The atmosphere inside the luxurious private club was thick with tension, though only a few were aware of it. As Riku casually sipped his drink, seated in the dimly lit corner of the grand hall, he could feel the weight of the eyes on him. Every move he made was being watched, calculated, but he didn't let it show. His expression remained calm, his posture relaxed. To anyone else, he looked like just another high-profile guest enjoying the evening.
But beneath the surface, Riku was fully aware of the growing danger.
Okada sat at the center of the room, flanked by his associates, laughing loudly as he toasted to their recent "successes." They looked untouchable, basking in their wealth and power. Riku knew better. He had studied Okada's every move, every deal, and every connection. But Okada wasn't his target tonight. The man who truly mattered sat a few tables away, quietly observing the crowd—the silent partner.
This wasn't a typical meeting. The heightened security, the deliberate choice of location, and the hidden presence of well-armed bodyguards suggested that Okada and his allies were expecting trouble. It wasn't hard to guess what they were planning. They knew someone had been working in the shadows, destabilizing their operations, and they were ready to set a trap.
Unfortunately for them, they didn't realize they were playing right into Riku's hands.
As the evening wore on, Riku noticed subtle shifts around the room. A few of the patrons had quietly left, replaced by men who didn't fit the usual profile of the club's elite clientele. Security was tightening. His instincts told him that Okada and his crew were about to make their move. It would be soon.
"Time to see how much they know," Riku thought, placing his drink on the table and adjusting his cuffs. His eyes flicked toward the exits, noting the positions of the guards. They were trying to box him in.
Perfect.
Riku stood up, as if to head toward the bar, when a hand clamped down on his shoulder. He turned slowly, his eyes meeting those of one of Okada's thugs. The man smirked, his grip firm but not enough to make a scene.
"Mr. Okada would like a word with you," the thug said, his voice low.
Riku raised an eyebrow, feigning mild surprise. "I wasn't aware I had an appointment," he replied, his tone casual. "But I suppose I can spare a few minutes."
The thug guided him across the room, where Okada sat with his inner circle, their eyes cold and calculating. Riku approached without hesitation, slipping into the role of a businessman who wasn't fazed by powerful men.
"Mr. Okada," Riku greeted him with a polite nod, his voice smooth. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Okada leaned back in his chair, an oily smile spreading across his face. "You've been busy lately, haven't you?" he said, swirling his drink. "A man like you, with your... talents, must be hard at work behind the scenes. You've made quite the name for yourself."
Riku kept his expression neutral. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"Oh, I think you do," Okada replied, his smile never faltering. "I've heard rumors—about someone meddling in my affairs. Someone causing problems for me and my associates. I'm a man who likes to keep my affairs... orderly. And I don't appreciate disruptions."
Riku tilted his head slightly. "If someone's been disrupting your business, maybe you should consider hiring better security."
The group around Okada chuckled, but there was no warmth in the laughter. Okada's eyes narrowed, and the amusement in his voice faded.
"I don't think you understand the situation," Okada said, his tone growing darker. "I've been patient, but my patience has limits. You see, I've done my homework, Riku. I know who you are, and I know what you've been up to."
At this, Riku felt the shift. Okada was trying to turn the tables, make it look like he was in control. But Riku had expected this.
"Interesting," Riku said, his voice calm. "And what exactly do you think I've been up to?"
Okada leaned forward, his eyes glinting with malice. "You've been digging into things you shouldn't. Sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. Yuki? That little pet project of yours? You should have known better than to interfere."
There it was. They knew about Yuki, or at least enough to think they had leverage. But this was just another piece of the puzzle falling into place.
Riku didn't flinch. He looked at Okada, then at the silent partner sitting a few tables away, still watching everything unfold. The air was thick with the anticipation of the trap closing in, but Riku felt no panic.
Everything was going according to plan.
"Yuki's case," Riku said slowly, "is just business, Okada. It's nothing personal."
Okada sneered. "Oh, it's about to get very personal."
The room suddenly felt smaller as the tension tightened around them. Several of Okada's men began to shift, positioning themselves closer to Riku. It was clear they intended to intimidate, maybe worse. But Riku remained calm.
Then, without warning, Okada's smile faded completely. His hand shot up, and the room went silent.
"You're going to tell me everything you've found," Okada said coldly, "or you're not leaving this building."
Riku didn't respond right away. Instead, he slowly leaned back in his chair, his gaze calm and unreadable.
"Are you sure that's how you want to play this?" Riku asked, his voice low, almost bored. "Because if you really knew what I've been up to, you wouldn't be talking to me right now."
Okada frowned, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. It was small, but Riku caught it.
"And why is that?" Okada demanded.
Riku's eyes flicked toward the silent partner, who had remained unusually still during the exchange. "Because you think you're the one pulling the strings here. But you're not."
Suddenly, one of the guards near the door received a message in his earpiece. His expression shifted, and within moments, the entire security team started moving, exchanging frantic glances.
"What's going on?" Okada barked, his voice rising with tension.
Riku leaned in slightly, his eyes cold and unwavering. "I told you, Okada. I'm always one step ahead."
At that moment, the silent partner stood up, giving a nod to his own men, who began to move toward the exits. It was clear now—this wasn't just Okada's game. The silent partner had his own plans, and Riku had already anticipated them.
Sirens echoed faintly outside the building, growing louder. Yusei had made sure that the authorities would be tipped off, but not before Riku had finished what he came to do.
Riku stood up, adjusting his coat. "I'll be leaving now. I have everything I need."
Okada's eyes widened in rage and confusion. "What the hell are you talking about? You think you can just—"
Riku smirked. "You've already lost."
And with that, Riku walked calmly toward the exit, leaving Okada and his crumbling empire behind. The trap had been set, but not for him. Everything was under his control from the very beginning.
End of Chapter 15