“3×21 “Mother Knows Best”
Written by: Chris Coleman, Kristi Clark and Kelly Zollo
Warning: Episode may contain strong language, sexual situations and violence.
Theme Song: Game of Love- Michelle Branch

Tess walked around her empty mansion, the sounds of music, loud talking, and RePlay wasn’t all over the house. As she opened the door to Belle’s empty room she exhaled. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. For years Bliss felt ostracized from the Devonshire and Belle didn’t even know. Yet here they were standing with them. She hated it and more than anything she hated Jackie’s control and influence on her daughters. She was the only other woman to have his heirs and now she was facing losing her foothold with her daughters. She slapped Belle and knew it was wrong but she couldn’t stop herself. Her words infuriated her. Did she not deserve to have what Jackie did? She was taking from those other brats to give herself a chance at getting it all. She never had Lowell and neither did Audrey. No matter what his heart and soul was tied with Jackie. Did he have love for her? That was the question she truly fought with. He would have left her with nothing in that will. How was she to know if he loved her truly? He emotionally left her long before their marriage; he literally thought of Jackie while drooling, barely able to keep his mouth closed. In his most vulnerable he chose to subject her to the chaos and leave her with a legacy of embarrassment. She however turned the tables on everyone. Tess licked her lips as she closed Belle’s door her placing her head on beautiful wood she exhaled.

With her mind racing she slowly paced back and forth feeling the wind leaving her body. She had constant calls from the media and they were hounding her. LeClerq media was taking a soft approach but TMZ, CNN, ABC, NBC, FOX News and other media titans were taking a sledgehammer to her. Calling her the delusional widow Devonshire but her will was rock solid because Simon lost the physical only thing they needed to locate was the video. Tess wasn’t sure if Lowell did one but she also knew him enough he wouldn’t get a last say. His arrogance was once her attraction. Now these media outlets were trying to destroy her but she had a plan to slow down Jackie’s brood. Wearing a corset DVF wrap dress and off the shoulders Burberry cape. Maybe taking DGI wasn’t the smart move and she knew if the truth ever came out it would be the end of herself and Pierre. Not to mention that woman was alive and well. Pierre informed her who the silent partner was and she gritted her teeth.Gloria Delacroix or Beecher or whatever her fake name was now was a menace and her return would be a major distraction. She knew better than to show her face until Lowell was good and buried. Looking down at her phone she sent Fox a box of toys and no response from Bliss. Her daughters hated her and that ate at her. She was the main one hurt in this equation always before Audrey but never Jackie. He manipulated all of them but somehow she is always the villain. Walking into Lowell’s old office she screamed as she covered her mouth. Weeping opening as she walked to the fireplace and picked up the marble fire poker and began to destroy the office.

Tess first swang at a picture of Chauncey, Jackson, Max, and a baby Rory. She began to destroy countless awards DGI had received over the years. As she continued to slam the fire poker into a glass table with glass shattering everywhere. Walking Lowell’s portrait she swung and glass flew all around her. Using her cape she picked up a shard of glass and used it to slice Lowell’s face. Tossing the glass on the floor she pushed over his vase and walked out of the office. She saw Alee the house concierge looking at her, shocked, dropping the fire poker. She stormed down the hall to his bedroom and screamed again. “Get it out! Clear this shit out of here! I want it gone!” Rushing to his closet she tossed his suits on the floor like a mad woman. He had pushed her to this and she was exhausted with Lowell. No more was he going to destroy her. Storming out she saw some maids looking horrified at the office. “Call the fucking decorators it’s my office now! Get rid of all that shit!” With that Tess walked to her room further down the hallway and slammed her door. As she covered her mouth, horrified at what she just did. When she saw her phone lighting up she dug in her pocket of the cape. It was Pierre. “We have a major problem. If my daughters aren’t on my side what’s the point of all of this?”

