Chapter 166 - 166. Thank You All

"Don't take me the wrong way. We will be working normally in our own ways. I just wanted all of our bonds to get stronger and become one strong team. 

Of course we will keep ruling our own areas, without interfering in others, but just that we would remain together.

You all know that I lost my dad three years ago. Since then, many of you have been together with me, helping me some or the other way and supporting me through my ups and downs.

Today on the occasion of grandpa's birthday, I wanted to thank you all personally and hope we all could always stay together and be there for each other." Markus said, his usually cold voice, sounding a little low and emotional.

Because yes, he had never ever talked about his dad's death even once in the past three years. 

There were times when either grandpa, grandma or even Mary would occasionally talk about him.

But Markus never did that. Because for him, his dad was his only support. The day he died was the day he lost his pillar and suddenly he found himself buried under a pile of responsibilities. 

Thus he had locked away those memories, numbing himself from the pain, from the fear of being alone, from the tears of losing his hero, his idol.

Even grandpa, the usually tough person holding their family strongly, had tears in his eyes.

He had been waiting for a day when Markus would utter the word 'dad'.

And most importantly, neither of this was planned or acted purposefully.

Kizy had only asked Markus to hold a separate banquet for the underworld and thank them genuinely, because they were the ones who were supporting him now.

Markus had initially refused the idea, stubbornly believing that he, Satan, was never supposed to thank someone for small help. 

In fact if people were to truly count, it was him who had helped others more than taking their help.

Markus was in a dilemma about whether he should truly thank these people or just present the gift, formally talk with everyone and end with this celebration thing.

But just before he went on the stage, he was reminded of his father. A man who was praised by not only his own team but by his enemies as well.

Markus's father was known to bring justice that could never be won through legal ways. 

He had helped people gain their lost properties, punished people who would cheat others on money, donated money to several orphanages and old age homes from the black money he made.

Though he wasn't some saint, or not every deed by him was correct, but he was a saviour for many.

And carrying on his legacy, trying to be as good as his dad was, was something that Markus was still working for.

Though a mafia, they were not always in the wrong.

Thus the moment he was reminded of his dad, Markus knew what he was supposed to do. And he did. He genuinely thanked the people.

"No Markus. It's the other way round. It has always been you who have saved us infinite times." 

"Markus it was you who saved my son! I should thank you." 

"Your father had saved our lives. We will forever be grateful to your families."

"How can we forget the kindness Evans family has been showing us for generations!" 

Immediately the people below started talking, stopping Markus from thanking them anymore.

Markus just looked at the audience. This was what his dad and his deeds had earned himself. He now felt that maybe Kizy's decision was true. Sometimes we need to thank people, even if they know that we are thankful.

"Thank you." Markus said and left the stage.

All the guests were given a M1911, but its advanced version as return gifts. The features were personally added by Markus and his team upon Kizy's suggestion.

And it took no time for people to understand how precious and hard the gift was.

Similarly the Evans family members were given gold chains with a phoenix carved in between.

Many of the gang members felt a different type of proximity to the Evans family because of this separately organised celebration dinner.

"Someone was emotional today." Kizy said with a smile, trying to lift Markus's dampened mood.

"Who? Me? Not at all." Markus said, trying to clear his throat, acting as if nothing happened.

"Yeah yeah of course. You didn't." Kizy said while laughing loudly, her laugh creating ripples of weird emotions in Markus's heart, spreading throughout his body.

The guests were all gone, and the family members started leaving the mansion as well.

"Kizy!! Please take me back with you. My dad is setting me up for blind dates." Nicole came and hugged Kizy as soon as all the guests were gone.

"Go back with your dad." Markus replied in a stern voice, even before Kizy could utter a single word.

"Nobody is talking to you." Nicole said in an irritated voice.

"You dare to talk back to me. I guess you need to attend more blind dates to have some lessons for arguing with your elder brother." Markus said, turning and stepping towards the direction where Nicole's mom and dad were present.

"No, no elder brother. I never meant to argue with you. You are the bestest. Why don't you help me out a little." Nicole said, almost pleading.

"Who was the one who said he could get grandpa to talk to and back her up?" Markus said, crossing hands, knowing that even grandpa agreed that they should get Nicole married soon.

"Are you threatening her?" Kizy asked, raising her brow.

"Wifey not again. This isn't fair. You should be on my side in such situations." Markus said, knowing his wife could instead go and complain anything about him to the family.

"Yeah, I would have supported you if your stance was right. I don't want her to get married forcefully unlike a certain someone made me do." Kizy said with a poker face, trying hard not to laugh.

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- Kizy