This chapter is a bit more serious, but I promise you it has details in it that will tie in with the end of the story!
I hope you like~!
:3
She was laughing.
Her hand was covering her mouth delicately, but her shoulders shook slightly with mirth.
It was a strange sight. Kyoya was beginning to wonder if Merry could laugh at all outside of the occasional wounding chuckle. The artist she had been talking to was gesticulating wildly, caught up in whatever tale he was spinning to his receptive audience.
Something he didn't wish to identify bubbled lowly in his gut.
A light touch to his forearm brought his attention back to his mother.
"Is everything alright, Kyoya?" Her tone was calculatedly concerned.
He gave her an easy smile. "Of course, mother. An acquaintance from school is here."
"Watanabe's daughter, correct?" she asked, taking a sip of champagne. Her gaze was shuttered. "Your father was hoping to see Sora-san here tonight, but alas he couldn't make it."
"Merry-san was sent in his stead."
"What is she like?"
Kyoya wasn't expecting the question, but had an answer ready. "Merry-san seems competent in her school studies. She is a very good student despite having arrived so late in the school year."
"That's not what I meant, Kyoya."
A slight crease formed between his brow and she smoothed it with a quick touch, her hand retracting back to her side so fast it was almost as if she had never moved at all. His mother had always been hard for him to read. Her actions were upfront, but her expressions guarded, a million different plans flicking behind her gaze. His father was almost the opposite, the man's actions always having an underlying obligation. His parents' arranged partnership worked well because they complimented each other. But now, his mother was contemplative and that made him automatically wary of her intentions. He could almost guess what she would next demand.
"Introduce me, Kyoya. If your father's hopes of your marriage to her are to go ahead, I must make sure she is worthy of the Ootori name."
Kyoya felt there was something more to her reasoning, but acquiesced regardless and offered his arm. She took it daintily, gliding with him across the floor towards Merry and her boisterous conversation partner.
It wasn't until he was close enough to hear them that he realised they were speaking in rapid Spanish. He blinked, listening to the words roll off Merry's tongue like water. She seemed much more comfortable speaking in the language of her birth country. It was quite a sight to see.
She spotted him, hazel eyes flicking rapidly to his mother before the light left her eyes and she turned to her companion, murmuring something to him. He gave a warm smile and a nod, replied in kind and headed off towards a waiter carrying a tray of finger food.
"I trust you're enjoying yourself, Kyoya-san?" Merry asked once they were close enough. "With such beautiful company, I have no doubt." She smiled warmly at his mother and Kyoya almost resisted the urge to scowl at her. His mother was a poised woman. Petty compliments so early in the conversation were a recipe for disaster. Did she not realise who she was speaking to?
His mother tittered indulgently and Kyoya knew Merry had already lost this round. "I've heard many things about you, Merry-san."
"All good, I hope."
"That is open for discussion," his mother purred. Merry's smile didn't falter. "Forgive me, allow me to introduce myself. I am Sango Ootori, wife of Yoshio Ootori."
"Merry Watanabe, daughter of Sora Watanabe," Merry introduced. "Though you already knew that."
"Indeed."
"Have you found any pieces that catch your fancy, Ootori-san?"
"Not as of yet," Sango replied blithely. "The pieces are exquisite, though I'm afraid the names of the artists are lost on me."
"They are all relatively new to the international scene. Each piece has been graciously donated to be sold for charity. The gallery manager, Jin Abe-san has done a wonderful job finding people with such talent on short notice."
"You are quite informed, Merry-san. Are you looking at event organisation once you graduate?" His mother took a sip of champagne and Kyoya was quite happy to play spectator. His mother always had a plan, and he found himself intrigued by Merry's answers.
Knowing what he did about her, he knew she would not reveal anything unless she wanted them to know.
"On the contrary, my future has already been secured as the heiress to Watanabe International. After graduation I will be apprenticing under my father until he is ready to step down."
