680 A Nightmare

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Daniel destroyed everyone’s mood with that single. Most young people in the house were close to rolling their eyes toward heaven, but they just didn’t.

The fear of Daniel was the beginning of wisdom. Marcel was not the only one who detested the man, however, he was the only one who openly showed his dislike. Others were just too scared that Daniel would come after them if they openly disrespected him. So they simply endured him like a pest and talked behind his back instead.

Each of them knew that Daniel could not take their life without drawing the attention of the others but then, who knows what was going on in his mind. They believed Daniel was a psychopath and could manipulate their death in such a way that their parents would not even be able to suspect him. So yeah, they really hated his ass – and his son, Marcel.

“Does your father ever give up?” Victor leaned closer and whispered into his ears.

Marcel lifted his gaze only for it to connect with his father’s instead, Daniel was watching their interaction.

“Don’t encourage him,” Marcel said to Victor who lifted his gaze as well and saw Daniel as well. He got Marcel’s point and sat up straight without saying a word.

Daniel prided himself on being respected. Except that his definition of being respected means being feared by everyone. Hence he knew instinctively that Victor had been talking about him and he took pleasure from that. The buzz. The attention. The respect. It was his drug.

“Dear brother, you do have a knack for being dramatic, but let’s hear you out nonetheless,” Carmine was technically another person who could speak to him without fear as well.

“I suggest that we establish a committee.”

.....

“A small committee?” Carmine was surprised by the idea while Marcel’s brow quirked, knowing instinctively that the man was about to ruin his mood as usual. His other uncles shifted on their seats when they saw this was another opportunity to exercise their power again.

With Marcel in power, Daniel and Carmine, and the rest of their family have more authority in the organization. However, if one of their own children becomes the Don, there would be a great seismic change and power would change hands, returning to their side of the family after a long time.

Unfortunately, for that to happen, Marcel would have to abdicate the position – or pass away. But then, none of them saw that happening anytime soon, not with Daniel guiding the boy like a mother hen. Hence, the alliance the three of them – Daniel, Robert, and Benjamin – had was only temporary because each of them had their own ulterior motive.

“Yes, a committee that would oversee the case,” Daniel announced with a brilliant smile.

“Are you kidding me right now? This is my job,” Marcel told him sternly.

“A job that you failed to handle in the first place. I told you, your accident rate is increasing nowadays and we need a success rate in this particular case without a hitch this time,” He reminded Marcel before turning to the others saying, “Does anyone support the creation of this committee that I would personally oversee.”

From the disgruntled look on Robert and Benjamin’s faces, it was obvious that they didn’t want Daniel as the head of the committee. But of course, the man was smart to take over before any of them could make a move. That annoying prick!

Daniel waited for the support of the people in the room, his eyes daring each of them not to be on his side. It was at that time that Robert and Benjamin realized that he had been using them all along – when they thought that they could benefit something from following him – because they were the first to raise their hands.

Thanks to the support of the elders, the others had no choice but to join in and support him as well. Literally, everyone in the room had their hands in the air all except Marcel, Victor, Adele, and Carmine. However, the woman, seeing that Daniel’s supporters were numerous and that she was losing out, had no choice but to lift her hand as well.

historical

“Mom!” Victor whined. That was a low blow. He thought that she was on their side no matter what.

“It’s honestly not a bad idea,” Carmine told him, “You kids are young and temperamental, it wouldn’t be a bad thing having an elder with experience overlook the case and provide assistance.” She gave her reasons.

An elder with experience, his butt! Marcel swore inwardly. He didn’t believe that Daniel was here to help with the case, no, he merely wanted the authority to make his life more miserable. Marcel already had this thought about why his father wanted Elijah and he didn’t like it one bit.

Elijah took Arianna, what if Daniel wanted to get his hands on her or in the worst-case scenario, reconnect with his old lover, Arianna’s mother? He wanted to throw up. It was sick.

The voting was over and Daniel won. And when he stood up to his feet, a round of applause followed him.

“Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for your support ...” He bowed his head slightly, pretending to be appreciative as the claps finally died off.

He went ahead to say, “I am not worthy of this position, but the only thing I can promise you is that I would use the resources at my disposal and find a more friendly way of resolving this conflict, possibly without the promise of war and tension.”

Daniel gestured to Marcel, “With my brilliant son Marcel and the Don of the family by my side, I believe that we would achieve great things together as long as this case lasted.” He said as another round of applause filled the room.

“I’m so pumped up! Woo-hoo! Can’t wait to see father and son in action!” Marcel made a jab at him while clapping enthusiastically.

This was a nightmare.