84 Invitation

"Here are the rest of the reports from the COOs of the hotel chain and the shoe brand. We will launch our bridal line next month." Midori reported.

"Hmmn. Good work." Masaichi tossed the papers on the desk with a thud.

"Are you sure you can go back to the company next week?"

"I have a doctor's permit for it. What's up with you? You don't want to step down as CEO?"

"Ah...no! I..." She pondered on it. Indeed, she does not know what will happen to her work when her brother comes back. However, it is true that she was fine for him to take over.

"Don't worry. After our transitions go smoothly, you can go back to your work at the Igarashi group."

Midori was taken aback. She took a half step back, then her body shivered and her lips trembled.

"What's with that reaction? You don't like to go back to your job?" He eyed his sister, waiting for how she will salvage the situation. She might be unwilling to go back to City T because of that guy.

Since Midori did not say anything for awhile, Masaichi reinforced his statement.

"Like before, you will take Manta back as well. It's safer for you guys." Up until this day, he is blaming himself for what happened to his wife. He had always been cautious. That one time that she flew to see him, it had to happen. He looked at his sister. "Wakarimasu ka?(1)"

She snapped out of her thoughts. "Hai, wakarimasu.(2)"

Tears were threatening to fall from her eyes, but she managed to hold them back.

"If...if there's nothing else, I..." She looked like she will break down at any moment.

Masaichi took out an envelope from the drawer. Then he gestured for her to take it.

She opened it. It was the invitation to the engagement party of Dan and Madeline. It was addressed to the chairman and CEO of XCG.

Before she could completely process it, he said, "Dad is in City T with Mom."

She furrowed her brows in confusion. Their father is supposed to be back from Country F today. Why is he in Country N with their mother?

As if reading her mind, he added, "It's no big deal. They can handle it. However...I can't go to that event alone."

She began to put the pieces together. "So you want me to come with you." It was not a question, based on her intonation, but her left brow was raised.

"You can pick out a dress from our new collection. You just need to tell me the color so I could complement it accordingly."

She gulped. There was no way that she is getting out of this.

"Your reaction tells me that you are hesitant to attend your ex's engagement." he declared.

As he hit the nail on the head, her eyes twitched. However, she recovered in no time. "No problem." Her face turned indifferent. "Is that all?"

"Hai. Oyasumi." He went back on reading the reports.

As his sister turned around to walk away, he thought, 'It's better you stop this delusion. Whatever is going on between you two will be inappropriate after this announcement. No sister of mine will be a mistress.'

Midori's mind was wandering off to the possible situation. She hurriedly went back to her room and shut the door. She threw herself on the soft bed.

She knew that they will have an engagement party. She even saw the dress Madeline had picked out. However, they agreed that she will not be invited. It was awkward enough to know that your husband will have a fake engagement to someone else. No need for her to actually watch how it happens. That is her husband for cryin' out loud!

After thinking for a bit, she took her phone.

After two rings, the call was picked up.

"Hey, Darling. Miss me already? Want me to kidnap you?" He chuckled.

"Verdan Zhou." She furrowed her brows. It was not a good time to try to be funny.

"Uh-oh...full name. Something wrong?"

"My brother wants me to witness your engagement." her voice was serious.