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Chapter 19 – The Invitation
Suzune walked quickly through the corridor of the Horikita Corporation, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. She didn't stop until she reached the top floor — the CEO's office.
When she entered, Manabu looked up from his desk, setting aside a few reports. His sharp eyes immediately focused on his sister.
> "So," he said, leaning back in his chair, "is it true that Mr. Ayanokoji gave you a ride this morning? You mentioned it briefly on the phone."
Suzune sighed lightly and sat on the sofa across from him.
> "Yes, it's true. Even I was surprised when he offered. At first, I refused, but he insisted, saying it was really fine. I couldn't exactly argue with the richest man alive, could I?"
Manabu chuckled quietly.
> "I can imagine. So… what did you two talk about?"
Suzune tilted her head thoughtfully, recalling the quiet car ride.
> "He asked about work first — how our company was doing. Then he started asking about me. My life, my past, and…" she paused for a moment, her cheeks faintly warm, "...even about my love life."
Manabu blinked, caught off guard.
> "Wait—your love life?"
Suzune nodded slowly.
> "Yes. It was strange, wasn't it? He suddenly asked if I ever had a crush or dated anyone."
Manabu leaned forward, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
> "That is unusual. Why would he ask something like that? Could it be… that he's interested in you?"
Suzune's eyes widened, and she quickly waved her hand.
> "Brother, don't talk nonsense. Why would someone like him be interested in me? He could have any woman he wanted — women far more beautiful and confident than I am."
Manabu smirked slightly.
> "True. But what if he sees something in you that others don't?"
Suzune crossed her arms and frowned lightly.
> "If Mr. Ayanokoji was truly interested, he wouldn't hide it. You know his reputation — if he wants something, he simply takes it. No hesitation, no second thoughts."
Manabu nodded slowly.
> "That's true… still, it's interesting that he's starting to talk to you more personally. He's not known for that."
Before Suzune could respond, a sudden knock came at the door.
> "Enter," Manabu said.
An employee stepped in, holding an elegant black envelope sealed with a golden crest — the emblem of the Ayanokoji Empire.
> "Sir, Miss Horikita," the employee said respectfully, "a formal invitation has arrived from the Ayanokoji Empire."
Manabu stood up at once.
> "What? An invitation?"
Suzune took the envelope from the employee and carefully opened it. Inside was a letter embossed with gold lettering, written with refined simplicity — the kind only the elite could afford.
She read aloud:
> "You are cordially invited to the Annual Global Business Gala, hosted by the Ayanokoji Empire. Attendance is by invitation only."
Suzune's eyes widened slightly.
> "The business event… from the Ayanokoji Empire. It's considered the most prestigious event of the year," she explained, glancing up at her brother. "Every major corporation in the world dreams of being invited. It's said that simply attending once can double your market value overnight."
Manabu exhaled slowly, visibly impressed.
> "I can't believe we received one. This is beyond anything I expected."
Suzune smiled faintly.
> "It seems Mr. Ayanokoji has taken quite an interest in our company. We should prepare carefully — this event could change everything for us."
Manabu nodded.
> "Agreed. This could open doors we never imagined."
He turned to the employee.
> "Notify the staff — we'll begin immediate preparations. The Horikita family will be attending in full."
> "Yes, sir," the employee said and quickly exited the office.
As the door closed, Manabu looked at Suzune again.
> "You should inform our parents. They'll want to know about this right away."
Suzune was already typing on her phone.
> "I'm sending it now."
Within moments, she forwarded the image of the golden invitation to their family group chat. It didn't take long for her parents to respond with messages filled with surprise and excitement.
Her mother wrote:
> 'The Ayanokoji Empire's business gala?! That's unbelievable!'
Her father followed with:
> 'Prepare everything. We'll discuss it tonight.'
Manabu smiled slightly.
> "Looks like we'll have a long evening ahead of us."
Suzune nodded, a faint, thoughtful smile on her lips.
> "Yes. But… it feels like something big is about to happen."
Manabu looked at her curiously.
> "You think so?"
She nodded again, gazing out the window where the sunlight glinted off the city skyline.
> "I don't know why, but I feel that this event… won't be just about business."
Manabu raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. He could tell something was on her mind — perhaps that quiet car ride with Ayanokoji had left more of an impression than she realized.
As the siblings left the office to return home, the golden invitation rested on Manabu's desk — gleaming faintly under the warm afternoon light.
And far away, in his empire's tower, Ayanokoji stood by the window, holding an identical invitation — a faint, almost nostalgic smile crossing his face.
> "Let's see," he murmured to himself, "if this event brings back what I've lost… or helps me find something new."
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