The billionaire's expression turned cold.
He glanced toward Kenji.
"Do you hear this arrogance?"
Kenji remained silent.
Amara looked at the billionaire.
"Confidence isn't arrogance simply because you didn't expect it from me."
He clenched his jaw.
Then said something that made Kenji look up sharply.
"We can make your financing very uncomfortable."
Amara went still.
"What?"
Masaru smiled.
"Businesses depend on relationships. Banks. Suppliers. Property owners."
She studied him.
He continued.
"It would be unfortunate if yours began to reconsider their support."
Sachiko stepped forward.
"黒田様、それは脅しでございますか。"
Mr. Kuroda, is that a threat?
The billionaire glanced toward her.
His smile faltered.
Kenji spoke immediately.
"Chairman, we should end the meeting."
Masaru ignored him.
Amara watched his face carefully.
Then asked a question.
"How do you know which bank is financing the restaurant?"
He frowned.
"Everyone knows these things."
"No."
She shook her head.
"Our banking arrangements aren't part of your acquisition materials."
Kenji looked toward him.
The billionaire hesitated.
For the first time, Amara saw genuine uncertainty.
She continued.
"Your representatives have been telling suppliers that our ownership is changing. They've told staff members that their positions will disappear. And now you're implying that you can interfere with our financing."
Masaru's voice hardened.
"Be careful."
Amara didn't move.
"I am being careful."
She stepped toward the table.
Then gently lifted the porcelain dish he'd knocked aside.
She placed it on the serving tray.
"You came here as a guest."
He stared.
"You were welcomed, served, and treated with respect."
She looked toward the spilled food.
"You responded by insulting the person serving you."
Her voice remained steady.
"Your wealth doesn't excuse that."
Masaru took a step forward.
Then Kenji stood abruptly.
"Chairman. We are leaving."
The billionaire turned toward him.
"What?"
Kenji's expression was unusually firm.
"This conversation is finished."
Masaru stared.
For a moment, it seemed he might argue.
Then he looked around the room.
At Sachiko.
At Amara.
At the carefully arranged table.
At the porcelain dish he'd displaced.
Nothing was moving in his favor.
He reached for his jacket.
"This isn't over."
Amara bowed.
"お帰りの際は、お足元にお気をつけくださいませ。"
Please watch your step as you leave.
The perfectly polite farewell made Masaru's face redden even further.
He turned.
Then strode toward the door.
Kenji followed.
But before leaving, the advisor stopped beside Amara.
He bowed deeply.
"大変失礼いたしました。"
I apologize sincerely for the discourtesy.
Amara returned the bow.