Meanwhile, Risa Rourke stood on the balcony of her son's luxurious and ungodly costly penthouse, the night air cool against her pale and smooth skin. The city of Tokyo sprawled beneath her, a tapestry of lights and life that felt a world away from the memories she was lost in.
Above, the spherical, bright, white, full moon hung in the sky, a silent witness to her reverie.
Her gaze was fixed on the celestial orb, its light casting a soft glow over her delicate features. She was dazed, her mind wandering back to the days when she and Ray would lie on a grassy field, staring at the moon for hours.
The would hug each other close, sharing warmth and a silent understanding that needed no words. The moon had always held a special place in Ray's heart, he once told her it was the second most beautiful thing he had ever seen, but it won't beat the level of prettiness of his mother as he stated that, Risa, his mother, was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
Risa's eyes filled with tears as she remembered those lovely but past memories. She could almost hear Ray's young voice and laughter, filled with wonder and innocence, as he marveled at the moon.
Those were simpler times, filled with love and unspoken promises. Now, those moments felt like fragments of a dream, slipping through her fingers as she tried to hold on.
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the buzzing of her phone.
Wiping away the tears that had begun to fall, she glanced at the screen. It was a text message from an unknown number. With anticipation, she opened it.
The contents of the message brought a proud, contented, calculating smile to her lips. It was a government confidential file. As she scanned through it, her heart pounded with satisfaction.
The file contained private informations about Ray Shigeyoshi, his name, address phone number, and other personal details. This was exactly what she had asked for. She had contacts outside her vast and powerful organization, even in Japan, and they had delivered as promise.
Contentment washed over her as she considered the implications. She now had the informations she needed to ensure Ray's safety and to keep a closer watch over him.
The moon, a symbol of beauty and solace, seemed to shine even brighter as she stood there, basking in her sense of control and accomplishment.
Her phone buzzed again. Another message from the same unknown number. The sender, feeling emboldened by their successful delivery, demanded payment for their services.
"I've delivered the informations as requested. Now, about my payment, I expect swift compensation for my services." The unknown number texted.
Risa's eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a dangerous smile. She began to type a response, her fingers moving swiftly over the keys.
"You seem to forget who you are talking to, Butterfly. No one is allowed to feel bigger than I am. Only my son, Ray Shigeyoshi, will ever be considered greater than me. Remember your place, and never forget who you are dealing with." Risa responded.
A pause followed, and then the reply came through, more brazen than before.
"You may be powerful, but everyone has their price. Don't think you're untouchable. I could easily make this information public if you refuse to pay." Butterfly didn't back down.
Risa's smile turned icy, her demeanor unwavering. She typed her next message with deliberate calm.
"Threatening me is a dangerous game. You must understand, I do not negotiate with those who overestimate their worth." Risa texted.
"You're pushing your fucking luck, Rourke. Even the biggest and mightiest bitch can fall. One leak, and this Ray Shigeyoshi guy's life could become very complicated." Butterfly kept on threatening.
Her eyes darkened, a flash of anger crossing her face. She knew the game well, and she knew how to play it better than anyone.
"You seem to misunderstand your position, Butterfly. You're a small cog in vast machine, easily replaced. Do not delude yourself into thinking you have power over me." Risa texted.
"Bold words, but fucking words won't save you or your Ray boy if I decide to act." Butterfly replied.
Risa's fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard, her response tinged with a lethal finality.
"And actions have consequences. I can verify your real identity and location with ease. Consider this your final warning, Butterfly." Risa responded.
"Should you choose to defy me, you will not live to regret it. No one crosses me and walks way unscathed." She added.
The reply was immediate, almost desperate.
"You're making a mistake. We can still work this out. Just pay what you owe." Butterfly replied.
Risa let out a low chuckle, her resolve like iron.
"The only mistake here is yours. I owe you nothing. Remember that." Risa responded
"And remember who you're dealing with. I have one more task for you soon. This conversation is over."
She hit send, feeling a surge of satisfaction as she imagined Butterfly's reaction.
The power dynamics had been established, and she had no intention of allowing anyone to challenge her authority. Her loyalty and love for Ray were paramount, and she would do whatever it takes to protect him.
Just wanna say I'm sorry for the lack of updates, gents. My workload has been doubled since last week, and I couldn't offer more chapters. But as I said, I'll try to upload these upcoming days. Thank you readers, for reading my novel. I love you all!