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Chapter 12 — The Rise of the Horikita Family
The Horikita family's house was filled with laughter and the sound of clinking glasses as they celebrated their long-awaited victory. Suzune's mother, smiling brightly, reached for the TV remote and accidentally turned it on.
And then — the celebration froze.
The news anchor's voice filled the room:
> "Breaking news — a historic deal has just been finalized between the Ayanokoji Empire and the Horikita Corporation. This partnership has caused Horikita's stock market value to skyrocket — rising nearly twenty times within just an hour."
Manabu's eyes widened in disbelief. "News travels fast…"
Suzune's father stood up, gripping his phone tightly. "Twenty times… our stock value increased twenty times!" He looked at his family, his voice trembling. "That means— we're billionaires now."
Suzune's mother turned to her daughter, tears welling in her eyes. "It's all thanks to you, Suzune. You saved us."
Suzune smiled softly, her eyes glimmering under the warm light. "I just did what I had to do."
But deep inside, she thought to herself, I did it… I really saved my family.
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Moments later, all of their phones began to ring.
Her father's phone was filled with calls from old business partners and investors — all congratulating him, all eager to work with him again.
Manabu's phone wouldn't stop buzzing — other CEOs, journalists, and even former classmates trying to get in touch.
Her mother was flooded with calls from friends and acquaintances, each one excitedly talking about the sudden fame of the Horikita family.
Suzune, however, sat quietly at the dining table, her phone resting in front of her — completely silent.
She looked down at it for a moment, then opened her book and began reading, her calm expression hiding a faint sense of loneliness.
In high school, I never talked to anyone. I didn't have any friends… she thought. Even now, in the business world, people my age don't take me seriously. I'm just a small manager to them.
As her family laughed and talked loudly on their calls, Suzune turned another page, letting their voices fade into the background.
Two hours passed. The house slowly quieted down as the calls ended one by one. Her father leaned back on the couch, smiling proudly.
"It's been a long day," he said. "Let's all get some rest."
Suzune nodded gently and stood up, holding her book close to her chest.
As everyone went to their rooms, she looked out the window one last time — the city lights glowing brighter than ever, reflecting the rise of her family's name.
But deep down, Suzune knew this was just the beginning.
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