Owned? - Chapter 40：When I’m gone

•Arius

Azalea and I reached home to a scene of some members cheering about something. As soon as they saw me. Keel, Sami and Frick come running to me. Each of them holding a sheet in their hands.

“Boss!” The unison in their voices was astounding, “We finally passed!” They stopped to show me their diplomas and I smiled.

I didn’t think they’d make it, they fail each time since they’re the dumbest ones.

“Congratulations. You finally made it.”

“It’s all thanks to Nora.” Keel said and pointed at her and I glanced at her, “She even made sure Caesar gave the exam and passed.”

Caesar? I looked at him standing at by Nora’s side. A diploma in his hands. I took a deep internal breath as I looked at him and he stared back without a word.

She actually managed to make him give the exam?

There were many times I told him that he should do it but he kept telling me there was no need. I understand that there is no need for a high school degree or diploma for gangsters but the reason I allowed my men to pursue it was because you never know what you decide later in life. Many people regret joining the underworld. They come here because they were never good at school and get rejected by society or don’t fit in normal places.

But in the future, when I’m not here, when these people don’t have the Alucard family to return to, this little sheet of paper will help them get something in life. A high school diploma is the least requirement to get a normal job. I know most of them will go and join some other gang but there are always people who want to return to something normal.

Something more acceptable in society.

“Nora.” I called out to her, “Good job.” I smiled as I praised her.

“Huh!? Ah- Pleasure?” She was flustered and seemed a bit confused.

“And good job Caesar you finally decided to do it. I’m proud.” I pointed at him and then at the other three, “You three too, Good work.” I gave them all a thumbs up with both hands.

Caesar poked at Nora’s cheek and looked at her with worried eyes. A little frown on his face.

I smiled to myself as I raised my eyebrow at the scene.

Is that how it is?  Well, as long as he’s happy. There’s nothing I would love more than that.

“So since our dumbest members finally passed.” I started.

“Boss…” The trio whined but I continued.

“Let’s have a small party.” Everyone’s face lit up. “But!” I said firmly, “A small  celebration means a small one. Only the people present here are allowed to leave for the day. I want all of you back here before midnight.” My smile faded, “None of you want to face the consequences now do you?” I asked them seriously. I may cut them some slack sometimes but that doesn’t mean I’ll allow them to do whatever they want. They all gulped and nodded so I gave them my usual smile, “Good. You can all go.”

I turned to go inside the house when Nora spoke.

“So, can we take Azalea with us?”

I glanced at Azalea, she hadn’t spoken a single word since we arrived. I thought about it. There is no reason for me to stop her from going except the fact I don’t want her partying with other men. I have every right to stop her since she’s still my slave.

“Sure.” I smiled, “I have no reason to stop her.”

Nora immediately grabbed Azalea’s hand and dragged her along. Caesar was never the type to go with crowds and never ever did he like parties but he went along without a word.

…

I went inside. Huang-fei was waiting in the lobby.

“Young master.” He bowed, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.” My smile faded as soon as I saw there was no one else around, “Where is Ayaan?”

“In the garden.”

“Okay.” I started to head for the place when Huang-fei stopped me.

“Young master what about your trip to Paris?”

Paris. I’m invited there at a party because I’m a shareholder of Xander corp. The company owned by my father’s girlfriend Veronica and her son Lexus. It was established by my father but he let his girlfriend have it and the Alucard’s become a shareholder. I don’t have anything against it because my father started it so he could hand it over to Veronica.

I scratched the corner of my left eye, “When is it?”

“In two days.”

“Okay. Book a flight.”

“Certainly.”

I took a step ahead and paused, “Huang-fei?”

“Yes young master?”

“Book a flight for two.”

“Of course.” He didn’t ask me anything at all. Perhaps he guessed who I planned to take along with me.