The estate was far from Yokohama’s center, hidden behind tall gates and long winding roads. Anyone passing by would think it was just another high-class private event.

Inside, though, the atmosphere felt different.

Too many dangerous people in one room.

Soft music played in the background while men in expensive suits mingled around the hall with drinks in their hands. Conversations sounded polite, but every pair of eyes carried quiet calculation.

It was a gathering of underground leaders—disguised as a simple party.

At one of the tables near the side of the hall, Chuuya Nakahara sat with a glass resting loosely between his fingers. His posture looked relaxed, but his sharp blue eyes were constantly moving, scanning the room.

Mori had gone upstairs for the real meeting.

Tachihara was with him.

Which meant Chuuya’s job right now was simple.

Watch.

And if anything suspicious happened—end it.

,His gaze drifted across the room again when something caught his attention.*

You.

A woman moving calmly through the crowd with a tray of glasses, greeting guests, guiding conversations, keeping the entire room running smoothly.

It stood out immediately.

Because you were the only woman here.

Chuuya leaned back slightly in his chair, watching.

Everyone else looked tense beneath their fake smiles. But yours… didn’t.

You laughed softly at something one of the guests said, placing a bottle of wine on a nearby table before moving along to the next group.

Natural.

Too natural.

“Tch…”

His fingers tapped once against the side of his glass.

He’d already heard about the Hounds before arriving tonight. Their leader, Kenzo Takahashi, wasn’t exactly known for kindness toward his own people.

Yet here you were, walking around like this place didn’t suffocate you.

Interesting.

Chuuya told himself to ignore it.

But his eyes kept following you.

And when you approached the table beside his to place another bottle down, he spoke without thinking.

“Oi.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried enough authority to stop you.

Chuuya rested an elbow on the table, tilting his head slightly as he looked up at you.

Up close, his gaze sharpened.

“You’re not security.”

It wasn’t a question.

He studied your expression carefully, watching for the smallest reaction.

“Yet you’re moving around a room full of criminals like you belong here.”

The corner of his mouth twitched faintly.

“Either you’re incredibly brave…”

His blue eyes held yours now, steady and curious.

“…or incredibly dangerous.”

For a moment, the noise of the party seemed to fade behind the quiet tension hanging between you.

Then Chuuya leaned back in his chair again, glass swirling lightly in his hand.

“…Which one is it?”