S C A N D A L

Chapter Eighteen

As soon as he understood the situation, Kurou didn't waste time asking Masaru to process the transfer of money to Naoki Ogawa's account. Eventually, Shiro's husband had been more than generous with the amount, only asking for one thing---that he would like a word with his father and his young wife.

It was Shichiro who ushered them to Kurou's private office after the dinner. Shiro appeared like he wanted to protest but he was dragged by Yoshihiro and the butler Isamu at the suggestion of Kurou that he should take his rest after that rather cumbersome exchange with his stepmother.

The reunion was unexpected, but Atsuko didn't hide the excitement of seeing the youngest heir of the Matsumoto household once again. The reunion that she had been waiting for was only meant to exacerbate the loathing that Shiro felt for her, but this was something she wanted. To draw a clear line between herself and her stepson.

Since she was first introduced to Shiro by Naoki, she had looked at him with incomprehensible disdain. In the beginning, she did her best to behave and act accordingly and Shiro once gazed at her adoringly, believing that her love for his father would be enough to keep the older man happy. It should be a touching moment between them but the longer she watched Shiro's face, the more agitated she became ---especially, with the way Shiro's smile could light up the room, which was enough to give her a pause.

The envy grew even more when Shiro, who did nothing to stand out was still noticed by the residents of Ehime. Shiro, was undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful faces she had laid eyes on and he was always liked and admired wherever he went. She could never understand how a country bumpkin could appear so attractive when his fashion was always out of date and he always hang around the elderly.

Regardless, she had forgotten nothing. Not the perfect proportion of an angelic face, nor the soft, dramatic eyes that even his father adored. Like a nightmare etched in her memory, the mere traces of the afterimage of the Shiro Ogawa she once knew at Ehime and now the improved version of the married Shiro Matsumoto brought back those aversion effused with rage and shame.

Seated side by side with her husband and Shiro's father Naoki, their faces were both drawn and tensed. The stark utilitarian design of Kurou's office mildly surprised them given how people on the web described him. Inside the room and reclining deeply into an executive chair, was what appeared to be a man of striking, if androgynous countenance. However, they also knew that Kurou Matsumoto was no ordinary guy. He glanced at the couple with severe, gray eyes. "I trust the amount that I have transferred would be sufficient to resolve the current dilemma you two are facing at Ehime."

Naoki didn't like the tone of his voice but managed to ignore this, for the sake of Shiro, or more appropriately, for the sake of money. "From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely express my deepest gratitude," he inclined his head on a brief bow.

"You're most welcome, father." Not a trace of kindness softened the tenor of his voice, and there was a tinge of mockery at the way he addressed him, yet the couple chose to not pay attention.

Especially Atsuko who practiced the art of playing ignorant. "We also thank you for your generosity in allowing us to stay in your home."

As if Kurou could see right through her, he didn't waste time and began to address her earlier insolence, "You have my husband to thank. Not me. He was the one who offered the room, and the house and even invited you to dinner. He also convinced me to lend you the money."

Naoki's face drained of color, and for once, he felt ashamed. "We apologize for barging in. I'll make sure to pay you back as soon as the bathhouse starts operating again."

"There is no need for that," he raised a hand to emphasize this. "Let me make a few things clear. You are Shiro's father and I shall endeavor to respect you and respect my husband's wishes. However, the attitude of your wife is something that I will not tolerate."