Chapter 547 - Five Hundred And Forty-Eight: Decision
The third point of view:
"Sorry, but I don't risk my daughter's life," Niklaus told her with an icy tone and Isabella recognized his intention.
"No, no, no!" She tried to come after him but those stupid guards grabbed her from behind.
"You fucking promised me! It was a deal!" Isabella continued shouting as her father turned off the gun's safety. She struggled fiercely but it was two strong men against her.
Niklaus ignored her ravings, walking over to Jean pressed on the floor, saying, "No bad blood here but you crossed a line you shouldn't have," Moreover, Jean was one of the hitmen who assisted Miguel in hurting his wife Reina, hence it was time to collect. He had delayed the inevitable long enough.
However, just as Niklaus was about to pull the trigger, Sakuzi's voice sounded from behind,"You bad father, what are you about to do?"
Niklaus gritted, "Isn't that obvious?"
"Yes, you're a coward who's going back on his words," Sakuzi retorted fearlessly.
Isabella was relived at the sight of Sakuzi, who knew that old man would be useful to her one day. Now her messiah was here, she quickly took advantage of his presence, "Jean has agreed to be my shadow guard. That was the deal, don't let him go back on his words, grandpa," She finally called him that.
Sakuzi didn't know whether to laugh or cringe, that brat was a sly opportunist. Well, his hands are tied then.
"Let the man be, Niklaus," Was his command, "You know our word is the law. Don't tell me you want to lose your respect over this issue,"
At first, it looked as if Niklaus wouldn't let Jean go since he had the gun in a tight vice with his jaw clenched and his body rigid, the war raging inside of him. But then, he lowered his weapon at last.
"Finally," Isabella exhaled a shaky breath just as the men holding her down let go. For a moment there, she had thought her father would kill him.
Jean was released as well but no one anticipated that Niklaus would point the gun at him suddenly and shoot him on the arm. Jean moaned in pain.
"Jesus! Niklaus !" Isabella went over to the injured Jean howling in pain and glared at him.
"What was that for?!"
"That was for touching you. No one messes with my daughter and goes scot free," Niklaus told her regarding the incident where he held her hostage. The deal had been to keep him alive which he did.
"Well, point made, now get lost," Isabella was mad at him. The only reason she hadn't give him a bollocking was because she was partially responsible for whatever happened. She will let this one pass.
"Where's your doctor?" She asked Sakuzi in particular.
Sakuzi sighed, "This is why I don't want the both of you here. You and your father are so much trouble," He grumbled yet in the end, signaled his men to take Jean away for treatment.
"Where are you going?" Niklaus held Isabella's arm.
"Going to ensure you don't eliminate him behind my back!" She snapped, wringing her arm out of her father's grip. She glared at him, "And just so you know, he's my responsibility now,"
"No," Niklaus disagreed, "You're his responsibility now and may God help him if a hair on your body gets hurt," He threatened. Of all people she had to choose as a shadow guard, why him? Was Isabella thrilled by danger or simply attracted to it. He hoped not - that was the fastest way to becoming a psychopath.
"Whatever," She said.
"Mind your tongue especially with the 'whatever' word," He warned. Niklaus hated it when she acted all arrogant and smug. He wasn't like that.
However, Isabella simply flipped her hair and went on without even turning back.
Sakuzi offered him a look of sympathy, patting him on the back, "This are times I'm grateful for the fact that I'm done with kids,"
Niklaus gave him the look yet didn't say anything. He simply went back to the living room where he waited for God knows how many hours in agonizing silence. He should have known Isabella was never the one to give up on something. Whatever she wants, she gets it. Even if it looks impossible, she makes it work one way or the other. It was a gift and a curse.
After a long time, Isabella appeared in the room alongside her new shadow guard looking good as new with his bandaged arm. Although there were still signs of violence on his face where he had been hit.
"Thank you old man for helping me," Isabella bowed to him in appreciation.
Sakuzi shook his head, "You sly little brat, you've reverted to calling me old man because you've gotten what you wanted?"
However, he forgot Isabella was a smooth talker.
"I said I only greet Elders who walk with a cane but for once, you've behaved like one eventhough you don't walk with a cane yet,"
Dumbfounded couldn't explain how Sakuzi felt. He was done with this child, "Just go away," he waved her away. He needed peace and quiet.
But Isabella wasn't through, she quickly added, "Also Oldman, you shouldn't play games on your cellphone for too long. The blue light damages your eyes and at your age, your retina would damage faster,"
That little witch, how did she know he hadn't set his phone down for a while. Yet Sakuzi asked, "What do you suggest I do now? Also I'm not that old," that comment was a blow to his self-esteem. Women his age still fell for him. A-hem, not that he replied anyway. He was faithful to Nadia.
"Go over a game of chess with family members and friends, that would promote communication and is more fulfilling than playing games all by yourself. It's a sincere advice from me," Isabella said to him and took her leave before Sakuzi could even say a word.
Sakuzi snorted, that little brat always likes an epic departure. He looked down at his cellphone, it was going to be hard letting go of the game. Fine, he'd play in moderation - hopefully.
It was a series of glares and scowls as Niklaus and Jean made it outside. It was obvious that both men didn't like eachother but had to behave because of a certain Isabella.
Well, since his daughter made the choice, he'd have to respect and trust her judgment, Niklaus decided.
Well, the little girl had believed in him when others didn't, he'd protect her with his life, Jean decided.