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CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

KENJI

Jiro and Akiko walked out of the maze, side by side, their conversation low and intense, like two conspirators plotting the plan of a lifetime. They had no idea I was in the parallel pathway, absorbing every word of their intent to sacrifice me.

Those double-crossing bastards think they can outsmart me. We’ll see who ends up begging for mercy. I’ll make sure Jiro pays first, and I’ll savor the moment when Akiko realizes she’s next. Her charm and beauty won’t save her this time. She won’t get another chance to manipulate me, to twist my emotions like a knife.

A rustle behind me broke my thoughts. Reina appeared, gliding over with that elegance I always admired. “Didn’t I tell you they were scheming against you?” A wry smile appeared on her face. “Believe me now?”

I looked over at her, still replaying the betrayal I’d overheard. “I believe you, but only because I heard it myself.”

“Well, however you came to see the truth, the important thing is that you recognize they’re cut from the same backstabbing cloth.” She stepped closer, her voice turning sweet. “And what will you do about it, darling?”

“I’ll make them pay,” I said. “With their lives.”

Satisfaction gleamed in her eyes. “Now, that’s the determination. You’ve finally come to understand what it takes to win.”

She reached up and lightly caressed my cheek. Her fingers were cool, sending a shiver rippling through me. “You’re so adorable,” she cooed, her eyes inviting.

I leaned toward her, desperate for her approval, and when our lips met, her kiss was as intoxicating as ever. Her soft body pressed into mine, and her warmth enveloped me. Our tongues met flirtatiously, a teasing dance that stirred me to attention. I slid my hands around her waist, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss. But then she pulled away, leaving me breathless.

“Can I count on you, darling?” she asked.

“Of course,” I said. “I’ll do anything for you. You’re the only one I can trust here.”

Her eyes beamed with satisfaction. “Good boy. You’ve played your role perfectly from the beginning. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

“And after this is over,” I said, my voice faltering slightly, “we’ll be together, right?”

Her smile never wavered. “Yes, of course. Don’t you believe me?”

“I do,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite lingering doubt. “It’s just…Chef Sakamoto…”

Her light laugh mocked me. “My husband? That old man? He’s a relic, past his prime, and unable to satisfy me. Don’t worry about him. I’ll handle everything.”

“But—”

She pressed a finger to my lips, silencing me. “Have I ever let you down?” she asked firmly.

“No.”

“Didn’t I warn you about the ice challenge? About the boiling oil?”

“Yes,” I admitted. “And I’ve done everything you’ve asked, even the relentless jiggling of Akiko’s door nightly.”

“You do trust me, don’t you?” She leaned forward, tipping onto her toes, her lips inches from mine, as she tightened her grip. “Tell me you do, darling.”

“I do.” My lips brushed hers gently, a fleeting touch. “I know you’ll keep your word.”

“Good.” She released me, her feet returning to the ground. She took a step back, brushing her hands off. “Do you know what sets me apart from my husband? I’ll tell you. He might have talent, but I’m the one who turned that talent into an empire. I built this.” She gestured around her. “Every detail, every challenge, every apprentice who’s passed through this program—I orchestrated it all.”

She tilted her head as she eyed me. “Who designs the challenges?”

“You do.”

“That’s right. And who, in the end, truly decides who wins?”

“You do.”

Her smile returned, both radiant and captivating. “Exactly. Chef Sakamoto may be the face of this empire, but I am its architect. And now, Kenji, I’m building something new. It’s time for a younger, hungrier chef to take the reins. Someone the world will worship just as they once worshipped him. It’s time for Chef Kenji Sanada.”

Those words made my heart race. The thought that all of it—the fame, the power, the woman I desired by my side—was within reach. All I had to do was survive one more challenge. With her guidance, I could do it. I would do it.

“I won’t let you down,” I promised, my voice once again filled with confidence.

As she walked away, her words echoed in my mind, feeding my need for power. I would be the last one standing. I would have it all. Her, the empire, the glory. Nothing and no one would stop me.