Chapter 10 — One of My Opps

◽Shizuko’s School◽

The meeting room was uncomfortably quiet. Jerry’s sharp gaze swept over the faces before him.

「I thought it’d just be me, you, Emiko, and the girls,」 he said flatly.

The principal adjusted his glasses nervously. 「Well, yes, Mr. Samuels…」

Jerry’s brow arched. 「Then why are other parents here?」

The man cleared his throat. 「You and Ms. Mori were involved in a serious scandal. The PTA felt it necessary to appear.」

Jerry smirked, leaning back. 「Cut the PR talk. You’re worried about your reputation. So, what’s your real point?」

The principal’s tone hardened. 「Rumors like these can be damaging—not only for Shizuko and Sora, but for their development as students.」

Jerry sighed. 「PR talk again. Just say what you mean.」

The man’s patience cracked. 「We don’t tolerate trouble in our institution. I’m asking you and Ms. Mori to find another school for your daughters.」

Emiko’s eyes widened. 「You can’t do that! That article was slander aimed at JJ and me—not the girls!」

The man sneered. 「Shouldn’t you be ashamed of dating a university student? Then again… widows do get lonely, don’t they?」

Jerry’s phone buzzed. He answered calmly. 「Haruka, Kaigen Toshi Trinity still taking applications?」

⟦Yes, Mr. Samuels. Shall I make a call?⟧

「Do it. Two girls, age six. I’ll pay the tuition fees upfront.」

Haruka hesitated. ⟦They’ll need to pass a very difficult transfer exam.⟧

Jerry turned to Shizuko. 「You up for it?」

Shizuko’s eyes lit up. ⟦I’ll do it, Papa! After finishing lessons here, it’s been boring. I need a real challenge.⟧

Jerry smiled. 「She’s in. And you, Sora?」

Sora’s eyes widened. 「Y-Yes, Shizu’s Papa?」

Jerry grinned. 「Haruka and Shizuko will tutor you. If you make the top ten, I’ll gift your mother the empty house down the street—so you and Shizuko can play every day.」

Sora gasped. 「You’re going to buy it for her?」

Jerry shook his head lightly. 「Already own it. But the government’s been pressuring me too get people there too live. Are you in?」

「Yes! I’ll make sure I’m number two after Shizuko!」

Jerry held out his pinky. 「Promise?」

Sora linked hers with his. 「Promise!」

He nodded, glancing at his phone. 「Alright. Better get started.」

The two girls followed him eagerly, excitement glowing in their eyes.

The principal’s face darkened. 「That school doesn’t offer much for girls. Its clubs are mostly male-dominated.」

Jerry stood, Emiko beside him. 「I know. This school was my second pick. Shizuko liked it for the challenge. But since she got bored after day one, it’s time for something else.」

The man’s voice rose, offended. 「Are you saying your daughter’s better than the others?」

Jerry smirked. 「Ever met a six-year-old who can create blueprints for city-destroying bio-weapons? Didn’t think so. If she wanted, she could make your intercom emit a frequency that scares everyone.」

Emiko blinked. 「Really?」

「Yep. We're Dangerous when we get bored.」 Jerry replied, gently guiding Emiko away. 「Let’s go.」

The man watched them leave, muttering under his breath. 「Did I just mess up a generational talent…? No way… that was just hot air, right?」

◽Hana’s Former House◽

Outside, Hana stood beside her luggage.

Jerry approached quietly. 「That’s all your belongings?」

「No, just my clothes,」 she replied.

He glanced at the house. 「And this place?」

「It’s in my mother’s name.」

「Then why leave?」

A small smirk touched her lips. 「Because now… we finally have something in common about my so-called father.」

Jerry picked up her bags easily. 「Don’t women usually have more stuff?」

Hana chuckled softly. 「We do. But I prefer wearing what you like.」

He grinned. 「Mm… now I can’t wait for tomorrow.」

Her cheeks warmed. 「That’ll be our first official date.」

「Yeah,」 he said, smiling faintly. 「It will.」

◽After Dinner◽ — JJ’s Room

JJ exhaled deeply, melting into Hana’s hands as she massaged his shoulders.

「Today was unnecessarily eventful,」 he murmured.

「You’re right,」 Hana smiled. 「So… where’s Ms. Mori?」

「She said she could go back to work. Rumors are cleared,」 JJ replied.

Hana tilted her head. 「Really?」

He grinned lazily. 「Made a few calls. There a problem?」

Hana giggled. 「No… just amazed how you always stay unapologetically yourself, even as one of the wealthiest men alive.」

JJ scoffed playfully. 「Correction—the wealthiest. Thee wealthiest family.」

Hana blinked. 「Seriously?」

JJ turned over to face her. 「But wealth means nothing if you lean on it too much. That’s why I’m here—not in Militia.」

「So you’re like… a sheikh from Dubai?」 she teased.

