As Ellis entered the office, she found Kenji seated behind an imposing mahogany desk. He looked at her with seriousness but also a glint of curiosity in his eyes.
"Please, have a seat, Mrs. Amorielle," Kenji invited, pointing to the chair in front of him.
Nervously, Ellis settled into the chair, maintaining an upright posture as she awaited the conversation to come. Her eyes fixed on Kenji, who was pouring two cups of sake. He offered one to Ellis, but she politely declined.
"Thank you, but I won't be drinking," she said firmly. "What do you want with me, Mr. Ito?"
Kenji smiled and took his seat behind the desk, raising his own cup of sake. He looked at Ellis and began to speak.
"How about we set aside formalities and address each other by our first names? You can call me Kenji, and I