Pierre had been at his hotel at the Crestwood; he had a few items on his agenda to take care of a trip to see Jayden before the opening and a phone call to Tess needed to be made. The others would be getting the meeting announcement or invite either in person or via text that Natasha wanted to have a last minute meeting at DGI over SandStar. In truth it would be there he would reveal what was on the thumb drive in his pocket and he fondly remembered the price he had paid for it the night before the real games would begin after that with Gloria getting what she wanted as well as Tess it was a win for everyone. He was adjusting his tie in the mirror when he heard the ringtone going off and knew who it was of course, Tess. He put it on speaker phone while he tied his Windsor knot and then also looked at the text from his personal security. So Harvey was in town of course he knew it was to see Greer likely to check on his daughter and her pregnancy but the tidbit that he was outside of Lauren’s house in the shadows had him burning with a rage. He was honestly frustrated with Harvey that Harvey couldn’t see Lauren for the woman that she was a weak Cummings girl that would always string his older brother along. They had a word for women like that in France, un truc féminin.

He listened to Tess ask about her precious daughters and almost told her that he had warned her as much but didn’t. They had something better: a tape that told a story, a scorned Natasha Hassan and Gloria on their side they didn’t need Bliss or Belle. But he knew his ally and friend needed her daughters; he’d kept Dru close to his chest as his weapon of choice and it was going to pay off. “You’re worried they won’t fall at your feet now that you’re trying to strip their ex drug addict brother of power? What if I were to tell you that his little reign of purity is over. His image will be destroyed, his wife devastated even more than Jackie was when you and Lowell were exposed. I had evidence to prove it. You asked me to make sure that Natasha was on our side and I have done that. His fall from grace with everyone and his siblings priceless your girls would be dumb not to flock to you.” Should she want more details he was happy to prove them even tell her about Dru he was ready to gloat. Ready for DGI’s reign to come to an end and for Tess to get everything she was due her revenge as the long mistress. “We just need you to hold it together until the meeting this evening. I am sure the text going out will raise a few eyeballs. Are you worried about Gloria? She knows her place in this.” He said his tone soft Tess was someone he was becoming soft hearted for she was carrying most of the weight and needed to play her part perfectly.

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3×20 “Where Did You Go?”
Written By: Chris Coleman, Kristi Clark and Kelly Zollo
Guest Starring: Rachel Weis (Kelly O’Connor), Michael Vartan (Kevin Nixon)
Warning: Episode may contain language, sex and violence.
Theme Song: Nickelback- Lullaby

Miranda was at one of the tables watching an older man with graying hair shuffle the cards he smelled like Old Spice and cigarettes. Not sure which one was more unappealing if she was honest. The wig she wore it was like she had never even left this gig as Mia Proctor former stripper at Club XES and store clerk for the local grocery store that had taken a break after Kendrick was murdered. She had applied to the casino as soon as they were hiring everything still in place from her last undercover mission, if Ronan knew who she really was he hadn’t said anything. She had left Quinn at home that morning with KC while she reported to work where she had been for the last few weeks to train for being a card dealer. The opening was now days away and it was the final test to make sure you knew how to deal and keep the house in the black, the gaming commission would be there opening day and like the man had told them all Ronan and DGI wanted a clean opening. Meaning no skimming three dealers had already left the program over the last week for skimming in the practice sessions.

She watched the cards hit the felt of the table, watched him put the cards in the shuffler and then watched as one by one the others went up one by one to pass off their final. It felt like she was in college again and she was almost nervous for her last exam with the police force and remained cool looking around the room. Counting the exits she easily saw between five and six that was easily up to code. The entire room was full of Devonshire influence from the gold and the cream, with the black and white marble tiles. The slot machines in their little clusters the green felt on most of the tables though the high roller tables were more crimson maroon. In the weeks she had been there she had yet to see anything fishy going on behind the scenes with Ronan and Gia but that didn’t mean it wasn’t happening. Gia’s right hand was always lurking around her or the other dealers and turning her back on him or raising her status was a bad idea. Between him and taking fucking orders from Max sometimes it was insufferable. She hadn’t liked the Devonshire princess since school and never would but right now she did work for her.

