Capítulo 3: Preparation
Silence was the only response Audrey received, although it was only Briar who was shocked into silence. The others were merely waiting for Audrey to continue.
“Since when was there talk about the possible cooperation between the Capulet’s and Aldrich’s?” Briar sounded out dumbfoundedly after finding her voice.
“During the time you were cooped up in your research room, Briar.” Evangeline smiled tenderly and her eyes curved together with her smile.
“Shush angel, I can catch up on old news. My research on the other hand can’t wait.”
Evangeline shot down Briar’s paper-thin defence, “even mother, who isn’t involved or in contact with anyone in the syndicate, was aware of the possibility of cooperation with the Aldrich’s.”
Briar wilted into her chair and pouted, as she weakly tried to defend herself from her older sister’s admonishment of her unhealthy lifestyle.
While Juliet didn’t say anything and simply waited for Audrey’s instructions, she was making rearrangements to her schedule in her mind, in preparation for the upcoming cooperation.
Felix acted like it wasn’t her business. She was someone from an ordinary background. She married into the Capulet family and thus had no say or influence in the upper management of the syndicate. She didn’t have any interest in getting involved with the affairs of the syndicate either, she only cared about the safety of her family.
“The offer must be excellent to accept a deal to cooperate with our sworn enemy?” Noah leaned back into his seat and folded his arms over his chest, with the same unchanged gentle smile on his face. With his simple action, the atmosphere in the room turned more serious, and all eyes turned to Audrey.
Audrey felt no pressure from her father’s questioning. Instead, she saw the anticipation in his eyes. In response to it, a smirk slowly bloomed on Audrey’s face and a mocking laugh escaped her lips.
“Romeo Aldrich has promised to hand over the ownership to the Garden of Eden at the end of our cooperation.”
A loud thump was interrupted by Briar’s loud and piercing screech, “HUH?! THE GARDEN OF EDEN?!”
Briar stood up so abruptly that her chair got knocked over. Shocked still with both hands slapped on the table, Briar’s face completed the comical sight. Her eyes rounded into perfect circles and her mouth hung wide open.
Juliet ignored the ringing in her ears and reached over to help Briar close her mouth.
Noah ignored Briar’s outburst and calmly continued his questioning, “why?”
His one word carried multiple implications. It was Noah’s unique way of testing her, to see how much she had grown without his guidance and shelter. She had been given the freedom to run the syndicate without his interference.
Despite Noah’s serious attitude and his eyes never leaving Audrey, his hands were busy massaging Felix’s ear. However, no one paid any attention to his public display of affection. They had long grown used to their father’s tendency to show his love for their mother regardless of the time, place, and occasion.
Audrey steadily explained, “there’s a high risk that they’ve laid a trap for us in the operation. After all, if we die or can’t keep our end of the deal, then there’s no need for them to follow through with their word.
The Aldrich’s will definitely use this chance to, at the very least, weaken our forces. Even if they succeeded in taking over the power overseas, they would be too busy stabilising their position there and that’ll be our chance.
We can stall for time during our cooperation to assimilate the smaller clans in our territory and consolidate our power here. We’ll attack them while their forces and attention is scattered.
If we don’t act and miss this timing, they will definitely attack us brazenly, to wipe us out and snatch back the Garden of Eden. With their newfound power, even if we avoid getting eliminated, it’s likely we’ll get crippled with no chance of recovery. ”
“And you still accepted the deal?”
With a slight tilt of Audrey’s head and a sharp glint in her eyes, she resembled a queen that small tricks like this were beneath her notice.
“Although we have smaller manpower, we have stronger firepower. Not to mention our more advanced technology that we never brought out, and our financial power is slowly extending out of their reach. I don’t see why we’ll lose.”
Noah’s eyes narrowed as he asked once more, “so confident?”
Audrey’s only response to his provocation was a tiny smile gracing the corner of her lips.
Noah could only sigh at Audrey’s overflowing confidence and her guts to walk into a trap, but in no way was he against her decision.
Though it may come across as blind arrogance to most, Audrey is the daughter he had personally groomed to take over his position. He was the one who best understood Audrey’s capabilities. Because of this knowledge, he could only admit that Audrey does possess the abilities and qualities to be this arrogant. He only lamented that she had learnt her overbearing ways from him.
Seeing that her father had no objections, Audrey turned to Juliet and dished out instructions.
