Sleeping With My Step Daddy-Chapter 63: "Kai’s Lover"

Kai arrived at the grand corporate building. The luxury car stopped at the entrance, and a valet quickly opened the door. Dressed in a sharp outfit his father had picked out earlier, Kai stepped out and entered the building with quiet grace.

Inside the top-floor office, Takeshi stood up from his chair as soon as Kai walked in.

Takeshi (smiling warmly): "Welcome, my son."

Kai returned a soft smile.

Kai: "Thanks, Dad."

Takeshi: "Would you like something to eat or drink?"

Kai shook his head.

Kai: "Nope, I’m okay."

Takeshi: "Alright, then. Come on, I’ll give you a tour of your company."

They walked together through the hallway. As they passed by, employees politely bowed and greeted him.

"Welcome, Young Master Kai."

"Good morning, Sir."

Kai nodded politely and smiled in return, feeling a bit shy under the sudden attention.

Just then, Takeshi’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen and answered.

Takeshi (serious tone): "Yes?"

Voice on the phone: "Sir, we have a problem. Mr. Yamada just sold all the casino shares... to an outsider."

Takeshi’s expression darkened.

Takeshi: "What did you say?"

Voice: "It’s true. A complete outsider now owns them. We don’t know who they are yet."

Takeshi: "Damn it... I’m on my way."

He ended the call, frustration flashing across his face as he muttered under his breath.

Takeshi: "Yamada, you bastard. I’ll kill you..."

Still forcing a calm exterior, he walked back to Kai.

Takeshi (smiling): "Sorry, son. Something urgent just came up. I have to go. But before I do, let me introduce you to someone."

A young man in a sleek black suit stepped forward and bowed politely.

Yuki: "Hello, Mr. Kai. I’m Yuki, your secretary. I’ll be assisting you with everything you need regarding the company."

Takeshi: "Yuki will give you a full tour and explain our hotel projects."

Kai nodded quietly.

Kai: "Alright."

Takeshi patted Kai on the back reassuringly.

Takeshi: "I’ll see you later, okay? Be confident."

Then he left the office, his expression tight with worry.

Kai watched his father leave.

Kai (softly): "Is Dad okay?"

Yuki gave a gentle smile.

Yuki: "He’s alright, sir. He’s just a little stressed. Please, come with me—I’ll show you around and explain our main projects."

Kai gave a small nod, and together, they began walking through the heart of the company he was now about to take over.

Takeshi’s car came to a halt in front of his casino. The moment the doors opened, guards stepped forward and respectfully opened the entrance for him. Takeshi stormed inside, fury written all over his face. Employees quickly lowered their heads, whispering nervously among themselves. The tension in the air was suffocating.

Without a word, Takeshi strode to his private lounge and dropped onto the leather couch. His secretary immediately rushed over, pouring him a glass of whiskey and handing it to him with trembling hands.

Takeshi (gritting his teeth): "Where is Yamada?"

Secretary (hesitant): "Sir... he’s already left the country."

Takeshi slammed the glass on the table, whiskey sloshing over the rim.

Takeshi: "Find him. I swear I’ll kill that bastard."

He took a long sip of the drink, trying to calm the rage boiling inside him.

Takeshi: "What about the outsider? The one who bought the shares?"

Secretary: "We don’t know much yet, sir. He didn’t use his real name in the paperwork. But..."

Takeshi (narrowing his eyes): "But?"

Secretary: "We received a message from his secretary this morning. He said the buyer will be coming to Japan soon for a personal meeting."

Takeshi: "A meeting?"

Secretary (nodding): "Yes, sir. His exact words were... ’Hope we get along.’"

Takeshi leaned back in his seat, swirling the amber liquid in his glass, his eyes sharp and calculating.

Takeshi (low growl): "Get along...?"

The air in the room grew colder.

Secretary: "Sir... he paid a huge amount for those shares. It was far above their market value. I don’t think he’s an ordinary businessman."

Takeshi stared down at his drink, the edge of a dangerous smirk curling at the corner of his lips.

Takeshi (coldly): "Then let’s see what kind of man he really is..."

That evening, the whole family gathered around the dinner table. The atmosphere was quiet, but a heavy tension hung in the air—especially around Takeshi. He barely touched his food, his expression stern and distracted.

Kai noticed his father’s mood and glanced at him with concern. Reiji, sitting nearby, blinked at Kai in an attempt to get his attention. Kai sighed and chose to ignore him.

After a few more silent minutes, Kai finally spoke up.

Kai: "Dad, can we talk after dinner?"

Takeshi (nodding): "Sure, son."

Kai gave a small nod in return.

Reiji (smirking): "Honey, I’ll be coming home late tonight, so don’t wait up. Just go to sleep without me."

Aiko rolled her eyes and looked at Reiji with mild annoyance.

Aiko: "Why do you act like you two are already married?"

Reiji (grinning): "Because one day, we will be."

Kai clenched his jaw, his hand tightening around his chopsticks. He wanted to punch Reiji across the table—but he forced himself to stay calm. Aiko let out a quiet sigh and turned her attention back to her food.

