4×07 “Give Me Dysfunction”
Written by: Chris Coleman and Kelly Zollo
Warning: Episode may contain graphic violence, language and sexual content
Theme Song: SZA- Snooze

Aspen removed her Burberry trench coat revealing a plaid two piece Miu Miu set, with a crisp Carolina Herrera white shirt, white stockings and a pair of chunky Rick Owens ankle boots. Today would begin the next chapter. Since she was kicked out of Harvard she didn’t know which way to go. It took a while and her father died but she knew what her future now lied. Going forward she would honor him for the rest of her life. Secretly she had returned to AFU and she would finish her English degree by the end of the year. Gripping her Goyard briefcase bag she wondered how this was going to go. Greer was notoriously a bitch. Looking at LeClerq Media conglomerate awards made her feel like she’d do something more with her life and time. Since her father’s untimely death she figured that it was time to grow up. Harvey LeClerq was a prolific journalist and Greer had even won a few. Maybe she would be exactly who she was looking for. Max was a crashout and the Devonshire’s weren’t exactly what she thought they’d be. They weren’t supportive of her or Rory in her opinion. Was that what she wanted her life to be? Looking up, a stunning young woman told her Greer was ready. 

Walking down the hall she could hear spirited debates, people moving, and she felt a thrill of excitement. Someone bumped into her and kept going and she turned around to say something. Then she heard the girl say she broke the story and a jolt of electricity tore through her. 

“Ms. Sinclair, follow me. My name is Myra and I’m Mr. LeClerq’s assistant. I’m helping Greer right now. If you get the job you’ll be an assistant to Ms. Fraiser.” Myra opened the door. “Good luck.” 

Aspen walked into the office and looked around as Greer spun around in her chair. She was stunning but she also had that no nonsense look on her face. Her entire expression showed she meant business and this was about to be her moment. “Hello, Greer or would you prefer me call you Ms. Fraiser?”

Greer looked at the young woman and she put it together perfectly. She looked like a doll and all that red hair made her striking. She’d seen Aspen galavanting around Atlas Falls with Rory but here she was polished and prim. Actually her style reminded her of a younger version of herself. Tapping her manicured nails on the desk she stood up and extended her hand. “Welcome to LeClerq Media Conglomerate. Please sit down and let me tell you something about our company. My uncle and father began this company in 1987 and they bought four newspapers and one television station. Now we have over fifty newspapers, over twenty television stations, and we run multiple publishing companies. We have offices in California, Paris, New York, and Tokyo. Our publishing company has over forty New York Times bestsellers. We are a huge company and the media is our focus. Revealing the truth, finding truth in fiction, and not spreading fake news. People believe I use the media as a weapon but doesn’t everyone who is in a position of power?” 

Aspen smiled nodding her head, impressed at the fact Greer was much more than a beauty. She had the brains to match. “My goal is to end up as a reporter and I heard your company is the place to do that. Researching lots of journalists have said your family is in the business of the truth. Your family wants to tell the stories and my father was a man who spent his entire life chasing stories. I want to honor him and I want to do this. So I’m going to do the family business in my own way. If you give me this opportunity to be your assistant well, I’ll do anything to walk through these doors. Have me fetch coffee, dry cleaning, set up your schedules and anything else I’ll do. I’m not too good. In fact, I have no ego because this will get me to where I want to go. I want to work for a company of your legacy and pedigree.” She said determined for Greer to feel her. “Plus my relationship has taken over my life. I want to be my own woman and not just a Devonshire girlfriend. If anyone understands that it’s you right?” 

Greer paused as she saw the determination in the girl’s eyes. She didn’t like that she used that card. But it was smart at this moment because she was vulnerable although Aspen didn’t know that. “You are right, I had to put my own ambitions aside to take care of Chauncey and I also did some duplicitous things. Being around them brings out the best and worst but if you think you can do the job. I think that you’d be exactly what I am looking for Aspen. However I do want to tell you effectively that last week we acquired your father’s old publishing house. I’m going to be honest with you, we are planning on putting out his final book. The media is clamouring for it and I want to tell you the seventy-five and twenty-five split is still in effect.” 

“You mean a sixty-forty split?” Aspen said, smirking. “My father didn’t raise a dummy and I know that he would never sign over seventy-five percent of his profits. So if you want my father’s last book, that’s the deal, his deal. I just wonder how your family will feel? My dad mentioned the book was about Victoria Fraiser and Lauren. It’s why they broke up. You believe Brock and all the Fraiser’s will like this?” 

Greer smiled, tapping her nail on the desk. “Okay deal Ms. Sinclair and please call me Greer. You start tomorrow, and I’d go home and get some rest because we have a long day ahead of us.” Extending her hand for a shake. When she mentioned that the book was about Victoria Fraiser her curiosity peaked. “What? Why would he be writing about Victoria? She’s been dead for years.” 

“When I spoke to Lauren she said that he was trying to figure out exactly what happened. And thank-you Greer! I don’t believe that I have this opportunity.” She clapped her hands excitedly. “I need to go tell Rory and my mom but I thank you.” Picking up her purse and coat. “Greer you won’t regret this.” Walking out Aspen did a little dance excited that she finally had her own win. 

Greer sat back in her chair picking up her pen and she bit down on it. Picking up her phone she dialed Norman head of acquisitions. “Hello, Norman, it’s Greer. I want you to bring me a copy of the finished book of Randall Sinclair. I need to read that book. Have you? That’s very interesting and you don’t have to spoil anything. I’ll finish it tonight and send the book over.” Placing down the phone she leaned back in the chair. Exactly what was Randall doing? What had he discovered because Norman never said something was a must read. When someone knocked on the door she looked up and saw Brock and BJ. Walking up to her man she kissed him passionately and wondered if she just stumbled onto another secret or something much more. 

