Back then, every time Mrs. Thompson Sr. was hospitalized, Frank would be ovee with worry. He''d hire the best medical teams and even pray to every deity he could think of, hoping his mother would live a long life.


    But after years and years of her endless drama, she had worn away everyst bit of affection he had for her. Now, a dark part of Frank secretly hoped she would pass on soon, just so the family could finally have some peace.


    "Frank, wait. I have something else to say," Mrs. Thompson Sr. called out.


    Frank was already deeply annoyed, but he stopped.


    Mrs. Thompson Sr. shot Eden a look.


    Understanding the cue, Eden led Ynda out of the room. They stood just outside the door, straining to listen in.


    Inside the room, Mrs. Thompson Sr. took Frank''s hand and dabbed at the corners of her eyes, feigning tears of joy.


    "Time flies, doesn''t it? In the blink of an eye, my Frank is about to be a grandfather. When you were born, you were just this tiny, soft bundle. Your father didn''t like us, so he took one look at you and left. I swore to myself then that I would raise you well, better than Tobias Thompson himself.


    Later, when you and Carol had Eden, I was the first to hold him. He was a tiny, soft bundle too, just like you were at birth.


    Now, all I want is to see Eden''s son born. Then I''ll have no regrets in this life."


    Mrs. Thompson Sr. spoke with heartfelt emotion, but Frank remained unmoved. Her favorite tactics, besides throwing tantrums, were to reminisce and y the victim.


    Frank used to fall for it, but after every trip down memoryne, she would make an outrageous demand. He wasn''t a fool; he knew the pattern.


    “If·


    f you have something to say, just say it. Bet got engaged today. I''ve been drinking and have a headache. I want to go home and rest," Frank said coolly.


    "Bet is engaged? To which family''s daughter? Don''t tell me it''s still that actress,"


    Mrs. Thompson Sr. said, her tone a mix of shock and disdain.


    Frank shot back, "Mom, there''s no need to be so nasty. Grandpa started with nothing, and you came. from the countryside yourself. When did a few years offort make you start looking down on people?"


    "Are you talking back to me for that little tramp, Frank? Are you trying to kill me with anger?!" Mrs. Thompson Sr. fumed.


    "If all you want to talk about is Bet''s fiancée, then we have nothing more to say," Frank interrupted her.


    That brought Mrs. Thompson Sr. back to the matter at hand. Sheposed herself and spoke again "Ynda is carrying the Thompson. family first grandson. This is a huge celebration! Frank, as the grandfather, you can''t be stingy. You have to give the baby a wee gift, don''t you?"


    Frank stared at her without a word, waiting for what was toe. He was curious to


    see just how big Eden''s ambition had grown.


    His mother had one foot in the grave; everything she shamelessly demanded was, of course, for Eden.


    "The first grandson of the


    Thompson family is no small


    matter Why don''t you give half of


    your shares to the child? Eden can


    manage them until the boyes of age."


    After she spoke, Frank was silent for a long moment.


    Eden wantedpany shares. He wanted to challenge Bet for power. The most


    dangerous thing in the world was a man who didn''t know his own limitations.


    "Are you finished?" Frank asked.


    Perhaps even Mrs. Thompson Sr. felt her request was a bit much.