You Were Stolen from Me, so I Will Live for Myself - Chapter 23 Extra

Childhood Friend’s Investigation

The morning sun is shining through the office window.

I, Yuki Kosaka, have been at my desk since before dawn. It has only been six months since I became a junior lawyer. My days are spent battling the stacks of documents handed to me by my seniors.

I arrive at the office earlier than anyone else and leave later than anyone else. Working on the weekends is a given, yet I never once complained.

“Kosaka-san, you’re here this early?”

My attorney partner calls out to me in surprise.

“Yes. I’m reviewing the case documents you gave me yesterday.”

“Hmm…”

My attorney partner glances over the stacks of documents on my desk. Her eyes narrow slightly.

“Did you…go through all of this?”

“Yes. I marked the parts that stood out to me.”

I hand over the documents covered in sticky notes. Each one contains concise analyses and questions.

“…I see.”

My attorney partner nods in approval.

“Great job.”

This is just the beginning.

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“I want to entrust this case to Kosaka-sensei.”

Six months later, during a firm meeting, my partner said so. My partner is a senior attorney and a co-owner of the firm. In other words, she is one of my superiors in the firm.

“Isn’t it too soon for a newcomer?”

“No, I believe she’ll handle it just fine.”

My work has gained a strong reputation within the firm. My thorough preparation, composed judgement, and ability to find solutions from the client’s perspective has earned me trust and recognition.

“Thank you. I will do my best to meet your expectations.”

I look directly at my partner, my eyes unwavering.

“Yeah. I’m counting on you.”

After that, I’m entrusted with one case after another.

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From that point on, I steadily build my career and reputation as a lawyer.

I’ve also established a solid position within the firm, and my reputation among clients is excellent. My composed judgement and precise handling of cases stands out. Above all, it’s my ability to see things from my clients’ perspectives and find the best possible solutions that earned their trust.

“Kosaka-Sensei, thank you once again.”

The client bows deeply to me. I return the bow with a slight nod.

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“We are grateful for the significant growth you’ve brought to the firm.”

My senior partner bows to me. It has been two years since I joined the firm. Every case that I’ve worked on has produced good results.

“Senpai…”

“From now on, you may act more freely.”

“…thank you.”

I bow deeply.

With this…

At last, I can do what I’ve always wanted to do.

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“You’re from Yurizono Investigation Agency, correct? I’ve heard that your company’s investigative skills are highly regarded.”

I sit across from the representative of the investigation agency.

As I expand my firm’s track record, I have intentionally taken on corporate legal affairs, especially cases related to eliminating organized crime.

In the process, I got involved with several investigation companies. Among them, Yurizono Investigation Agency stands out from the rest. They have thorough investigative skills and flexible judgement.

And most importantly, they never leak client information.

That is exactly why I choose this company.

“If it’s a request from Kosaka-Sensei, we will handle it with our utmost effort.”

The representative of Yurizono Agency bows his head to me.

“Thank you. Actually…”

I bring up several cases. All of them are legitimate requests made through the firm.

“I would like to ask your company to handle these cases if possible.”

“We would be honoured to take them on.”

The representative’s eyes light up. Requests from me always lead to big jobs. That is already well known within the industry by now.

Now comes the crucial part…

I take a deep breath. This is where the real conversation begins.

“—one more thing. I would like to make a personal request.”

I say so without changing my expression. The representative’s eyes widen slightly in surprise for a brief moment.

“The objective is to conduct a thorough investigation into any possible ties with organized crime.”

I continue calmly.

“I want you to investigate not only the executives and employees of the target company but also their families and close associates in as much detail as possible.”

The representative of the investigation agency stares intently at me.

“It’s a newly established company, but it’s expected to grow rapidly in the near future. Considering the long-term perspective, I plan to approach them for business soon. However, before that, I want to be sure of all possible risk management measures.”

“I see…”

The representative nods while taking notes. My reasoning makes perfect sense. The reputation and connections of a company’s executive will directly impact the company’s credibility.

