
I think they are using this element to drag it out. Technically, the bully COULD have been too traumatized to get back at him all those years ago, and the fact that he suddenly appears shows that this is for another arc in the story, which I get.
But I also understand why they could suddenly bring him back. It’ll bring about a sense of closure once they really get him out. And it’s very likely they’ll (the bully and his family) will lose face and their company as the means to an end for this. But I’m here for it ^ ^ go Baek Siyoon!

Twilight in some manner, especially that part where they fought against the vampires in that cold snowy place lol

I've been getting twilight vibes since the beginning.
Forbidden love between vampire/devil and human, like lion and lamb, different cults/groups of devils, Hubby went to cult leader to save FL, FL human died while giving birth then back alive after turning into immortal devil, FL got the power to counter the vampire/lucifer, the "forbidden children", the age gap between FL daughter and potential lover (renesmee and jacob vibe), and now this battle
It's like samsung and apple comparison lol

I really can’t with this, cause the fl is doing the bare minimum for herself while the bitchy dog of a duke is dumb af. To me, it feels like she doesn’t know her worth and hasn’t changed at all. I get that she’s now more direct, but it kills me knowing how she just lets everyone kinda let it happen.
Of course, I do get that hey, who gives a damn about the snobby npcs FL’s got it out for herself and WILL eventually be the empress lol, but man I FEEL LIKE PULLING MY HAIR BECAUSE EVERYONE MISTREATS HER AND SHE KINDA LETS IT HAPPEN AHHHH

Hi! Umm I was thinking that the reason she doesn't really know her worth just yet is because she literally JUST got out of a relationship where her self worth was dog piled on for years so she's doing her best but she still needs time to realize how great of a worker and person she is.but that's just what I think (●'◡'●)ノ

That makes sense! She’s got a great fortune ahead of her AND is very intelligent! It makes sense that she doesn’t know where she stands since for the most part, she’s never been treated right or fairly, so it’s something of a work in progress as you stated!
I’m hoping she’s able to obtain that closure for herself!
I think the biggest part that irked me was how it feels like (to me) she doesn’t really uphold her own boundaries to some extent. I personally felt there were times where didn’t prioritize herself. But once again, it pretty much goes back to your point!
If this was Secretive Plotter with KDJ LMFAO
ML and FL in this makes me feel like I’m living 100 years more, they make me so happy lol