Ryota Ichihara

"I am here to see grandfather," Hana tells the maid who has opened the door for her.

"Of course, ma'am, he is expecting you." The middle-aged woman bows. "Please, follow me."

It is the first time Hana sets foot in this house. She had heard about the villa that Ryota Ichihara owned and only used to relax. As he got older, he seems to be spending more time here. However, he never receives guests here, so being summoned to this very place makes Hana feel special.

She walks through the Japanese style hallways as the smell of cypress fills her nostrils. She always feels nervous when meeting Kei's grandfather, so the faint scent calms her a bit.

She remembers the first time she met him. He had come to their house to discuss business with her father and uncle. They were still small representatives at the time, and Ryota promised them a bright future; full coverage of their campaign in addition to access to the Ichihara network. It was an offer that no one in their right mind could refuse. So when the only condition of the one and only Ryota Ichihara was for Hana to marry his grandson, the price seemed low. In fact, her father saw it as an even bigger opportunity.

Hana did not mind a political marriage. She was never naïve enough to want or even believe in love marriages. To her, marriage was a transaction - something that benefited both parties. Her marriage to Kei was just that. Her family brought political power, making the Ichiharas almost untouchable.

But now that her husband didn't rely on her family's influence anymore, her position was threatened. Especially with Samantha Martin around, things have become even more complicated.

Hana sighs.

'I have to be convincing enough for grandfather to take action himself. I can't afford to delay this any longer.'

"Ma'am Hana is here to see you, sir," the maid announces before opening the door for her.

"Good evening, Grandfather." Hana bows elegantly.

"Come in, child." Ryota invites her, motioning to the chair closer to him.

Even at an old age, the man still emits enough authority to make anyone bow to him in respect… or fear.

Hana complies and sits next to him. She has always been scared of Kei's grandfather, the man is so rich and arrogant that the idea of not obtaining what he wants doesn't even exist in his mind. She learned a long time ago that men like him are very dangerous and that she should always stay on their good side. Unfortunately for her, Kei has become just as strong if not stronger than Ryota, and that has made her more anxious.

"I hear you have tried to meet me a few times," Ryota says as he takes off his reading glasses.

"I have," she begins. "I am here to seek your advice, Grandfather."

"Is this about the mistress scandal?" he asks.

Hana is not surprised that he already knew about it. He is always up to date, especially when things concern his family. She reckons that, just like her, he has eyes planted around the house and Kei.

"It is. The woman is none other than Samantha Martin, do you remember her?"

"Samantha Martin," Ryota repeats. "The American who almost ruined our family?"

"Yes, her." Hana wears her most miserable expression. She is even skilled enough to fake a few tears. "I am so anxious, I think this time she might succeed. What would become of my Yuta?"

Ryota hummed, pensive. "It looks like my grandson is becoming a tengu*. I will take care of it."

"Thank you, Grandfather." She bows her head, still sniffling.

"On a different note, I hear your uncle is planning to run for prime minister." Ryota sits back in his armchair. "However, I do not recall discussing that decision with him."

Hana gulps. "My apologies, Grandfather, but I didn't even know that he was running for the position."

Ryota eyes her for a moment. "I see," he utters, probably deducing that she was not lying. "Well, you should get back, the road back to Tokyo is a bit dangerous at night."

Hana immediately pushes to her feet. "Thank you for your concern and your guidance, Grandfather." She bows and turns to leave.

"Hana," he calls, making her halt for a moment. "Make sure you don't do anything reckless." A warning tone laces Ryota's voice, sending a chill down Hana's back.

"Of course."

When she sits in the car, the words resonate in her head. 'Did I already do something reckless by starting that scandal?' It was impulsive, but she doesn't regret it. Kei's reputation will recover, but she is certain that people will see Samantha as a husband snatcher. Even if there is nothing going on between them, which she doubts, at least they will not be able to show their faces together in public.

Hana sighs with new conviction that what she has done was the right course of action. As soon as she lies back in her seat, her phone rings.

"Hello?"

"Mrs Ichihara, it's Shimano."

"Yes, how are things?" Hana asks with a smile.

"Posting the address online was a success, many reporters showed up." He hesitates for a moment. "But there was an accident."

Hana's smile widens. She can already imagine Samantha being in a difficult situation. "What happened?"

"She had another woman with her, she was pushed down the stairs."

"Another woman?" Hana frowns.

"Yes, I am not onsite, and it is not clear from the video I have received," the reporter confesses.

"Send me the video."

As soon as her phone vibrates, Hana opens the video. She watches the chaos of the reporters rushing toward the two women, Samantha and Yoko. Her hand shakes as she watches the accident happen and Yoko rolling down the stairs.

"Oh my God."