"Such a prestigious offer handed to one so young."
"I assure you, ma'am, that I've earned it," Merry replied, clasping her hands in front of her. The warning of overstepped boundaries was clear in her tone and Kyoya was slightly surprised to see his mother back off, some emotion he couldn't place sprinting across her gaze before disappearing. Perhaps the round wasn't lost for Merry as he previously thought.
"I suppose it is one instance where we will have to wait and see. My husband's company has a current contract with your father's, after all. It is only good business practice to be on friendly terms with the future generation."
Merry smiled with a tinge of knife's edge thrown in. "Of course. Speaking of future generation, I do not believe I see your two eldest sons here tonight. I'd assume their jobs keep them quite busy."
"Indeed. They are very hard workers."
"I suppose having Kyoya-san here to act in their stead is necessary, and quite knowledgeable of you. His success with the Host Club at Ouran is merely one aspect that shows his competence in the business world. I have no doubt he will flourish under proper guidance. I'm glad to see it being recognised."
Kyoya's mind buzzed. He'd dropped hints to Merry on how to deal with his father, but he had completely overlooked his mother. It was something he was beginning to regret, especially since his dealings with the Host Club was still a sore spot between his father and older brother, Akito.
"Kyoya is quite ambitious," his mother replied steadily. She was on guard, something that intrigued him. "Though the heir to the company remains my eldest, Yuichi."
Merry made an amused sound. "I'm afraid I've never met either of your eldest son's so I can't compare them to Kyoya-san, but if either of them are as determined as he then I must commend you on raising such fierce businessmen."
"Thank you, Merry-san."
"I'm afraid I have to speak with Jin-san now. If you'll excuse me."
Merry made to pass him when Sango's next words made her freeze. "Your dress is beautiful by the way. The moment I saw you I thought for sure I was looking at your mother."
Kyoya saw Merry pale slightly, face pinched before she forced herself to breathe again. He found himself a little worried. What was his mother getting at?
Merry faced Sango once again, her smile forced. "My mother was a gorgeous woman so I'll take that as a compliment, Ootori-san."
Sango swirled her champagne around her glass by the stem, staring down at the bubbles. "It was meant as such, Merry-san. I don't wish to keep you from Abe-san. Have a good night, Merry-san."
"You as well. A pleasure to meet you." She nodded at him. "Kyoya-san."
Merry had lost that round and she knew it.
In a blur of red lace, Merry cut through the crowd towards the gallery manager, being accosted by a harsh looking woman in black.
Ran.
"She is more emotional than I was expecting. Passionate. Not at all like Sora-san. I would think that is her mother's influence."
Kyoya glanced at her. "I'm afraid I wouldn't know, mother."
She hummed, downing the rest of her glass in one gulp. "I'd imagine not as the woman is no long amongst the living. Did you know that your older brother was named after Merry-san's paternal grandfather? Yuichi Watanabe was a formidable company advisor many years ago. He gave a lecture at the university your father attended and inspired him."
Kyoya blinked. This was news to him. "Indeed?"
"Indeed. Overall, I am hardly impressed with Merry-san. It will take some years for her to be anything formidable. The only saving grace is her position as heiress. I pray that changes sooner rather than later, but I have my doubts it will happen at all."
Kyoya resisted the urge to slump with relief, though it was warring with curiosity at why his mother thought that way. He'd quickly recognised the fact that Merry had not prepared for his mother's own brand of interrogation, but she had used it to their advantage nonetheless. A marriage could not proceed unless both families come to an agreement. If his mother disapproved, his father would follow suit, resulting in no contract being signed.
Being heiress to a global company was, so far, the only basis his family had to try and secure a contract.
"Have you seen the oil paintings by the New Zealand artist, mother? They are quite stunning," he said, changing the subject.
His mother's bemused expression gave away that she knew what he was trying to do, but she took his arm and let him direct her, regardless.
