Chapter 2

“Deborah! My sweetheart. How are you?” mom cheerfully welcomed me as she kissed me on the cheek the moment I set foot inside our family mansion. Not to mention, her wearing full-on shinning glimmering accessories in the middle of the night.

I continued walking upstairs to my room, ignoring my mother’s words. God knows how tired I am. “Report everything to me tomorrow” from cheerful to serious really quick. I gave her a nod and went to my room.

The last few days are real torture. Don't want think 'bout that now, mom.

I jumped in my bed, didn’t even bother changing my clothes. Guess I’m just too tired.

I was awakened by the sunlight touching my face. I looked at the clock and shocked to see that it’s already noon. Mom didn’t bother waking me up, huh? That’s quite unusual.

I took a bath and fixed myself before meeting my mother who’s in her usual spot in the house; the underground library.

I went downstairs to the hidden elevator and met my mother. The library didn’t change at all. It’s been three years since I last went here. But rather than calling this a library, I would like to call it secret weaponry. You can see different kinds of weapons behind those shelves. According to father, those weapons are owned by my great great great grandfather. And everyone on our generation would add weapons until it became a great weaponry collection. Thinking ‘bout it, what weapon should I place there? Maybe Tanjiro’s sword? Hahaha.

There I saw mom facing the other direction while sipping her tea as she flipped through her page. “Sit,” mother said like ordering a dog. But like a dog of hers, I followed my master.

“Your younger sister, Hillary. Oh my, I’m so proud of her. Who would know that the youngest in the family would bring good fortune for us? She’s worthy of praise” she said without looking at her. I just rolled my eyes, trying not to start a quarrel.

She placed down her book and eyed me. Good, now I know that this won’t turn nice. “Tell me everything truthfully. Every detail, nothing left behind” her dark black eyes never failed to terrify me. I turned away to avoid her gaze.

“Don’t be scared honey. I won’t hurt you. Mommy will shower you praises after you tell everything” My brows met, the moment I heard those disgusting words of her. I just sighed to release this frustration I’m feeling.

“Everyone on the list is dead,” I said. She turned to my eyes watery. “I’m so happy my baby Deborah. Mommy’s so glad” she patted me as tears flowed from her eyes down to her cheek. After patting me, she sat down and wiped her tears. She then again flashed me her terrifying eyes with her creepy smile. “But why would it take you 2 days though. 50 targets are not that many” she said with a disgusted look on her face.

“That’s all, mother. May I be excused?” I stood up from my chair and bowed down to her. “NO ONE TOLD YOU TO STAND UP! HOW RUDE!” she shouted as loud as she can. I bet everyone upstairs heard her though this room is soundproof.

I sat down without saying a word. She’s very red, red as a tomato. After a few minutes, she calmed down and faced me again. “Believe we’re not done yet, sweetie. Now tell mommy everything, or else she won’t praise you” she said sweetly but I had enough. No one wants your praises, Victoria.

“I’ve reported everything, mother. May I be excused?” I said gently. “Ow really? But mommy wants to spend more time with her baby” she said while rubbing my hand, gross.

“I’m busy, mom. I have a business to deal with” she stopped what her doing and placed her hand back to her lap. “And what is that?” “You don’t have to know” for the second time, I stood up and started walking away.

I was expecting her to stop me or at least shut at me but I’m already at the door yet she still didn’t utter a word.

“Why did Cedrick let you handle everything? There’s Calix or or… my youngest child, Hillary…” I could hear her whispering but I didn’t bother listening.

I slammed the door close. I’m not that far from the library but I heard her shouting. I think father made a mistake mentioning that that room is soundproof or my mother is just blessed with a strong voice.

Victoria is sick. Can’t believe that she’s my mother. What did dad find in her? Maybe they were forced to marry? God, seeing her in that room reading that same book truly creeps me out. Well, maybe I’m the reason why she’s reading that. Seriously? “How to handle your child” that’s sick. Maybe I should read a book too, about handling your mother.

Arriving at the ground floor, William awaits me. “Good morning Liam” he nodded as a response. Along with him are my things. We’re really ready for this mission.

I walked outside towards my car along with Liam who is carrying my belongings. He shoved it on the back and sat on the driver’s seat while I’m comfortably sitting beside him.

“How’s your talk with your mother?” he asked. I just crossed my arms as a child fought with her friend.

“Awful. She’s still my sick mother. Nothing changed actually. I’m just not used to talk to her. By the way, where’s father? I haven’t seen him in a long time”

“He’s doing his business like usual, miss” yeah I’m used to my busy father.

“Pardon me for asking, but did you tell your mother about your important mission?” Liam said formally trying not to get disappointed.

“Of course not, Liam. Why would I?” that psycho is big trouble. I won’t bother telling her.

Our conversation ended there. I guess Liam is still not comfortable talking to me casually. I actually see him as a friend, not a butler/assistant.

In between our ride, my phone rang. I took it from my pocket and not surprised to see the name of my client on the screen.

“Hello, mister Ford?”

“Yes, this is me. Are you ready with your mission, miss Minerva?”

“Yeah”

“Great. Meet me at my office”

“ ‘Kayyy…” I hanged the line.

“At full speed, Liam. We’re heading to the Ford company”

“Yes ma’am”