Arrive at home.
Edward was surprised by his uncle and aunt from his parent's side. Daniella has one older brother and two younger sisters. He's named Jack, Nora, and also Hillary. Meanwhile, Josh has two younger brothers named Randy and Pierce from his father's side.
Edward's eyes narrowed, "What are they all doing here?" In Edward's eyes everyone was smiling, but not in Fran's eyes they were all growling like wolves who wanted Edward as their prey.
"Uncle Jack, Aunt Nora, Aunt Hillary, Uncle Randy, and Uncle Pierce, what are you guys doing here?" Edward asked taking off his coat and giving it to Frans.
"Hey... Edward, don't talk to us like that." Uncle Jack approached Edward first. Frans had read his cunning attitude, the half-century-old man had read Jack's movements, which had been very crafty during Daniella and Josh's life. No wonder Daniella and Josh are very worried about Edward and his companies, the people who are considered family today in front of Edward, like a snake who has many tactics to get Daniella and Josh's property which has now been passed on to Edward.
"We're all here just to express our condolences to you. Is that strange to you, Edward?" Jack put his arm around his nephew, pretending to be friendly.
Edward's reaction was unexpected, he lowered his Uncle's hand from his shoulder. "So what are you guys doing here?" Edward asked bluntly, ignoring Jack who was trying to be friendly with his sweetest smile in front of Edward. Unfortunately, his nephew didn't care at all.
Frans smiled, he felt, Edward had grown up. But he doesn't know, and he isn't sure if the two bosses' children have changed or not. He still monitors Edward's attitude towards his four younger siblings and one older brother from his parents.
Edward sat with his legs crossed. In the eyes of his aunt and uncles, Edward was too arrogant. But the young man did not want to look weak in front of his parents' brothers and sisters who were famous for being cunning. Yes, it's not that Edward doesn't know what his uncles and aunt are doing, but Edward still doesn't want to care about his parents' company.
"What do you mean by that, Edward?" Aunt Nora, that neck-length blonde-haired woman looked angry with her niece's question. "What do you think we all came here for, huh? We just wanted to cheer you up who just lost your parents, Edward!"
"That's right, so you don't always act as if we are parasites who want your parents' property?" snapped Aunt Hillary's offend.
"Isn't that your goal?" Edward's words seemed to justify all their behavior so far.
"That's presumptuous of yours, Edward! If it hadn't been for your parents, we might have been reluctant to give condolences to you and come here to see how you were doing!" Uncle Pierce was so emotional. This time Edwards' words brought all the anger out of the five uncles and aunts.
"Okay... my condolences I accept! Now you can get out of here. Since I don't need you, I can take care of myself." Edward stood up from his seat, he was very tired to fuss with his father and mother's family. "I hope you guys get out of this house as soon as possible. If you forget where the door is, there's the exit!" Edward said pointing to the exit of his house. Then leave the room filled with petty people like his uncle and aunt.
"Hey... Edward, we're not done talking! Edward... Don't think we work in your parents' company, it doesn't mean you can insult us all, Edward! We're your uncle and aunt, so watch your words!" Pierce shouted, getting more emotional.
Jack tried to approach Edward, but Frans moved quickly to stop him. Because he knew what Jack wanted to do to Edward. As an assistant to Edward's parents, he should protect his boss' two children, so he must stop Jack.
"Sorry, Mr. Jack. I think Mr. Edward is very tired. Please understand Mr. Edward's current condition. He is still in mourning and very sad because of the sudden loss of his parents," said Frans, looking at Jack seriously.
"Get out of the way, don't get in my way, Frans! Let me come over to Edward. And I don't think you have the right to interfere in our family matters, Frans!" Jack's sharp gaze seemed to be intimidating Frans. However, Edward's parents' assistant wasn't afraid of such a threatening look.
"I'm sorry, sir! Maybe I am just an assistant. But I have to protect my master!"
"Assistant? Don't you deserve more as their guard dog? The one who always follows what your master wants, you idiot!"
Frans frowned, "What do you mean?"
"You're a pet dog who likes to make faces at the master!" whispered Jack in Fran's ear.
Degh!
And the man's ears became very hot when he heard Jack call him. He hated those words then and now.
Frans took a breath. He knew his position was only an assistant. However, as an assistant, he is obliged to protect his master so that no one dares to harm him. "Aren't you the same as me, sir! Both dogs who worked under Mr. Josh and Mrs. Daniella," said Frans quietly. He was sure, his words must be heard in Jack's ears. "But the difference is, you are cunning whereas I am not a cunning person like you."
Sure enough, Jack was angry. His brow furrowed, and his eyes bulged as if he had heard all the words of Frans, which seemed like he was so low-key that Frans identified himself with Jack.
"What did you say? How dare you equalize me with you, Frans!" shouted Jack. Everyone in the room was quite surprised to see Jack suddenly angry at Frans.
Likewise, with Edward, he had just finished taking a shower. Jack's booming voice echoed into the room. "They haven't left yet!" Edward muttered a little annoyed. He rushed to put on his pajamas. And then walked towards the door. Jack's voice was getting louder and louder from behind the door.
"Look at your lowly self, how can you compare yourself to me!" Jack kept on babbling until the others came over to him.
"What's wrong, Jack?"
"Look, this old man equates me with his lowly self!"
"What? How dare you consider yourself honorable!" Uncle Randy got emotional at Jack's words. He then raised his hand, about to hit France. "Feel this old fart!" Randy shouted. He waved his hand towards the glaring Frans.
Tap
"Stop it, Uncle Randy! Don't make a fuss at my parents' funeral!" Edward stopped the pace of Randy's hand which Edward thought was too much.
"Edward?" All eyes were on the young man. "W-why did you stop my hand?"
"This is my house, so I have the right to stop the violence in this house. Anyone, including you!" Edward pushed Randy's hand roughly. "Besides, didn't I tell you, guys, to leave this house when you conveyed your condolences to me?"
"So you kicked us out, Edward? We are your uncles and aunt?" Hillary is very adamant in defending Randy's actions.
Edward didn't answer. He walked to the door and opened it wide. "If you forget where the door is, I'll open the door for you to get out of here!"
"W-what?" Everyone squealed at the same time. "You're defending this maid, Edward?" Randy protested while pointing to Frans.
"Please get out! I don't want you to repeat the sentence!" Edward said very firmly. Jack, Pierce, Randy, Nora, and Hillary walked towards the door with disappointed faces at their only niece.
One by one, his uncles and aunt came out of the house. "We're disappointed in you, Edward!" Jack said that last in line.
"Getting out, Uncle! If you still have something to say, tomorrow I will go to the companies of my parents that you both hold!" Edward said, startling Jack.
"B-but E--"
Braak.
Edward closed the door tightly before Jack could finish his sentence.
"Damn that kid, just watch out if you dare take back the company I hold. I'll keep it even if it belongs to your parents, Edward!" mumbled Jack emotionally.
****
To Be Continued