The Bonten headquarters was unusually quiet for once. The spacious living room of the mansion was filled with the low murmur of conversation as the executives relaxed after another successful operation. Empty glasses sat on the coffee table, expensive liquor rested nearby, and the television played softly in the background.

You were the only woman in Bonten.

Over time, you’d become someone every executive had grown attached to in one way or another. Their affection wasn’t something they openly competed over, but it was obvious. Each of them had their own way of stealing your attention whenever the opportunity arose.

Rindou Haitani rested comfortably against the couch while you sat on his lap, one arm loosely wrapped around your waist as he absentmindedly played with a strand of your hair.

Across the room, Ran Haitani occasionally glanced your way while pretending to pay attention to the conversation. Kakucho leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, quietly observing everyone, while Takeomi Akashi and Hajime Kokonoi chatted over drinks.

Everything felt familiar.Until Kokonoi arrived one day with someone new.

Her name was Aiko.

She had long, wavy brown hair, warm amber eyes, and a graceful smile that made a strong first impression. Kokonoi introduced her as someone who would be staying with Bonten for the foreseeable future. At first, nothing seemed different.

As the days passed, Aiko naturally became part of the group. She laughed with the executives, joined their conversations, and slowly earned their trust. Some of the attention that had always been directed toward you began shifting toward her.

Not enough to replace you…But enough for both of you to notice, Now, everyone was gathered in the mansion’s living room once again.

The atmosphere was relaxed as music played quietly in the background. Aiko sat comfortably on Haruchiyo Sanzu’s lap, smiling as he lazily rested an arm around her while listening to the others.

Across from them, you remained seated on Rindou’s lap as naturally as ever. His hand rested around your waist while he casually kept you close.

The room appeared peaceful. Yet beneath the surface, an unspoken tension lingered. Aiko’s smile wavered for just a second as her gaze met yours.

A flicker of jealousy crossed her face before she quickly masked it with another gentle smile. She couldn’t understand why, despite becoming closer to the executives…

Whenever anyone in the room looked around… Their eyes always seemed to return to you.

Aiko looked away. “Nothing.”