She stepped up to the table repeating what she had been doing for the last few weeks watching the woman who she assumed was from the gaming commission taking notes. She dealt the head of blackjack to the stand in guard that Ronan or Max had placed and finished the hand out. Afterwards she was handed her certification and mentally let out a sigh of relief she’d be here opening night, they were in. Meaning the last few weeks of undercover work had paid off and she and the rest were closer to bringing Ronan down. DGI and by extension the Devonshire sisters were just collateral when it came to their investigation though if this opening or casino failed who knew maybe they’d step down and join the little people. She didn’t care for them or the Montgomerys and it was hard seeing your best friend become ingrained in them if you could call Dani that to her anymore she wasn’t sure. Walking back towards the employee entrance she was ready for a break and to check in with Devin and Jon when she bumped directly into Ronan.

“Mr. Madden I’m so sorry.” Miranda bit out her tone completely even though she despised this man for what he had done to her and KC. How he had taken years from them, how he put bullets into him and let her husband float up a river. Was she thrilled he was alive at the end of it all yes but she still wanted Ronan to pay. Pay for dealing drugs, encouraging his men to start gang wars, for bringing that mess into the city she loved. “I didn’t see you there.” She finished seeing he was blocking the door.

Ronan had been in the office preparing his trip to Florida to put a loose end together though he had suspected that Gia was betraying him for a while he wanted proof, his mutual friend assured him she could provide it. Once he finished that up he sent a polite text to Max to assure her that he could handle the final staff set up for dealers. Ronan had to lay nice with Lowell’s eldest daughter. Not even Lowell was dumb enough to give him complete control of the casino so it was a partnership until he had enough legal money to do so or until he laundered enough to buy out Max and take full control. He had to take care of Gia first however and make sure that his son stayed with him for the remainder of his life, never to see that bitch again. He had been on his way out the door when he bumped into the woman in front of him, one of the dealers at the casino and a former employee at the club. He was actually sad when the lovely Mia had disappeared from the club. She had a nice ass and men paid a lot of money to see it. Looking around to wave off security as he gently led her back to the casino floor and a table.

“I was sad when you didn’t come back to the club after that unfortunate incident with Kendrick. You were one of my top if not my second money makers behind Yasmine of course. With both of you gone, the clientele simply isn’t quite the same now. I suppose this is a step up from a pole and the supermarket?” Ronan asked as they sat down at one of the blackjack tables and he looked her up and down, she had a banging body. He motioned for one of the cocktail waitresses to bring them a drink seeing Mia almost roll her eyes at him like he was inconveniencing her by having a drink with him. He took their drinks, passing one to her while he took a sip before leaning in, rubbing his fingers along her black shirt. “I think we could find a better use of our time than you dealing cards wouldn’t we both agree? Come back to the club.” Ronan said, looking at her honestly, seeing her partially mortified face at his suggestion. “I was not that awful of an employer.”

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3×18 The Reason
Written by: Kristi Clark, Chris Coleman and Kelly Zollo
Guest Starring: Jeremiah Beecher (Ernie Hudson), Gloria Beecher (Angela Basset) and Roya Adonis (Shohreh Aghdashloo)
Warning: Episode may contain graphic violence, sex and other themes.
Theme Song: The Reason- Calum Scott and Leona Lewis

Mason entered his old bedroom while he saw Selina rush off to talk to the caterer and he wondered if maybe he was being a little too dismissive about everything with their mother. Maybe it was something that he could look into, maybe read the diaries if it meant she would get off his back about it. He couldn’t help the grin that came out watching Hunter with Jackson in the room getting ready for his wedding. Two of his best friends from childhood would stand by his side while he married Zach Fraiser of all people. Whoever would have thought that he would be marrying Zach of all the eligible men in Atlas Falls, he then heard the door open and smiled at his little brother Jamal too when he came in. He looked at his watch little brother was cutting it close on his day, he saw Hunter had furrowed his brow for a minute at his phone and wondered how that meeting with Max went. Probably not the best judging by how quickly Hunter moved on to getting his shoes on. He then looked over at Jackson and wondered if he had told Dani about earlier at the office or not, the security staff had gotten wind of it and he had covered for the commotion. If Julian asked or if Lex said anything he would tell his boss about Zach’s suspicion that Lex had put that spyware on Dani’s phone.

