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Chapter 23 – The Empty Eyes of a King
Ayanokoji walked quietly through the shining corridors of the yacht, Suzune's soft hand still in his.
Her hand… it feels just like hers, he thought silently, a flicker of emotion crossing his calm face.
Suzune, meanwhile, couldn't stop thinking about what just happened.
Why did Mr. Ayanokoji… tell me to hold his hand? Why did he protect me like that?
Her heart was racing, though she tried her best to hide it.
Ryuuen approached from behind, hands in his pockets and a knowing grin on his face.
"It's done," he said casually. "Their company is completely destroyed."
Then his eyes shifted toward their joined hands. He smirked but didn't comment.
Ayanokoji simply nodded. "Good job."
Just then, Suzune's parents came rushing toward them. Her mother's voice trembled, "Suzune!"
Ayanokoji quietly released Suzune's hand and said calmly, "Enjoy the party." He gave her one last look before walking away with Ryuuen to speak with other guests.
Suzune's mother hugged her tightly. "Are you alright, dear?"
Suzune nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."
Her father looked serious. "We heard some rich brat tried to force himself on you, but Mr. Ayanokoji saved you—and even destroyed his entire business."
Suzune nodded softly. "Yes… Mr. Ayanokoji saved me."
Her mother sighed in relief. "We were on the other side of the party when it happened. We didn't find out until just now. I'm so sorry, Suzune."
Suzune smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Mom. I could've handled it even if Mr. Ayanokoji hadn't come. I was about to slap him when he appeared."
Her father chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. "That's my girl. Those martial arts lessons paid off, huh?"
Suzune nodded with a small smile. "Yes, they did."
A few moments later, Manabu came rushing through the crowd. "Suzune!" he said, hugging her firmly. "I'm sorry for leaving you alone. That's why this happened."
Suzune smiled gently. "Don't worry, big brother. I'm safe."
Manabu nodded, relief softening his normally stern face.
Her father exhaled and said, "We should thank Mr. Ayanokoji for protecting you."
Her mother nodded in agreement.
But then her father added, "Let's thank him another day. This is his event — we shouldn't disturb him now."
Manabu agreed. "True. It's better to wait."
As her family began talking among themselves, Suzune's eyes wandered across the hall. She spotted Ayanokoji standing among a group of powerful business figures, speaking calmly as if nothing had happened. His posture was perfect, his voice polite — but his eyes...
Why… does he look so empty? she thought.
Even surrounded by people, wealth, and admiration, he seemed like a man completely alone.
Manabu noticed her staring. "What's wrong, Suzune?"
Suzune blinked and looked away. "Nothing," she said softly.
But in her heart, she wondered, Why does a man like him, who has everything, look like he has no one at all?
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