American comics: Only I know the plot

Chapter 82 Betrayal

Frances knelt down beside Copperpott and gently placed her rough palms on the back of his hand.

Her palms, calloused from years of hard work, were unusually warm, dispelling the chill from Copeport's fingertips.

"I've told you since you were little that you're different from those who laugh at you."

Her voice was soft, with a calming gentleness, "You can endure hardships that others cannot endure, and you can wait for opportunities that others cannot wait for."

All this preparation over the years wasn't meant for you to back down at the last minute.

Copeport's Adam's apple bobbed, and his gaze fell on the wrinkles at the corners of his mother's eyes.

Over the years, whether he was called a clown or trampled underfoot, Frances was always the one who stood behind him, believed in him, supported him, and encouraged him.

Frances will always be the one who believes in him, stands behind him, supports him, and encourages him.

"Gotham is your territory, and it shouldn't be taken away by outsiders."

Frances gripped Copport's hand tightly, her voice growing more resolute, her fingertips turning slightly white from the pressure.

In her heart, her son will always be the best.

"Those people look down on you, laugh at you, and treat you like a penguin for their amusement."

But you need to let them know that you can stand where they can never reach, making them all have to look up to you.

The aroma of hot milk filled the room, and the warmth made Copeport feel incredibly cozy.

Looking into his mother's eyes, where there was no reservation, his previously wavering thoughts suddenly settled down.

That hesitation and timidity gradually dissipated under the burning desire of ambition.

"I understand, Mother."

He raised his hand and grasped his mother's hand in return, conveying his determination through the strength of his fingertips.

Frances smiled, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothed out, like blooming chrysanthemums.

She stood up and gently straightened Copperfield's wrinkled collar.

"Go, my child, do what you're fighting for. No matter what happens, I'll be with you."

Cobb walked to the bedside table, picked up the glass of hot milk, and drank it all in one gulp.

The warm liquid slid down my throat and spread from my stomach to every part of my body.

He took out his phone, found He Mang's number, paused his fingertip on the screen for half a second, and pressed the call button.

The phone was answered after only two rings, and He Mang's deep, hoarse voice came from the other end, mixed with faint noise.

"Mr. Cobblestone."

"Mr. He Mang."

Cobb walked to the bedside, slowly sat on the bed, looked at the bare wall, and spoke in a steady and firm voice.

"Based on our previous agreement, I think our cooperation can be even closer."

Sofia is back, and she won't let us live in peace. Only by joining forces can we protect everything we have now.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by He Mang's buzzing voice, "You choose the location."

"An abandoned steel mill on the outskirts of the city. See you in an hour."

Cobb hung up the phone, put it back in his pocket, and his eyes sharpened again.

As long as his mother Frances stood by him, he would not be afraid even if he had to fight against the whole world.

Cobblestone picked up his cane, turned and walked out of the room, his steps steady and without the slightest hesitation.

Copeland traveled by car to the steel mill, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed from the bustling city to the desolate suburbs.

High-rise buildings have been replaced by low bungalows and abandoned factories, and the air is filled with the pungent smell of rust and gasoline.

The weeds on both sides of the road grew wildly, over the guardrails, and swayed wildly in the wind, like a group of lurking wild beasts.

The steel plant has been abandoned for many years. The tall factory buildings are mottled and covered with bullet holes and graffiti.

The half-closed iron gate was rusty and creaked in the wind.

Cobbler gestured for the driver to pull over to a secluded spot on the side of the road, and then closed his eyes to rest in the car.

Cope, who was sitting in the back seat with his eyes closed, did not notice that the driver's phone, hidden in his clothes, lit up almost imperceptibly.

"Mr. Cobblestone, it's time to wake up."

When Cobblestone woke up again, he found himself tied to a chair.

Two burly men were staring at him with ferocious expressions, while his driver stood in the corner of the factory, head down, not daring to meet his gaze.

"Who are you, and why are you arresting me?"

Without hesitation, Cobbett asked about the other party's purpose directly, "If it's for money, name your price, and I'll have it delivered right away."

Copeport was about to say something more when he was interrupted by a sudden voice.

"Clang—"

The iron gate behind him was suddenly slammed shut, the heavy sound echoing through the factory and startling dust into falling.

Cobo turned his head and saw Sofia leaning against the iron gate, arms crossed, a cold smile on her lips.

The black skirt was lifted by a corner by the wind, then quickly fell back down.

Behind her stood several burly men in black, each with a fierce look in their eyes, like a pack of vicious dogs poised to pounce.

"Mr. Cobblestone, I advise you not to waste your breath."

Sofia walked slowly closer, her high heels clicking dully on the concrete.

"You think you can stand up to me by teaming up with Maroney's men? Cobblestone, you're being incredibly naive."

Copter's back tensed instantly, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Miss Sophia, I don't know what you're talking about. We are all members of the Falcone family."

The Maroni family are our mortal enemies; how could I possibly ally with those guys?

His tone was incredibly sincere, inspiring confidence.

Sofia didn't respond to him, but just gave a disdainful sneer.

Where exactly is Alberto?

Sophia slowly approached, her eyes suddenly turning sinister. "Tell me, and I can give you a quick death, so you won't have to die a horrible one."

Cobbler pursed his lips, said nothing, and just stared coldly at Sophia.

He knew very well that no matter what he said now, this woman would not let him go.

As for telling the truth, it would only make this crazy woman torment him even more.

Sofia chuckled and snapped her fingers.

Two burly men emerged from behind the steel frame, carrying a red-hot furnace in their hands.

The coal in the stove was burning fiercely, and a soldering iron was stuck inside.

The two burly men put down the furnace, and one of them took the branding iron out of the furnace.

The soldering iron hissed and steamed, instantly filling the air with a pungent, burnt smell.

Copeport could clearly feel the uncomfortable heat from the soldering iron, even from several meters away.

"It seems you won't shed a tear until you see the coffin."

Sofia stepped forward, raised her hand, and pinched Cobbot's chin, forcing him to look up.

The crazy woman's grip was so strong that she almost crushed his bones.

"I like tough guys the most, because the feeling of being in control after you break through their defenses gives me an unparalleled sense of pleasure."

After Sofia finished speaking, she stretched out her right hand toward the big man, staring at Copport with a fierce look in her eyes.

The big man handed the branding iron to Sophia, and her fingertips twitched slightly as she took it.

It was obvious that she was also feeling some discomfort from the high temperature of the branding iron, but her face still had that crazy expression.

The scorching hot iron was slowly brought close to Copport's cheek, the intense heat burning his skin.

Sweat instantly welled up on Copport's forehead, sliding down his cheeks and dripping onto the ground, splashing up tiny specks of dust.