“You’re cutting it close Jamal please tell me you weren’t out there causing more drama on my day cause we know today is about just love. I’m really glad ya’ll are here though I never thought that Zach would be my one you know? I mean after years with Simon and then what went down I never thought Zach and I.” Mason said grinning at them all as he went to his dresser and looked at the matching groomsmen gifts that he had gotten made. The flasks with a set of Cuban cigars for each of them seemed to fit the theme and who didn’t want a drink or two on the special occasion? He actually wondered what Zach was getting his party since it was so different with Dani and Kelsey in it then again he didn’t see either opposed to a flask if he went that way. “I also wanted to say thanks to all of you for pitching in to get this done last minute. For you Jamal making sure Willow was booked. To you Jackson making sure everything was set with Dani as maid of honor and Hunter you have been amazing with Bliss helping with the fine details with Merci, so thanks again. It means the world to Zach and I.”

Jackson knuckles were still red but today wasn’t about him and he knew that for a fact. He watched Jamal saunter into the room. He had heard from Hunter and Bliss that Belle and Jamal were going together. He lowered his head because if it got messy between them it could push Selina even further out. His mother had called saying that they had to keep Selina due to this situation with Tess. Placing the box down he smirked as he looked at Mason. “Well Cubans, how the hell did you get these? Remember when Tony and dad let us all smoke these? I always knew you would find your happiness because you’re a good person Mason. What I find is ironic that two of the richest guys ended up with Fraiser’s. I am happy you get to be yourself and you get to do what you want. I know your father is proud of you and I appreciate this man congratulations and thank-you for earlier I might of um. Nevermind that doesn’t matter where the hell is the champagne?” Jackson said, clapping his hands together. “Come on, this is a celebration of my cousin-in-law and my best friend getting married. We are here to celebrate and Hunter you look like someone kicked your puppy, Jamal you are floating but hurt Belle and I’ll kick your little ass.” Pulling him underneath his arm. He heard Hunter popping the champagne as he started to fill up the flutes and pass them around.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Jackson said as he paused looking at his knuckles. He’d never feel badly for that but putting Mason in that position on his wedding day. Guilt started to rack at him as he touched his shoulder. “I don’t want to get emotional but Hunter, Mason, and I have been thick as thieves since we were in diapers. We are best friends and I can’t say I’m prouder of any man in this room. You knew how Tony would be proud of the man you are and have become.” He paused as he faced his boys from childhood. “I’m who knew our snot nosed asses would be married and having kids of our own?” He smiled looking at Hunter. “Although only one of us has married a set of sisters?” Jackson could only laugh at his family, others could not “Come on Hunter even you have to admit that one was funny and I’m only warming up.” Pointing his fingers at Mason.

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3×17 “What Is Mine”
Written by: Chris Coleman, Kristi Clark and Kelly Zollo
Guest Starring: Ivonne Coll (Regina Navarro)
Theme Song: Cross Me- Ed Sheeran (feat. Chance The Rapper & PnB Rock)

Jon pulled Mercury back; it was his support animal that the VA gave him. A six month old golden retriever. The dog park was as safe as any place to meet with Whitney. He just wanted to talk and for once listen. He hadn’t liked whom he’d been seeing in the mirror. With the help of his shrink and Mercury well he’d been looking up. It took him losing Skye to see she was very important to him. He hated that she was gone but it also closed a part of his life that was hard to deal with. Skye represented his true love and his biggest mistake. As he unfastened the leash on Mercury and she charged off. He laughed as he watched her playing and running through the park. He imagined his son would play with his dog one day. He imagined a life where Skye and he actually took responsibility and they had him in their lives. Jon actually wasn’t here for himself today wasn’t about him it was about Skye. He’d done some horrible things but the worst was severing Skye’s connection to Miles. When he saw Whitney he smiled. She was still beautiful and sadly he wondered if she knew it. He’d always felt Whitney allowed Ryan to do what he wanted because she was insecure or thought she couldn’t find better than that pretentious jerk.