「Not exactly,」 he chuckled. 「We control Militia’s market, but we actually work with our employees to keep things balanced.」

Hana nodded slowly. 「So… more than just your grandmother, huh?」

JJ smiled faintly. 「One older brother and sister, one younger sibling—all blood. One adopted older sister, two adopted younger brothers. Uncle, aunt, grandmother, and… a dad.」

Hana laughed softly. 「Sounds chaotic.」

「Wish it were,」 JJ said. 「Grandmother keeps everything orderly. Peaceful.」

Hana giggled. 「Rules with an iron fist, huh?」

He smirked. 「Exactly.」

Her voice softened. 「Then why are you in Japan if they’re all at Militia?」

JJ’s tone turned thoughtful. 「I was a problem as a kid. Grandmother sent me here to learn humility. My brothers used me as a scapegoat. But we all still fear her.」

Hana frowned. 「That’s unfair. Maybe she sent you away to teach them responsibility.」

「Maybe,」 JJ admitted. 「I just hope they learn something while I’m gone.」

Hana smiled faintly. You miss them don't you.

JJ chuckled softly. 「Guess I’m homesick.」

Hana climbed onto his lap gently. 「You should call them. Six years without speaking is too long.」

JJ brushed a strand of her hair aside. 「You’re right.」

◽The Next Day After Shopping◽ — Tuesday, 5 April 2050

Hana wiped her brow, laughing. 「Phew… you sure you don’t need help with those bags?」

JJ smirked. 「Nah. I’m stronger than you think.」 He tossed the bags effortlessly into the car’s boot.

「Okay, Macho Man,」 Hana teased, slipping into the passenger seat. Never thought I’d enjoy being here with him this much… Guess I fell for him.

JJ got in beside her. 「Hey, Hana. You don’t mind a detour, right?」

「I don’t. Did something happen?」

He nodded once. 「Some thieves are trying to steal what’s mine.」

Her eyes narrowed. 「Then let’s go.」

「Alright.」

The car roared down M.A.L. Road until they reached the racetrack.

Kaiser approached, arms crossed. 「JJ-san, those suits over there want to buy the land—to build a facility for the elite circle’s trash.」

JJ’s jaw tightened. 「Tsk… fucking scum.」 He, Kaiser, and Hana walked forward.

「So, what do y’all want?」 JJ asked coldly.

Ryota turned. 「Samuels.」

JJ’s smirk vanished. 「Well, ain’t this a surprise, Sato.」

Kaiser blinked. 「JJ-san, you know him?」

JJ’s voice dropped. 「Know him? He’s the reason my daughter can’t see her mother.」

The M.A.L. crew fell silent.

Ryota sneered. 「That half-blood was worthless anyway. You own this track?」

JJ kept calm. 「Yeah. Prime Minister granted me full rights. Owes me a few favors.」

Ryota’s glare faltered. Damn… if that’s true, we can’t use Parliament against him… 「Alright, then. Winner takes all.」

JJ chuckled darkly. 「You got seven-point-two-eight-four square kilometers worth of money on you? That’s the cost of this entire property. If not, take your dogs and get the hell off my lawn.」

One of Ryota’s guards growled. 「Watch your mouth! Do you know who you’re talking to?!」

JJ’s smirk widened. 「Yeah. A spoiled brat who steals other men’s women because mommy didn’t love him enough. By the way, Ryota—how’s Yuna?」

Ryota’s rage exploded. 「I have the money. Are you racing, or running away like last time?」

JJ’s tone dropped, chillingly quiet. 「You think you’re strong? Remember this—the only reason your family still breathes is because my grandmother forbade me from committing genocide. But fine… winner takes all.」

Kaiser grinned. 「JJ-san, they brought some serious rides.」

JJ chuckled. 「Bring the contract—we’re getting new toys for M.A.L.」

Cheers erupted around them as Kaiser produced the document. Both men signed swiftly.

Kaiser raised his hand. 「Alright! One-on-one, full-mile race—JJ Samuels versus Ryota Sato! Winner takes all; loser walks home!」

The crowd roared.

Hana climbed into the driver’s seat, fire in her eyes.

JJ turned to her. 「You sure about this?」

「Yes. I hate how he looked at me—like some filthy pervert.」

JJ nodded. 「Good. Just remember—no matter what happens, keep the wheel straight. Don’t stop for anything. The Sato scum don’t play fair.」

「Understood,」 Hana replied firmly.

Meanwhile, Ryota leaned back in his car, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

「Everything ready?」 he asked.

「Everything’s prepared, sir,」 said his guard.

Ryota chuckled, rolling up the window. After taking his track… I might as well take his other woman. The first one’s already become… loose.