Alinea

"I came here on behalf of your future in-laws," Suzuki Daizo informed his nephew with a voice that rang with authority.

"Oh? I didn't know you were that close to my future in-laws, to be doing things on their behalf."

The mocking tune had returned in Aki's voice. He already had an idea what this old man was trying to do. Years ago, before his parents died, this man had pressured his father and mother into accepting an engagement between Aki and the daughter of Daizo's friend, the owner of the company where he worked at now: Axis Corporation.

"Of course, I'm the one who set it up, after all," the man said proudly, which made Aki's eyes turn into slits.

"It's amazing because my girlfriend's parent doesn't even know you," he scoffed, and he watched as Daizo stiffened.

"Who are you talking about?" the old man demanded. Of course, he knew Aki's fiancée. It was arranged by him.

"My in-law, of course. I only have one," Aki deadpanned, making the other angry. "Were you talking about someone else?"

"I'm talking about the Makis. Maki Yuuka is your fiancée," Daizo snapped, and Aki snorted.

"I don't know any Maki-whats-her-name," Suzuki Aki stated firmly, making the other's anger increase, his face turning purple.

The others who were with Aki bowed their heads as they tried to hide their sniggers, except for Asou who regarded the two Suzuki men with worry. They were well aware of the beef between uncle and nephew. When the Suzuki Couple died, Suzuki Daizo stormed his way into Aki's and Ara's lives, trying to take over both the company and the younger Suzuki sibling.

Since Suzuki Raiden was a company built by Suzuki Akihiko, and not something inherited from their grandparents, Suzuki Daizo was not able to do anything when Aki, who was already twenty-two around that time, fought him over their inheritance and Ara's custody.

"Then you should since you're already at the correct age when you and Yuuka could marry. You've been engaged for years," Suzuki Daizo was adamant about this. "Your parents even agreed to this match."

"My parents are gone. They have no power over who I want to marry – much less you."

Suzuki Aki's tone had turned dangerously low. If this dragged on, there was a big chance there would be blood spilled. Asou Chiaki, who recognized that tone unconsciously reached out and grabbed Aki's arm, a habit she had when they were younger and both attending the public pre-school.

"President…" she called out, and Aki's face cleared as he turned to his secretary.

Seeing that, Suzuki Daizo's face became severe as he glared at the girl. "Is this the woman you're talking about? Amazing how you even bring your flings to important conferences."

Hearing his words, Aki's anger returned. "It's amazing how you're even here when you didn't bring your brain."

"Y-you…"

"Enough, "Asou Chiaki snapped as she pulled at her boss again. She didn't care if Aki was the president anymore. They needed to stop fighting in public. "You're both businessmen. Please be aware of your surroundings. This is not the place to fight," she said, and then turned to the older man. "Also, just to clarify things, I'm not a 'fling'. I'm a hardworking secretary – thank you very much."

With this, Suzuki Aki's group continued on towards the great hall, leaving Suzuki Daizo silently fuming on the side with his hands balled into fists. His old eyes followed his nephew as he walked across the hall towards one of the tables with that woman still anchored on his arm, and his lips pursed into a snarl.

Secretary his ass!

That woman was his nephew's whore. He wouldn't have let that bitch hold his arm like that if she weren't. She needed to be removed; else his plan would be ruined.

"I suggest keeping that murderous thought to yourself," a baritone suddenly spoke, and the old man who was indeed having such thoughts was startled. He turned towards the speaker so fast; ready to tell him to mind his own business, but no words escaped in his lips upon recognizing who it was.

"H-Homura-sama," Suzuki Daizo stammered as he fidgeted, not knowing if he'd bow or shake the man's hand.

He was one of those executives who had lined up to give his greetings to the Homura heir but was not able to bootlick since the prince told everyone to return to their seats. A smile plastered on his face. Who would've thought that he'd get such a great chance after being so upset by his stupid nephew?

But wait… The prince mentioned murderous thought as if he was able to read his mind.

Suzuki Daizo cleared his throat as he smiled awkwardly. "I'm not sure what Homura-sama meant by that."

Ryuu raised one raven brow at the old man's blatant lie. "Oh? Was I wrong then?"

Suzuki Daizo was about to say 'yes', but remembered who he was talking to; his words got trapped in his throat once more. It was rumored that Homura Ryuu and Kazehaya Gin both had God's eyes. They were able to read people's minds, and so they were very good at business. If he lied to him now, all Axis Corporation's chances of forming an alliance with Homura International would be destroyed.

"It's a family thing Homura-sama. I believe even a man of your position can understand that," Suzuki Daizo stated.

The old man decided to play the family card so that the young heir would leave him alone. The Homuras were a highly traditional clan. Even within their family, they had so many rules that outsiders were not allowed to interfere with. If he said that the matter was about his family, then the other would have no choice but to back off.

But he was wrong.

"Family, huh?"Ryuu scoffed. By this time, he totally looked like a lazy wild cat playing with its prey. "Then all the more I should be meddling then," he said meaningfully, and the old man shuddered upon sensing the danger in those ice blue pools that focused on him.

"I don't understand. I am his uncle I – "

"I am Suzuki Ara's husband. Anyone who dares harm either my wife or my brother-in-law would answer to me and taste my wrath."