The private room was quiet — too quiet.

Only the soft hum of medical machines filled the air.

Mekisa sat stiffly on the couch, her hands gripping her knees.

Across from her, Lady Shizuka poured tea like it was an ordinary afternoon.

"Why so silent, daughter?”

Her tone was calm, almost playful.

“A good girl hugs her mother when they meet after so long.”

Mekisa’s eyes stayed cold.

“Why are you here?”

Lady Shizuka’s smile didn’t falter.

"To see my daughter, of course. You don’t have to be so cold.”

"Your daughter?” Mekisa’s voice cracked with disbelief. “Don’t call me that. Tell me the real reason you’re here.”

Lady Shizuka leaned back, amused.

“Straightforward. Just like me.”

She snapped her fingers.

The door opened — and Yukiro walked in, carrying a folder.

Mekisa’s breath caught.

He avoided her eyes completely as he placed the document on the table.

“Yukiro…” she whispered.

No reply. His expression was blank, empty.

Shizuka didn’t even glance at him.

"You can go now,” she said.

He hesitated for half a second, then quietly left the room.

Mekisa’s gaze fell to the document.

The bold title at the top read:

“Sunshine Orphanage – Acquisition and Reconstruction Plan.”

Her jaw tightened.

“If this is about my orphanage,” she said, snatching the papers and throwing them aside,

“then we’re done talking.”

Lady Shizuka chuckled softly, retrieving the scattered sheets.

 “You really are your father’s child — brave, emotional, and never understanding the situation.”

Her smile sharpened.

“Tell me, Mekisa… what do you think happens if I inform the government that a small orphanage has been running illegally, with insufficient funding?”

Mekisa froze.

 “I’m not here to destroy you, dear,” Shizuka continued sweetly.

“I’m here to solve the problem. You keep your orphanage. I keep my peace. But…”

She slid the last page toward Mekisa — a signature line glowing under the soft light.

"You’ll have to give me something in return.

And if you follow me, you’ll even get this back.”

She held up the silver pendant — the one Mekisa had sold hours ago.

It gleamed in her hand like a cruel reminder.

“Your father’s precious gift,” Shizuka whispered. “Don’t throw it away again, my darling.”

 Later…

Mekisa stumbled out of the room, eyes glassy, steps unsteady.

The hallway felt colder than ever.

Yukiro was waiting by the door.

"Mekisa—”

“Don’t.” Her voice cracked like glass.

“Don’t come near me. Don’t come back to the orphanage. Ever.”

Before he could reply, she turned and walked away.

He stood there in silence, guilt flickering behind his calm mask.

Hours later…

Kei’s surgery was over. The doctor smiled softly.

"He’s safe now.”

Mekisa exhaled shakily and leaned beside the bed.

The children gathered around, quiet and worried.

 “See?” she whispered, brushing Kei’s hair.

“You promised you’d be okay.”

Outside the glass window, Yukiro watched — half-hidden in the corridor shadows.

His hand pressed against the glass, but he couldn’t bring himself to enter.

His phone buzzed.

He answered quietly.

"Yes, Madam.”

Lady Shizuka’s voice flowed through the line — smooth and commanding.

"Return. We’re done here.”

Later that night – Shizuka’s Penthouse

The city lights shimmered below like jewels.

Lady Shizuka lounged in a marble bathtub, wine glass in hand.

She dialed a number and smiled when the call connected.

 “It’s done,” she purred.

“Your daughter has signed the documents, dear.”

She took a sip of wine, eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

“Everything is finally in motion.”

End of Chapter 6