IngRan tapped his fingers impatiently on the edge of the desk, his gaze fixed on his sister, knowing all too well the weight of the tension in the air. Valentine, as always, remained unreadable, her face a perfect mask of indifference. But he knew better than anyone that behind that calm exterior lay a simmering storm, one that had been brewing for years.
"You know, Valentine," he began with a sly smile, "I've been thinking about how to get your cooperation. It took me some time, but last night, my wife came up with the perfect idea."
Valentine raised an eyebrow, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Oh? I'm intrigued. What could possibly compel me to help you after all this time?"
He leaned forward slightly, the faintest glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. "In exchange for your success, I'll share something with you, a secret about mother that even you don't know."