HATE OR LOVE: Devils In Obsession

Evil... Eve For Short.

Eve.

"Danny, from the footage it's clear your son owes that kid an apology." Millicent was the first to break the thrilling silence. Thrilling because the high and mighty Eric, who was normally basking in his mother's attention, could barely hold eyes with anybody. Danielle was left speechless too when she shouldn't be, not now.

"An apology? I don't think so." I stared at Sydney's face as I spoke, no wonder he was wrapped in more gauze than Eric, his injuries were more severe and he won't tell me exactly where it hurts more, I knew it was his broken nose and the black eyes but I still wanted to ask.

"They owe each other an apology. Sydney started it first," Ana chimed in, chuckling like she'd just watched the best hilarious show.

Respect the elders, even the ones who are clowns. I returned a bright smile to her.

Clearly she was showing signs of dementia, she'd completely skipped the part where Eric landed a harsh blow on Alan's face as he ran to give him his paper.

"They owe each other nothing. Eric, did your mother raise you to bully your younger ones?"

Maybe it wasn't me Flavian was testing. My dad was sparking with fury, the type that used to make me lock myself in a room to cry my eyes out. Oh, those sad days of my childhood. This was the first time in a long while he'd raised his voice, and I was in for it. How far would he go?

"Keaton, it was a mistake. You must understand he's a teenager. They're always reckless." Danielle narrowed her eyes at me as she aired the last part, hinting at something only the two of us knew about.

"Of course you'll support him. He's your son."

"And your son too!"

Oh my, this must be their first quarrel.

"Frederick, no recording in the court!" Jonas warned, simultaneously slamming his gavel to silence the room. All at once the lousy chatter and gossip died down at the last slam of the gavel.

A steward came forward and confiscated Frederick's phone.

"Hey, what will I tell my followers! Give me back my phone!"

"Enough is enough. Now sit your ass down, child," Isa banged her own gavel, forcing Frederick back into his seat next to his sulking brother.

"Eric, on your feet. Apologize." Millicent ordered, striking her gavel hard. He could apologize all he wanted, I'll still do what I have in store for him, what he deserves.

"I'll do no such thing, Auntie," Eric retorted, head still bowed.

Of course he won't since mommy and daddy never taught him morals or basic discipline, I'll take it upon myself to. Since he loved to fight, I think he's going to love the Mad House.

"Why?" Millicent raised a brow.

"Because I'm not sorry. It's that simple."

"Then I'll apologize." Sydney made to stand when I pressed down his shoulder, forcing him back down. He's such a gentleman, but this court, this family, this empire— is no place for a gentleman. Danielle brought this report herself, only a fool would think a meeting with the EC would end in a simple agreement or apology. There's always punishment for everything. I was quite sure they'd try to send Sydney and Alan away... quite sure, until the footage exposed the real culprit ~Eric~

He may have gotten a pardon at the school, but this was the Waldorf family. They'll eventually leave the judgment in my hands now, because I'm THE–offended not the offender. Millicent was trying to make things easy for Eric, a formal apology would mean he was admitting guilt, which meant any punishment he deserved would be lighter.

Foolish boy. He'd been given a card, but I don't blame him for not knowing how to play it. He didn't grow up in the presence of these people, menacing elders. His whole life I'm sure he's only ever seen a headless body in a film. At his age, I was already leading high-risk missions and handling serious deals.

"Go ahead then," Danielle insisted.

"My son will do no such thing. Like his brother said, he defended him. He defended a minor from a big, mean bully," I said, hugging their shoulders again to offer some comfort, this type of life for them will be exhausting and I pray they don't adapt to it.

I've been a victim of bullying, on so many occasions. But those occasions ended with blood on my hands. Keaton didn't let me sleep if I was just going to whimper and wobble like a puppy. I wasn't going to let these kids become victims again, not when they're still fresh out of the lion's den. I already dealt with their biggest bully, I sent the b***h to Satan, whom I'm sure she has relations with. If Eric wants to be on my kill list, then he'll have to do more than just breaking Sydney's nose... at least Father will still have one son left.

"Eric, last chance. Make an apology." Elwin's deep voice stirred anticipation in the audience. Everyone was waiting for an apology that never came.

"Or else?" Eric raised his head high at last, smirking at each of us, me, Alan, and Sydney.

I'm not an avid reader of the dictionary. Words don't matter when actions have their own mouth. I grinned nefariously.

In that same moment, Cedric and Rolland my Mad House brothers, rose from their seats and strolled toward Eric, no one recognized them as Cedric and Rolland but Black and Icx, their exquisite masks preceded their gangster identity. Everyone except the residents had a code name. As long as you're in the mafia... You either live a double life or a devoted life.

As the heir, I was devoted of course but I still reserved the title I earned at the mad house, Evil Eve... I swear that's the name I'm famous for. They would always say “Evil for long, Eve for short," if you get it, you get it.

There's a reason it was founded and called the Mad House. For starters, the place was designed to be torture grounds, designed by Madame Antoinette herself, the original founder, a long time ago she quit her seat in the EC to be fully part of the Mad House. Anyone who betrayed the family, the mafia, disobeyed rules and regulations, caused ruckus or terrorism —any type of crime— it was the Mad House that handled it. While the EC passed judgments and laid out rules and regulations, the Mad House made sure the family, and residents who strayed were punished accordingly, this is only one part of the responsibilities of the mad house though. I've gone through torture there a good number of times, and the memories are very, very unpleasant... Back then I was a serious rebel.

"What is-"

Danielle didn't need to finish talking, because Rolland had already dragged Eric out of his seat, pulling him over the desk onto his stomach as he cuffed his hands.

"What is going on?! Keaton, stop them! Won't you stop them?!"

"He had his chance. He needs to be disciplined."

"By who?!" Danielle screamed as Eric started struggling, getting dragged away.

"Mother! Please, help!" he screamed, looking back.

When I tore my eyes away from the boy, I faced my dad to find him already staring at me with a deadpan expression.

"Eve. She will discipline him."

"Of course I will, Father." A smile tugged at my lips, my body surging with zeal. It's time to welcome my dear cousin —or should I say stepbrother— into the Waldorf family. The traditional way...

I rose to my feet majestically and strolled out of my seat to meet Eric where he was being held by the entrance door. After taking a good look at him, I whispered something in his ear that made him shiver with goosebumps.

"Take him away," I told Cedric and Rolland.