Saving the Villain

"Why wouldn't I? Maxen's achievements were mine, just like how my papa's achievements were mine to celebrate. It makes me happy."

Cosette then gazed back at Conrad and smiled warmed at him. "Thank you for giving him opportunities, Papa."

"Maxen is a good and bright child. Even without my help, I'm certain he would excel in the field he will choose."

Cosette just smiled but said nothing further. If only her father knew how wrong and right he was. He was right that Maxen would excel in the field he chose, but he was wrong that there would be other opportunities for Maxen if Conrad didn't step in.

"Now, I feel reassured," said Cosette with a grin, making Conrad knit his brows.

"Reassured for?"

"That he will not become a villain!" she replied in a humorous tone, making Conrad chuckle as he deemed it as a joke and not something he should take seriously.

When Cosette put down the folder, she stayed with Conrad, since she hadn't spent so much time with him. Conrad had been very busy recently, and tonight was the only night he came home early. It wasn't like Cosette and Maxen to go home early as well, since they told Conrad they had been accompanying Luke in his new place.

They talked about everything they could talk about in business, in school matters, trivial things, until Cosette mentioned tonight's events.

"Papa." Cosette frowned while Conrad hummed. "Did you scold those three?"

"I didn't."

"But why?"

"They're not my children, and I don't think they will even listen to what I say, since who am I to them?"

"Well… make sense." Cosette let out a deep exhale.

"I didn't ask, not because I wasn't intrigued, but because I don't want your friends to think I'm giving them unsolicited advice. Moreover, if Maxen is with them, that only means there is a deep reason for them to take part in a brawl," explained Conrad. "I'm not saying violence is justified whatever the reason, but that's human nature. No matter how much you practice self-control and patience, there were just situations and people in particular who will challenge your morals."

'Is he talking about Uncle Maynard?' Cosette wondered, mentally shaking her head to get that unnecessary thought away.

"Well…" Cosette cleared her throat. Since she wouldn't be sleeping with Maxen tonight, she didn't mind staying until late with Conrad. This was also to make sure Conrad wouldn't dare work while he was at him.

"I haven't told you about this, but weeks ago, while we were heading to Luke's apartment, we saw a group of people ganging up on someone…" she explained, starting from the very beginning so Conrad would have a better grasp of things. "... since we thought the school hadn't taken any action, we snuck inside this school to make sure the report reach the principal's office."

"On our way back, we heard a girl crying, and when we checked, Remo found a girl jumping out of the window. If he was a second late, the poor girl would've succeeded in committing suicide." Another deep exhale escaped Cosette's lips as she recalled their experience tonight. It was a roller coaster of emotions.

"So that's the reason those three hunted those delinquents?"

"Yes, I mean." Cosette sighed for the umpteenth time. "I know they were angry about Olivia's state, but it could've been dangerous. If I didn't come, who knows what will happen?"

"Remo was arrested because someone from the SIN Organization stabbed a student. He took the blame because those in the organization manipulated him," she continued in the same somber tone. "What if something like that happened, right? But in this case, the person getting stabbed is either the three of them?"

"I see…" Conrad rocked his head in understanding, getting the gist of why Cosette was so angry and why those three chose to throw their fist.

"I'm already worried about Olivia. It was a good thing she listened and agreed to be taken to the hospital." Cosette turned her attention back to her father. "Papa, what should I do? I know this is not my problem, but I… cannot just pretend I know nothing. I want to help her and get the justice she deserved."

"Those delinquents did so much damage to her. I know even if they ended up in jail, she would still be battling her trauma. But… I want to help her. I want to do something to help her," she added. "What should I do, Papa?"

There was a long silence that followed Cosette's remarks. Conrad just stared at her for the longest time, pondering what sort of advice should he give her. It was nauseating to think this sort of bullying was happening, and the aggressors were also minors.

This was a tricky situation.

"Cosette, I understand you want to help. But does this person who needs your help want the same thing?" he asked, only to make her frown.

"Papa, what sort of question is that?"

"I'm saying we all know she needed help. However, does she want it too?" Conrad repeated calmly. "Aside from the bullying, there's also r*ape involved. Coming out and putting herself out there to seek justice isn't easy. Matter of fact, things will just get more complicated and chaotic out there. She needs to be ready for that."

Conrad drew a deep breath and tapped his fingers against the armrest. "Helping her get justice is not impossible, but she has to be ready for what will come next, Cosette. The only help you can give her, for now, is to make sure she knows how to fight. Because this will be a bloodbath. Trust me. It might even destroy her if she wasn't hundred percent ready to put herself out there and recount all the traumas she went through."

Cosette opened her mouth but ended up shutting them into a thin slash. Her father was correct. Getting justice, especially in this case, would be a bloodbath. Olivia had to be ready for that because if she wasn't, it would only destroy her.