*****

Jamal had never been one to want to shop; it just wasn’t his deepest and greatest passion. But he did like to spend it with Belle when he could. He figured he was trying to be a good boyfriend to her. So if she wanted to spend the morning shopping at Renards in one of their exclusive boutiques who was he to say no.  He was going to check in with Mason later in the day and he had a few artists he needed to reach out to at the studio and he wondered if he was becoming too complacent with everything involving him and Belle whatever it was they were doing. If Zach’s death had taught him anything it was that life was far too short to waste it, his brother had lost the love of his life. Had he found that with Belle it wasn’t like they ever even really talked about where they were going or what they were doing either. He smiled at her when she held up one of those mini dresses towards him. He grinned at her. It was gorgeous and he licked his lips and she’d look great in it.

“So did your mom say how that meeting she had with Ana went? It’s dangerous, you know what you are doing. I know you and all your siblings think you have it all worked out but your mom could end up angry and really hurt at you over it.” Jamal said knowing how much of an influx DGI was in and what Belle had been risking to get on the good side with her siblings. She had already lost Lowell and if this turned ugly she could end up isolating Tess from her completely but he got it too. Lowell had always wanted DGI to go to his kids, not her mother. “I think the color suits you well, not to mention I think I’d much rather that number end up on the floor later. I know you’re not friends with Brooke but thanks for going with me to the wedding m. Hopefully we can have a good time, you know?” Jamal said placing his hands on her waist he leaned in kissing her before pulling back.

Belle flung her wrist looking at this divine vintage Alexander McQueen dress waving off Jamal’s concerns. It wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Spinning around in her Alexander Wang pumps she looked at her handsome boyfriend and exhaled. “Jamal, I get it. You are worried about what I’m up to. I’m not. My mum doesn’t seem to get it. In fact she is purposely trying to disrespect my papa’s legacy. Lowell Devonshire wanted Jackson and Dani at the helm of DGI. He wanted Jackson as CEO and Dani, his wife, to run it with him. I spent his last few months with him and I know that for certain. What she is doing is wrong and if she’s mad that’s her problem not mine. I’m doing what my father wanted and I’m sorry if it makes her feel some type of way but I’m not going to allow her to disrespect what he wanted. As for Ana I don’t know, I keep texting her about it and she changes the subject which means one of two things. She got exactly whatever she wanted or she didn’t. I’m not leaning toward the latter. Mummy is in her spiteful era and I’m in my double agent era. So whatever I have to do to fix what she’s doing I will.” Belle took the McQueen dress and saw a Schiparelli gown that screamed royal wedding. A wicked smirk etched against her face. She would most certainly upstage the bride in this. Picking up the McQueen dress and then rushing to snatch up the Schiparrelli. 

“I found it.” She said looking at him and seeing his eyes widen because of the cutouts. “You can take the McQueen off this however will not be hitting the floor. As for Brooke and I well it’s boring now. At one point all I wanted to do was be like Bliss. Marry a prince but to find out Dimitri had all the warts. Well that was disturbing and truly didn’t play into my fantasy. Now I could care less. I have the prince of the Delacroix family and I’m happy for them.” Placing the dresses down she wrapped her arms around Jamal’s neck. “Just like I hope you’re happy with me. Anyways I am hearing Grammy buzz for Ivan best new artist and best rap album. I’m proud of you.” Leaning in, she kissed Jamal for two reasons: one he was incredibly handsome and two she didn’t want him to keep talking about her plan against her mother. When she opened her eyes she saw them walking in. A piece of her wanted to be snarky but why? Brooke Kincaid and Atticus Kavanaugh were from a bygone time in her life. “Watch, I can play nice.” 

Brooke had so much to do before the wedding and the move to Isla De Cruces. It had been a long time coming but she was so ready to commit to the man before her. Walking into the boutique she almost jumped back seeing her childhood best friend kissing her onetime rival. Belle was a pain in the ass in Europe. She actively went after Atticus and he fell for the bait but right now she seemed happy. She had the glow when you first fall in love. Raising her hand she waved at them. Looking at Atticus who always was uncomfortable around Belle. She was a painful reminder of him cheating. Then the gnawing feeling of guilt ruptured inside. The truth was she cheated and never told Atticus and would never. Ronan kept his mouth shut about their brief fling and that made her feel horrible at times. But they were here now and she was finally over it. Finally free of Ronan and his drama. 

Walking over to Belle and Jamal she took Atticus hand kissing it. Her eyes widened at the dress Belle had. It was a stunning piece and she wondered if that was what she was wearing to the wedding. Always trying to upstage someone. “Jamal! The Grammy’s noms are coming in a couple of weeks. I’m so excited Atticus keeps playing Ivan’s music and Glory Road is my fave group right now. Belle you look beautiful today and I’m actually happy for some reason it seems you ground this one. Maybe he’s found something special for once.” She playfully punched his shoulder. “I’m so excited our wedding is days away.” She bit her lip kissing Atticus again. “I hope Rory, you, Aspen and myself can get together before I leave Atlas Falls.”

Jamal had been more than happy to indulge in the outfit that Belle had picked out even if for him it was a bit much and showy but that was who Belle was, she was wild and uncontrolled and knew how to dress in style. Upstaging the bride was something that she could do with ease and he smiled at Brooke when she mentioned the wedding, he was happy for her. He honestly thought it was really gracious of her to invite and approve of Belle as his plus one considering everything that happened with Belle and Atticus. He reached out and shook Atticus’s hand when he offered it to him. “Thanks for having me and Belle, we’re both really happy for you aren’t we babe?” Jamal said pulling Belle to him and kissing her cheek hoping to make the meeting not as awkward as he was feeling. Atticus to him was intimidating. The man was in charge of an entire county and yeah the Grammy’s were cool and he was thrilled but he wasn’t a literal prince. “The Grammy’s seem so big and I know we’d be thrilled to get a nomination or two. We’ve been really blessed at the label. Yeah we should do that.” Jamal said he didn’t have the heart to tell her Rory had completely checked out with Aspen in his opinion.