“You’ll be in charge of this operation. However, on the surface, Humphrey will act as your stand-in leader. While attention is directed onto Humphrey, your task is to gather and assimilate the smaller scattered forces into our force. Unless an emergency arises, keep your involvement in this operation to a minimum. To aid you in responding quickly to an emergency, I allow you to bring your exclusive weapons. However, use them only when you need to.”
Audrey then turned to Briar only to notice she still had her head in the clouds. Audrey knocked on Briar’s head to get her attention.
“Ah! What? What did I miss?” Though it wasn’t painful, Briar rubbed her head out of reflex, further messing up the bird’s-nest on her head.
“Was this important enough to excuse me for the crime of dragging you out of your hole?” Audrey teased with cunningness prevalent in her eyes.
The sight of Audrey staring at her like a predator toying with its prey highly alarmed Briar. A shiver ran down her spine and the fine hairs on her body stood on its ends. It was only bad news for Briar whenever Audrey stared at her like this.
Briar braced her arms in front of her body and squeaked. “Sure, it is, but I could’ve learnt about it later anyway. It wouldn’t have made much of a difference.”
Her shifty eyes roamed everywhere, stubbornly refusing to meet Audrey’s.
Audrey sighed loudly, causing Briar to jump in her chair.
“Stop attacking me mentally like that! I’m telling you, I’m not putting aside my current project for any reason!”
Before Briar could take off after shouting her piece, Audrey's voice pulled her to a stop.
“Not even for our Juju?”
A constipated expression painted on Briar’s face, it was deathly unpleasant to be forced to eat back her own words right after declaring so.
Briar’s head slowly creaked like a robot and finally met Audrey’s eyes, before crying out. “A king truly has a lower standing than a queen… How frustrating. Spit it out, what do you need from me?”
Audrey’s relaxed expression immediately turned solemn, emphasising the weight behind her following words.
“That whip that’s still in its live testing phase, I need it complete within 3 months.
The research for those contacts you pushed aside 6 months ago needs to be resumed immediately. Run it at the same time as the whip project and complete it in 5 months. I only require you to produce 1 pair of samples safe enough to use on the field. If you’re able to, you can directly customize it for Juliet’s use.
For all the materials and cost required for both projects, as long as it’s reasonable, run it directly to me and I’ll personally approve them immediately.”
Briar was overwhelmed just from imagining all the work of running the 2 projects simultaneously on such a tight schedule.
However, her success and failure could be the fine line between life and death for her beloved younger sister. In that case, failure is no longer an option. She can only succeed. It didn’t matter if she landed in the hospital again from exhaustion, it was no stranger to Briar.
As the resolve in Briar’s eyes congealed together with her determination, she threw out orders to her sisters like a commander on the battlefield.
“Juju, I’ll have your whip ready in 1 month and the contacts in 4. That way you’ll have more time to personally experience and practice using them.
Queen, keep your phone available at all times. 24/7.
Angel, no more needles. Please.”
After throwing down her orders, she flew back to her lab with her white robes flying behind her.
Juliet’s eyelids lowered slightly as she looked down, mentally rearranging her schedule and tasks again as she asked Audrey. “Do we let Humphrey know about my secret task?”
“Yes, he’ll serve as a diversion for you. The Aldrich should’ve already guessed that we’ll be aware and ready for whatever they have in store for us. It’ll be beneficial for you by giving them 1 more person to keep a close lookout for.”
“Understood. Then I’ll take my leave first to make early preparations.”
Juliet stood up after receiving Audrey’s nod, then made her way to find Briar in her lab.
Audrey still felt worried about Juliet’s safety even though she was well aware of Juliet’s combat ability. Juliet’s position as the leader of the Capulet Syndicate’s Team 1 was a testament to that.
Audrey’s eyes made contact with Evangeline’s. She hesitated about outrightly requesting her younger sister to prepare for the worst.
Though Evangeline had little participation in the meeting, she was able to deduce, by herself, that their current situation is only the calm before the storm. She’ll have to prepare for an influx of patients in the upcoming future. However, this is not something Audrey would need to check with her. So, Audrey’s hesitation must be regarding the safety of their youngest sister. Just like that, Evangeline understood the meaning of Audrey’s gaze. Audrey must be afraid that it would be an ominous sign should she voice out her concern.
Evangeline gave her signature soothing smile and indicated she had her area covered with a slight nod.