"There you are, Miss Merry. Come. Let me introduce you to a few of your father's associates."
A polite tinkling rose over the crowd from the space in front of the now silent grand piano. Jin Abe stood tall in the face of so many high rollers, his shoulders back and smile broad as he placed his champagne flute-chime on a nearby table.
"Good evening ladies and gentleman. My name is Jin Abe and I am the manager of this fine establishment. First of all, may I say thank you to you all for coming to celebrate the grand reopening of Yasuragi Art Gallery. The renovations, as you can see, have exceeded expectations and the gallery will continue to host wonderful examples of art from all over the continents for many years to come."
A round of polite applause greeted his opening statement and he seemed to be able to breathe easier.
"Tonight is to help support Homes for Health, a charity dedicated to supporting communities in need by building emergency shelters and health clinics. May I take the time to thank the numerous artists who voluntarily donated their priceless artworks for purchase tonight." A few smatterings of applause. "However, there is one person here tonight who has made all of this possible. Without her determination to take over ownership of the gallery, to restore it to its former glory, tonight never would have happened. Please give a warm hand for Merry Watanabe-sama."
Kyoya's eyes went wide behind his glasses. Beside him, his parents made small, surprised noises in the back of their throats.
His eyes found Merry quickly. It was difficult not to as her dress stood out amongst the sea of black.
Ran's brow had quirked upwards in surprise but the expression was gone as fast as it came. So, even the formidable Iron Assistant had no idea of her wards activities?
Well, wasn't this interesting.
Merry smiled at Jin as she stepped up to him, clasping his hands warmly in her own. "Thank you, Jin-san."
"The stage is yours, ma'am."
Merry chuckled and turned to face her audience, her gaze stilling on Kyoya for a moment before flicking to his parents. Her lips twitched upwards just a fraction.
"Good evening. My name is Merry Watanabe and I am the new owner of Yasuragi Art Gallery. I purchased this building with a goal in mind; to display the works of new talent. The world is always changing, new ideas taking shape and new ambitions being set. Some fail, some succeed, much like this gallery.
Despite many setbacks in the restoration process, my dream reached those that worked hard to rebuild it and the result is in front of your very eyes. The artworks here tonight are the final results of many failures and setbacks succeeded by determination and passion. So far, we have already raised over forty-eight million yen for Homes for Health. Personally, I believe we can do better as it is all for a wonderful cause. Thank you for your attendance and have a delightful rest of the evening."
Merry practically sauntered over to the Ootori family hovering in front of an acrylic landscape done by an artist in Greenland.
When Kyoya had approached her with his mother, she knew the woman wouldn't approve of her. If she didn't approve, the marriage contract wouldn't go through.
But this was about more than the marriage contract.
This was about first impressions that would shape their opinion of her as the heiress to Watanabe. She may not have been able to control the woman's opinion of her as a woman, but she could control the situation of business now she had shock factor.
It was time to proceed with her own plan now.
"Have any pieces spoken to you yet, Ootori-san?" Merry asked, looking at Sango.
The woman had another champagne flute in her hand. "There is a piece by a local artist that would look lovely in Yoshio's office at home."
Merry smiled. "I'm glad." She turned to Kyoya's father and held out her hand. "You must be Yoshio Ootori-san. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Kyoya-san speaks of your accomplishments often."
He shook her hand firmly, pushing his glasses up his nose with the other hand. How delightfully parallel to his son. "The pleasure is all mine, Merry-san. You are a rather late addition to Ouran Academy, yes?"
"Yes. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to enrol at the beginning of the semester. I'm glad they accepted my admission regardless."
"I must admit, I was not expecting the gallery owner to be so young, let alone the heiress to Watanabe International."
The question, the probe for information was there. Merry was unable to hide her grin as the older man caved into curiosity first, much faster than she had anticipated. She knew all about the elder Ootori's interest in this property before she purchased it.