As fun as Atlas Falls had been and as relaxing Atticus was wanting to get back home and begin his new duties as regent that was where he belonged. The final touches on the wedding near complete, security had been increased and the guest list was stacked. He was certain the press and the media would be all over it as well. Regardless he was ready to marry Brooke and start their life together, they had been through so much from his awful choices in the past, her stormy and rocky relationship with a criminal to them jointly and getting back together. He vowed to do better this time for both of them; he wasn’t going to let her go again, at least not easily. Entering Renard’s for their fitting he looked at Belle, honestly part of him wanted out of Atlas Falls for that reason too she was a constant reminder of his infidelity to the woman next to him and his mistake. He had shook Jamal’s hand and then turned his attention back to his soon to be bride kissing her hand.

“We are very excited to finally tie the knot. I know that Brooke has been working nonstop on it and her mother. I have liked what I have heard from your artists. It seems you like to dip into a little bit of everything. You two look very happy.” He paused for a moment. What else could he say to Jamal he was so sorry that his psychotic evil brother assaulted Selina? Part of him wanting to leave Atlas Falls was to also put his brother’s reign of terror to rest; there was that woman at the opera that had come forward claiming to be pregnant from the incident, though the news hadn’t broken yet. It seemed America had cast his family into scandal after scandal. “We were very happy to have Belle on the list. I know your brother and his lovely wife are coming. Plus given DGI’s ties to Isla Del Cruces that seemed appropriate. I say that should get the small awkward talk out of the way shouldn’t it Belle we’re all adults that have moved on gracefully with our lives.” Atticus said, looking at Belle and then back at Brooke he was over that time in his life, he found his way back to Brooke and that was all that mattered now. 

“Exactly, I don’t want you and I’m very happy where I stand and who stands by me now. Some days I think about what it would be like to be a princess but considering what Bliss went through, I’m blessed to have my handsome boyfriend.” She said looking at Jamal who seemed happily shocked she called him her boyfriend. “I’m nervous, actually I never went to a royal wedding. This is going to be quite the spectacle from what I hear.” 

“Aren’t we all?” Brooke said playfully. “I’m nervous as well. I don’t want to mess up any of the Ilsa Del Cruces traditions. But I’ve been practicing and I think I’ll do fine. I do want to say if you did get Atticus then you wouldn’t have had the same experience as Bliss. He’s amazing and everything I ever wanted. I do believe that we all ended up where we belonged and I have to admit you two are adorable.” 

A baby Dior bassinet stroller rolled into the private boutique. She had a pair of Louboutin heels on, Dior sunglasses, and vintage Versace dress on. Just down the hall her ready-to-wear fashion was on display and it made her smile to see her couture inside with the greats. Taking off her sunglasses she looked at them all and flipped her hair. “Surprise Brookie!” She ran to her friend and hugged her tightly. “It’s so good to be home!” She squealed as her body guard protected her baby. Val looked at Jamal and Belle. Turning to not face them or even give them a moment of her energy. “My muse looks amazing, you’re glowing girl! Come over, I want you to meet my son.” Taking off her sunglasses she smirked at the lovely couple. Then she saw the crushing weight on Jamal’s face. “Oh he isn’t yours. I’m married.” Raising her hand to show off the large rock on her finger. “Come on Brooke and Atticus you have to see him, he has his father’s chin and dimples.” 

*****

Lex sat at The Point coffee in front of him while he went over a court brief, life had been awful since losing his best friend and brother in law, he wasn’t the same. Ever since that night at the hospital between losing Ryan, his strange conversation with Dru and then watching Dani take that buffoon Jackson back his life had been utter chaos. He’d spent his days picking up Mason’s slack at work because Julian thought that he needed time because Zach had died, he wasn’t a complete asshole it sucked but God he was overwhelmed at work. At night he went to Club XES or any other bar he could to find a nice girl to take home to take the edge off it had been working. Though honestly he had been thinking about Dru Price more and more since everything had gone down in his sister’s words he was in a rut. He no longer could turn to Ryan to talk about it and he took the cup of coffee before him, taking it in his hand and taking a sip. The waiter returned with his order and he looked at the omelet, toast and bacon before looking at his watch he had to get into work soon.

Regardless he put the brief down as he then turned his attention to the local news as he scrolled his phone opening up the group chat with his siblings. There was still no word from Connor, who had come back for the funeral a short visit and honestly he was still pissed as fuck that his father had felt the need to send him away to fucking Ohio who the fuck did that? He had tried reasoning with him over it that it wasn’t necessary, but there was a certain pull that even he couldn’t achieve when it came to his father. When he wanted to achieve something he knew that there was no way his father was going to just roll over and fix it. On the other hand he could use Whitney’s grief to his advantage not that he was trying to be nefarious with it, Whitney needed both of her brothers around and if anything his niece and his nephew needed their other uncle back too. He took a sigh picking up his phone and going to the SwampGirl contact and honestly he debated about texting Dru she seemed to get him in some strange way.

“Who in the hell is SwampGirl?” A voice broke out behind him and he turned in his chair, nearly falling over as he stared at his baby brother.

