ELLIOT LANCASTER POV
I had ditched my class for the first time in my life because I didn't have the stomach to attend the class looking like a loser. When I got home there was no one at home and all the maid were working their butts off with each minding their lanes of communication. It was so suffocating to even be a Lancaster because there was nothing to it and I wished I wasn't even born.
When I got into my room I threw my back pack straight into the bed and began crashing down on things like a maniac, destroying the paintings, tables, bedsheets or anything I could find. The psychiatrist at the university said I had developed bipolar disorder and ADHD due to mental fatigue but I had refused to believe it well I think she was right because nothing in our home was worthwhile. Mum was busy shopping,Dad was busy with the company, Jake is dead, Phineas was an asshole of a brother and Drake was on my case taunting me with each time he had the chance to.
I was struggling on my own and drowning in my emotions but there was no one to listen to me babble about it . Staring at the mess I had made and the hands that had made them I fell face flat into my bed letting my emotions overwhelm me as a tears trailed down my cheeks.
FEW HOURS LATER(8:00 PM)
I had woken up to the sound of banging doors and overwhelming headaches that threatened to split my skull into two halves. I wiped my teary cheeks with the back of my palm as I stood up from the bed kicking the debris of the torn paintings aside before making my way into the bathroom.
After a quick hot shower I went straight to my drawer putting on my black hoodie and a pair of pants. The aftermath of the chaos I caused in the room laid before me and I began cleaning up tossing each and every piece into the trash can beside my study table.
However I was about picking the last piece of garbage up when there was a loud pounding on the door.
I scrunched my nose balling my fist as I walked straight to the door. "What the hell is wrong with you?! I said keep off and fuck everyone in this shit hole! I exclaimed in a baritone voice as I opened the door. The maid stood at the door with tears in her eyes and a trembling hand that held her dress. "What the hell is wrong with you all what part of stay away can't you understand?!
She stared at me fearfully her hazel eyes glistening as she bows her head down to avoid my angry face. "Young master your dinner is ready and the master has ordered that you join them at the table. She stammered tearfully as she wiped her cheeks with the back of her palm.
I scowled biting the membrane of my cheek so bad that a metallic taste flooded my mouth. "Becky you will go back and tell them I'm not hungry. I warned almost banging the door when my father walked up to my door pushing her aside before giving me a punch on the face. "What the ..... So you like that don't you Nicolas Lancaster? You seek to control me like you did to Jake ? Well take a big guess he is dead and it's all your fucking fault!
His expression darkened his gaze dripping with venom and hatred. "You will go downstairs and eat like a gentleman rather than moping like a hooligan that you are and you better not make me repeat myself. He threatened walking downstairs.
Becky hurried to my side her hand palmed my cheeks as she tried to examine the situation and nature of the bruise but I pushed her away before heading to the dinning room.
AT THE DINNER TABLE
The table was arranged in a suitable manners, the linen and silverwares were arrayed magnificently with everyone sitting in their respective position. I had always been rebellious and chose to sit at the far end of the dinner table and no one had any objection to it.
My mum clears her throat at the awkwardness of the moment and decided to lighten the mood by signaling the maid to distribute the pastries but I declined rolling my eyes at her before dishing out a portion of food from the pot myself.
Dad glared at me menacingly before wrapping his napkin around his neck. "So sweetie how was the shopping mall I hope you enjoyed yourself? He asked slicing his bacon before handing over to mum who smiled delightfully.
"Honey it was an euphoria and my friends were delighted. She smiled kissing him on his lips. "Now let's not talk about me all the time, shall we? Now Ellie how was the university today?
I almost threw up upon hearing her speak and I couldn't resist the urge to roll my eyes in disgust at her. "So you finally decided to ask weren't you just discussing about your mall trip? I suggest you stick to that and stop trying to suck up to me because it sucks.
My Dad was furious he folds his fists before banging them on the table. His gaze lingered on mum's face before turning his attention to me. "You will not speak to your mother in such condescending tone young man! He barked in a baritone voice as mum held his hand tightly.
"I didn't say anything bad, did I?bi asked in a mocking tone shifting the empty plate to the side of the table. "You know sometimes I wonder if you're my mum or a surrogate because you know nothing about me and you don't care because I'm not a Gucci brand or a Dior .
Mum was stunned beyond belief and the expression on her face was priceless making her speechless. "That's not true Ellie you can't say that about me. She defends heading towards my direction. She tried to take my hand but I pushed her aside.
