S C A N D A L

Chapter Thirty

Masahiko Matsumoto's sudden visit to the main office of Elegant Apparel made the employees gossip. This wasn't the first time for them to have seen the eldest of the Matsumoto sons, but he rarely stepped foot in the company run by the youngest. The appearance---whether it was good or bad---had the place in an uproar.

Employees only behaved when they had caught sight of their boss striding inside his private office. Kurou immediately rolled the blinds and locked the door behind him before turning to his brother with a sigh. He found Masahiko's mouth softening into the tiniest smile. Perhaps, he didn't fully expect his younger brother to be so obedient. Since being married to Shiro, Masahiko must admit that Kurou had gotten more docile and less assertive.

"How long has it been since I last visited here?"

"Not counting the fashion show you attended? I think it's been four years."

"That long?" Masahiko simply wandered around the office, studying every piece of furniture and architectural changes.

However, seeing his brother in his office querying about his whereabouts wasn't the kind of thing that he would do. The thought made Kurou's brows draw together in confusion. "May I help you?"

"I heard about what Shiro did to Kei at the event."

Kurou went to sit on the couch in the small living space within the office and took off his coat to relax. "I'm guessing you heard it from your girlfriend or from Izanagi-san himself. So, did you come here to scold me about my husband's behavior? Shiro didn't do anything wrong. Kei approached him first and Shiro set his boundaries. I think that's admirable."

"I don't want any trouble, Kurou."

"There will be no trouble, but I'm sorry if you think there was."

Masahiko's expression slightly balked. "I should be the one saying that," he said apologetically which surprised Kurou. "And yes, I am aware of what Kei has been doing behind your back. But you need to understand, if Father finds out about this..."

"I have no intention to let Father know," Kurou waved his hand. "In any case, what happened between me and Kei had already passed."

"Then why does Shiro feel the need to bring up Kei's past and rub it on his face?"

Shiro's name being thrown out made Kurou frown despite himself. "He didn't want to bring it up but Kei was undoubtedly trying to put me on the spot. I'm sure you're aware that most of the reporters and journalists in that show were acquainted with him and his wife. But what is it that you really want? You didn't come here to talk about Kei and my personal issues with him and his wife."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Masahiko suddenly demanded. "Why do you keep quiet and didn't defend yourself?"

Kurou gazed at him and snorted. "You're the one who said that you worried this would reach Father's ears and affect his friendship with Izanagi-san, and now you're questioning why I didn't defend myself?"

Masahiko's face was a mask of different emotions Kurou couldn't tell which one was a lot stronger. The sympathy or the guilt? Honestly, Kurou was no longer bothered about Kei and his wife. His reputation had long been tarnished and people would judge others based on rumors alone. But Shiro wouldn't let the same thing happen to him and for that he was grateful. At least, he had one person in his life who was willing to walk the wire for him.

"Kurou...it's never too late," Masahiko's tone slowly softened, his expression seemed difficult to comprehend and there was reluctance at the way he peered at his face. "We can let Father know about what Kei did and was still doing, and---"

"If your intention of representing me to our parents is fueled by your guilt of having knowledge about Kei's activity and your attempt to shield Izanagi-san to proceed with your business partnership then forget it."