How in the hell did Connor get into town and not tell him. Moreso did his father know that he was here? He looked around the restaurant for a moment before he stood and enveloped him in a hug. “You should have told me or Whit you were coming in we would have sent a car for you at the airport. He doesn’t know that you are here does he?” He avoided the question about SwampGirl altogether where it concerned Dru and his sex life or the lack thereof at the moment. He was just happy that his brother was back in town even if it was for a short visit. “I mean that you know he catches you back in town, though I could always spin it as you are here for Morgan and Miles.” Lex finished pulling out a chair for his brother as he watched him sit down.

Connor had gotten in on a flight the night before it had taken a few months and weeks but his agent was if anything capable and no he hadn’t told his brother about his coming home. His agent had then reached out to his father, along with another contact that he knew held more power than even his own father. The news would break later in the evening that the trade back to the Ravens had happened; he would be playing ball back in Atlas Falls. He sat down in the chair he was going to have to ask Lex more about this SwampGirl later, ever since the tape with him and Val had gone out it had led to a lot of drama in his life to the point he had to uproot now twice. His father wasn’t the only one with connections and for a moment he felt the air move between him and Lex over it or he was paranoid. He had come back for the funeral a few weeks ago, had stood at the side of Ryan’s casket with his brother and sister and watched as he had been lowered into the ground. Part of him wanting to come back was because of that their sister needed him.

“Dad knows or at least my agent let him know, let’s face it after what happened with Ryan I need to be here for Whitney, Miles and Morgan besides you’ve gotten lax letting Jon Harrison sniff around her. News should be dropping in a few hours about my trade back, dad wasn’t thrilled but I’ve learned my lesson man I’m not out going to be recording me fucking someone against a wall in a club. It’s an election year, it looks better for me to be here for Whitney and her run after what happened.” Connor said picking up a piece of bacon off his brother’s plate and biting into it watching Lex become annoyed by it, he missed this being the obnoxious younger brother. He knew when his brother was deflecting and right now he was deflecting about whoever was on that phone. “So who is SwampGirl, you’re deflecting. Listen I know dad really wants you to get back with Dani, but like she’s married with kids, you’re not. Like move on and be happy if Ryan dying taught me anything it’s that you know?” Connor said he didn’t care about Dani one way or another; he did have to work with her when she was a publicist for his dad and then DGI since they owned the team. The entire thing with his brother and Dani had been a shit show after she had caught his brother cheating on her at their sister’s wedding.

Lex watched as Connor chewed on his bacon, annoyed at him, even as a kid he took food off his plate or Whitney’s and their mother would always laugh, it was a memory that he cherished and he missed her. He looked over at Connor when he mentioned that their father knew he was back, that likely had not gone over well or he would be in the dog house later for not handling it properly. He didn’t want to know who his brother had help him; it was probably better that way. “SwampGirl is none of your business, we both know how dad can get with women he doesn’t approve of so lets just put it that way.” He said looking at Connor and pausing at the entire thing with Dani, he knew what his dad wanted the Pub and he’d been telling himself it was a means to an end but maybe Connor was right, hell he didn’t know anymore. He picked up his fork taking a bite of his eggs and then watched as his brother stabbed them with his own fork and did the same. “Do you just want my food?” He asked, seeing Connor shrug at him.

“I don’t know where Dani and I stand or if we really did at all to begin with. I do know that I don’t want her to choose some dude like Jackson though.” He finally relented, and honestly recording the tape with Dru came back to him and he only prayed that it didn’t haunt him later. At the time the plan seemed pretty perfect: Fake a sex tape with Dru and Jackson, Dani leaves and picks him, Dru gets what she wanted. Only it didn’t go as planned and Dani left right into Brenda Kincaid’s car and nearly died. Mason exposed Dru the same night and then she confessed to drugging Jackson, leaving his part out. “Let’s move on from my love life, Whitney is a mess and I’m not sure I like the fact Jon is sniffing around so soon after Ryan, he was my best friend. Be straight with me, why are you back? I mean Atlas Falls Connor, you could have gone anywhere.” Lex finished putting his fork down and pushing the plate back, he could get something later if Connor was really that starved. 

Connor leaned back in his chair knowing that the truth was going to come out sooner rather than later and if anyone could talk his father off a cliff about it it was Lex. He rubbed the back of his neck knowing how bad his father was going to go off the handle. He didn’t mean for it to happen but his mother had the decency to raise all her children right. “So there is a situation with Val. We never thought someone was recording us, it was just supposed to be like a one night stand type thing. It wasn’t my most shining moment. Things were going okay in Ohio. I was adjusting you know with the move and new team and she showed back up.” Connor said watching his brother’s face he had to know where he was going with this right? When he saw Lex still looking confused he pulled out his phone pulling up a picture and showing it to him and that is when he saw his brother look at the ring on his left hand.

“Um surprise, you have a new sister in law and that’s my son Charlie, yes after dad could you imagine if I hadn’t and Val liked it. I married Val a week after he was born, I didn’t tell dad. And I know maybe I should have told you or Whitney but with everything going on with Ryan it felt really wrong to just spring it on everyone at Ryan’s funeral. My agent kept the birth under wraps over the summer when I went on that trip to Europe. I’m pretty sure the wedding we had in Denmark was legal. And Val is catholic and after everything that she went through with Jamal.” Connor said looking at his brother’s shocked expression he could tell he was pissed or he was just in shock either way he had to face the music. He ran a hand through his hair and then watched as Lex burst out laughing. “Does this look funny to you?”

Lex’s eyes bulged he was pretty sure his father was going to fucking flip when he found out. It was one thing to have a sextape that was easily forgotten about in a by line in a few weeks and be shipped off. But a damned baby and marriage to said girl on sextape? One that was bi to boot? His dad was going to flip the fuck out, on the other hand he couldn’t help but start laughing at it. Didn’t his baby brother know to put a damn glove on it before tapping it? Hadn’t he, their father and Ryan taught him better than to knock up some fashion designer, not that he was always as responsible in the past either. 

