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However, it’s been over five minutes with Eric having said nothing and it was beginning to get awkward and boring. Amid all of that, Arianna’s hands were intertwined with Marcel’s own and she wouldn’t let go. The both of them were seated on the sofa with the brother taking positions elsewhere. Arianna and Marcel felt like a center of attraction in a circus display. It was an uncomfortable feeling.

“I’m sorry,” Marcel decided to speak up when none of them would, “I know it’s not going to make up for the men lost, but I’m truly sorry.”

Arianna stared at Eric with anticipation, waiting for his response. Her heart kept pounding and she hoped this would be the end of this violence. Marcel had suffered enough already.

“Arianna claims to be pregnant for you, how true is that?” Eric asked instead and none of them had seen that coming.

Marcel stared at her open-mouthed, having not imagined that she would reveal that to Eric, to everybody. Yep, he did talk about keeping it a secret but there was no way Arianna would have not taken advantage of every opportunity to keep him alive.

There were no words spoken between the both of them, rather they communicated with their eyes, and of which, Arianna won of course.

Defeated, Marcel turned to Eric, gulping, and then stared back at her before admitting, “Yes, it’s true. She’s having my baby.”

The brothers passed looks between each other when Marcel admitted the claim. Eric in question only nodded his head, his lips pulsed in thought. At last, he stood to his feet, leaving Marcel no other choice but to stand as well, although Arianna heard his sharp intake of breath with the effort. He was in pain, even though he was not showing it. She had no choice but to copy his move too.

.....

Eric stretched out his hand before their very eyes in what was obviously a handshake and her heart leaped in joy, even though a part of her mind told her not to rejoice yet.

“I would stop the war.”

Marcel and Arianna let out deep breaths at the same time. They did it! There was not going to be a war. It worked! They managed to change Eric’s mind!

Marcel quickly took his hand and enveloped it with his to seal the deal before he changed his mind. The brothers began to clap for the accord achieved and Arianna joined as well. She was so happy. No one was going to die anymore.

By the time the applause died off and the handshake was over, Eric said to him, “I’m not doing this for you or Arianna, but for the innocent child in that womb. I don’t want to be known as the man who denied his grandson the opportunity of knowing his father.”

Marcel had always known Eric was an honorable man but at that moment his respect for him grew bigger and he swore to make it up to him one day. He was never going to forget this favor; Marcel was forever indebted to him.

He went on, “We can say, this is equal. My brother Elijah took the lives of your people and your father returned the favor. However, our deal is off. If you want a seat in the commission, you’d have to apply and fight for it.”

“But there’s no time for that. With every single minute wasted, Richardo amasses his resources and extends his influence. He had been hoping that you would destroy me and make the plan easier for him like the bastard he has always been. Once he knows that you forgive me, what’s the possibility that he won’t come for you next?”

And to that question, Eric laughed as if it was the joke of the century. While there was mirth in his eyes, there was suddenly a flash of ruthlessness as he said, “Let him come. He’s just a child who just began to play the game and I’ll tear him from limb to limb till there’s not an ounce of flesh left in him.”

“Wow,” Arianna breathed, the hairs on her arms standing on edge. Her mother does make great choices in men. First, the psychopath Daniel and next the innocent-looking yet deadly, Eric. Arianna couldn’t tell if she should be impressed or concerned.

Eric continued, “Unlike Konstantin, I would not underestimate his ability since he’s a sly one. That’s why the rest of the families would have to come in and this is your opportunity to debut in the commission. Richardo eliminated the Basil family, you’re merely extending a gesture of goodwill. ” He smirked.

Damn, he’s good at this, Arianna had no choice but to get impressed by her brilliant stepfather. Not only was he good at playing politics, but he was also a good strategist.

“Thank you,” Marcel said, recognizing the huge opportunity Eric was giving him.

“There’s no need to thank me.” Eric said, “We are about to be family and I have to make sure you’re capable of protecting my grandchild. Think of it like an investment that I hope would pay out in the future.”

Without another word, Arianna went over to Eric and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight. Eric in question stiffened around her considering this was the first time Arianna was being intimate with him. He was always the one making the first approach and of which she kept him at arm’s length. This was new.

“Thank you so much… ” Arianna added, “Father.”

Bang!

It felt like someone just dropped a bomb on him. What did he just hear? She didn’t call him as usual by his name ‘Eric’ but ‘father’? He must have heard wrong. However, a warm feeling bloomed in Eric’s chest and he reciprocated the hug.

He had not spared Marcel to receive anything in return, but this sure felt nice.