Episode 4

Following the funeral, the three brothers and the young ones gathered to reminisce and converse in a manner long forgotten, as lately, being together as a family had become a rarity.

For reasons unknown, Kilian and Elian had barely spoken to one another, but now, bygones were bygones.

Kilian: "It's been ages since I've seen you. How long now have you been growing out your hair?"

Noah: "Well, I had to do it so Zoe wouldn't chop off hers."

Kilian: "What do you mean she wanted to cut her hair?"

Elian: "She actually did it. I'll never forget Noah's shocked expression, and how much our dad laughed seeing her clenching piles of her strands, a year ago, right?"

Noah: "Please don't remind me. Zoe was convinced that if Joe and I had short hair, so should she."

Kilian: "My God, so you grew out your hair for her?"

Noah: "Yes, I promised her neither of us would cut our hair from then on..."

It was quite amusing, yet, on that day my concern was real. She had cut it extremely short, the worst part being dad's laughter; he kept calling her a handsome knight. It was his idea for one of us to grow our hair out, and I drew the short straw. I'm still not used to it.

Kilian: "You look beautiful, it really suits you."

Noah: "I'll go tuck Zoe in, if you'll excuse me." —He got up swiftly, recalling the last time he spoke to Kilian when he confessed his affection. Though Noah was clear about not having any romantic interest, and certainly not being able to see him as anything but a sibling, dealing with his insinuations was tough. His focus was on his children.

Noah

Months have gone by since our father's passing, and it remains a challenge to adapt to his absence. As per his wishes, we, his three sons, took over all the businesses. I continue to manage the national ones, as I did during his lifetime, but this I did not foresee.

"Elian? What a surprise!"

Elian: "Regrettably, I’m bearer of bad tidings."

"What's the matter?"

Elian: "Our American liaison sent this over." —Taking the papers from Elian, they made no sense to me.

"This can't be right. I reviewed the prior months’ reports myself—the figures were much higher. Tell him to redo it."

Elian: "This is the third iteration, Noah. We need you there—this oversight isn’t recent, I am certain."

"Return to America? I can’t."

Elian: "I know it wasn't in your plans, and it might be tough for you, but Kilian and I are overwhelmed as it is. You're the only one who can handle it."

I knew this. They're busy with all the trips, running every enterprise I couldn't. It was predictable—in dad's absence, the American businesses would be chaos. But amidst all the companies embezzling from Montenegro, there were the Cossios. To deal with the American operations, I'd need to work through our main office at Daniels Enterprises, our most prominent partner and ally.

Returning there meant facing everyone who turned their backs and inflicted pain upon me. I'm not ready.

"I want to help, truly wish to repay this family for all it's done for me, but going back there... I cannot."

Elian: "You can, Noah. That and more. But tell me, how long will you run? —Perhaps he's right, I just flee and hide. Yet, I find peace in them believing I'm dead, not drawing their attention again."

"I'm sorry."

Elian: "You know, years ago dad saved Kilian too. He'd been sold to be a fighter; he was aggressive and untrusting, only relying on himself. Eventually, dad got him to open up to us, and since then, no one watched over us more."

"He was an exceptional man."

Elian: "He was. My brother and I were lucky to be his sons. But what I'm trying to tell you is, since dad brought you in, you've not been alone; Kilian, me, and the might of the Montenegro's are with you. So if you cross paths with your old family, or the damn alpha who hurt you, crush them underfoot. Nobody can tell you otherwise or stop you, for ours is the mightiest family." —Elian's words held truth, but I hadn't expected to hear such from him, almost as if he was granting me a chance for vengeance or justice. In a way, he's right, I have no reason to fear them, they should fear me.

"Thanks, Elian, all right, I'll go."

Elian: "That's the spirit. I'm counting on you, brother."

"Elian, what's going on between you and Kilian? You've grown apart again, I thought..."

Elian: "Don't worry; it's trivial—we'll sort it out."

"Okay, I'll start preparing for my stay in America."

Elian: "Don't fret about that. We’ve selected individuals to ensure your and the twins' safety, and the safest property for your stay has been chosen."

