(Emmaly's POV)
The ADA office was cleaner than I remembered — too clean, too orderly, as if they'd mistaken polish for control. The smell of coffee and paper didn't belong to me, but I could still feel eyes on my back, weighing every move.
I didn't have time for pleasantries. I dropped the sealed envelope on Dazai's desk, ignoring Kunikida's pointed look.
"Open it," I said.
He raised a brow. "No 'please'? No 'how have you been'? I'm hurt."
"You'll live," I replied. "Maybe."
He slit the seal with a finger, scanned the contents, and for a moment the playfulness in his face slipped. Not much — but enough for me to see the flicker of recognition.
"Who else knows?" he asked.
"Just the sender, me… and now you."
The phone in my coat pocket buzzed once — the agreed signal. I answered without checking the ID.
"They moved earlier than expected," came James's voice, sharp and fast. "We're setting up Plan B."
"Understood," I said, and hung up before he could say more.
Ranpo's voice cut through the thickening tension. "Okay, hold up. What plan? And why the hell is she really here, Dazai?"
Dazai smiled lazily. "I have no idea what my older sister is doing here."
I stiffened and smacked the back of his head.
"Don't play dumb."
He chuckled, rubbing his head. "Relax, it's just a joke."
I leaned in close, my voice low and firm—meant only for him. "You know why I'm here like this—in front of all these people. You know I'd never choose to bring family matters into the open. I don't trust outsiders. I don't want anyone else involved."
My eyes locked on his, fierce and unyielding. "But time ran out. I had no choice."
Dazai's grin widened, a spark of mischief lighting his eyes. "Well, since you're here anyway, and since the plan involves things bigger than just us, maybe you'll let the ADA tag along for the ride. You know… for backup."
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes but couldn't deny the truth behind his words. This wasn't something I could handle alone.
Before I could respond, Kunikida stepped forward. "The president should know about this."
My jaw tightened. I'd hoped to avoid that. But there was no use fighting it now.
Dazai motioned toward the office door with a flourish. "Ladies and gentlemen, meet the president."
The door opened, and a tall figure stepped in—calm, confident, eyes sharp as ever. The president's presence filled the room without a word. Everyone straightened, tension shifting into focused attention.
He nodded briefly at me, then fixed his gaze on Dazai. "I've been briefed. Let's hear everything."
I squared my shoulders, ready to carry the weight of the truth. There was no turning back now.