Chapter 54: The Price of the Truth?
"But first, I must say this—" Mr. Alex interjected, shifting the topic abruptly.
Near the kitchen entrance, Liyana stood with her hands clasped, offering a warm smile to Mitsuni. Blushing, Mitsuni leaned closer to Taro for comfort, only to notice Daichi and Sora whispering while glancing her way.
"Hahaha," Daichi chuckled. "Mitsuni... Mitsuni-swaan..."
Mitsuni's brows furrowed instantly. Sora jumped in, panicking: "I-I mean, you looked like you were lost in dark thoughts! Anyway... Mr. Alex is watching us!"
Taro let out a sharp "Keh-keh-keh" giggle.
Mr. Alex cleared his throat, regaining their attention. "Come to think of it, I haven't had a proper chance to speak with you all. First, I've received word that the repairs on the Western Sakaue Headquarters are nearly complete. Now, don't misunderstand—I'm not telling you to leave."
"Um, Mr. Alex, you—" Haruto started.
"Haruto, listen!" Kaito Akira snapped, cutting him off.
A bead of sweat rolled down Mr. Alex's temple as he maintained a forced smile. "Ah, Haruto... I know exactly what you're thinking, don't worry. Anyway..."
He pulled out a chair and sat heavily. His expression darkened as his gaze fell upon Taro.
"Excuse me, but what is this about?" Daichi asked, sensing the shift in mood.
Taro rubbed his bandaged wound, his voice low. "Mr. Alex, why the sudden change in atmosphere? Have Mitsuni or I offended you in some way?"
"Ah! No, not at all!" Alex stammered. He gestured toward the kitchen. "Liyana, please... a cup of your honey tea. And start serving the desserts." Liyana nodded solemnly and vanished into the kitchen while the staff cleared the table.
Kaito's cold gaze pierced through the tension. "Mr. Alex, you have something to say, yet you hesitate. Your smile vanished the moment you sat down. Why?"
Kaito Akira shot him a warning look. Kaito went silent, then turned to the twins. "Zen, Yuki... don't you have lessons to attend to?"
Sora chimed in, "Kaito is right. Yuki, you can help each other. Young Master Kazeki, wouldn't you like to join them?"
Kazeki looked at his father. He saw the anxiety hidden behind that fragile, forced smile. He nodded quietly. "Yes, Sora-nee. Let's go."
As the children disappeared upstairs, Mr. Alex cleared his throat again, covering his mouth with a clenched fist. "Taro... forgive me for what I am about to say, but..."
BAM!
Taro slammed his hand onto the table, his eyes blazing. "Enough, Mr. Alex! I want to know what's going on! This is clearly about me, or someone—"
"Ugh!" Taro winced, clutching his side as the pressure tore at his newly healed wound.
"Taro, stop it!" Mitsuni cried, forcing him back into his seat. "The stitches were just removed! Do you want them to rip open again?"
Ignoring the pain, Taro looked up, locking eyes with Mr. Alex.
The older man's face was a mask of sorrow as the words finally escaped his lips:
"Your son... your son Hiroshi... he is alive.