"You all disgust me and maybe that's why Jake died because you all drove him to madness. Estella and Nicolas it was all you and no one else to blame because he deserved your love and care but fuck you,you and you. I cursed screaming at them.
Dad was furious and he lunges at me with such an animosity that I had never seen in him before. "Shut up Elliot Lancaster! Jake died as a result of his carelessness from making the same mistake as you are making. He said ramming me itno the wall. "Now shut up and go to your room.
I smirked pushing him off my body before giving him a disgusted look. "Thought you'd never ask. I'd like to inform you that you deserve his resentment and I disgust the name Lancaster because they're bunch hooligans who can't even man up to their errors. I roared angrily walking up to my room.
Once I was upstairs I pushed the door open and without hesitation I slammed the door before throwing myself unto my bed. I could here my mum wailing from downstairs and my dad cursing like he always do when things didn't go according to plan but I didn't care because this house were filled with toxic psychopaths who look picture prefect to the media but underneath they were far from peaceful.
THE NEXT MORNING
The morning sun ray infiltrated by room ushering it light and warmth through the half closed curtains. It's magnificence was accompanied by the melodious sounds of the birds chirping on the almond tree next to my window. My stomach growled loudly reminding me that I didn't consume much as a result of the outburst from yesterday . I was just about to take a shower when a light knock was heard on the door making me marvel at such an early disturbance.
I walked to the door hurried with a bat in my hand as I hurriedly opened the door preparing to land a hit but it was Becky at the door. "Shit! Beck what the hell are you doing up here do you have any idea that I could have hit you on the head? I inquired carefully observing the wrapped package in her hand.
She smiled softly pushing me back into my room as she followed carefully closing the door. "I know young master that you don't like to be disturbed at such an hour but I couldn't sleep a wink knowing you didn't eat much last night so I brought some of the croissant I had hid away. She replied handing over the wrapped package to me.
I grabbed it lightly carefully unwrapping the basket as I observed it with a disgusted expression laced all over my face. "You shouldn't be doing that I mean like if that old geezer catches you Becky that's a game over for you and you need this job. I reprimanded before sitting on the bed as I chewed on the croissant greedily. "Phineas would definitely tell them and don't forget how cruel he is.
A faint smile played on her lips as she racked her fingers in my disheveled hair before cupping my cheeks like she had done yesterday. "No worries no one would find out and you shouldn't take such risk at annoying your father. It's not a wise path you're walking on I can't bear to see you hurt. She confessed sadly before wiping her tears with the back of her palm. "You should enjoy your life and stop trying to walk in the shadow of someone else.
I was speechless at her display of affection. I could see the softness and tenderness in her eyes as they held unreadable emotions. "You know nothing about me Becky I respect you as a friend because you're always there to cheer me up but don't say anything like you know me. I said trying to be as neutral as I could be so as not to scare her off. "Now we won't have this conversation ever again.
Becky stood up hastily her gaze lingering on me for a while before averting it's focus to the piece of destroyed paintings in the trash can. "I know you even though you say I don't I do. She points out tearfully before picking the trash can up in her arm. "You're hurting yourself by trying to prove what you're not and I won't sit fine with it Elliot! You can't try to hide the truth for long how many paintings have you destroyed for all this shenanigan huh?
"Becky you're crossing the borderline and It won't sit well. I warned pacing back and forth raking my head as I tried to contain my anger. "Just shut the hell up please Becky I'm tired I don't have to deal with you now.
"I won't and you will listen to me Elliott! You've destroyed sixty nine paintings all of your life work. I know you're hurting but this isn't the Elliot I know okay. She chimed putting the trash can down to the floor as she walks towards me. "We've been friends for a decade every since my parents started working here and I know you more than anyone. Stop doing this and pull yourself together Jake is dead and he isn't coming back.
Her words hit me like a nail into the head and without thinking I rammed her straight into the wall with my hands tightened on her throat. "Shut the fuck up! You don't get to speak about Jake like that! No one knows him and no one understands him. I defend still tightening my hands on her throat despite her struggles to pull them off her. "Elliot from ten years ago isn't coming back Becky get over him because this is the real Elliot. If you think I don't know you're in love with me then you must be joking but I'll never be in love with a piece of worthless trash like you.
I released her throat finally registering what I had said to her. She glared at me menacingly as she gasped for breathe and without saying anything she clenched her fist tightly before hitting me square on the face.
