The eleventh episode of "My Dearest Nemesis" kicks off with a pivotal business alliance with Hana City. Ju-yeon unearths a startling revelation: Director Park Ji-cheol, who harbors ties to the Hana City Mayor, is entangled in a fraudulent scheme. Leveraging this damaging information, Ju-yeon issues an ultimatum—either Grandma accedes to his demands or he will unveil the scandal, causing a public uproar. Grandma consents, albeit on one stringent condition: the renewal project must triumph. Should Ju-yeon falter, the consequences will be dire—Su-jeong's dismissal and his own voluntary exile from the family, accompanied by the forfeiture of his assets.
Ju-yeon and Su-jeong concur, determined to turn the project into a resounding success, thereby convincing Grandma of Ju-yeon's rightful heirship. Back at work, the team's spirits soar at Su-jeong's return, while Ju-yeon, brimming with excitement, struggles to maintain his facade, slipping ever so slightly. Su-jeong finds amusement in the news that a pop-up event for the "Pirate King" anime will coincide with the grand reopening.
Over a team lunch, Ju-yeon, unable to conceal his bond with Su-jeong, inadvertently indulges in a moment of public affection. To deflect attention, Ju-yeon finds himself in an awkward situation, resorting to feeding Deputy Yang as a cover-up.
However, this charmed life isn't without its share of drawbacks. Whispered remarks about Su-jeong's newfound ease, courtesy of her chaebol beau, begin to circulate. Initially unperturbed, Su-jeong gradually finds these comments wearing on her resolve.
As the day draws to a close, Ju-yeon expresses his gratitude to Su-jeong for choosing "Pirate King," sharing a poignant story. He reveals that the Toggangyi plushie, the beloved mascot of the anime's protagonist, is the sole keepsake he possesses from his late parents, imbuing the moment with a deeper, more personal significance.
Elsewhere, Shin-won's heart remains heavy with the aftermath of his breakup with Ha-jin, while she, too, finds herself unable to shake off thoughts of him. As the meticulous preparations come to a close, Su-jeong, ever the encourager, prompts Ju-yeon to seize the opportunity for a snapshot with the esteemed creator of 'Pirate King,' who graces the pop-up event with his presence. Shin-won tags along for a meeting, amusement twinkling in his eyes as he observes their affectionate public displays. Ju-yeon's concern deepens when Shin-won playfully mocks him over a throbbing jaw. Chief Kwon joins in the teasing, much to Ju-yeon's amusement at her unexpectedly playful demeanor.
Later, the couple shares a dinner with Ha-jin, who remains oblivious to Shin-won's discomfort. Ha-jin, her voice tinged with sorrow, confides in them about their breakup, revealing how deeply her ex has wounded her trust, rendering her skeptical of love's sincerity ever again. Su-jeong wisely notes that her desire to place her trust in Shin-won is indicative of love in its purest form.
Returning to the intricacies of their business dealings, Ju-yeon finds himself engrossed in overwork, prompting Su-jeong's worry. Seeking clarity, she consults Kwon, who unveils the details of his quiet arrangement with Grandma. Though distressed, Kwon brushes it off, insisting he acted out of love for her. He understands the yearning for acknowledgment all too well and refuses to let her tireless efforts at the company culminate in an unfair dismissal.
Meanwhile, Ha-jin finds himself unable to shake off Su-jeong's words about trust, which reverberate in his mind incessantly. Even the patrons at the café inquire about Shin-won and remark on how endearingly he treated Su-jeong. However, the episode's idyllic honeymoon phase draws to a close as CEO Kim Mi-jeong of Big Forest Mall starts vying to recruit Su-jeong, cautioning her that her tireless efforts might be overshadowed by her boss's favorable treatment towards her.
Similarly, Ju-yeon encounters his own set of difficulties when he attempts to prevent a child from dashing into a girl holding scalding soup. The young boy tumbles to the ground and bursts into tears, prompting his enraged parents to create a scene. Someone circulates a clip solely depicting the boy's fall and its aftermath, sparking rumors that Ju-yeon possesses a flawed character. Consequently, performers, sponsors, and even the author of Pirate King cancel their participation three days prior to the reopening.
In a desperate bid to salvage the situation, Ju-yeon organizes a meeting. It transpires that Black Dragon is Pirate King's foremost sponsor. Ju-yeon meets with the author, who expresses gratitude for his steadfast support. In return, Ju-yeon unveils his bittersweet bond with Pirate King, leaving the author deeply touched and inquiring if he is indeed Ban Ju-yeon.
A flashback unfolds, revealing Su-jeong visiting the creator's abode. She echoes the same sentiment, highlighting Ju-yeon's unadulterated and fervent love for the anime. Returning to the present, Ju-yeon expresses gratitude to Su-jeong for her invaluable assistance. He laments the fact that he continually leans on her while he only seems to complicate her life. However, she disagrees and insists that they lean on each other mutually.
That fateful evening, Ju-yeon finally uncovered the perpetrator behind the malicious character rumors: Park Ji-cheol. Additionally, his eyes caught a glimpse of a call from CEO Mi-jeong on Su-jeong's phone, piecing together yet another fragment of the puzzle. Relief washed over him as OP issued a heartfelt apology for spreading the false tales, setting things right once more. To Ju-yeon's delight, the author of Pirate King posted a message of support, even agreeing to his very first fansign event in South Korea, a gesture that warmed his spirit.
At the dentist's clinic, Shin-won's discomfort stemmed from his wisdom tooth, causing him considerable pain. As he prepared to leave, Ha-jin unexpectedly arrived, her demeanor laden with remorse for crossing boundaries. Trembling with fear yet driven by her desire to be with him, she apologized sincerely. Shin-won, though admitting his fondness for her, confessed his worries about pushing her away by crossing an unspoken line. He lamented that their relationship was doomed and retreated, leaving her behind with a heavy heart.
The pop-up event during the grand reopening was an instant hit, capturing the public's imagination. Ju-yeon, unable to conceal his enthusiasm, publicly declared his fandom, much to Grandma's dismay. Facing her wrath, he stood his ground, asserting that being loved while concealing his true self was no longer a life he aspired to live. With the project thriving and a resounding success, he urged Grandma to focus on retaining Su-jeong's involvement, hinting that she had the power to terminate his position if need be.
Outside, a cluster of reporters suddenly appeared, peppering Su-jeong with questions about her personal relationships. Ju-yeon swiftly intervened, halting their relentless probing. Back at their residence, Mr. Baek caught wind of the news, which prompted derisive chuckles among the family. They conjectured that Su-jeong's achievements were merely a byproduct of her romantic entanglements. Su-jeong, putting on a brave face, insisted she was unfazed, but Mr. Baek discerned the hurt lurking beneath her surface composure. Mi-jeong, unaware or uncaring of the sensitivity, chose that very moment to send her a text message, inadvertently fanning the flames of controversy.
As My Dearest Nemesis Episode 11 drew to a close, Ju-yeon and Su-jeong embarked on a late-night rendezvous. His eyes betrayed his concern for her well-being, while she once again reassured him with a forced smile that she was alright. With a heartfelt gesture, he赋予 her the freedom to walk away if that was what she truly desired.
