[Chapter 426: Sukāto Matsushita]
To be honest, Linton really had no interest in any of the women arranged for him by Masaharu Matsushita. He didn't want to waste his time at all.
Beyond just not liking them, the main reason was that Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai, and Akina Nakamori had prepared an incredibly exciting party at the hotel that awaited him.
After learning that Linton was seriously taking over Universal Studios, the three ladies had shown a level of passion that far exceeded what Linton had expected.
The games last night were already wild and thrilling enough, and that morning they eagerly went out to shop for various props and costumes to prepare for tonight's event.
He wasn't sure exactly what spectacular performance they had planned, but thinking about it made his heart race.
However, what surprised him was that when he returned to the hotel, there was an unexpected guest in his room.
Besides Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai, and Akina Nakamori, Sukāto Matsushita was also there.
The four of them were elegantly sipping red wine in the living room; the atmosphere was warm and friendly. He had no idea what they were discussing.
Upon seeing Linton enter, Izumi, Noriko, and Akina all put down their glasses and stood to greet him, each giving him a warm hug and a sweet kiss.
Sukāto Matsushita also set aside her glass and stood up but didn't step forward. Instead, she looked at Linton and the three women with a mix of complicated and somewhat embarrassed expression.
"Linton, it's been a long time."
Sukāto was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman in the Matsushita family. In terms of looks alone, she easily held her own standing next to Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai, and Akina Nakamori.
Today, she wore a sky-blue fitted evening gown matched with classic black high heels. Her long, wavy black hair flowed over her shoulders, and around her neck was a stunning emerald necklace. Her makeup was delicate, with bright red lips, exuding sensuality and beauty. Yet beyond that, she had an air of nobility that none of the other three possessed.
On her left wrist, she wore the small red sandalwood bracelet Linton had gifted her before. His spiritual awareness revealed that the bracelet wasn't newly put on -- it had always been there.
Seeing her, Linton was naturally very surprised. After all, she was already married and coming to his hotel room so late, didn't she fear causing a scandal? But since she was here, he didn't want to be cold or dismissive, nor could he send her away.
"Sukāto, hello."
"What, you're surprised to see me?"
"Yeah, a little surprised. How did you know I was here?"
"Well, I am still the little princess of the Matsushita family. You're negotiating the acquisition of Universal Studios -- a big deal. How could I not know? Aren't you glad to see me?"
"Of course, I'm glad. It's just..."
"Just what? If you're glad, then why no hug?"
Linton was about to ask if she needed to be discreet, but after hearing her words, he decided not to. Memories flooded back, softening his heart, and he opened his arms. "Welcome."
Sukāto Matsushita smiled brightly and took two steps forward, throwing herself into Linton's embrace.
"You haven't changed at all, and you smell so good." After a long pause, she lifted her head from his chest with a dreamy look and then kissed him eagerly. "Linton, kiss me."
After a passionate, deep kiss, Sukāto melted into his arms, gripping him tightly. Linton had no choice but to hold her, seating them both on the couch beside each other.
Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai, and Akina Nakamori kindly left the room, giving them some privacy.
"Sukāto, this isn't really appropriate, given you're already..."
"Linton, are you worried about the Mitsui family or the Matsushita family?"
"Sukāto, you're married now -- we're in the past."
"But I just can't forget you."
"Did Jiro Mitsui treat you badly?"
"No, he treated me well. But we're just a political match, a family alliance with no real feelings."
"Then why did you marry him?"
"I had no choice. For descendants of big families like us, life looks glamorous -- raised with every comfort and privilege -- but actually, we're just pawns and chips. Ultimately, we serve the family's needs.
I wonder why you didn't visit me after I came back from Los Angeles two years ago? My father put me under house arrest, confiscated all forms of communication. Why didn't you come?"
"I went to your house twice, but your father stopped me both times -- I couldn't see you."
"You know, I was locked up by my father for a year and a half. Only my personal assistant could stay with me. I wasn't allowed to contact anyone, make phone calls, or even go out shopping. I spent every day just reading, watching the news, writing, watching TV, and listening to music.
After living like that for a year and a half, I nearly lost my mind. I simply couldn't take it anymore and finally agreed to the arrangement -- to marry Jiro Mitsui."
"Sukāto, forget it. It's come to this; there's no use dwelling on the past. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."
"But I'm not happy."
"Why?"
"Jiro Mitsui may treat me well, but he's weak."
"Weak?"
"Yes. He can't last more than ten minutes during intimate moments -- I don't feel anything with him. Worse, he's a playboy and a bit of a pervert."
"A playboy and a pervert?"
"Yeah, I won't even bother elaborating on the playboy part. All wealthy Japanese men from these elite families are the same. But what I can't stand is that he's been involved with his own cousin and even his younger sister."
"No way -- that's disgusting."
"I couldn't believe it at first either, but I saw it with my own eyes."
"What are you going to do? Divorce him?"
"Divorce? Impossible. The Matsushita and Mitsui families would never allow it."
"..."
Linton didn't know how to comfort her. He was momentarily speechless.
"Linton, you just came from the Matsushita family dinner, right?"
"Yes, I visited your father."
"I heard Dad arranged for six girls to meet with you. You didn't like any of them?"
"You heard about that too?"
"Of course. Why not?"
"Compared to you, they just didn't measure up."
"If I could have hung on until now, do you think Dad still would have opposed us?"
"Sukāto, life doesn't work on 'what ifs'. We have to look forward."
"But I already regret it." Saying this, Sukāto Matsushita burst into tears and threw herself into Linton's arms again, kissing him passionately.
After a long moment, she pulled away, emotionally trembling, "Linton, love me."
Linton thought to himself, I'm a gentleman -- how can I possibly be a scoundrel?
He was about to lift her up and pull away, but she was clearly lost in the moment, wrapping herself around him like an octopus. Moreover, she was trying to disarm him.
"Ah, forget it. I'll just be the scoundrel tonight -- I can't betray her feelings..."
He scooped Sukāto Matsushita into his arms and headed to the inner room...
Soon, joyful and sweet singing filled the air...
*****
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