"You're a monster Elliott just like Jake and that's why no one not even Heather understands him. She snapped pushing me away before picking up the trash can as she left the room slamming the door.
"I'd rather be a monster who can stand up for himself rather than a tool used by the Nicolas Lancaster. I vowed wiping the blood on my bruise lips. "Great it's good to have such wounds all over again.
Watching her leave caused a heart wrecking sensation throughout my being but I wasn't going to dwell on such feelings as they were sign so weakness. Her words sank deep into my skull and she was partly right but my mind was made up and I wasn't going back to being the Elliott everyone knew as a pushover instead I was going to be something much worse and terrible.
DRAKE'S POV.
(AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE, SIGIT EAGLE MANSION)
I couldn't help but smile at how lovely Heather was while sleeping. She had clinged unto me like a monkey on a tree begging me in her sleep not to leave but I could only bet that she won't have the confidence to face me after such an incidence. The scene kept replaying in my mind and I could only wonder why she was the only one who affected me the way others couldn't and I hadn't realise that I was smiling out loud like a teenager in love.
Aaron whispered into my ears reverting my gaze back to the Russell who were now watching me with amusement and confusion in their eyes and so did the maids who also bent their head fearfully avoiding my gaze.
"Someone's in a good mood Mr Xavier makes me wonder who's the lucky lady? Mrs Russell asked sipping her wine with enthusiastic expression plastered on her face.
I cleared my throat slicing the steak in my plate carefully trying to ease the awkwardness. "Nothing Mrs Russell there's no lucky girl. I denied taking a piece of steak into my mouth. "Sorry for the delayed time yesterday I just wanted to make sure you were less tensed like you were yesterday so I could have a soothing and comfortable conversation.
Mr Russell stares at his wife for a second with a don't bother asking expression on his face and his wife complied not daring to ask further. His gaze lingers for a while then a small smile spreads across his lips briefly fading as fast as they showed up.
"That's not a bother Mr Xavier we enjoyed our stay here and we couldn't thank you enough for the kind hospitality. He said in a formal tone. " I believe we can get into business like we had intended to.
I smiled at his eagerness and tenacious behaviour with a flick of my palm everyone deserted the room except Aaron who carefully surveyed the environment for any hidden bugs or loophole. "Now I believe we can get down to business as we had intended Mr Russell but be gentle then walls have ears. I smiled signaling him to drop his phone into the golden basin in Aaron's hand. "You'll be getting that back as soon as we've reached an agreement and I hope you don't mind.
He nods calmly staring as our gaze clashed with each other struggling for who would be triumphant in observing or reading the enemies mind but yet again he was careful in shielding his emotions and so was I but Mrs Russell felt uncomfortable under our scrutinizing gaze.
"Young master the coast is clear now you can proceed with the discussion. Aaron whispered before walking out of the room now standing guard at the entrance.
His hand disappeared into his suit but his eyes never left my face then he brought out a file from inside his suit. It was enclosed in a plastic wrap and he tossed it over to my side of the table. "Mr Xavier these are all the evidence of crimes committed in Russia over the past three weeks and it has caused a great loss to the underworld in the Russian territory but I believe it's a headed for the UK next.
I scanned the paperwork with great precision not missing out on the tiniest details and after a while I heaved in a sigh of relief still maintaining a calm exterior. "I believe you know I'm not a detective Mr Russell so why is this in my hands instead of the law enforcement? I asked feigning ignorance about the consequences.
He smirked showing his dissatisfaction in my response but then he only proceeds to showing me a picture he had just brought out of his suit. "We're here because we've done that already but it only led to the death of more police officers who were working for us and some were threatened if they meddled in the affairs. He replied sliding the picture over to my side. "We couldn't proceed further with the case to avoid catching the attention of the HR alliance for gangsters affairs but then some motherfucking assholes sent threat letters to my kids and now they can't leave the house without fear of being shot or kidnapped.
"Randall was shot last week at his basketball practice class now he is in a coma but the doctor said the bullet missed his vitals by 2.5 inches and that was a close call. He added gritting his teeth.
The tension in the room had escalated from peaceful something dangerous. I skimmed over the document and pictures skillfully analysing the reports carefully placing each piece of the jigsaw to match the puzzle.
