Chapter 13 — The Lioness’s Wrath

Shizuka’s private study was dim, lit only by the city beyond the glass walls.

Neon lights reflected in the deep red wine swirling slowly in her glass.

She stood still, elegant as ever—yet the air around her felt sharp, suffocating.

A lioness does not roar when she knows she will strike.

Behind her, the door opened softly.

Kaito stepped in, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed—as if this was just another business discussion.

“She’s impressive,” he said casually.

“For someone raised outside the system.”

“Let’s indulge her for now. She may expose something useful.”

Shizuka didn’t turn.

Her reflection in the glass smiled faintly—but it wasn’t warmth.

 “No.”

The single word was absolute.

She placed the wine glass down with quiet precision.

 “We accelerate.”

Kaito’s expression sharpened slightly.

Shizuka finally turned to face him, her eyes glacial.

 “Prepare the merger with the Ito Group.”

“Once our voting shares consolidate, her five percent will become irrelevant.”

“Power does not wait for permission.”

Kaito studied her, then gave a slow, thoughtful smile.

“And Yukiro?”

The name lingered in the room.

Shizuka’s gaze hardened.

Her voice dropped—not loud, not angry—

but sharp enough to draw blood.

“He has outlived his usefulness.”

“A servant who forgets who owns his leash must be reminded.”

She stepped closer to the window, the city lights painting her shadow long and distorted across the floor.

A predator’s silhouette.

 “It’s time he becomes a lesson.”

Outside, thunder rolled faintly in the distance.

Somewhere in the city, a move had already been set in motion.

And Yukiro—

whether he knew it or not—

had just stepped onto the board as a sacrifice.

End of Chapter 13

Thanks for reading 

Next chapter on Saturday