In Dr. Philip's Manor...
"Don't worry, kiddo. I'll be fine," Dr. Philip said, offering his sister a calm, reassuring smile.
She shook her head, her voice laced with anxiety. "Brother, don't underestimate DWO. You know what they're capable of."
Philip's expression sobered as he gave a firm nod. "I'm not underestimating them, Maya. I know exactly who and what they are. Entire nations tremble at their name—they are the dark-ops hammer that 'organization' uses to enforce its order."
"Then why are they hunting you?" she asked, stepping closer. "You've served them for years... why pull their operatives directly to our doorstep?"
Philip reached out and gently patted her head, cutting off her line of questioning. "No more questions. Right now, I need a favor from you—a critical one."
Maya quieted down, looking into his eyes. "Tell me."
"Remember when I asked you to take my daughter, Eliza, away from here, back to Japan?"
"Of course," she replied.
"The plan has changed," Philip said softly. "You need to take her brother, too. Both of them."
Maya's eyes widened in disbelief, she understood what that meant, "What about you? I can't just leave you behind!"
"I'll be right behind you," Philip reassured her, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Just secure the children and leave this sector once and for all."
Maya swallowed hard, finally giving a reluctant nod. Philip offered one last gentle pat on her head before turning and vanishing down the dark corridor toward his laboratory.
She stood in silence, watching his back disappear. With a heavy sigh, she climbed the stairs to her quarters. On the floor by the door sat a single pre-packed tactical duffel. She sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor as the quiet weight of dread settled over the manor.
The long night finally yielded to dawn, pale morning light filtering through the frosted windows.
Maya walked down the silent upper corridor and paused outside a door near the end of the wing. She knocked softly a few times before pushing the door open and stepping into the shadowed room.
"We're leaving," she said gently, approaching the bed where a teenage boy lay motionless under the sheets. "You need to get up."
The boy sat up, rubbing his eyes. The room remained dark, keeping his features hidden in the shadows—save for the distinct, crimson glint of his eyes cutting through the gloom.
"Aunty? Father didn't give me permission," he muttered, his voice raspy with sleep.
"I spoke with your father," Maya reassured him softly. "He agreed to let you come."
A faint, sharp smile tugged at the boy's lips. "Just give me a minute."
Maya nodded. "I'll go get Eliza. Meet us by the main gate."
As the boy stood up and headed into the adjacent bathroom, Maya stepped back into the hallway and knocked on the neighboring door. A moment later, the door swung open, and a ten-year-old girl looked up at her.
"Eliza, let's go," Maya said, smoothing the girl's hair.
Eliza nodded dutifully, grabbing her small bag.
"Your brother is coming with us, too," Maya added.
Eliza's eyes lit up in surprise before she smiled softly. "Big brother always wanted to visit Japan."
"You'll need to help guide him once we get there, alright?" Maya said with a small smile. "You spent years living there, but it's all new to him. I'll be right beside both of you."
Eliza paused, her smile fading slightly. "But... won't Father be left all alone here?"
"Your father has important work to complete," Maya explained carefully. "I thought it would be nice for your brother to travel with us this time."
Eliza searched her aunt's face before slowly nodding.
"Come along now, sweetie. We don't have much time," Maya urged, taking her hand.
"Why?" Eliza asked, her sharp gaze locking onto her aunt. "Is something going to happen?"
Maya caught her breath, momentarily taken aback by the young girl's intuition. "No, dear," she lied smoothly, covering her tension with a gentle chuckle. "It's just our flight schedule. If we don't hurry, we'll miss our plane."
Eliza accepted the explanation, allowing Maya to lead her down the stairs toward the waiting transport.
Meanwhile, at the Hospital...
In the private recovery room where Ethan had been admitted, The woman stood slumped against the window frame, dark circles hollowed deep beneath her eyes. She had spent the entire night scouring the icy streets and surrounding perimeter for the missing boy, returning empty-handed as dawn broke.
Where could he have gone? she thought, rubbing her throbbing temples as she dropped onto the couch.
He really is Selena's son... vanishing without a trace.
She let out a heavy sigh, staring blankly at the empty hospital bed.
Where are you, Ethan?
The door to the room opened quietly, and Isabel—her dutiful personal servant—stepped into the room carrying a warm cup of tea on a small silver tray. Isabel placed the cup on the bedside table and stood nearby respectfully.
"Did you find any sign of the boy, Isabel?" The woman asked softly.
Isabel shook her head, "I checked every block within a mile radius, but..." She didn't complete.
The woman nodded, leaning back against the cushions.
It's as if he vanished into thin air. The woman thought.
She looked at Isabel and said,
"Isabel, instruct our outer security team to expand the perimeter search immediately. Make sure to check everything."
"Understood, My Lady," Isabel replied. She paused near the threshold before adding, "And... my lady, there is someone here to see you."
Grace looked up, her expression tired. "Tell them I am occupied."
"It's him..." Isabel said softly, lowering her voice.
Grace raised an eyebrow, waiting.
"The white-haired..." Isabel whispered.
The woman nodded, her rigid posture relaxed slightly, her eyes softening into a knowing look. "Let him in."
Isabel nodded dutifully and stepped out into the corridor to fetch him. A few moments later, the heavy door clicked open again.
A young man clad in a tailored black three-piece suit stepped into the room. His striking, snow-white hair caught the morning sunlight streaming through the blinds, casting his sharp features in a dark silhouette.
He walked forward with silent, effortless grace, stopping directly in front of the woman. To outside, they'd look mother and son.
She offered a warm, fond smile, reaching up to gently pat his head. "Did my husband send you back here again?"
The young man gave a quiet nod.
"I owe you a debt of gratitude for spotting Ethan unconscious in the snowdrifts yesterday," She said, her tone laced with genuine relief.
"I recognized his features immediately," the white-haired operative replied, his voice low and steady. "He bore a strong resemblance to Damian."
She nodded, her eyes studying his face. "Why did Murphy order you to turn around? I received his message last night stating you were already on your way back."
"He said that this place is getting dangerous," the young man explained smoothly. "He requested that I remain by your side to ensure your security and assist with the expansion of the orphanage."
"That works out well," The woman acknowledged, leaning back. "A shipment of new furniture and structural supplies for the orphanage... as we expanding the place. Your presence will be invaluable."
"Understood," he replied.
"First of all, can you search around for Ethan?" She said.
He nodded and turned to leave.
"One last thing..." Grace called out.
He halted near the doorway, pausing without turning back.
"While you are here, you must address me strictly as 'Ophelia,'" she instructed, her voice dropping into a firm, cautious register. "My identity as Murphy's wife remains completely dark to the outside world. No one here can ever learn who I truly am."
"Understood... Ms. Ophelia," he said smoothly, stepping out into the hallway and letting the door click shut behind him.