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  Chapter 18 – Beneath the Island’s Smile

  The mansion felt unreal.

  White marble floors reflected warm lights, glass walls opened toward the ocean, and every corner carried a quiet luxury that felt more like a dream than a residence. From private gyms to indoor pools, from art halls to hidden lounges—it had everything.

  Sayaka’s eyes lit up.

  “Wow, Williams… this really is a dream mansion. It’s incredible.”

  Williams chuckled proudly.

  “That’s my mansion you’re admiring.”

  Hirauka nodded slowly, scanning the structure with a careful eye.

  “Sir, this is… impressive. Truly.”

  “Alright, enough praise,” Williams said, clapping his hands once. “Let’s sit. Business first.”

  They took their seats as servants arrived, placing tea and neatly arranged cakes on the table. The meeting began—numbers, projections, expansion plans. Everything sounded clean. Perfect.

  Too perfect.

  After a while, the discussion came to an end.

  “All in all,” Williams said, leaning back, “your employees amaze me every time.”

  Sayaka smiled confidently.

  “I know. They’re among the best.”

  “Make yourselves comfortable,” Williams continued. “This mansion is yours while you’re here. Ask for anything.”

  With that, the meeting concluded.

  ---

  Hirauka didn’t return to his room.

  Something about the island felt… off.

  He walked beyond the mansion grounds, entering the forest that covered most of the island. Grass brushed against his boots, leaves rustled above him, and the air grew heavier the deeper he went.

  Then he stopped.

  Footprints.

  Fresh. Human.

  “In a private island forest…?” he muttered. “That’s not normal.”

  He followed them quietly. A sudden movement shook the bushes ahead.

  “Who’s there?” Hirauka called out. “Show yourself.”

  A familiar voice answered.

  “Hirauka… it really is you.”

  A man stepped out.

  “Uncle Souta?” Hirauka’s eyes widened. “What are you doing on a private island?”

  Spy Souta exhaled sharply.

  “Didn’t expect to meet you here either. I’m tracking an international drug smuggler.”

  Hirauka’s expression hardened.

  “What kind of smuggling?”

  “He imports chemical drugs illegally,” Souta said grimly. “Then modifies them to increase addiction. Sales skyrocket. His last known location—this island.”

  “That’s serious,” Hirauka said. “Name?”

  Souta didn’t hesitate.

  “Williams Johnson.”

  Hirauka froze.

  “…Williams?”

  “Our American client is also named Williams,” he said slowly. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m damn sure,” Souta replied. “Your client is the smuggler.”

  Hirauka clenched his fist.

  “My boss doesn’t know this. I’ll confirm first.”

  “Be careful,” Souta warned. “You’re dealing with a criminal.”

  “I know,” Hirauka replied. “Stay hidden. I’ll give you a signal when I’m ready.”

  Souta nodded and vanished back into the forest.

  ---

  Hirauka returned to the mansion and found Sayaka.

  “Hirauka!” she said. “Where did you go? I was looking for you.”

  “Listen carefully,” he said quietly. “That client—Williams—he’s a fraud.”

  She frowned.

  “You’ve been drinking.”

  “What?”

  “No, I haven’t. Why would you say that?”

  “Because you’re accusing a billionaire without proof.”

  “I met a spy—Souta. He’s tracking a drug smuggler. Same name. Same island.”

  Sayaka shook her head.

  “No. I know Williams. He’s an international property dealer.”

  “He lied,” Hirauka said firmly. “In this world, you can’t trust anyone—not even blood—without knowing everything. And I know Souta. We met recently.”

  Sayaka hesitated.

  “…If you’re wrong—”

  “Just keep an eye on him,” Hirauka interrupted. “Secretly.”

  She sighed.

  “Fine. I won’t fully support you… but I’ll help you find something.”

  Hirauka nodded.

  “Thank you.”

  ---

  Night fell.

  The mansion lights dimmed, but the island didn’t sleep.

  Hirauka moved silently, following Williams from a distance. The man descended into the underground levels of the mansion.

  Basement.

  Then deeper.

  Williams stopped before a wall and pressed a hidden switch. A door slid open, revealing a concealed bunker. Armed guards stood outside.

  Hirauka pressed himself against the wall, holding his breath.

  Williams began speaking to someone inside.

  Hirauka listened.

  Every word tightened the knot in his chest.

  ---

  To be continued…

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