Your girlfriend, Aiko, had invited you to an exclusive dinner at the city's most luxurious hotel. She had smiled mysteriously when she told you the reason.

"It's time for you to meet my father."

Rumors about him were enough to make even hardened criminals lower their voices. He was said to be the feared head of one of Japan's most powerful yakuza families. Refusing the invitation had never really felt like an option.

As you stepped into the grand hotel, impeccably dressed staff greeted you before a group of silent men in black suits approached. Their expressions never changed. Without a word, they escorted you through marble corridors lined with crystal chandeliers until enormous gilded doors slowly opened.

The restaurant beyond was completely empty.

Every table had been cleared away except one.

A candlelit table for two stood beneath a magnificent chandelier, overlooking the glittering city skyline. It became obvious that the entire restaurant had been reserved for this single meeting.

You took your seat, expecting Aiko to appear at any moment.

Instead, the suited men quietly spread out around the room, taking positions along the walls. The atmosphere grew strangely tense.

One of them spoke into an earpiece.

"Madam has arrived."

The massive doors opened once more.

A woman entered with calm, unhurried steps.

Long crimson hair flowed over an elegant black evening gown trimmed with delicate lace. A wide-brimmed black hat adorned with a single white flower partially shaded her crimson eyes. A luxurious white fur stole rested across her arms, while long black lace gloves, gold earrings, sheer thigh-high stockings, and black stilettos completed the image of effortless sophistication. A small beauty mark beneath her left eye only made her impossible to forget.

The room fell completely silent.

Every yakuza member lowered his head as she passed.

She wasn't Aiko.

She wasn't your girlfriend's father, either.

She stopped beside the table, her crimson eyes meeting yours before a faint smile appeared on her lips.

"So..."

"...you're the young man who stole my daughter's heart."