The manor was usually empty, onlying to life when Bet returned.


    Frank and Emma only ever smiled when they saw their son.


    Frank had just gotten out of bed when a staff member told him his son was home. He immediately instructed them to brew some fresh tea and prepare a few of Bet''s favorite dishes.


    The staff, of course, didn''t dare dy and hurried to get everything ready.


    By the time Bet walked in, the tea had already been served.


    "Have some," Frank said with a smile, sitting on the sofa. "It''s a special blend from this year''s first harvest. I just had them make a fresh pot."


    "Thanks," Bet said with a nod, sitting down across from Frank without much expression.


    "If you don''t like tea, I can have them make you some coffee. We have some excellent imported beans, the kind you young people prefer." Frank immediately instructed a staff member to brew some for Bet.


    "Don''t trouble yourself. The tea is fine," Bet said, lifting the cup to his lips. After a small sip, he added, "I came back because there''s something I need to talk to you about."


    "I knew you wouldn''t show up this early without a reason," Frank said, pointing a finger at him. "Are you short on cash? Or is there something you want to buy? A house, a car? Don''t worry, your father will get it for you, no matter the price."


    Bet listened in silence, but his expression darkened slightly.


    Frank''s smile faded. "Son, you''re not in trouble, are you? What is it? Don''t worry, I''m here for you. Even if you bring the whole world down on your head, I''ll still protect you."


    "Your son did indeed get into trouble, but it wasn''t me—" Before Bet could finish, Emma came downstairs.


    "Bet''s home? Why are you back so early? Did something happen?" Emma, still


    in her pajamas and slippers, rushed down, her face etched with worry.


    Seeing Emma, Bet''s expression instantly changed. He walked over with a warm smile. "Why didn''tjou put on a robe beforeing down? What if you catcha chill?


    "Oh, you silly boy, you''ll be the death of me! What happened?" Emma said, swatting his chest in frustration.


    Bet clutched his chest, feigning a look of injury.


    "Ouch, ouch, ouch. You''ve killed me."


    "Where does it hurt? Are you really injured?" Emma asked in a panic, starting to pull at his clothes.


    "Mom, Mom, it''s broad daylight. Pulling at my clothes like this... it''s a bit much, don''t you think?" Bet said,ughing as he gently stopped her hands.


    "You little rascal, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Emma swatted him a few more times.


    "Bet, making your mother angry first thing in the morning? You''re just asking for trouble," Frank chimed in, feigning a scolding tone.


    "You two are a pair, neither one of


    you is any good," Emma said, ring at Frank before turning back to


    Bet. "Seriously, why are you


    home so early? Are you trying to kill me with suspense?"


    "It''s nothing. I just came home to have breakfast with you both. What, am I not wee?" Bet asked with a smile.


    Emma replied, "What''s with the sudden disy of affection? Since when do you remember toe home and eat with your old parents?"


    "Our son''s a married man now. He''s an adult, he''s grown up," Frank said with a cating smile, then


    immediately turned to a staff


    member. "Is breakfast reve


    "Yes, sir. It''s all ready," the staff member replied.