Meanwhile, Yoshitaka still wasn't aware of how serious things were, but his daughter, Kokomi, had noticed how odd the situation was."Why would the CIA take Tanya away?" She asked. "There's just something strange about this."Yoshitaka simply smiled. "Oh, Kokomi—you just don't know much about politics, do you? Tanya may be a superstar, but she involved herself in things she shouldn't have been involved in and even bet on the wrong horse. Winner takes all, but she's on the losing side, so her punishment was only a matter of time."On top of that, the winner made it clear he wasn't at all pleased with her behavior until now and publicly announced that there would be a probe when he wins. Everyone knows how petty he can get, so it's not that surprising for an official investigation into Tanya. Who knows how much evidence yet unknown to the public he has by now, and once they are revealed, Tanya's career is definitely over."Kokomi pursed her lips in hesitation but still said, "If that's t

That was when the Toyota minibus and its entourage returned to Tokyo Dome, and the security personnel at the gates stood in a row, bowing respectfully as the convoy pulled up inside the building.Yoshitaka was trembling even as he watched the so-called CIA convoy return, as traumatized as he was furious.Talk about stepping on his toes, and right in the middle of his turf! To attempt an abduction right in his face?! It wasn't just an insult—it was ignominy!Nonetheless, the minibus soon stopped steadily in front of Yoshitaka and Kathleen, and the door soon opened.Charlie stood inside, beckoning to Tanya and Trevor. "You two. Go."The couple promptly leaped off the minibus without delay, their faces still pale from fear.On their necks was that little hole where the syringes had left a slight bruising after it had been forcibly removed—a gruesome sight.Kokomi exclaimed urgently, "Are you alright, Tanya?!"Seeing her, Tanya ran up and wrapped her arms around Kokomi as she sobbed, "You

Yoshitaka didn't expect Charlie to be so rough and demand that Tanya perform anyway.After all, divas like Tanya had a temper, but forget being unable to sweet-talk her, he was even threatening her?!The woman earned millions per year easily, and while it was a far cry from global bankers, she was just one girl.That meant she didn't have a big family or company to sustain. If necessary, she could just throw her parents a few million for pocket money, but the rest would be hers and hers alone. A life like that couldn't be more delightful—even a canceled concert would just cost a few dozen million in comparison. And if she really didn't feel like it, her compliance was a pipe dream!To no surprise, Tanya was upset with how rough Charlie was being with her.She had been so popular for so long that she was fawned over everywhere—but while even the likes of the world's richest man had to say he was a fan of hers, Charlie was somehow treating her like an employee!She definitely c

Yoshitaka breathed a sigh of relief, hearing that Tanya was finally agreeing to stick with the concert.He was already worried that the diva would just up and leave, and he was well aware of the temper of divas like her.Push her too far, and she would walk out on her bosses—she was plenty rich and influential anyway, and she could goof off for a while even if she failed to beat the company's lawsuit.On top of that, if she told her fans that she had left the company because they were forcing her to do something against her will, her legions of fans would bring the company to its knees.That was why Yoshitaka wouldn't dare to compel Tanya to do something against her will, and it really surprised him that Charlie just had to play hardball to make her cave.That was when Charlie said, "Since Ms. Sweet will be continuing with the concert, let's not waste time here. Mr. Kennedy, please return to the party with Ms. Sweet, or the other guests will start asking questions. If anyone asks,

Tanya pursed her lips and said gingerly, "M-My family is back home in the States… I miss them, and home feels safe…"Charlie shrugged. "Do you really think home is safe after today? That your family has enough influence to stand against the people who want you dead?"Tanya was once again reminded of Charlie's insight earlier, and she sighed, shaking her head. "A-Alright, I won't go back… I'll just try to offer an olive branch to them like you said, and only head back when they provide assurance of a safe passage…"Charlie nodded approvingly, like a parent would when their child was behaving. "Why not hold a few more concerts after Tokyo? And don't stay at Mr. Mitsui's residence since it won't do if you keep imposing on the old fellow—drop by Oskia instead.""What? Oskia?!" Tanya blurted in surprise."Yes," Charlie replied, nodding. "It's not that far. Just a three-hour flight from Tokyo."Tanya remained bemused. "B-But what am I going to do there?""Oh, that's true—you are a pub