“The evidence points toward a deliberate attempt by people involved in the transaction. The independent process is still determining individual responsibility.”
Walter nodded.
But his expression was devastated.
For years, he'd worried that his son wasn't capable of leading the business.
Now he faced the possibility that Julian was capable of extraordinary planning, but had directed it toward deception rather than legitimate leadership.
Walter stared toward the desk.
“Did I do this to him?”
Margaret considered the question.
Then answered honestly.
“You may have contributed to the resentment between you. That doesn't make you responsible for every choice he made.”
Walter closed his eyes.
She continued.
“Julian is an adult. He was capable of seeking proper authority, building support, and negotiating a succession plan. If he deliberately falsified documents, that was his decision.”
The billionaire nodded slowly.
For several seconds, he remained silent.
Then he looked toward Margaret.
“What happens to Aizawa?”
She opened another folder.
“The Japanese side has suspended the current execution package. They're willing to consider a properly revised transaction, but trust has been damaged.”
Walter exhaled.
“Can we repair it?”
“Possibly.”
He nodded.
“Then let's do it properly.”
Margaret studied him.
For a moment, she seemed surprised.
He looked toward her.
“What?”
She smiled faintly.
“Usually, you ask how quickly we can close.”
Walter looked down.
Then nodded.
“I know.”
He took a breath.
“Not this time.”
Imani returned to Kintsugi Sky the following Friday.
She had considered resigning.
The publicity made her uncomfortable, and several guests had begun asking whether she was the woman from the viral video. Some wanted photographs. Others asked her to speak Japanese for entertainment.
One man even waved a contract in front of her and joked that she should check whether his wife was secretly taking control of his company.
Imani didn't laugh.
She had spent years studying a language and learning a profession. She hadn't done it to become a novelty act at an expensive restaurant.
Mr. Nakamura, the restaurant manager, understood.
He instructed employees not to discuss her personal circumstances with guests and reminded the staff that she was entitled to ordinary workplace boundaries.
When a customer requested Imani specifically because of the video, he declined unless she was comfortable serving the table.
That mattered.
For the first time in weeks, Imani felt as though someone with authority was trying to protect her rather than benefit from her visibility.
Li-hua welcomed her back with tea.
“You look tired.”
Imani smiled.
“I am.”
The older woman nodded.
“Did you sleep?”
“Not much.”
“Eat?”
Imani hesitated.
Li-hua sighed.
“Sit.”
The young woman laughed.
Then obeyed.
Li-hua placed a bowl of warm soup in front of her.