“Your ass is so cooked. You never fail to run out of surprises for us, do you little brother?” Lex said for now the thoughts of Dru disappearing from his mind he was way too focused on Connor’s surprise and figuring out how to navigate it the best he could, a welcome distraction from everything he was going through with Ryan and trying to figure out why he wanted or why he was even thinking about Dru Price in the first place.

Dru grabbed her order to go and she looked at Lex and her heart skipped a beat. He was one of the few people who cared about her and she cared about him. In their very own twisted way. She turned and looked back at him. For the first time since arriving in Atlas Falls she felt like every eye was on her. Honestly she didn’t like it. The whispers, the stares, and the snickers. She did some horrible things but who were these fake ass people to judge her? When she opened her purse she handed them her debit card. After a few moments the waitress returned and said the card was declined. She opened her purse and handed them another card. After a few moments she came back with a grim expression. She snatched her card back and she could see people staring at her even more. “Go straight to hell! I have money!” She screeched as she walked past Lex’s table ignoring him. Acting as if he wasn’t right there and she needed to talk to him. The money she came into Atlas Falls with was gone. Her few checks were gone from babysitting the twins. “What are are you looking at?” Dru stormed out of La Callie and felt breathless. She had to get out of this city. Her stomach growled as she texted Pierre. Word on the street was the AFPD was looking for her and she knew that meant one thing. To do what she was best at and run away.

*****

Whitney was in the kitchen looking out at the yard while Jon seemed to be involved in a deep nerf battle with Miles and Morgan of course was toddling along. It had been almost two months since they had Ryan’s memorial service. She had chosen to cremate him; she didn’t want the kids seeing him like that. The memory for her had been giving her nightmares in her sleep, his disfigured face floating in the water at the explosion. They had shared a life together, adopted Miles and after IVF had been able to have Morgan, though she was no longer in love with her deceased husband at one point she did love him. They had discussed divorce that night on the way to the opening, with Ryan agreeing to one he wanted to head home to Texas and Nova. She wanted to run for political office, they had agreed to shared custody and now she was bitter over it. Bitter and sad that he was gone and they never got to see the next phase of how that would look or work, her children would never grow up with their father around, because Ronan Madden brought his chaos to her family’s doorstep that night.

The kids she thought were adjusting well, Ryan’s parents had stayed for a few weeks and his mistress had the decency to not show her face at the funeral. Her brother was a hot mess since losing his best friend and Miles was asking questions left and right. He was a little more in tune with the realization that daddy had died and was not coming home than his sister was, looking down at the sparkling water in her hands she took a sip before looking up again when the laughter seemed to filter into the kitchen. Jon had been a spotlight in all of it checking in on her and the kids, their friendship seemed to be growing and she rolled her neck easing the tension she felt there it was too soon. Even if she wanted to act on those feelings she knew better the whispers and the papers would run with. The press would rake her over the coals and she along with Anderson were up over five points the part of grieving widow working to their advantage. Though for her it wasn’t just a part it was real-life, she had loved Ryan at one point and deeply they were college sweethearts. When she heard the front door open she walked to the foyer seeing her father walk in with his assistant Paul close behind.

“Father, Paul perhaps a call next time to let me know you are swinging by.” She said, her eyebrow raised slightly, whatever could he want if they were up in the polls. Lex was at his beck and call since the accident, Ryan was gone and her fingers tapped the glass as she followed her father’s gaze to the yard. So that is what he was here about her friendship with Jon. “Ah so this is about Jon is it, he’s a friend and right now he’s good for the kids too. They need a figure in their lives with everything that happened on the boat they barely understand that their dad isn’t coming home.” Whitney said seeing Paul taking out his phone and taking notes no doubt trying to spin this to their advantage.

Charles looked at his middle child; his favorite, his shining star at least for now his shining star, he’d been patient since getting rid of Ryan he almost had his family back on track. It wasn’t like Lex did anything else was told he’d handed Dani to him on a silver platter at the hospital but like always he had drug his feet to her room. He was patient and as soon as he had all that he needed he’d explode the Fraiser family to fight his battle against the Devonshire’s and maybe his eldest would pull his head out of the ground. He’d be patient till the time was right to strike until then he had enough fire to put out the explosion that had easily played into his long term goals. Unfortunately that meant his son in law meeting his maker but he certainly didn’t think that would mean that she would waltz Jon Harrison into their lives when he and made such a huge effort to effectively remove him, he watched as Jon played with Miles and simply nodded at Paul to take notes on spinning this as well.

“I wanted to stop by and check in on you, Miles and Morgan. It seems perhaps that I was overthinking that you actually needed me. I know the last few weeks have been trying on them. Perhaps a trip home to Harrisburg would be in order or Pittsburgh? It’s good for everyone to get back to normalcy. Do you think it is wise to confuse them about Jon’s place?” Charles asked watching her take a sip of her water considering his words, he had learned a long time ago that Whitney was like her mother agreeable and reasonable. It was also why he picked her over his sons, they had too much of himself in them to ever contribute politically to what he wanted to achieve, maybe not Connor but Lex certainly. “It’s only been a few months people will talk Whitney and as much damage control I had to do before the memorial would now only be amplified. I kept Ryan’s mistress at bay, you are so close to winning this run off think about the implications it could have on your future. Your children’s future.” Charles said, looking over Paul’s notes for a moment before waving him off to give them privacy.