Any relationships with individuals who can have a negative influence need to be identified as soon as possible.

“Then, let’s proceed with the cost estimate for the investigation—”

“Please do.”

I answer immediately. The representative looks surprised for a moment, but quickly regain his composure.

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Leaving the conference room, I let out a deep sigh in the elevator. Behind my glasses, my eyes look a little tired.

With this…I should be able to know more about Yuto.

I glance at my reflection in the elevator doors.

“……”

The dark circles under my eyes are getting worse with each passing day. But that doesn’t matter.

All I need is information. That’s all.

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Looking at my pay slip, I let out a small sigh.

“Almost everything is going to investigation expenses this month too…”

Aside from rent, food, and the bare minimum to maintain my appearance, all of my earnings go towards payments to the investigation agency. I can’t afford a luxurious lifestyle, but even so, I’m satisfied.

Because thanks to those investigations, I’m able to find out what Yuto is up to.

“…it’s almost like I’m a stalker.”

I mutter to myself with a wry smile.

However, this is the only way. There is no way I can show myself in front of Yuto.

At the very least, I just want to be allowed to watch him from afar.

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I lower my gaze to the report on my desk.

Yuto’s company is continuing to grow steadily. New projects have been successful after another, he is becoming a notable presence the industry.

I’m glad…

I genuinely feel that way.

However, when I turn to the next page of the report, my expression darkens.

Yuto’s relationships with women.

It’s more intense than I’ve imagined. One after another, women come and go from his life. He welcomes those who approaches him and never chases them who leaves. That’s the impression I get from the report.

“…Is it because of me?”

I feel a sharp pain deep within my heart.

Yuto wasn’t always like this.

He wasn’t good at talking to women, he was somewhat clumsy and overly cautious.

Could it be that—I have broken that part of Yuto?

That heart that once believed in others so purely.

The Yuto who was earnest and sincere.

Have I taken that away from him?

A crushing sense of guilt and self-loathing tightens in my heart. A sickening feeling runs through my body.

I take a deep breath.

Yuto is certainly single right now, so there is nothing wrong with it.

He isn’t involved with women from work, women who are already in relationships, or married women.

He avoids women who are looking for serious relationships and spends his time with those in the nightlife scene.

Also, it’s not like he is neglecting his work to fool around. He is just using his free time, and it doesn’t seem to be interfering with his work.

In a way, it’s a smart way to fool around with women.

Maybe that’s one way to put it.

However, from my experience as a lawyer, I’m worried.

There are various risks when the head of a company has flashy relationships with women. To be precise, there are many people who try to take advantage of that.

That’s why, I have to continue investigate Yuto’s relationships with women thoroughly.

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Then, one day—

“…this is bad.”

My eyes widen in surprise as I read the report from the investigation agency.

One of the women Yuto has recently been involved with is suspected of having ties to organized crime.

If their relationship continues to deepen, not only Yuto himself, but also his company can face serious danger.

“What should I do…?”

Worries well up inside me, but I have no way to take direct action.

There is no way I can warn Yuto about it myself.

If things continue like this—it will be too late.

“…I can’t do this alone.”

The pretense of conducting a credit check on a potential business partner is reaching its limit. Any further, the investigation agency can be in violation of private detective laws. Naturally, as the client, I can also be hold legally accountable.

I need a more and solid legitimate reason. More than anything, I need an ally.

Someone close to Yuto, someone with the rightful authority to protect the company.

I stare at the photo on my desk. It’s a photo of Yuto’s secretary.

If it’s her…

Within the company, she is in a position to monitor Yuto’s actions. At the same time, she is also in a position to protect the company.

Most importantly, she is the one person I’m most certain is on Yuto’s side.

I’ve made my decision. I can’t do this alone. I should try to get in touch with her.

—Rena Sasaki

As Yuto’s secretary, I have to earn her trust and make her my ally.