Masaru turned back toward Amara.
For several seconds, he seemed to be searching for a response that would restore his authority.
Then he laughed.
"How much?"
Amara blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"How much do you want?"
She stared.
He gestured toward the room.
"The restaurant. Name your price."
Amara folded her hands.
"It's not for sale."
He gave an impatient laugh.
"Everything is for sale."
"No."
"You expect me to believe you'll refuse a serious offer?"
Amara looked toward Sachiko.
Then back at him.
"I've already refused three."
Masaru's expression hardened.
"Those were preliminary negotiations."
"And now they're finished."
The billionaire stepped closer.
"You have no idea what you're turning down."
Amara held his gaze.
"I understand the offer quite well."
He gestured toward the screens.
"This property could become part of one of the most successful luxury developments in Kyoto."
Kenji straightened.
"Chairman, perhaps we shouldn't discuss the development plans here."
Masaru waved him away.
"The woman owns the restaurant. She deserves to hear what she's refusing."
Amara tilted her head.
"Then explain how your proposal benefits the people who work here."
He frowned.
"Jobs."
"How many?"
"Better jobs."
"How many existing employees would you retain?"
He gave an irritated laugh.
"That depends on operational efficiency."
Amara nodded slowly.
"And would you preserve the kitchen?"
"The concept would evolve."
"Would you retain Chef Ayaka?"
"That depends on whether she can adapt."
Amara looked toward the empty soup bowl.
"Would you continue serving traditional kaiseki?"
Masaru smiled.
"We'd offer a modern interpretation suitable for international travelers."
She nodded.
"And the historic building?"
He hesitated.
"Certain improvements would be necessary."
"Demolition?"
"Selective redevelopment."
Amara's expression hardened.
Kenji looked down.
The billionaire continued.
"You have to understand the economics. This restaurant occupies valuable land."
Amara waited.
He gestured toward the garden.
"Parking, private access, luxury suites, larger dining areas. The location has extraordinary potential."
She took a slow breath.
"You're describing a hotel."
Masaru smiled.
"A premium hospitality destination."
"Not a restaurant."
"The restaurant's brand would survive."
She studied him.
"On a sign?"
His expression tightened.
"Don't be sentimental."
Amara looked toward the chef's handwritten menu resting beside the table.
Then toward the dishes Ayaka had spent the afternoon preparing.
She turned back.
"This building has survived more than seventy years because people have treated it as something worth caring for."
Masaru scoffed.
"Tradition doesn't pay the bills."
"No," Amara agreed. "The business does."
He looked surprised by the answer.
She continued.
"And the business is financially sustainable."
"Not indefinitely."
"Nothing is indefinitely sustainable without good management."
He leaned closer.
"Then perhaps you should accept help from someone with experience."
Amara smiled faintly.
"Mr. Kuroda, my company managed the restaurant's recovery before your first offer arrived. We're not looking for a rescuer."