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Shattered
Chapter 116: Cherry Tree Inc. and Parental Reflections

Chapter 116: Cherry Tree Inc. and Parental Reflections

The Cherry Tree Inc. headquarters loomed like a monument to human ambition and innovation. Built around a massive, genetically engineered cherry tree that stretched hundreds of feet into the sky, the building was both a symbol of the company’s success and a reminder of its roots—quite literally. Its branches, adorned with delicate pink blossoms year-round, cast a serene shadow over the sprawling corporate campus below.

Inside, the air hummed with the quiet efficiency of cutting-edge technology. Kei’s mother, Ayane Moriyama, sat in her office, gazing out at the tree through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Her hands rested lightly on a sleek holographic desk, but her mind was elsewhere.

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MEMORIES OF A SIMPLER TIME

Her eyes softened as she watched the employees below pass under the shade of the tree. She remembered a time when Kei, just a boy, would lie beneath those branches with his headphones on, humming along to his favorite songs. It had been his sanctuary, the only place he seemed truly at peace.

“Do you remember how he used to spend hours under that tree?” she asked, turning to her husband, Tetsuo, who stood by the window.

Tetsuo, a tall man with sharp features that belied his gentle demeanor, nodded. “Of course. He’d bring his little notebook, scribble down lyrics, and pretend he was composing masterpieces.”

Ayane smiled faintly. “He loved it there. It’s ironic, isn’t it? We dragged him away from it to groom him for this—” she gestured to the expansive view of the corporate empire they had built, “—and he ran off to find another tree to lie under.”

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THE ISLAND’S TRUE IDENTITY

Tetsuo crossed his arms, his gaze distant. “We should have seen it coming. Kei never cared about any of this. The more we pushed, the more he retreated.”

Ayane sighed, brushing a strand of dark hair from her face. “At least we know he’s safe. The island was a good choice.”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The “hidden location” they had chosen to monitor Kei was, in fact, one of their private holdings—a secluded island purchased years ago for environmental research. They had left it to grow wild, untouched by development. It had been sheer coincidence that Kei stumbled upon it during his escape, but when their monitoring systems detected his presence, they had quietly ensured he had everything he needed.

“Solar panels, water purifiers, a satellite connection,” Tetsuo listed, his tone practical. “We’ve given him everything he needs. He’s thriving.”

Ayane smiled wistfully. “And he’s found someone to keep him in line.”

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THE RUMORS

Despite their precautions, the world had noticed Kei’s absence. Rumors of the prodigal heir of Cherry Tree Inc. running away had spread like wildfire. Media outlets speculated endlessly: Why had Kei left? Where was he now? Had the pressure of inheriting such a massive corporation finally gotten to him?

A particularly bold reporter had even confronted Ayane at a recent press conference. “Mrs. Moriyama, there are reports that your son, Kei Moriyama, has vanished. Some suggest he’s run away to avoid his responsibilities. Can you confirm or deny these rumors?”

Ayane’s response had been calm and measured. “Kei is pursuing his own path. He’s in a safe and secure location, and we’re monitoring his well-being.”

Another journalist had pressed further. “Do you regret losing someone who could have advanced the world’s technology by decades, even centuries?”

Tetsuo had stepped in then, his tone firm. “As long as our son is happy, that’s all that matters.”

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A PRIVATE MOMENT

Back in her office, Ayane leaned her head against the glass, her breath fogging the surface. “Do you think he’ll ever come back?”

Tetsuo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “When he’s ready. Kei needs to find his own way, just like we did.”

Ayane nodded, her gaze fixed on the cherry tree below. “I just hope he knows... he’s not running away from us. He’s running toward himself.”

Tetsuo smiled faintly. “He’s always been good at surprising us. Let’s trust him to keep doing that.”

As the sun set over the Cherry Tree Inc. campus, casting the giant cherry tree in a warm golden glow, the Moriyamas allowed themselves a rare moment of peace. Their son was far away, but he was safe. And for now, that was enough.