“I think I can decide for myself what is best for Morgan and Miles, I was doing it long before Ryan passed. I’m not going to uproot them again to move back to Harrisburg or Pittsburgh when we just did that to move here for the new hotel, something that I need to remind you, you insisted upon. That little detail you always seem to leave out when you insist that we just go back to normal.” Whitney said watching Paul scurry from the room so it was going to be one of those conversations, things that Paul didn’t need to know about. He rarely did that, only trusted people in the circle of course and she moved from the counter to the table taking a seat across from him at the table. She had always looked up to her father over the years, though his unsolicited advice after her mother had died led to all the influx and Skye Morgan entered their lives. “I’m not the lackey you can’t just boss me around you know? Don’t you have hired hands for that or Lex?” She asked, seeing him annoyed with her and she picked up her drink taking a sip. Honestly her brother didn’t deserve that, Lex had sacrificed a lot for her and their family over the years.

“Not that I owe you an explanation of who is or isn’t warming my bed at the moment, you never seemed to care all that much when Ryan was cheating with Skye, Max Devonshire or Nova as long as it stayed out of the press. It’s afterall what you and mom paid my best friend to stay silent about when she worked for you covering up all the affairs we would have, running point on the optics you wanted to be kept so pure. Sad to disappoint you but I’m not fucking Jon. He’s just been stopping by and checking in on me and the kids, he’s kind about it and they’ve really taken to him.” Whitney said seeing Jon duck behind a bush Miles laughing at the action while Jon pretended to be wounded and Morgan letting out an excited squeal of delight the laughter was something she desperately needed. They all needed that laughter after everything that happened. “Do you remember when we smiled last before mom passing or when we were kids. I want my kids to have that. I know what is at stake, so no I’m not thinking about that right now.”

Charles looked at her and almost sneered if she knew the lengths that her brother had gone through to protect her and her children she would hardly be so nonchalant about everything. Lex had been invaluable where certain matters were concerned both in her life and at the conglomerate but she didn’t need to know all the details. Honestly at this point he was wondering if she was coping well and made a note to have someone else come check in on her. “So this is the hill you want to risk everything on? Involving Jon in our business, the most virtuous officer in Atlas Falls, you want him to be strolled back into your life and Miles’s. Need I remind you that there are secrets in this family, secrets that would be devastating should they come to light.” He paused seeing her hanging on his words; she may not have known all the secrets but she knew enough like how Skye had been a call girl, though she didn’t know about the sordid details.

Outwardly they were the perfect political family, had he abused his children perhaps not physically but they all knew their place and God rest their mother’s soul he sacrificed everything for their ungratefulness. He rose from the table to look out the window, he had hoped they would be closer to what he wanted in town with the Pub and Walter did owe him for helping Hunter or was it Brenda, regardless he had to pretend a bit longer. “I don’t know if Jon knows how to fit into this family or role that you seem to want him thrust into. It may confuse Miles and Morgan if he is here one moment and gone the next that is all. I know you and how stubborn you are Whitney, you have that part of your mother in you and perhaps this can work but that requires full transparency from you.” Charles said seeing Jon cleaning up the toys clearly getting ready to bring the children back inside and watched as he took Miles hand and a thought popped into his head. He could use this to his advantage, making sure that Jon saw his side of things and it had been a long time since the thrill of a chase had happened. “So tell me this is what you really want.” He finished turning around to look at his only daughter.

Whitney looked back at him considering his words. She had thought about that a lot over the last few weeks if it was wise, but she was so tired of the plan. Or more so her father’s plans hadn’t she sacrificed enough over the years for it? It was time that she went after what she wanted and maybe one day Jon could see the reason in that, he was reasonable or at least he had been in the past. “I think Jon can learn, you haven’t even given him the chance. Yes it’s what I want and what I need right now, what we need right now so please just respect that.” She finished wrapping her arms around herself as she watched her father lean in and hug her as a chill seemed to wave over her.

“I hope for all our sakes you are right. I’ll be going now, perhaps we should invite Jon over to the house for dinner. You should talk to someone to consider this more.” Charles said into her ear, the warning hopefully met with the caution that he intended while he turned making his way to Paul and his waiting car outside the door. Taking out his phone and sending a text, a meeting was clearly in order.

*****

Jamal watched as Val got reacquainted with Brooke and Atticus and they had talked about the wedding, he glanced over at Belle hoping that their outing hadn’t been spoiled by Val’s sudden reappearance. It wasn’t like he never thought that she would pop back up in town; he was well aware that she and Brooke were friends; he just wasn’t sure how to approach it all. He had lashed out when he turned that video of her and Connor over to Greer from the club, but she at the time had hid a fucking baby from him. It wasn’t his best or most shining moment and Belle had been the one to tell him about it. Now he and Belle were dating, it felt awkward a little if he was being honest with himself as he looked around Renards and saw Brooke and Atticus leaving and then Val turning back to him and Belle. He looked at the baby and part of him got angry at it and then he shook his head. He had no right to be mad but he was curious where the father was.

“I didn’t actually think that you’d ever come back to town but it looks like I was wrong. Though maybe I should have guessed that since Brooke is getting married you clearly would have designed her dress.” Jamal said trying to play this entire meeting cool, what in the hell was she doing back in town was it for a visit or something more? He kept staring at the baby in her arms and part of him wished it was his kid, or maybe not he was not ready to be a father. Was it that asshole Connor’s or did she find some other poor schmuck to sleep with and get knocked up? “How long are you in the city for?” He finished hoping the answer was short and she left just as fast as she came.

