Chapter 138: Hiro or Zero?-1
Claim
The silence that followed was thick, weighted with words left unsaid. Damien and Maya exchanged a subtle glance, the kind that spoke volumes without words-silent understanding threading between them.
Dahlia raised a single eyebrow, her sharp gaze never leaving the two of them. Her lips twitched with amusement, but her mind was alert, calculating. She had lived long enough, seen enough people hide truths behind masks. She could tell when something-or someone- wasn’t being fully honest.
Then, with deliberate timing, she dropped the bombshell. “So… does that mean you’re finally going to face Hiro?”
Harper froze, her jaw slackening, eyes widening in stunned disbelief. She hadn’t expected Dahlia to bring that up. The words struck like a jolt, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Ashcroft blinked, just slightly taken aback. The mention of another man’s name struck a chord he hadn’t expected. “Who’s… Hiro?” he asked, his voice carrying a trace of unease, the faintest crack slipping through his usually controlled composure.
Dahlia allowed herself a small, hidden smile, pleased that her strategy had worked flawlessly. She hadn’t expected Ashcroft’s reaction to be so immediate-or so revealing-but it confirmed her instincts.
“Like I said,” she continued, voice calm but measured, “their traditions aren’t just about succession. Alliances matter. Bloodlines must remain pure, and the Oyabun’s heir is expected to marry within the inner circle. For Harper, that means she’s already been matched.”
Ashcroft’s brows furrowed, his voice breaking the silence. “Matched?”
Dahlia let the word linger, savoring the tension it stirred. Then, with calculated precision, she dropped the name. “Yes, to Hiro Takamura. He is the eldest son of the Wakagashira-the second-in-command, the kumicho’s right-hand man. Their families ensure the next generation. is secured by tradition, loyalty, and power. The match isn’t optional. It’s duty. Obligation. Expectation.”
Ashcroft’s jaw tightened, eyes narrowing as he absorbed the weight of it.
Dahlia’s gaze lingered on him, savoring the moment, then she pressed on. “Harper and Hiro grew up together. I’ve met him on several occasions-polite, intelligent, loyal… and I must say, he’s good-looking. And more importantly, he genuinely cares for Harper.”
Maya’s eyes flicked between Dahlia and Harper, a slow realization dawning. A mischievous
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Crapter 138: Hird at Zerg7-1
spark lit her expression.
Her tone turned playful, sing-song almost. “Wait… that name sounds familiar… Oh, right! Harper-wasn’t he the guy you were on the phone with the other day?”
Harper’s eyes snapped to her, wide and warning, silently begging her to drop it.
But Maya pressed on, relentless. “Remember? The day Damien and I left? When I came out of the bathroom, you were by the balcony, talking to someone. I snuck up behind you, and he actually saw me first. Said ‘hi, so I said hi back. You were in such a hurry to hang up, but you told me he was your childhood best friend. That was him, wasn’t it?”
Harper’s cheeks tinged pink, her gaze lowering as she mumbled, almost too softly, “Yeah…”
Maya’s grin widened, devilish and teasing. She leaned closer to Dahlia, eyebrow arched. “Oh, you’re right, Aunt Dahlia… he is good-looking.”
Damien stiffened beside her, heat crawling up his neck. His jaw clenched, eyes darkening, and before he could stop himself, he slipped an arm around Maya’s waist, tugging her firmly against him. His voice was low, edged with something dangerous.
“He’s good-looking, huh?”
Maya blinked at him, then chuckled softly, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. “Damien… don’t tell me you’re jealous. He’s technically Harper’s future husband.”
The words hit harder than she realized.
Across the room, Ashcroft’s expression hardened, his composure cracking just slightly. The phrase Harper’s future husband cut sharper than he cared to admit. He crossed his arms, lips pressing into a thin, dismissive line-but the flare in his eyes betrayed him: jealousy, raw and unwilling.
Harper’s fingers twitched at her sides, cheeks warming, caught between mortification and the urge to laugh it off, while Dahlia sat back in satisfaction. Her lips curved in a sly, knowing smile, eyes glittering with victory. The pieces were moving exactly as she wanted.
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.