Mercury charged at Whitney jumping on her as she approached him. The dog was already wildly protective and playful. Leading to Whitney falling into his arms. “I’m sorry she’s very excited to be out.” Looking down at Whitney’s eyes he smiled. Letting her up he helped steady Whitney to her feet. Once they sat down he handed her the coffee from TJ’s. “I called you here not for me. I don’t know when she’ll reach out. What I do know is Skye well enough to know that she is very alone. I attacked the Hessington’s, I sold my story to Greer and I was the one with Elliot trying to get Miles back. She did what she thought was right but I don’t think she deserves to lose Miles. That’s my cross to carry but I don’t think it should be Skye’s. If I’m out of hand please tell me but Miles one day will find out everything. He’ll learn who he is and he’s going to yearn for us. I think it would be easier if he had one of us already and she’s the one who he already knows. So I just think when she is ready please don’t turn her away. I did it. I was the culprit and I deserve to do the time. I deserve not to know what a great kid he is. That’s all I called you for.” Jon petted Mercury who looked sadly at him sensing something was off. “The VA gave her to me. I think it’s to patch the hole in my heart for Miles. They just felt bad for me. Everyone felt badly for me.”

Whitney had dropped off Miles at preschool and left Morgan with Sora before she answered a few emails for the morning. Ryan was back visiting his family at the mill more than likely seeing Nova meaning so much for their image. She didn’t mind it wasn’t like she and Ryan had ever been solid but it was an election year and back home he would be out of the spotlight. She had texted Lex that morning as well Jon had dropped the custody case meaning this meeting was even more awkward. Ryan would be opposed to the idea she knew he would even though he tried to put on a good front, but with Skye leaving like she did call her a bleeding heart she felt bad for Jon. Her father would know by the time she likely sat down and she’d deal with him later but for her maybe there could be a compromise with Jon Harrison. It wasn’t like he was an awful person and at one point they did have their little affair years ago none of what happened was his fault. Getting out of the town car she adjusted the Armani suit she was wearing she had a photo op later in Pittsburgh with Anderson and she almost rolled her eyes at it all. It should have been her on that damn ballot and she didn’t need a running mate that was the likes of Anderson of all people. She was the one that should have been there, her name in the spotlight with whatever minion that she decided was worthy of running with her. It wasn’t like her father had other options when it came to the family political side: who was he going to put in Lex? Or worse Connor with his sex tape scandals? She almost lost her footing when the puppy jumped up on her full speed only to be caught by Jon’s arms and batted off the dirt when they both sat down.

“It’s fine only a two thousand dollar suit but that is why they invented dry cleaning right?I’m just kidding it is fine, she’s cute we had a dog growing up Uno, my mom adored him he was a jack russell terrier used to chase us around the house my dad would yell. He in particular liked to grab my dad’s loafers and chew the tassels off. If you are hoping that I have answers for you about where Skye fluttered off to I don’t she hasn’t been in contact with me or Ryan since she left. When she is ready we’ll deal with it. Ryan and I don’t blame you, now my father and brother on the other hand that is a different story. I want to say thank you for dropping the custody.” Whitney said looking at him and taking the coffee from his hand not wanting to get his hopes up about Skye and she didn’t mention the fact that a protective order against her had been filed already. Truthfully she had no idea how far either Skye or Jon would go when it came to her son and as awful as that probably sounded for Jon that was her reality. “We always agreed to tell Miles when he was older when we felt that he could handle it that Skye had given him to us and that she was his birth mother. I really had no idea it was you. We always assumed it was Jackson but then she’d change the story to someone else. Then that thing with us happened when Dani came home and the shit that happened with her and Lex. It nagged me. I should have told you then or at least let you know. Ryan doesn’t know I’m here, honestly he’d be against this after everything.”

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