Return to Its True Owner

When Hanako Arasaka stepped into that familiar place once more—the very place where she had been confined not long ago—the long table was already surrounded by people.

After negotiations with the new generation of American presidents had concluded, Arasaka had removed the chair that symbolized equality, leaving only the main seat vacant. At this moment, every seat but that supreme one was already occupied.

"Has Yorinobu not arrived yet?"

Hanako Arasaka's gaze slowly swept across the conference room. Every face represented the pinnacle of Arasaka's power, yet the most crucial person was nowhere to be seen. She showed no impatience, merely walked calmly toward the long table, and took her seat under everyone's gaze.

"Sorry, I'm late."

"Hanako? Why are you here?"

Arakawa Michiko frowned slightly, her gaze piercing Hanako like needles. Though her voice remained steady, her right hand quietly reached beneath the table and pressed a concealed device.

Hanako did not notice Michiko's movement beneath the table. After looking around and confirming once more that Arasaka Yorinobu was indeed absent, she fixed her gaze on Michiko's face. "Where is my brother? Why isn't he attending?"

In this conference room, only Arakawa Michiko was qualified to speak to her as an equal—so from beginning to end, Hanako's gaze did not linger on anyone else.

A trace of hesitation crossed Arakawa Michiko's face in response to Hanako's words. She spoke softly, "He said... we could begin without waiting for him."

"Then we won't wait for him. Let's begin."

As Hanako Arasaka spoke, she naturally and calmly walked toward the main seat. The Arasaka executives seated on both sides all turned their eyes toward her, watching the woman who should still have been imprisoned somehow appear here. Someone could not help muttering in confusion, "Begin... what?"

Hanako Arasaka looked toward the