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Chapter 4 — A Chance Encounter
The calm of Ayanokoji's office was interrupted by the soft click of the door. Tsukishiro stepped in, expression slightly amused yet professional.
"I don't know if it's fate or just a coincidence," he said, placing a tablet on the desk. "But Suzune Horikita came to the Ayanokoji Empire today. She wanted a meeting with you — to save her family company. Our employees… well, they made fun of her, and she left shortly after."
Ayanokoji's eyes lifted slowly, locking onto Tsukishiro. Calm, unreadable.
"To think," he said quietly, "she came here, knowing that getting a meeting with me is nearly impossible… and she didn't even flinch. Not a bit of fear. She must have expected resistance. I suppose she isn't ordinary."
Tsukishiro nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Seems that way. So… what do you want to do?"
Ayanokoji leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Call her. Tell her I agree to a meeting tomorrow at 3 PM. She will present the plan herself. Not anyone else. She speaks, I listen."
Tsukishiro raised an eyebrow. "You're putting pressure on her. Is this to make her grow… or to shock her family? Or both?"
A faint smirk curved on Ayanokoji's lips. "You know me, Tsukishiro."
Tsukishiro chuckled lightly. "True. I'll find her number and contact her… or shall I let you do it yourself?"
Ayanokoji's expression didn't change. "Then I'll call her myself."
Tsukishiro nodded. "Understood. I'll prepare everything on my end."
Ayanokoji stood and walked toward the window, hands behind his back, eyes on the city lights. "Good. Tomorrow at 3 PM… let's see how far she can go."
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