Chapter 300: Yor Shinobu

It was obvious that the Sato Family had done their homework before approaching Luca about establishing a relationship.

They knew he had a weakness for beautiful women. After all, he was rarely seen without Arabella and the two other girls by his side, and none of them could be described as anything short of exceptionally beautiful.

Naturally, the Sato Family had taken note of that.

The woman seated beside Luca hadn’t been placed there by chance. She had been carefully selected and sent by the family specifically for this occasion.

Her name was Yor Shinobu.

Beautiful, talented, and undoubtedly the most outstanding woman in the room, she was the Sato Family’s carefully prepared offering.

"Mr. Hale, the shortbread here is quite delicious. Would you like me to feed you?"

She picked up a piece of pastry and brought it close to Luca’s lips, her smile gentle and inviting.

Her complexion was fair, her lips a soft shade of red, and her eyes carried a natural warmth. Even her smallest movements seemed graceful, giving her an almost ethereal elegance, like the gentle glow of a crescent moon.

Luca couldn’t deny that she was stunning.

In terms of appearance, she was every bit as impressive as Arabella and the other girls around him.

She was also fluent in English, and the ease with which she carried a conversation suggested a good education and considerable refinement.

Unfortunately, none of those qualities made much of a difference to him.

’Beautiful women are everywhere. Am I supposed to bring every single one of them into my life?’

Even if he wanted to, there was only so much time and attention he could give.

Luca took another leisurely sip of his tea, completely ignoring the pastry hovering near his mouth.

Yor’s hand remained suspended for a moment before she reluctantly lowered it. Her fingers trembled slightly as she put the pastry down. Then she noticed Akari’s gaze.

The woman’s eyes were cold and penetrating, and Yor immediately felt a chill run down her spine. Her face paled as she lowered her head.

She understood perfectly well what was expected of her.

Ever since accepting the Sato Family’s sponsorship, she had effectively placed herself at their disposal. Her future was no longer entirely her own to decide.

Although she hadn’t been in Capital City for very long, she had heard Luca’s name countless times.

Naturally, she’d paid attention to him.

When she first learned that the Sato Family intended to introduce her to him, she had been secretly delighted.

After all, becoming Luca’s woman didn’t sound like an unpleasant prospect.

He was handsome, wealthy, and powerful. A life beside him would certainly be far more comfortable than the uncertain future she currently faced.

Besides, she understood that the Sato Family wanted to bring Luca into their circle. If she could establish a relationship with him, she might be able to help secure that objective.

Unfortunately, Luca didn’t seem particularly interested.

"Hale-san, you’re quite hopeless when it comes to romance."

Akari turned the teacup in her hand, smiling as she spoke.

"Look at you. You’ve already made such a beautiful woman feel embarrassed enough to cry."

Luca finally glanced at Yor.

Sure enough, her eyes were slightly red, and tears were beginning to gather at their corners.

He picked up a tissue and handed it to her. Then he turned back toward Akari.

"I think I understand what you’re getting at. I’ll need some time to consider it. Let me go back and think things over."

Akari’s smile faded slightly.

It sounded like a polite excuse.

After all, if Luca genuinely intended to accept the proposal, there would be little reason for him to delay his answer.

Still, Akari had no intention of giving up so easily.

Vincent had already proven himself incapable of handling the situation. Luca, on the other hand, possessed abilities and influence far beyond anything Maison Premier could offer.

With someone like him on their side, the Sato Family’s plans in Capital City would become considerably easier.

"Miss. Sato , there’s no need to worry."

Luca suddenly smiled.

He slipped an arm around Yor’s waist and drew her closer.

"How about this? I’ll take Miss Shinobu with me."

"Wonderful! Wonderful!"

Akari’s face immediately brightened.

The enthusiasm was almost comical.

As far as the Sato Family was concerned, Luca accepting Yor was a promising first step. It meant his earlier response hadn’t simply been a way of brushing them off.

At least, that was what Akari believed.

...

Captain Rico had been waiting outside the Japanese restaurant for quite some time. The moment Luca stepped out, Rico approached to greet him.

"Boss."

Luca gestured toward the woman beside him.

"This is Miss Yor Shinobu. Make sure she’s treated well."

A faint golden glint passed through his eyes, though his expression remained unreadable. Rico glanced at Yor before giving a slight bow.

"Understood, Boss."

As he lowered his head, the corner of his mouth lifted into an almost imperceptible smile.

...

The vehicles sped along the highway.

Inside the car, Yor sat beside Luca, still trying to understand what had just happened.

She had expected him to remain at the restaurant for a little longer, perhaps discuss the arrangement with Akari before making a decision.

Instead, the moment they entered the vehicle, everything changed.

Luca suddenly reached out, seized her chin, and forced her to look directly at him. His grip was firm.

Yor’s eyes widened.

"Mr. Hale... what are you doing?"

She stared at him in confusion, unable to understand where this sudden change in attitude had come from.

Luca’s expression had become frighteningly cold.

The faint smile he’d worn throughout the meal was gone, replaced by a chilling look that sent an involuntary shiver through her.

"Heh..."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, threatening tone.

"Miss Shinobu, I suggest you behave yourself from now on."

His fingers tightened slightly around her chin.

"Otherwise, you’ll discover that facing Akari’s punishment is far preferable to falling into my hands."