Amara laughed.
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
Ayaka gave a small smile.
"Because the guests don't always understand what they're looking at."
Amara's expression softened.
"Then perhaps tonight someone will learn."
The chef studied her.
Then returned to the cutting board.
"Just don't let him distract you from the food."
Amara smiled.
"I won't."
But as she prepared for the dinner, a feeling of unease remained.
Masaru was powerful.
His company had resources the restaurant could never match.
And the false rumors concerning the acquisition had already caused real harm.
Amara wanted to believe the situation could be resolved through clear documentation and professional negotiation.
But part of her suspected that Kuroda International wanted far more than a beautiful restaurant.
She simply didn't know how far the company was willing to go to obtain it.
The billionaire arrived at six forty-five.
A black chauffeur-driven sedan stopped near the entrance.
Masaru stepped out wearing his expensive black kimono.
Kenji followed in olive green.
The narrow street was quiet.
Paper lanterns glowed near the doorway.
A gentle evening breeze moved through the hanging noren curtain.
Sachiko stood at the entrance.
She bowed respectfully.
"いらっしゃいませ。"
Welcome.
Masaru acknowledged her with a small nod.
"Beautiful building."
"Thank you."
He looked toward the wooden facade.
Then glanced at the neighboring properties.
His gaze lingered on the narrow passage running behind the restaurant.
Kenji noticed.
But said nothing.
Sachiko led them inside.
Their shoes were handled according to the restaurant's customs, and the two men were escorted to a private dining room overlooking the garden.
Masaru examined the interior with obvious interest.
The polished wood.
The delicate screens.
The carefully maintained tatami.
He looked toward Kenji.
"This would make an exceptional presidential suite."
Kenji frowned.
"Chairman, it's a dining room."
Masaru smiled.
"For now."
Sachiko heard the remark.
Her expression didn't change.
But something inside her tightened.
She had watched Hiroshi spend years restoring those wooden beams.
Had helped select the wall coverings.
And had personally supervised the preservation of several decorative panels that dated back generations.
The room was not merely a space.
It held memories.
Masaru saw potential square footage.
When Sachiko introduced the evening's service staff, Amara stepped forward carrying a black lacquer tray.
Her pale-blue kimono caught the warm lantern light.
She bowed gracefully.
"本日はお越しいただき、誠にありがとうございます。"
Thank you very much for joining us this evening.
Kenji smiled politely.
Masaru looked her up and down.
His expression changed.
He turned toward Sachiko.
"Who hired her?"
The elderly woman blinked.
"She is part of our team."