At Maple Mountain, Tokyo, Japan.
Since he just woke up, Frank was in a daze. His blurry eyes looked around and saw the white ceiling and crystal chandelier above him.
"Are you finally awake? How are you feeling?" Suddenly, laughter reverberated beside Frank.
With a frown, Frank sat up and immediately felt a mild pain at the back of his head.
"Hey, don't be so eager to get up! You're still weak and unstable. It will only worsen your dizziness."
With a vexed expression, Frank turned his head to where the voice originated. When he saw who was talking, Frank said with hatred, "What are you doing here?"
"Huh? What do you think?" said the man with a strange smile. He was the 'young lord' who detained Frank.
"Where am I?" asked Frank as he stood up and looked around with a frown.
"Well, you're in Japan."
"Of course, I am!"
"We're at my house."
"Your house?!" Suddenly, a cautious look flashed across Frank's face as he looked at the man. "Who are you? What do you want from me?"
"Frank, calm down. I have no ulterior motive." The man raised his hands and tried to calm Frank.
"What the--! How do you know my name?" Startled, Frank widened his eyes.
"In this day and age, such information is rather easy to find," boasted the man, still smiling.
"Okay, fine! Then who the hell are you?" Frank impatiently asked.
"Well, my name is Corbett."
"Corbett? Hmm..." For a moment, Frank simmered in his thoughts. Suddenly, a memory came to mind. In a surprised tone, he asked, "Are you from Shadow Organization? Oh, goodness! The young lord of the organization?"
"Ha ha!" Corbett revealed a delighted expression. "Yes, I am. It's nice to meet you, Frank."
Then, Corbett reached out his hand while maintaining his smile.
"I don't want to be your acquaintance." A displeased expression painted Frank's face as he turned his head away. Frank had no intention of affiliating
mfortably lying there.
"Mom! How are you?" Tears welled up in Mary's eyes as she ran over to hug her mother.
"Mary, are you alright?" Mary's mother patted her head to calm her. "Why are you crying again? Did something happen?"
"I'm crying because of you! You suddenly want me here! I was worried that something horrible could have happened to you! I was afraid that I might lose you, Mom."
"Don't stress yourself, sweetie. I'm fine—" Mary's mother was about to smile when her throat suddenly itched. Then, she loudly coughed and winced in pain.
Just outside the ward, a nurse heard the cough. As such, she hurriedly took a spittoon and gave it to Mary's mother. There was a trace of blood in her discharge.
Biting her teeth, Mary realized that the blood on her mother's saliva was a bad thing. Unfortunately, Mary could do nothing but hold back her tears.
"Ehem! Ehem! Ehem..." Then, Mary's mother let out a series of rough coughs. Soon, she appeared to be short of breath. With a worried expression, Mary immediately patted her mother's back. It was only then that Mary realized that her mother was getting thinner.
"Breathe, Mom!" "I'm fine now, sweetie."
"Okay, I understand." Mary nodded, but her worries hadn't faded yet.
"Mary, how are you? Did your father bother you recently?"
"No, he didn't. Don't worry, Mom. I can handle him."
"I'm pleased to hear that." Mary's mother slowly nodded as her doting eyes looked at Mary. "By the way, where is William? Is your relationship okay? I don't see him. Is he coming?"
"Well, William is on a business trip." Mary faked a dry smile. "He has a busy schedule and can't come here."
"Oh, I see. That man is often away for business. Does he even spend time with you?" The eyes of Mary's mother had a hint of disappointment.
"Yes, Mom. He cherishes me. Our relationship is stable. Don't worry too much about us."
"That's wonderful."