
Sure.
I've got high hopes for this project.
And when someone like me hopes for something,
I don't leave room for failure.
Ms. Ai?
Why didn't you tell your father just now
that we already walked every corner of this place before the event?
-Every single part. -Let it go.
Saying it wouldn't change anything.
So we're really going out for another round?
Nope. You go find a place to wait.
I'm gonna go unload real quick.
Been holding it in since the event started.
Ms. Maevika.
Seems like we've been running into each other a lot today.
A lot? Really?
Well, here,
at the event,
and the coffee shop.
Sorry, what?
Thanks for saying I'm good-looking, by the way.
Likewise.
Then tell me.
When I told the press
that we've known each other since school,
why didn't you say anything?
You really don't remember me?
Well…
weren't you the one who said we only knew each other vaguely?
So why would you expect me
to remember you?
Then that's up to you.
Wait.
You do know, right?
We may have just shaken hands in front of the press,
but we're still business rivals.
Of course.
I may be new to the game,
but I get how this works.
Even if we're rivals,
that doesn't necessarily mean we have to be enemies.
I wouldn't be too sure about that.
It depends on what happens
from here on out.
Your lipstick's a bit much.
It doesn't really suit you.
So I figured I'd share a bit of mine.
Ms. Mae…
G, are you heading to the restroom?
No.
I just came in to check. You were gone for a while.
I thought something happened.
I'm fine.
Just got caught up reapplying lipstick. Took a bit longer.
Ms. Mae.
You sure you're really okay?
You think I'm lying?
Probably not.
But whatever technique you used on that lipstick,
it made quite the mess.
And now it's even worse.
Excuse me.
Not bad, assistant. Not bad at all.
Bag. Now.
Something definitely happened.
Nothing did.
That pitch is too high. Spill it.
-Nope. -Ugh, come on, what happened?
When I told the press
that we've known each other since school,
why didn't you say anything?
You really don't remember me?
All of this is her idea.
-Did she come up with it all herself? -Yes, she did.
Thank you.
-That's impressive. -Totally.
Thank you.
Where does your inspiration come from?
You nailed it.
Just wait.
If I get the chance, I'll make you pay.
Then hurry up and take your shot.
I'll be waiting.
-Morning. -Waiting to head in with Mae?
Come sit.
Want some tea or coffee?
No need, thank you. I already had some at home.
So, what were you up to just now?
I was reviewing successful duty-free cases overseas.
Ms. Mae said before the bid packet sale opens,
she wants to understand how other countries approach their strategies.
In case she finds something useful.
Wow.
Your boss is seriously committed.
Do your best to support her, okay?
If anything comes up, just tell me.
I'll find a subtle way to help out.
Without making her feel like I'm interfering.
Got it.
Dad.
I won't be joining breakfast this morning.
G, go ahead to the office first.
I've got something to settle. I'll join you later.
What is it, sweetie?
It's about a guy.
Mr. Gavin, right?
Yeah.
I'm heading out, Dad.
Alright.
-See you, Dad. -Take care.
Who's Gavin?
He's the last guy Ms. Mae dated.
Son of the Luxspeed Import owner.
Since when?
Since Ms. Mae studied in London.
They talked for a few months before she pulled away.
But he kept chasing her.
He even followed her back to Thailand.
Why didn't Mae take you with her, G?
Ms. Mae can handle it herself.
Mr. Gavin's not the first guy she's turned down.
She can handle it?
But how exactly?
-Mae, I'm sorry. -What?
-I really am. -You're annoying.
Mae! Please forgive me.
Mae.
Alright.
You don't have to give me an answer now.
But you're Mae's assistant, G.
You need to keep an eye on her.
Is the way she handles problems
gonna put her reputation at risk?
Don't forget
we just launched her as Superior's lead at the auction.
Every move she makes will be under a microscope.
I hired you to assist Mae,
not just follow her orders blindly.
You have to assess the risks too.
If something she does is going to blow up,
you step in and fix it.
Don't just stand there and let it happen.
Otherwise, there's no point in you being here at all.
Am I right?
Yes, sir.
Thanks for closing the café like I asked.
I've got to be careful right now.
I don't want any drama.
Take a seat.
Whatever you want to say, just say it.
I don't have much time.
I've got nothing to say.
It's you. If you have anything to say, just say it.
Did I really do something that bad?
Is that why you're so set on ending it?