Audrey’s worries eased a little with Evangeline’s assurance.
Capítulo 4: The Weight of Emotions
Silently observing that the interaction between her first and second daughter was over, Felix piped up. “Where can I go?” Her eyes and voice overflowed with fighting spirit. However, it only seemed to exasperate Audrey and Noah.
Back when Felix was still a student, she never failed to claim the title of school bully. However, unlike stereotypical bullies, Felix never oppressed the students or robbed them of their lunch or money. Instead, she beat down the students who were disruptive in classes, protected her fellow students from outside threats, and restored peace and order to the school. Due to her accumulation of good deeds, Felix was seen as a godsend to the disciplinary team and the teachers faculty.
The contrast between her school title and her actions baffled the students and teachers alike. But as time passed, they soon understood how she came to be the school bully.
Felix was a fighting addict, but she was good natured. She believed it to be against her values to fight against a harmless person, so she sought out people whom she could fight with on fair grounds. This inadvertently made all the bullies and hooligans her prime target. Luckily for Felix, her natural talent in fighting allowed her to bring home victory most of the time.
It made sense how she ended up snatching the title of school bully.
No matter how much time had passed, Felix’s innate attraction to chaos never waned. Hence, whenever there was even a whiff of a fight around her, she always managed to find a way to get involved.
Noah attempted to help Audrey in redirecting Felix’s energy. “Sweetie, how about sparring with me instead?”
Felix scowled at Noah’s suggestion and spat out, “either you get to limit my range of activity or I’ll freely roam wherever the fight leads me to. I personally think that the first option is in your best interest.”
“Sweetie-”
Felix cut off Noah and challenged him, “you know best what happens if I’m left to my own devices.”
She then ignored Noah’s sulking and turned to Audrey.
“So, where can I go?”
Audrey sighed and compromised, “you can join Juliet. However, you must listen to her instructions and follow Team 1’s operation style. You must not stand out in any way. If you lose control and break this condition, you’re forbidden from joining in the rest of the fight.”
“I can control myself perfectly well, what do you take me for?” Felix crossed her arms and huffed.
Noah, Audrey, and Evangeline stared dismally at Felix, the countless memories of finding Felix in the middle of fights and its disastrous aftermath filled them with distrust.
“Mum… Please, hold back.” Evangeline pleaded on behalf of Audrey. The images of Felix’s victims flitted past her eyes.
The smallest injury dated till now was enough to render them hospitalised for 3 months. This itself was enough to testify for Felix’s tendency to go overboard.
Felix faltered from the stares of her daughters and husband and began doubting herself. Upon further reflection, she then relented and reigned in her eagerness.
“... I’ll try.” Felix promised weakly.
Audrey sighed, “that’s good enough.”
Audrey felt grateful for Evangeline’s ability to make their mother reflect on her actions. She couldn’t entrust anyone to keep an eye on Felix, not even their father. Noah had proven to be too unreliable to keep their mother under control.
When Audrey was still naive and believed in Noah, it resulted in him helping Felix wreck an even bigger havoc and covering for her. Audrey only learnt of this after one incident spiralled out of Noah’s control and he failed to cover it up. She lost her cool for the first time, and banned their involvement in the Syndicate’s activities for 2 years. Since then, she never trusted anyone to keep Felix under control.
Felix coughed in embarrassment and found an excuse to escape from Audrey’s accusatory eyes. Noah trailed after his wife, leaving Audrey and Evangeline alone at the dining table. They drank their tea in silence, seeking refuge in the comfort they found in the other’s presence.
A soft clink of porcelain interrupted the silence and Evangeline gently addressed Audrey’s worry.
“If you’re still worried, dad wouldn’t mind you asking for his help. In fact, you know he’ll be more than glad to.”
Audrey accepted Evangeline’s concern and attempt to console her. The image of a calm and collected woman wavered and crumbled under Evangeline’s softness.
Audrey whispered under her breath, “I can’t. If I get father involved, I’ll never win the acknowledgement of those sexist old fools for the rest of my life.”
The guilt and burden that had been hiding in her heart was exposed, and it started to multiply and grow rapidly under the light.
Evangeline frowned at the sight of Audrey's mental health cracking from the pressure of inheriting Noah’s position. As heart-breaking as it was, this was unfortunately unavoidable. It was something Audrey would have to go through, and hopefully come out stronger.
