Marvel Ultimate Gacha

"You finally returned home after years," she said quietly, her tone calm, though her eyes glistened. Mia, who had just entered the room, noticed tears slipping down Rose's cheeks. Rose hurriedly wiped them away, pretending nothing had happened.

Michael paused for a moment, his fork hovering over his plate as he looked at her. The vulnerability in her voice caught him off guard.

"I didn't think it mattered to anyone if I was here or not," he admitted quietly, his usual calm demeanor faltering.

Rose's hands froze mid-motion as she set her cup down. "Of course, it mattered," she said, her voice firm but laced with emotion. "You're my son, Michael. Not a day went by that I didn't think about you or wonder how you were doing."

He glanced down at his plate, suddenly finding it hard to meet her gaze. "I... didn't know," he muttered, his grip on the knife tightening.

He didn't know where these emotions are coming from, but he continued.

The silence between them was heavy, but Rose reached across the table, her hand resting gently on his. "You're here now, and that's what matters. Whatever happened before… we can move past it," she said with a reassuring smile.

Michael nodded, though he didn't look up. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly. "Thanks... for breakfast," he said softly before taking another bite.

Mia, standing at the doorway, observed the exchange with a quiet smile. She decided not to interrupt, giving them their moment.

Rose leaned back, taking a sip of her coffee. "So, Mia tells me you want to learn about the family business?" she asked, changing the subject to lighten the mood.

Michael looked up, his expression more focused now. "Yeah. I think it's time I understood everything—what it is, how it works, and what you've been doing to keep it running."

Rose nodded approvingly. "Good. It's not going to be easy, but if you're serious, I'll show you everything you need to know. Starting today."

Michael finished his meal and wiped his hands. "I'm ready," he said with determination.

"Then let's get started," Rose replied, standing up and straightening her suit. As they walked out together, the sun rising over the vast estate, Michael felt a strange sense of belonging—a feeling he hadn't experienced before.

The driver opened the door, and both Michael and his mother stepped into the luxurious velvet-red Rolls Royce. Once seated, his mother handed him a sleek tablet.

"For the next week, you'll observe me and take notes here," Rose said, her tone calm but firm. Michael glanced at the tablet, noticing it was already filled with pointers and notes. His head throbbed at the sheer amount of information.

I hope I get something useful out of this, he thought, already feeling overwhelmed as he began skimming through the detailed notes his mother had prepared.

"We own 21 grand hotels worldwide, three of which are ranked among the top ten best hotels globally," Rose continued. She glanced at him before adding, "I handle all of this daily, with only your sister's help. Unlike you."

Michael said nothing in response. Instead, he asked, "Who were they?"

"Who?" Rose raised an eyebrow.

"The ones who killed my father," Michael clarified, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity.

Rose's expression hardened for a moment before she shook her head and offered a bitter smile. "It's better if you don't know."

Michael leaned back, his tone calm but insistent. "I just want to know so I can avoid them if I ever encounter them," he said, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Mia, seated across from them, rolled her eyes silently, thinking, Avoid them? Or curse them with one of those dangerous spells you've been learning from those dark books?

Rose glanced at her son, considering his words, before sighing. "Fine. It was the Greymore family. They're another major player in the hotel business, like us. They only have one hotel ranked in the top ten, and when we secured the third spot, it sparked the conflict that led to your father's death."

She paused before continuing, "Because of the attention that incident brought, they've been lying low for the past few years. The authorities are keeping a close eye on them, so they're playing it safe... for now."

"So, it was the Greymores," Michael muttered, nodding slowly. His face remained neutral, but Mia suddenly felt the air around him shift. The mana in the car surged, suffocating and heavy.

It was so intense that Mia nearly fainted, clutching her seat for support. Rose noticed nothing unusual, continuing to sip her coffee calmly.

Michael quickly pulled the mana back within himself, his control returning a second later. He glanced at Mia, who was gasping for air but trying to act normal.

"Are you alright?" Rose asked, turning to Mia with a slight frown.

Mia forced a smile, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Yes, ma'am. Just felt a little dizzy for a moment," she lied, avoiding Michael's gaze.

Michael smirked slightly but said nothing as he turned his attention back to the tablet, silently vowing that the Greymores would pay—whether his mother wanted revenge or not.

Rose glanced at the calm expression on Michael's face and sighed inwardly. I hope you understand, Michael, that I'm trying to get justice for your father. But the Greymores… they have more connections than we do, she thought, her gaze softening.

Her mind drifted back to the day she had made a solemn vow to bring down the family responsible for her husband's death. But reality proved me wrong, she admitted to herself, a wave of frustration washing over her.

Even now, she was barely holding their vast empire together. With her eldest daughter's help, they had managed to stay afloat, but the burden was immense. The only improvement she could see in their situation was that Michael had finally returned to her side.

Maybe, just maybe, things will change now, she thought, holding onto a glimmer of hope as she turned her focus back to the day ahead.

*******

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