"You're dealing with a sadistic killer and all the murders were committed by one group working together to oust your control over Russia since they're targeting your casinos and that of those supporting you. I pointed out skillfully and he nods in agreement and surprised expression that couldn't be written off. "Believe it or not they are mercenaries just look at the slit on their throats it can only be done by a mercenary. The wound isn't that deep but it's fatal and neatly done like the was done with a laser.
He clicked his tongue nervously almost in disagreement but after accessing the picture he nods placing them back on the table. "We almost came to such conclusions but the results after surveillance showed there was no laser in the room and the forensic showed the same. He responds flipping the page to the forensic records. "Here there wasn't a weapon found but the report said there were traces of Trichloracetaldehyde or chloral (Aquachloral) in their blood streams.
"Hypnotic drugs? Exactly the drugs would never work in foods so they were produced as incense and added to air conditioner weren't they? I asked crossing my arms as he nods. "These drugs techniques are frequently used by the Japanese ninja federation but such knife skills aren't a native to them as far as I know but it's a corrupt version of a technique called the Hanobu jutusyi.
"Those pesky Japanese! He cursed under his breathe as he refrains himself from acting out. "There was a request from the itadori Yakuza to join them in creating an alliance that was unstoppable but I refused knowing to well it was all a fools gold. The head of the clan threatened to kill the former mafia king if he didn't join the alliance but we turned it down.
I smiled lighting a cigarette which I watched as it burns slowly. "The itadori yakuza's has a legacy for not using corrupt skills but that doesn't mean that the yagami clan their closest relatives wouldn't so you are likely to be dealing with two mighty clan. I said in a cold voice carefully observing and reading up his body language. "You look tensed Mr Russell powerful men don't behave that way, don't they?
He heaved in a sigh of relief loosening up his grip on the fork. The frown on his face eased up a little bit and he stood up walking in front of me until he fell on both knees. "My father had always thought me that a knee is a man's pride Mr Xavier and I don't mind giving it up to the right person to protect my family members from harm. He remarked bowing his head until he was face flat. "I'd do anything it takes if only you could help me defeat the yagami and the itadori Yakuza to ensure my family safety.
Mrs Russell rushed to her husband side to pull him up but he screamed at her pushing her away as he continues to kneel with his face on the ground. "I can't give you wealth and power but I can give you my undying loyalty as far as you agree to help me. He stated unwilling to move from his position.
I stood up from my seat and knelt down with one knee to meet his gaze. His grey eyes looked stressed, scared and panicked at the same time unsteady but behind those exterior lies a trustworthy assurance.
"I'll help you Mr Russell but things don't just come for free and you're willing to do anything don't you think you should reconsider such an offer like your beloved wife is asking? I inquired curiously in a mocking tone.
"No Mr Xavier I've thought about this ever since Randall was shot and I'm done thinking it through because any further delays could lead to the death of someone that matters the most to me. He explained facing me with determination in his eyes. "I'm a man of my word willing to do whatever it takes.
I smiled admiring his courage and defiance but I couldn't let him enjoy the satisfaction of thinking he had pleased me. "Fine then! You own three Hundred casinos in Moscow alone and seven in Ukraine and all at target locations with good financial status. I said accessing his demeanor. "Well my service doesn't come for free so I want sixty percent the profit from each of the casino as payment for my good deed.
Mrs Russell gasped closing her mouth with her palm as tears streamed down her eyes. "That's outrageous! You can't take his dream and years of hardwork away from his just like that. She barked almost choking on her tears.
"Fine then for my family I'm willing to pay the price. He agreed nodding his head. "I'll prepare the transfer documents this evening so you can start the plan process.
He wasn't done speaking when I burst into a uncontrollable laughter leaving him and his wife exasperated and in disbelief. The echoes of my laughter reverberated across the room and in an instant my face returned to it's usual demeanor now cold and dangerous. "I'm not a gold digger Mr Russell this is business of building ties and trusts not taxation. I'm looking for a trustworthy companion and you've proven yourself to be the right man for the job.
"What?! He inquired springing up to his feet. "You're not mocking me are you?
"I'm not a scoffer and it's for a good reason. You have won my approval and I'll help you on the condition that you remon loyal to me and support the sigit eagles in all their affairs as an external fortress. I remarked in a stern tone. "You're to send thirty percent shares to me every year without a breach and our cooperation continues to flourish. This is the document I prepared so sign right here.
He smiled hugging his wife before signing the documents. I was delighted because I didn't have to sweat to amass a fortune but I knew for sure no one would hurt the members of the sigit eagle cooperation and get away with it.