The only support Evangeline could provide for Audrey was to create a safe space for her to put her guard down, freely express herself, and breathe. And when it looks like Audrey is beginning to lose sight of herself, she will remind Audrey of the love and support she’s surrounded with.
“Like how you make your decisions, we make ours too. Juliet chose to fully utilise her talent in the frontlines and she understands what kind of position that puts you in. No matter what happens, no one will blame you. Not her, not us, and neither should you.
Our love is not fragile. We’ll always be there for you, Audrey, no matter your decision and growth.” Evangeline softly reminded her.
Audrey’s pupils dilated, and her fingers holding the tea cup trembled. She broke eye contact and dropped her head to stare at the half-empty tea cup.
Evangeline remained silent to give space for Audrey to think.
As Evangeline's tea was about to finish, Audrey mumbled. “We all make our own decisions, and I made mine the moment I took up father’s expectations of me.”
Audrey looked up and the light in her eyes reassured Evangeline.
“You’ve found your answer.” Evangeline smiled tenderly.
Audrey smiled and corrected Evangeline. “No, you helped me remember the decision I had made long ago. Thank you, Evangeline.”
Evangeline’s light laughter tinkled in Audrey’s ears.
As Audrey stood up, her demeanor changed, from a vulnerable sister who was confiding in another sister, back to a confident and steady leader.
She walked over to Evangeline and lightly squeezed her shoulder. Audrey’s icy eyes burned with a fierce light as she made a promise to Evangeline. “I’ll protect Juliet, nothing will happen to her as long as I’m alive.”
It was her turn to reassure Evangeline, like what a good older sister would do.
Evangeline looked up and took Audrey’s hands into hers. She held it firmly as her body heat warmed up Audrey’s slightly cooler hand. Her smile subtly changed into an endearing one with relief visible in her eyes.
“I know you will.”
A gentle smile graced Audrey’s lips and her cold features warmed up a little.
Evangeline patted Audrey’s hands before letting them go.
Audrey walked back to her seat, downed the remaining tea, then briskly returned to her study room. No doubt ready to burn the midnight oil, once more.
Evangeline picked up her cup, slowly drinking the unfinished tea with only her light breathing left to keep her company in the large dining room. Without warning, Evangeline’s unchanging gentle and amiable atmosphere turned sinister and bloodthirsty.
There was an itch in her bones, and the desire to see red, turbulent in her heart. She rubbed her fingers together, easing the itch to a bearable degree.
Her lowered eyelids did nothing to hide the violent brutality rampaging underneath the calm surface in her sea-blue eyes. She sighed as she muttered under her breath, “too bad I can’t touch those old fogeys…”
After Evangeline finished her tea, she stood up and made her way to the lift. Slow and steady footsteps echoed in the empty corridor.
She pressed the button leading to the family mansion’s underground prison, and patiently waited for the doors to open.
As the lift doors slid open, the familiar dark corridor with little lighting greeted her and swallowed her figure the deeper she walked in.
Not long after Evangeline disappeared in the murky darkness, anguished moans cried and screeched. The only discernible phrase that repeated like a broken radio was, “please, kill me!”
She looked on coldly at the writhing lump of flesh on the wooden table, vaguely resembling the outline of a human body, instinctively trying to run away from the pain.
She immersed her senses in the cries mixed in the bloody air, and with her eyes closed, she turned the crank on the torture device without mercy. The louder the screams, the bigger she smiled.
Just as the mess on the table was stretched to its limit and about to tear apart, Evangeline let go of the tension and the prisoner was left teetering on the line between life and death. Moans of anguish echoed around the steel walls, intermittently begging for death.
Evangeline remained staring at the mess lying lifelessly on the floor. The only sign of vitality was the faint rising and falling of its chest. She didn’t remember how long she stood there. She was only vaguely aware of the increasing soreness in her legs.
Just then, a gentle voice coaxed her from behind the closed steel door.
“Baby girl, let’s go back, it’s late.” Noah called out to her under the only light outside the cell.
Evangeline turned around with a dead expression and silently stared at the door. After a few seconds, she closed her eyes and took deep breaths.
Though she wasn’t able to get any fresh air from the room she remained in, light reignited in her dead eyes. She then walked out, carrying the scent of death that stubbornly clung on to her delicate body.
“Okay.” Evangeline exhaled, her chest still feeling heavy from the oppression.
Noah patted her on the back, then personally escorted her back to her room.
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