From the bottom of his heart, Hayashi Yoshiki thought it was all just a farce.
After the scandal surrounding Beniko Suo and the collapse of Hongyan Advertising, all the negative press about him vanished overnight.
The newspaper that had initially driven the narrative issued a formal apology in response to a letter from Kisaki Eri's law office. Other major outlets quickly followed suit, now praising him with glowing language.
It was a perfect showcase of the media's ability to bend with the wind.
Thanks to this dramatic reversal, Hayashi Yoshiki's popularity soared even higher. Sales of his book exploded.
Especially that recording played on air just before his talk show appearance—the calm, composed tone, the subtle smile in his voice—left many viewers enamored. The line:
"Bluffing only shows your weakness, Ms. Beniko Suo."
...was clipped and shared endlessly. Girls across the country fell for the poised, intellectual charisma it exuded.
"The only downside is that I can't really go out anymore."
"Well, if you suddenly decided to become a celebrity, Yoshiki, you'd be topping charts instantly."
Hayashi Yoshiki, wearing a mask, let out an exasperated sigh.
Opposite him, Kisaki Eri and Mōri Ran smiled in sync.
He hadn't been to his detective agency in days—there were always fans and reporters lingering outside. He had started to consider hiring someone just to manage daily operations.
"Don't eat too many cold things, Ran," Eri reminded, glancing at her daughter spooning up ice cream.
"I don't eat it that often, Mom."
"Good. Otherwise, I'd be worried what might happen if that guy had to take care of you."
"I still owe Ran an ice cream," Hayashi Yoshiki added, laughing.
"You actually remembered that, Yoshiki-nii?"
"You didn't forget either, did you?"
"Well... this one's on Mom, so we'll settle it next time."
Seeing Ran's easy smile and natural nod, Eri couldn't help but smile warmly herself.
Watching the two get along gave her a sense of joy she couldn't quite explain.
News Update: Beniko Suo Released
At that moment, the cafe's corner television aired breaking news:
"According to reports, Beniko Suo, previously suspected in a hit-and-run and murder case, was released on bail at 3:00 p.m. today. She has returned to her residence. Investigations into Hongyan Advertising's fraudulent charity practices are still ongoing."
Hayashi Yoshiki paid the report no mind.
But elsewhere in Beika Town, several individuals reacted quite differently to the news.
Gin Watches From the Shadows
"Heh... she actually bailed herself out?"
"Are you going to kill her?"
"I don't need any of you."
Standing silently before the TV, Gin's dark green eyes stared at Beniko Suo's face on screen.
The Organization had finally raised a public figure—Cointreau—to mainstream prominence. And this insufferable old woman had nearly ruined it.
He couldn't let that stand.
Still... it wasn't a job for anyone else.
He would handle it personally.
But before he could act, someone else beat him to it.
The End of Beniko Suo
The once-elegant Beniko Suo was a shell of herself.
Within mere days, she had gone from polished socialite to haggard and hollow. Her hair, once neatly set, was now tangled and greasy. Her poise and pride had vanished.
Her long-time secretary, Inaba Kazuyo, entered the room.
Her tone was listless, detached. She barely registered the woman who had served her loyally for over a decade—and profited alongside her from years of corruption.
But as Kazuyo stepped closer, something glinted in her hand.
"Wh-Why are you holding a knife? Kazuyo? What are you doing?!"
"Mr. Hayashi asked me to deliver his regards."
"He said he doesn't even remember minor characters like you. But since you sent him that invitation... and called him..."
Kazuyo's voice was calm. Hollow. Mechanical.
Beniko Suo felt pure terror surge up her spine.
But before she could scream—
The blade plunged into her chest.
"Though we've never met, I wish you a good night."
Kazuyo withdrew the knife, blood spraying across the room.
"Those were Mr. Hayashi's exact words."
Beniko Suo's body hit the ground.
Kazuyo turned toward the door.
Outside, the sound of a lock turning echoed.
A middle-aged man with a gun stepped in, stunned by the scene.
But before he could lift the weapon—
Kazuyo drove the knife into her own chest.
She didn't stop there.
Over and over, she stabbed herself—blood flooding the room until her strength gave out and she crumpled next to her former boss.
As her vision dimmed, Kazuyo's eyes locked on the man standing frozen at the door.
Wide open. Unblinking.
The gunman stood trembling, unable to move.
Only after a long silence did he fumble for his phone and whisper:
"Gin-sama... the target is dead."
Gin narrowed his eyes.
The job was done. But the assassin's voice was shaky.
When the photos came through, Gin was silent for a long moment.
What kind of twisted game is Cointreau playing now...?
Controlling someone to murder, then self-destruct, and in such a horrifying manner?
Even the Organization's hardened operatives were rattled.
Didn't I say we'd handle it? Can't you just stay still for once?