That ep 09 ending... I've not yet recovered!!!
There are so many layers to it and it's a little difficult to unpack - with only 🗯️☠️🦨🤬 subtitles for help... But also some massive facial expressions & fantastic acting! So, my try:
Before that rooftop scene Cha Se gye was threatened by Choi Mun do: he triggered the fear about his mother who was treated badly by the grandfather and implied the same might happen to Seo ri. But he also showed him the pictures of their "secret meetings" and by this planting some seeds of mistrust.
Everyone around Cha Se gye has been manipulative throughout his life. Even a girl accidentally spilling coffee on him is his grandfather's scheming. Seo ri openly declared her "capitalist's interests" before, she seems to be very much aware of her own advantage... So maybe she made some deal with Mun do?!...
And he also just learned what happened in the past: Dan shin saved her life by accusing him - from his point of view. He surely wants her to live & be safe and happy - but he still believes she betrayed him. And at least that she didn't reciprocate his feelings...
Cha Se gye is bitter and angry and confused on that roof top. I don't think he trusts her yet (why would he). But still: he's absolutely lost! No chance of avoiding her. "Use me openly" he says, "I would have offered a better deal". And "if you want to be the villain do it properly". Such bitter words!
Only for him to melt down the next moment and beg her to trust him & focus solely on him!
What an emotional rollercoaster!
My royal nemesis (2026) | episode 09