"You've thought of everything. Were you that certain I wouldn't refuse?"

Elian: "No, it's that I trust you, and I trust my judgment."

"In that, you greatly resemble dad, knowing just what to say to make others act as you wish. There's no doubt you are his son."

Elian: "At least I can say I learned well."

"The twins are about to be dismissed from school, will you join me in fetching them?"

Elian: "Certainly, I have a trip to Tokyo today and want to say goodbye."

"We won't be seeing each other for a while, then."

Elian: "What are you talking about? I wouldn't miss my nephews’ birthday." —Indeed, they never missed a festivity. This year we'll miss dad; he always had the best gifts and party ideas.

Elian: "I'll also travel whenever I can break away."

"We'll look forward to welcoming you."

After fetching the twins, we dined out at a restaurant, bid my brother farewell, and now, two weeks later, we're heading to America on a jet provided by the Montenegro family.

Upon landing, a man in a crisp black suit stepped aboard.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Montenegro, my name is Jorge, I am a beta tasked with your safety and that of the young princes." Hearing that term was nostalgic; in dad's employ, Zoe and Joe were always referred to in such a manner by staff—they indeed played their prince roles well.

"Thank you very much! I'm depending on you." —Joe woke almost instantly, so I only had to carry Zoe to the car.

Six more men awaited below.

Jorge: "These men comprise the security team, dedicated to you and the children, all experienced and highly trained betas or omegas." —I appreciate Elian’s gesture; since the incident, besides dad, Kilian, and Elian, no other alpha's presence has been bearable. Their sheer presence unsettles me, as if my very essence repels them, an unbearable sensation. Now, I must at least try to deal with it.

Jorge: "Four will be responsible for the princes' security, and two plus myself for yours."

"Please, take great care of my children."

Jorge: "Of course, Mr. Montenegro."

We arrived at the palatial home, its vastness and design identical to our previous abode, down to the twins' play areas, their room, the decor, the kitchen. Even our personal treasures were thoughtfully placed—Elian had gone to great lengths to make us feel at home. He is a wonderful brother.

Zoe: "Daddy, I'm hungry."

"Alright, let's make something for my princess to eat. What would you like?"

Zoe: "Pizza!!"

"Nice try, miss. Give it another go."

Zoe: "Pasta?" —She grins knowingly; I often indulge them, but I can't spoil them.

"Pasta it is. And what about you, young Joe?"

Joe: "Pasta!" —He doesn't hesitate, though it’s not his favorite. Zoe and I love it, yet Joe seemed to detest it but eventually began eating it without complaint.

"Are you sure? You can ask for something different; we’ve got a new house, let’s celebrate."

Joe: "I don't like this house, daddy." —Joe rarely voices displeasure, it took me time to realize his distaste for pasta; he never said so.

"Buddy, I know it's hard, but grandpa's company needs me to handle something here. Once that's done, we'll go back home."

Joe: "Okay." —I hugged my son, unsure why he didn't want to be here—perhaps missing his uncles, everything back home.

The new nanny will arrive soon; I must meet her first. If she doesn't elicit trust, she will go, even if chosen by Elian. He likely vetted her thoroughly, ensuring she's right for us.

Arvan

I was dealing with urgent matters when I stopped by my brother's office to find him bemoaning with his inept son.

"We must curry favor with that proxy, our financials keep worsening." Of course they are—giving control of his shares to that incompetent who just squanders, the Daniel's group stays stable only because of my hand along with my other ventures. They'd better not mess with my ambitious aims, or I'll cast them out myself.

"I hear the lad's about your age, Caled, a longtime Jacob's protege, although he's never been public."

Caled: "Protege? Is that what they call whores now? He must've been his lover. No worries, I know how to handle those kinds of sluts; he’ll be eating out of my hand soon enough." —The notion of an omega on the board is intolerable, but our business with the Montenegros necessitates equality, limiting my say. Worse still, I must placate that... omega. Likely another inept who'll skedaddle sooner rather than hang around.

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