Val adjusted her son on her hip while she walked with Brooke and Atticus to the front of Renards, promising Brooke she would catch her up after her fitting. When she had seen Jamal with Belle it had been awkward who knew he would get with Rory’s spoiled little sister of all people. Not to mention she was the one that plastered her business to Jamal in the first place, it was in the past but that didn’t make what Belle did hurt any less. Then there was the fact that Jamal had watched her and Connor fuck in his club to sell the tape to Greer’s paper, she would never forgive him for that. Making her out to be some whore or something along those lines, she had been hurting because of what she did and needed a night to forget. Instead it turned into a nightmare in the press and she looked at her son at least she got him out of it. She moved some hair out of her face as she looked at Jamal again when he began grilling her about how long she was in town for she shot him a look.

“Not that I need to inform you of my plans but I came back to support Brooke at her wedding and take over Renards for a little bit. I still own this store and I need a break from some of the fashion shows since I’m raising a child now.” Val said seeing Belle look at her like the girl wanted to say something and she almost rolled her eyes, always chasing things that weren’t hers like Atticus and Jamal even now. Maybe it was because she knew Jamal in ways that this entitled spoiled girl never would but she did find it interesting that he latched onto Rory’s little sister. “We’re both adults. We should be able to survive in the same city together since we did share so much together like Kelsey that one time before you got your boxers in a bunch over it.” She paused seeing Belle’s shocked expression and nearly laughed. “Oh pick your jaw up from the floor, you’re the one who stuck your nose into my business with Jamal in the first place afterwards or did he conveniently forget to tell you how I came to be pregnant the first time?” 

“I mean since you aborted the child I didn’t think that it was a reason for Jamal to explain how it happened.” Belle said sharply, already ready to attack. Who did this guttersnipe think she was talking to? “Let’s make a quick correction. Renard’s doesn’t belong to you. The boutique inside does, I mean it is your cousin because you never owned a label until Scarlett sent him up to the upper room.” Ever since Brooke and she made peace it seemed her vitriol shifted to this bitch. She always thought that she could compete with her, when she’d never compare. Cutting her eyes at Jamal they’d discuss the threesome later but it didn’t surprise her. Her man was in the music industry. Sex was everywhere and if she was cheap enough to do that well, that was her choice. No wonder Jamal and she failed, introducing multiple partners seemed to be an easy sure fire way for discourse to enter the relationship. Taking a peak at the baby she wondered who the father was. Connor Hessington wasn’t dumb enough to knock her up. Was he? She always thought of Connor as a guy who got away because he was interested in her and she was obsessed with David. Her mind often drifted back to regret that entire David situation. She had Connor right there and dissed him for the doctor. It wasn’t smart but she really liked David at that time and now she was left with questions. 

“Married, who would marry you? I mean you’re practically a porn star and since everyone including Kelsey, Connor, and Jamal has tasted the candy, who would want a bite?” Belle said feeling Jamal grab her hand to calm her down. Something about Val got under her skin and she hated that feeling. “Well we will be seeing you at the wedding. But I do have to say this because you’re so alluring Val, stay the hell away from my boyfriend and we will be all good. I’d hate to have to, how do the Americans say it spin the block on you. I mean you lost last time I would presume you wouldn’t want to go to war with me again. Considering you practically ran out of Atlas Falls in embarrassment.” Belle said with a scoff. “I mean you’re a mother now you couldn’t be holding on to all that now could you?” 

Val almost laughed in little Ms. Devonshire’s face the problem with that entire family was how they looked down their noses at everyone around them. That included, little miss went after the upcoming groom of her best friend’s wedding and then the man she was now with. Always with the leftovers and how dare she judge her. “Yes, married and quite happy who knew that sex tape was the best thing to ever happen to me. I got Charlie out of it and a man that you thought you could just bag after leading him around on a leash with David Rhodes. As for Dante, the family signed Renards over to me after his death, you little bitch. I mean as for Jamal he is old news no thanks. Didn’t you also chase after the upcoming groom and seduce him while he was with Brooke?” Val said waving her hand off at the girl before her and seeing the hurt on Jamal’s face. Good she wanted to hurt him.

Jamal was shaking in rage at Val and then he glanced over at Belle. A very public argument in front of everyone in earshot of Renards was just something that Greer would run in her paper. The last thing his label needed was another byline about his love life, but where in the hell did Val get off? Well he clearly knew that night when he watched her fuck Connor’s brains out and maybe he did do her dirty, but wasn’t he allowed to be mad she aborted his child? “You got rid of our baby without even fucking having a conversation with me. Didn’t I at least warrant that?” He finally said not sure what else he was supposed to say when the door opened and he watched Connor waltz in and he nearly fell the fuck over. Didn’t he get traded to some backwoods fuck place in the middle of nowhere?

Connor had left breakfast with Lex. He still wanted to know everything about who in the hell SwampGirl was but he was willing to let it go for now. Lex had enough fires to put out with his entire return at the moment but he wanted to know about it. He walked to Val sweeping her into his arms and leaning down his eyes catching Belle’s for a moment before he kissed his wife making sure his ring finger was on display. “Sorry breakfast with Lex went a little longer than I thought it would. He’s doing damage control with my dad, how is Charlie and where is Brooke?” Connor said seeing both Belle and Jamal looking at them absolutely horrified.

*****

Philip watched from the glass window and she was really good. Sometimes he wondered how she felt about him. He did continue to push for her to strip. Guilt ate at him about that. His own damn sister was on the pole. Club XES was a wild ass time and now he felt disgusting about it all. Watching her doing traditional ballet was amazing. She looked perfect and her movement was exquisite. As he opened the dance studio’s door he strolled in seeing her freezing in place. Her elegant hands seemed to tense up and now he was looking at the hood girl that had a heart of gold. It was annoying that Yasmine didn’t have the same spirit as Cassie and him. MontCorp was their legacy and here he was to protect it but would she? That was why he was here now, could Yasmine keep her mouth shut? Could she move on knowing he pushed Randall? That was his question and today he’d get the answers. 

