Kazuma leaned slightly toward Haruki, smirking as he nudged his elbow.
"Look at your mother-in-law, Haruki-kun," he murmured under his breath.
"If we hadn't stepped in, she would've been kidnapped by half the men in this ballroom."
Haruki chuckled quietly, casting a teasing glance at Kyouko.
"Yeah... agreed," he said, lips curved in a sly grin.
"She stole the whole spotlight tonight."
Kyouko gave both of them a narrowed stare—half amused, half scolding.
"Stop it, you two," she said in a soft whisper behind her mask.
But they only laughed, not too loud, enough to pull a small smile from her lips.
"Ah, excuse me."
A suited man stepped forward, bowing politely.
"Are you Mister Kazuma from Takahashi Group?"
Kazuma turned, instantly shifting his demeanor to that of a calm professional.
"Yes. Pleased to meet you."
Another man followed. "Mister Haruki, correct? Representing Yamashita Corporation?"
Haruki gave a polite bow. "That's right. Thank you for the introduction."