I already told you.
You didn't do anything wrong.
You're just not the one.
Not the one?
What does that even mean?
Can you stop asking for a reason?
The best thing for both of us right now is to walk away, Gavin.
Forcing it won't fix anything.
And most importantly,
right now I've got bigger things to deal with than romance.
I need to focus on my work.
And so do you.
You've got your own job to get back to.
So stop chasing after me.
Why do you get to be the only one who chooses?
Do I get a say in anything at all?
We both have choices, Gavin.
But you need to respect mine too.
And have you respected mine?
All you ever say is you want to end it, over and over.
-Just like that. -Hey.
Are you serious right now?
You keep picking fights. Can't you just listen?
When will you finally get it, huh?
-Wait, Mae. Talk to me. -Ow! Gavin, that hurts!
-I'm done talking. Let go! -Let's talk.
-We need to clear this up, Mae. -I said it hurts!
I don't want to break up with you. Please, just hear me out.
-That's enough. -Why, Mae?
This is not your business.
Let go! That hurts! Let go!
Let go! I said let go, damn it!
Hey! Whoa!
If you don't want to get hurt,
then stay away from Ms. Mae.
What the hell's your problem?
You're just her lackey,
-stay out of this. -That's too much!
Yeah, I'm just a lackey.
But I've got more worth than you'll ever have.
You were born with everything, yet you waste it all.
Spending your days begging some woman to stay.
Let me ask you something.
Aren't you even ashamed of yourself?
-Damn it! -Hey!
If you wanna go, bring it on.
Let's go.
Ms. Mae, are you alright?
I'm fine.
G, why did you come after me?
I wasn't planning to follow you at first.
But I couldn't help worrying.
You're not just Superior's heir anymore.
You're the one leading our company now.
I'm sorry if I overstepped.
But honestly,
you should block all ways for Gavin to reach you.
So this won't happen again.
Actually,
I've been meaning to block him for a while.
But part of me still wanted to hold on.
It's not just Gavin
who doesn't understand why I want to break up with him.
I don't understand myself either.
Thank you, Min.
It's confirmed for tomorrow, yeah?
I'm excited.
It's our class reunion, after all.
We're gonna gossip until sunrise.
For sure. See you all there.
The party's at the Orienna Hotel?
Hello, Nutty.
Who picked the venue for the reunion?
We voted. Why?
Turns out that place is in your competitor's hotel.
Oops. But it's no big deal, right?
If you're scared, you don't have to come.
I'm sure everyone will understand.
A bit. But it's great seeing you all again.
Yes.
But I think I should…
I'll head out now.
Did he follow you?
Yeah.
Need help?
Tell the guy who followed her what the rules are.
Yes, Ms. Ai.
Mae. Mae. Mae.
Sorry, sir.
Men aren't allowed in here.
The Anthea Bar is for women only.
Mae. Mae.
Right this way.
Two glasses of wine, please.
Thanks for helping me.
Of course.
And I'm sorry
for touching you without permission earlier.
No worries.
Last time you did way more.
And you didn't even say sorry.
But this time, I mean well.
So last time you didn't?
I did.
You did share my lipstick.
Let me see.
Did you go even bolder this time?
Stay here for now.
Just to make sure the guy who followed you has left.
Then you can head out.
It's okay.
I can find my way out.
There's probably another exit somewhere.
How could you possibly know this place better than me?
Just stay a little longer.
I'd like you to stay.
Drink with me.
I don't drink.
Excuse me, I'll be leaving.
Turning down someone who just helped you
is kind of rude, isn't it?
You don't mind, do you?
If we share a glass.
Do whatever you want.
It's not like I've got a choice.
By the way,
what brings you here?
I come here quite often actually.
Out of all the businesses under our company,
the Anthea Bar is my personal favorite.
Why is that?
Because every time I come here,
I get to be myself.
No need to worry about how people look at me or judge me.
Because everyone here
is just like me.
We like the same things.
Like what exactly?
Like women?
And if I do,
then what?
I want you to know what my turning point was.
In case you want to find some answers for yourself.
None of this was a coincidence.
Ms. Ai set things up so you and her would be alone.
And don't you think maybe I agreed
because I feel the same way she does.
Remember this. Someone like me
never plays to lose.
If you're here to play games,
-I'll play just as hard. -Hey!
And if you keep going like this,
you'll lose every single time. ,