“I’ve been watching you. You’re amazing and I knew that but seeing you actually dance is truly seeing a work of art. I have a check for you Yasmine. This is going to fund the studio and youth center. I think this will upgrade this entire building. I think that could get some more computers and upgrade your facility even more. We need to talk though before I hand this over.” Philip said as he grabbed a chair, pulling the chair in front of his sister and sitting down in front of her. “I just want to discuss the night of Randall’s fall with you.” 

Yasmine had been dancing to shake out the guilt she was feeling. She hadn’t had a good night of sleep since witnessing her brother pushing Randall down those marble steps. Him reaching out for her just kept replaying in her mind. She didn’t help him. She couldn’t help him and if she did it would look like an obvious betrayal of her family. Folding her arms she began to snicker. “That’s why your preppy ass came all the way down the Scottswood? Are you serious? If I wanted to snitch I would have said something so take your bribe and get the fuck out of my studio. I’m trying to choreograph a routine for my kids winter performance and I don’t have time for this. Go to hell where you belong Philip. You might not have killed Randall but his fall is your doing and I want no part of you and if Cassie is involved with this the tell her ass to stay back pregnant or not. She is just a complicit and what’s your excuse? Huh? You want to protect MontCorp? Our father stole a baby and gave it to your aunt. That doesn’t give you the ick. If this is what it means to be a Montgomery then I want no part.” Yasmine said walking to her water bottle taking a swig of water. 

To be honest Philip wasn’t preppy, he was scary. Seeing how he went from corporate heir to killer was chilling. He just pushed that man down the stairs and kept moving. She wasn’t raised like them and that was clear. Trisha made sure she came up with morals as an addict or not. Gina showed her true love and she wondered if Philip or Cassie had ever felt that. Their father was a tyrant and always after Lowell so did he have time for them? Did he show them love? That question haunted her. They seemed to think that this entire situation was acceptable. “So if you think I’m going to say something then you have the wrong idea. I’m not trying slip and fall like Randall.” 

Philip clapped for his sister and all her moral highground. Then he let out a low gruff laughter. “You seem to think you’re better than Cassie and I. If you were such a good person then why wouldn’t you go into the police? Why didn’t you report what we did? It benefited us and your newly acquired fortune? You see for the first time in ten years MontCorp is on an upswing and the uncertainty of DGI is benefiting us. I refuse to let a long buried secret rise and destroy what Cassie and I are doing? This isn’t just about the money, it’s about your future Yasmine so you standing there and judging me is comical. I’m doing this for my future niece or nephew. Your children deserve to have a legacy don’t you agree? Now Forbes has done absolutely nothing for you up until two years ago? Don’t you want to have him do one damn thing for you? This is our birthright and if the truth comes out about Victoria and who she is then we lose it all. I’m not losing anymore. I’ve been waiting Yasmine for this chance to get everything. My sisters are important to me but I won’t beg. You just won’t fucking say anything are we clear? I’m not threatening you, I’m telling you to protect yourself. Protect what we’re building and that’s what I did. Now you might think it was some other way but Randall wouldn’t have stopped. He would have eventually told Lauren and Victoria. I mean you have all the cards Yasmine if you want to tell Aspen who she is or would that link her further to a man you love? Rory wouldn’t be able to leave her then now would he?” 

With that he looked at his sister and he clocked exactly why she didn’t open her mouth. “I warned you when I found out who you were. I told you that the Devonshire’s would never allow you back into Rory’s life. You are wasting your time but I understand the Devonshire’s are addicting. I loved Max and she nearly paralyzed me. I didn’t kill Randall he died in the hospital. I just needed to figure out what we could do to fix all of this. I’m telling you I need you with us and not to dismiss us. We aren’t bad now did I do something horrible yes but I love you Yasmine, I want to protect you and our futures.”  

“You pushed him! You took that man from this earth! You are just as much a monster as Forbes and all for MontCorp. I could start over a million times and I’d never do what you did! You are insane if you think that I’m going to be apart of your life Philip after this.” She screamed at him.

“And you said nothing you damn hypocrite! You aren’t perfect and I assure you will continue to reap the fruits of this spoiled tree. Try as you want but you’re a Montgomery and your own self interest is more important. I will help every damn kid in this building, I will start a scholarship and call it the Randall Sinclair award. You see I’ll send all of your urchins to college so tell me Yasmine can you turn that down? And just in case you try to not do it. I’ve sent emails to all your dance students. They should be getting it right now. Calls and emails saying that you are helping them get scholarships. You see this is what I call a checkmate little sister. If you rat us out you’ll be sealing every one of your students to Scottswood. How many girls do you know that are unmarried baby mothers? Boys that Ronan and Killa will put on the street to be pawns? Or you can help them get out of the toxicity of Scottswood. Your choice but if you speak on what happens it destroys their futures. See I told you I’d help you but your silence is best.” Philip stood up and smiled looking at her disgust. “One day you’ll get it. You’ll get it when all these kids are saying thank-you and reaching greatness. See you later Yasmine.” Philip dragged the chair back off her dance floor. “Oh and Rory Devonshire is off limits. The hate goes both ways. He can’t have you and you can’t have him.” Philip walked out of the studio. 

Yasmine collapsed on the floor knowing that this was wrong. As she gasped desperately wanting to confess the truth but now he intertwined these kids’ futures with this secret. She wrapped her arms around herself as she rocked back and forth crying. Was this what it meant to be a Montgomery? For the first time ever she finally got it. She got what everyone was saying to her when she found out. They weren’t normal or a regular family. This was some Adam’s Family shit and she was sure that her brother wasn’t playing. How could she get out of this mess?