"This building was old and in need of a pick me up. It was a much beloved attraction for the community and it couldn't be put to waste." The older man barely twitched, but she saw how his jaw ticked slightly. "In fact, I've made a number of similar purchases over the last fifteen months. My latest restoration projects include a performing arts centre on Hotori Drive, a puppet theatre on Fuji Avenue and an old cinema down by the docks."
"Is that so?" Yoshio murmured, eyes glinting dangerously behind his glasses. "I must admit that I was wondering who bought such rundown properties. I never would have imagined it would be Watanabe International."
"On the contrary, this is a… personal project, of a sort. I believe in strong communities. It helps the people thrive. I imagine finding properties to help expand your empire has been difficult these last few months, Ootori-san, considering how horrendous the real estate market is. I have a few unused lots in interesting places if you are willing to purchase them off me. I can barter a deal, of course. Our respective companies have long standing contracts, after all."
Kyoya was staring, but she kept smiling innocently as if she had no idea that her actions were considered an insult to the Ootori name by undermining his father. She'd made the older man desperate because all the key spots he wished to purchase clinics were now under her control. Her approach was like blunt force trauma.
"I would be willing to see what properties you have available."
Merry clapped her hands in front of her chest. "Wonderful. Kyoya-san has my contact details. Feel free to contact me anytime to set up a meeting. Please excuse me, I must go find my assistant."
With a short bow, Merry spun on her heel, intent to find Ran.
"She is sneaky," Sango mused. She turned to her husband. "I suppose this solves the case of the mystery buyer."
Yoshio grunted. "She is a vicious contender that is for sure. She's…different to what I expected."
Sango laughed, looping her arm through her husband's as her youngest child listened in. "I must admit, I had her pegged wrong." She didn't miss the way Kyoya's eyebrows disappeared into his hair. "She is quite emotional, but it is a focused emotion. A focused passion. Quite an interesting girl."
"Indeed. Kyoya, I expect to have her contact details by noon tomorrow."
Kyoya nodded, already scribbling in a small notebook he bought.
Sango had to give the girl credit. She was bold, admitting to purchasing the same properties her husband had expressed interest in. She didn't miss the way Merry's eyes had shone as if she'd won something the moment Yoshio mentioned her ownership of the gallery. Her husband had merely given her a reason to flaunt the fact.
The girl had a plan, but its purpose was an enigma. Merry was more like her father than she had first assumed. An interesting development.
The offer of new properties for purchase had caught her a little off guard, but it was a smart move on the girl's part.
It wouldn't do to have such a powerful business partnership based off of spite and bitterness instead of cordial necessity. It made her actions seem like a business transaction rather than a brutal stab in the back.
She was smart.
Sango's eyes slid to her youngest son, her head tilted slightly as she considered the pairing.
Merry would make a wonderful Ootori.
"Miss Merry, we need to talk."
"You're malicious. What are you playing at?"
"I have no idea what you mean, Kyoya-san."
"How long have you been planning this? Destabilising my father's company… You never really needed my help at all. It was just a ploy to catch me off guard."
"And it worked, did it not? But truly, you give me too much credit, Kyoya-san. I asked for your help because I do need it. Don't sell your usefulness short."
"I'm merely a means to an end, then?"
"Am I not a means to an end for you, also?"
Kyoya's mouth opened, then closed. What was he going to say? Was he going to deny it? What reason did he have to say 'no, you're not'? They'd entered in to this agreement to stop a marriage contract. Now it was clear she had her own agenda. Why was he so surprised? Did he think she would reveal all of her cards so easily?
His fists clenched at his sides before he forced himself to relax them.
Merry smiled then, small and bitter but it wasn't aimed at him. "Good night, Kyoya-san."
She slid into the limousine and closed the door, leaving Kyoya alone on the curb.
For some reason, he hated that fact.
Everything Merry does has a purpose, and now Kyoya realises that.
But to what means? Guess you'll have to keep reading find out.
:D