The Golden Pear [YA - Featured]

♫~Notes 134~♫

Meanwhile, Mrs. Ueno fumed. No matter what, Mr. Kamini-san refused to accept her advances, shrugging them as if they were only business partners. She dressed in the most gorgeous dresses, revealing enough skin to pinch any man's interest, but hiding enough to reflect her humble age.

Her make-up highlighted her features, giving her tempting magic alongside with light perfume. Yet, he refused to give in to his primal instinct to mate and fulfill his lust. And that boxer failed the one job he had.

She had to bail him from the prison for the second time, sending him far from this place to not cause her more trouble. She made sure to never see this man ever again and to ensure his silence.

Even the sun couldn't warm up her heart as that never beaten for anybody but herself. Even her husband was nothing but a figure in her life. Arranged marriage since they were babies, she was educated to be a powerful woman, reaching her goals. Even if it meant to cross a sea of dead bodies, she wouldn't spare them a thought.

The business world was a cruel place. An invisible predator gulping prey left and right.

Her emotionless eyes trailed the garden. She had visited it twice or thrice a year, too busy in her office or on trips around the world.

The gardeners and employees had greeted her and bowed, but she didn't even wink or reply with a smile. She didn't need to play a gentle soul in front of them. And if they tried to complain, she would shut them up, and nobody else would hire them.

Mrs. Ueno didn't need to be afraid of the lawsuit. She had on her side dozen of lawyers, which she had seduced and had found dirt about them ready to be exposed if they tried anything against her. Every man she had encountered was nothing but her puppet.

Except for her husband. No matter what, it seemed he could see through her fake smile.

Mrs. Ueno bit her lip, remembering his pleas to not shut down that small business next to their shop. Or he asked her to donate money to allow orphaned children to visit a sea or Tokyo. However, she only agreed with the donation, which boosted her image, pretending to sympathize with the brats that hugged her as a thank you.

Oh, how much she wanted to vomit blood and lash them for their impudence. They needed discipline. No games. No fun. Only strict education could shape them into proper adults. Hobbies and friends only distracted a person from their goals. That was the reason there were so many losers and incompetent individuals.

Two birds landed on a tree, but they soon left as she approached them. Perhaps they felt her piercing eyes, understanding they weren't welcomed. A flower bush grew under it.

Its red blossoms radiated with life, only one seemed to be ill, its petals hanging down. If she could, she would burn it with a wave of her hand. Instead, she took out her phone, found the pager app, and called the head gardener.

He dashed towards her after a few minutes, having to run from the other side.

"Lady Ueno-sama, how can I help you?" He tried to keep his voice steady.

"Cut this bush!" she barked.

His eyes trailed the unfortunate plant. "But its—"

"Shut up and do it!" Mrs. Ueno lashed out, storming away.

He bowed with tears in his eyes. Another unfortunate nature beauty had fallen prey to her perfectionism. No matter how good their abilities were, they were slaves in her eyes. She wouldn't listen to anything they would say.

He could only hope that the rumor of her daughter being more gentle was true. Though, like others, he had a hard time trusting it.

Mrs. Ueno continued on her stroll, deeming more bushes and flower beds unworthy of her presence. All the hard work was nothing in her eyes. She was the only one who mattered.

'That useless husband of mine!' She bit her lip. 'What did he leave to that worthless brat!'

No matter how much she had searched the music box, she couldn't find anything. She was sure her daughter took it out, but no matter how much she had searched her room, but there was nothing.

'I bet it was his last will. Or hidden money? Perhaps even a rare art article of great value.' Abusing her thumb, she racked her brain.

Ueno had to have it with herself all the time. Stored in her mobile, pocket, or bag.

'Could she send it away with the clothes?' Her blood boiled. Once she had learned about this, it hurt her pride. She had gifted her so many clothes to let out her woman's side soar, and yet Ueno had thrown it away like garbage.

'I guess it's time to cut her allowance. Without my money, she will come begging me.' An evil smirk spread across her smile, thin as a bloody cut. 'And I'll have a perfect part-time job for her, putting her filthy mouth to good use.'

She turned back, heading to her office to spread her web of influence. 'I'll let her play until the end of the Summer Fest.'