Chapter 106: The Return
Thud.
The door of the black SUV shut with a dull sound that echoed through the parking area in front of the Volskey residence. The damp morning air greeted Agatha's face as she stepped down. She pulled her long wool coat tighter. Xavier stood beside her, his arm immediately wrapping around her waist. Pierre followed behind them, carrying the leather medical bag he always held.
"Breathe steadily," Xavier whispered right into Agatha's ear.
Agatha only gave a small nod. She composed her features to remain pale but no longer deathly. Their footsteps on the marble terrace floor were rhythmic. Tap. Tap. Tap.
The large main doors swung open. Two guards bowed respectfully. At the end of the grand hall stood Cardios Volskey. The old man held a black wooden cane with a silver head. Beside him, Melynda stood with her hands clutching each other in front of her chest. Her face was puffy from crying.
"Agatha! Oh, thank God you are back!" Melynda cried. She ran toward them.
Melynda immediately pulled Agatha into an embrace. She examined her daughter in law's face closely. "How are you? Pierre said you had severe complications. Why was there no word for three days?"
"I am much better, Mother. I am sorry for making you worry," Agatha answered. Her voice sounded stable. She gave a thin smile that appeared sincere.
Xavier released his hold and stepped forward to face his grandfather. "The toxin removal procedure at the emergency medical center took longer than expected. Pierre had to ensure no residual substances endangered her heart."
Cardios did not answer immediately. His sharp eyes narrowed. He looked at Pierre, who stood stiffly behind Xavier. "Three days without periodic reports, Pierre."
Pierre bowed slightly. "My apologies, Don Cardios. My focus was entirely consumed by stabilizing Mrs. Agatha's heart rate. Any small distraction could have been fatal to the neutralization process."
Cardios shifted his gaze back to Agatha. He walked slowly toward her. The sound of his cane tapping against the marble floor felt heavy with pressure. Thump. Thump. Thump.
"You look quite fresh for someone who just escaped death, Agatha," Cardios said in a deep voice.
Agatha did not look away. She met the old man's gaze. "The desire to survive for the sake of this child gave me extra strength."
"Mmh," Cardios hummed shortly. He turned around. "Go inside. Melynda has prepared a large lunch. You need nutrition."
They walked toward the dining room. The atmosphere felt incredibly quiet, save for the clinking of silverware being set by servants in the distance. Clang. The sound of porcelain plates touching the teak table was sharp.
Melynda pulled out a chair for Agatha. "Sit down, dear. I asked the chef to cook your favorite rib soup."
"Thank you, Mother," Agatha replied.
Xavier sat beside Agatha. He poured a glass of water for his wife. "Drink."
Cardios sat at the head of the table. He did not touch his food. He only looked at Xavier and Agatha alternately. "The situation outside is unstable. Yesterday's attack left many security gaps in the Vaois residence."
Xavier stopped the movement of his hand holding the spoon. "What do you mean?"
"I have ordered the construction team to completely overhaul the security system and building structure at the Vaois residence. The repairs will take at least several months," Cardios explained.
"So we have to stay here?" Xavier asked. His tone remained flat, showing neither rejection nor agreement.
"Exactly. I do not want to take any more risks. While the repairs at the Vaois residence are underway, you will all stay here. Under my direct supervision," Cardios stated firmly. He tapped his index finger on the table.
Melynda nodded quickly. "That is true, Xavier. I will feel much more at peace if you are both here. Agatha needs extra care, and Pierre can coordinate more easily with the family's main medical team."
Agatha glanced at Xavier. She could feel the tension starting to creep beneath the table, even though Xavier's face looked perfectly calm. "We will follow Grandfather's wishes if that is indeed what is best for security."
"Good. I am glad you are starting to understand your position, Agatha," Cardios replied. The man finally began to pick up his spoon.
Lunch proceeded in a stiff silence. There were only the sounds of chewing and the swallowing of water. Agatha tried to finish her soup even though waves of nausea appeared occasionally. She knew Cardios's eyes were constantly watching her from across the room.
After they finished eating, Xavier helped Agatha stand. "We will go to our room to rest."
"Please. I have asked the servants to prepare your room in the west wing," Melynda said.
They climbed the stairs slowly. Once inside the room, Xavier immediately locked the door. Click. He checked every corner of the room, ensuring no new listening devices were installed.
Agatha sat on the edge of the large bed. She let out a long breath. "He is very suspicious, Xavier. I can feel it from the way he looks at me."
Xavier approached Agatha. He knelt in front of his wife and held both her hands. "He is always suspicious of everyone. But we have passed the hardest part. He believes we were at the emergency medical center."
"But staying here for several months? That is the same as walking back into a cage," Agatha whispered.
"This is only temporary. I will make sure the repairs at the Vaois residence go faster than his plan," Xavier said. He kissed the palm of Agatha's hand.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door. Tok. Tok. Tok.
"Who is it?" Xavier asked sharply.
"It is I, Pierre, sir. I have brought additional vitamins for the Madam."
Xavier opened the door. Pierre entered with a face that looked slightly pale. He handed a small bottle of capsules to Xavier. However, as Pierre was about to turn and leave, he whispered something that was almost inaudible.
"Don Cardios is asking for the original medical records from the emergency center tonight," Pierre whispered.
Xavier tensed. Pierre immediately left the room before anyone could see them whispering. Xavier closed the door softly. He stared at the vitamin bottle in his hand.
"What is it?" Agatha asked. She saw the change in her husband's expression.
Xavier walked toward the window. He looked down at the courtyard, where Cardios was standing with two men in black he did not recognize. One of the men was carrying a very familiar silver briefcase.
"Grandfather is not just suspicious, Agatha," Xavier murmured.