After dinner, Kai and Takeshi moved to a private room. The lighting was soft, the air filled with the faint aroma of aged wood and wine. Kai poured a glass of red wine for his father, who took it with a small nod of thanks.

Takeshi: "So, what did you want to talk about, son?"

Kai: "I’m just... worried about you, Dad. You haven’t looked well all evening."

Takeshi chuckled softly, swirling the wine in his glass.

Takeshi: "Ah, my dear son. I’m glad you care. It’s just... some work frustrations. But don’t worry. Your father will fix everything, like always."

Kai nodded, still concerned.

Kai: "How was your day?"

Takeshi: "Hectic. But enough about me. How was your first day at the company?"

Kai: "It was good. Yuki is smart and polite."

Takeshi: "That’s why I chose him to work with you."

Kai smiled faintly.

Kai: "I reviewed the ongoing projects. I think we need to make some changes in a few areas."

Takeshi laughed heartily.

Takeshi: "Listen to you. You already sound like a real businessman. I’m proud of you, son."

Just then, Kai’s phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen—a message from Eden.

Eden: "Kai, meet me at the club. I’ll send you the location."

Kai locked the screen without replying and looked back at his father.

Kai: "Dad, I have some urgent work to take care of. I’ll head out now."

Takeshi: "Alright, but don’t forget to take the guards with you."

Kai nodded, stood up, and left the room, his mind now on Eden.

Later that night, Kai arrived at the club. The loud thump of music and colorful lights greeted him at the entrance, but his focus was sharp. His guards flanked him as he stepped inside, scanning the area. When Kai spotted Eden sitting alone at a table near the back, he subtly gestured for the guards to wait outside. They nodded and stepped back as Kai made his way over.

Eden looked up and smiled faintly as Kai approached.

Eden: "Hello, Kai."

Kai gave a slight nod and sat across from him. Eden pushed a glass toward him.

Eden: "Have a drink."

Kai accepted the glass and took a slow sip.

Eden: "So... you’re engaged to that silly guy?"

Kai: "It was my father’s decision."

Eden blinked in disbelief, and Kai quietly began explaining everything—how he had been kidnapped, how he ended up in Japan, and the twisted circumstances that had forced him into this life.

When he finished, Eden leaned back, staring at him for a long moment.

Eden: "You know... Bast is still looking for you. He never gave up."

Kai’s eyes lowered, a wave of guilt washing over him.

Eden: "He searched the entire country. Even nearby countries. He went crazy trying to find you."

Kai: "Eden..."

Before he could finish, a familiar voice cut through the noise behind him.

???: "So you are here, American guy."

Kai turned his head sharply. Reiji stood a few feet away, flanked by two bulky bodyguards. His expression was smug and pissed.

Kai (irritated): "What the hell are you doing here?"

Reiji: "I should be asking you that. Why are you here?"

Kai stood up, his tone sharp. "Are you here to pick a fight with Eden?"

Reiji’s eyes narrowed.

Reiji: "He called me a piece of shit."

Eden, calm as ever, raised his glass and took a slow sip of whiskey.

Eden: "Because I only tell the truth."

Reiji: "You bastard—!"

Kai (firmly): "Stop it."

He turned to the guards and subtly signaled them. Understanding the cue, they stepped outside to give them privacy.

Kai (to Reiji): "Sit down."

Reiji hesitated, then reluctantly sat.

Reiji: "Why are you defending him? We’re fiancés. Shouldn’t you be on my side?"

Eden let out a soft, mocking laugh.

Eden: "Fiancé? You mean the fake one who clings to him like a parasite?"

Reiji shot to his feet, his fist clenched.

Reiji: "You—! I’ll kill—"

Before he could lunge forward, Kai stood and shoved him back forcefully, eyes flashing with anger.

Kai (coldly): "Enough."

Suddenly, Kai’s phone began to ring. He glanced at the screen—Dad.

His expression shifted instantly. He stood up in a hurry.

Kai: "I need to take this call. Don’t fight, Reiji. I’ll be right back, Eden."

Without waiting for a response, Kai walked out of the club, phone pressed to his ear.

Back at the table, Eden calmly sipped his whiskey, eyes following Kai until he disappeared into the hallway. Reiji, irritated and restless, poured himself a drink. He downed it in one go, then looked at Eden with narrowed eyes.

Reiji: "Are you Kai’s lover?"

Eden smirked, setting his glass down.

Eden: "Me? No. I’m not his lover."

He leaned in slightly, his tone cool and deliberate.

Eden: "But... do you really want to know who is?"

Reiji’s brows furrowed, suspicion flashing in his eyes.

Reiji: "Who’s his lover?"

Eden’s smile deepened, eyes gleaming like he was enjoying every second of this.

Eden: "His lover... is a fire. And if that fire finds out you keep clinging to his baby—he’ll burn you alive."

Reiji’s smug expression twisted into something unreadable. His hand gripped the edge of the table.

Reiji: "Baby...?"