In the end, Hikaru failed to throw away the business card in her pocket.
Her anxiety only grew stronger when the car finally stopped in the courtyard. Yuki stepped out first, just as cheerful as ever, with Sasha following closely behind. Hikaru, however, hesitated. She remained seated for a moment, staring blankly ahead, weighing the last possible chances she had to dispose of the card tucked inside her coat.
In theory, she could have thrown it away later.
But years under Yuki's guidance had taught Hikaru one thing very clearly. Inside their house, even an insect would never escape Yuki's surveillance. Hikaru couldn't convince herself that simply tossing the card into a trash bin would solve anything. Burning it was impossible, as even her bedroom was monitored by CCTV.
"You're not getting out?"
Hikaru flinched when Alexei turned toward her, his voice low. Only then did she realize she had been staring at the car door without actually getting out.
"S-sorry."
