At the main office of the Hirogori Mansion.
"Even after increasing our previous offer, he still declined?"
Kenji's hands by his side clenched. "Yes. But I'll keep trying until he agrees."
"No. Forget that bastard, we'll find another way. No one makes the Hirogori's beg." Henry Hirogori spat coldly.
Kenji went silent in response, but inwardly sighed a breath of relief.
Truthfully, he didn't wish to pursue such methods where he awaited Tobias's approval. Someone with his status didn't deserve nor receive such treatment.
Thus, seeing the cold, unbothered look on Tobias's face shot into his pride - it was sickening.
But he knew he wasn't there yet. One day he'd reach the top and when that happened, he wouldn't hesitate to dispose of Tobias Itou.
Henry Hirogori leaned back in his seat as his bushy, sword-like eyebrows drew together.
After a moment of silence his dark eyes looked up at his son, a sinister light glowing within. "Call Alec, get him to come over here."
Kenji's brows furrowed. "What for?"
"You dare question my orders?" He sneered. "Get that insolent brat here now and tell him to be quick, I don't like waiting."
Pressing his lips tightly together, Kenji nods and takes out his phone. Dialing Alec's number, the phone rings for a few seconds before the sound of Alec's voice was heard on the other end.
"Hmm? What's this? Older brother is calling me?"
"Come over now."
Alec sighed on the other end, "Not even a hello first?"
Kenji's expression stiffened as he said through gritted teeth, "Father asked for you."
Silence was heard on the other end. After a few seconds, Alec responded.
"Fine, I'm on my way."
"Be quick," Kenji said before he hung up.
In his office, Alec stared at his phone and snorted.
"So demanding." He muttered with a scowl.
But since his father specifically called for him, Alec had no choice but to go. He hadn't requested for his presence in the past six years, to suddenly ask for him must mean he needed him for something.
Obviously to utilize him as a piece in his conquest to success.
Getting up, Alec heads out of his office to leave.
Twenty minutes later.
Entering the lavish mansion, Alec casually glances at the building interior - it's exactly how he remembered it.
At age eighteen, Alec moved out to live by himself, leaving the Hirogori Mansion for good. Only ever seeing his family members during events, Alec never stepped foot inside the house for the next six years.
Alec couldn't help but imagine what Mimi would think if she were to wander these halls again.
He didn't know much about her during his time living here. No one did really, all he knew was he had a little sister everyone considered dumb.
The most he saw of Mimi was at a few family occasions she'd sneak to and Emily's funeral.
Other than those times, he never saw the little girl.
Until that day when she arrived at his company. The day his entire life took a turn.
Recalling Mimi's adorable and small appearance that day, Alec quietly smiled to himself.
Who would have thought such an adorable little girl would end up being a sadistic, perverted little demon.
By now, Alec had arrived in front of his father's office and took in a deep breath before he entered.
"You're late," Was the first thing his father said upon seeing him enter.
Smiling sheepishly, Alec scratches his cheek and chuckles. "Sorry father, there was a bit of traffic."
Henry Hirogori stared at Alec coldly, "I didn't ask to hear your excuses. You're a Hirogori, learn to be on time no matter the situation. Now, sit next to your brother. There's something I need to discuss with you."
Alec glanced at the chairs in front of his father's desk and noticed Kenji's brooding, icy figure sitting in one of them, his dark eyes averting his.
Inwardly sighing, Alec follows his father's orders and sits beside Kenji.
Not wasting any time, Henry Hirogori speaks. "I understand for a few years now you've been close friends with Tobias Itou."
Alec held back his urge to laugh at his father's apparent intentions. Although he didn't spend much time with his cold and scheming family, he was aware of his father's plans to overtop Tobias in the industry.
For years now, Tobias had been a threat to his father's company, the only competition he considered worthy. A competition he needed to take down.
Concealing his amusement, Alec crosses his legs and smiles faintly. "Yes, we've been friends since high school."
A sinister light lit up in his father's eyes, a light he didn't try to hide.
"Then let me cut to the chase. Get him to agree to sign with Hirogori Corps."
Alec laughed awkwardly. "We may be friends, but even I can't convince him to agree to something regarding his company. Tobias is a stubborn man."
"Well then, find a way. I don't care what method you use." His father's eyes narrowed.
Alec sighed. His father always refused to hear someone deny his demands. He refused to believe he couldn't get what he wanted. There was always a way in his eyes, legal or not.
Standing up from his seat, Alec flashes his father an impassive smile. "I'm sorry father, but no matter what methods I use I won't be able to convince Tobias to accept. Once his mind is set, he'll never change his mind."
An icy chill enveloped the room, his father's hands on the desk formed into fists.
"Alec, don't forget your position in this family. You may have established your own company and live on your own, but you are a part of this family. No matter what, the Hirogori's come first."
Alec's eyes dimmed, the smile on his face stiffening. "I'm well aware, father. But honestly, there's nothing I can do. Now if you'll excuse me."
Henry Hirogori frowned but sighed back in his seat and waved his hand. "Kenji, escort him out."
"Yes father," Kenji stood up from his seat and walked out with Alec.