---
Chapter 9 — The Meeting Begins
The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains of the Horikita residence. Suzune stood before the mirror, dressed in a sharp black business suit. Her hair was neatly tied back, her expression calm but focused.
Manabu stood behind her, reviewing the documents once again. "It should be fine," he muttered, scanning each page. "No — everything must be perfect. We can't afford a single mistake."
Suzune's mother stepped forward and gently hugged her. "Do your best, my daughter," she said with a proud smile. "We believe in you."
Her father placed a hand on her head, his tone steady but warm. "Suzune, you've got this."
Suzune nodded firmly. "I won't let any of you down."
Moments later, Suzune and Manabu got into the car and began their drive toward the towering Ayanokoji Empire Building — a massive structure that dominated the skyline like a monument of power.
Suzune sat quietly, flipping through her notes again and again, memorizing every detail, every number, every possible question Ayanokoji could ask. She refused to let herself falter.
When they finally arrived, both stepped out of the car. The same guard from the previous day recognized her immediately, his eyes widening slightly. She came back… with someone else this time?
Inside the lobby, the same female employee who had mocked her before noticed her and sneered. "Miss Horikita, I already told you—Mr. Ayanokoji is far too busy to—"
Before she could finish, Suzune smirked slightly and held out her phone, displaying the official email from the Ayanokoji Empire.
The woman froze, color draining from her face. "I… I'm terribly sorry, Miss Horikita. Please, this way."
Every employee nearby stared in disbelief. The same people who had laughed at Suzune the day before were now whispering among themselves. She really got the meeting…? How?
Manabu glanced at his sister, pride flickering in his eyes. You've done it, Suzune. You've proven them wrong.
They took the private elevator to the top floor, the silence only broken by the soft hum of the machine. When the doors opened, they were greeted by Tsukishiro, standing with his usual composed smile.
"Welcome," he said politely. "I've been expecting you."
He stepped forward and gave a slight bow. "I'm Tsukishiro, Mr. Ayanokoji's assistant. Please, follow me."
Then, turning his gaze to Suzune, he added, "Only Miss Horikita is allowed to enter. Mr. Ayanokoji requested the meeting to be private."
Manabu blinked but nodded. "Understood."
Suzune inhaled deeply, clutching her folder tightly. "I understand."
Manabu gave her a reassuring look. "You'll do great."
Suzune nodded once more and followed Tsukishiro down the silent hallway. With every step, the tension grew heavier. The massive double doors of the CEO's office came into view — and beyond them awaited Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, the man who controlled the world's largest empire.
---