2×04 “For the Man Who Has Everything”
Written by: Chris Coleman and Kelly Zollo
Warning: Episode my contain language and sexual situations and content
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L53gjP-TtGE

Standing on the roof of DGI she turned furiously swirling in the bridal gown that Val had made. The photographer was capturing her beauty or so Val kept saying. Either way this was the most free she felt in a long time. Val had came to pick her up after Ronan little stunt. She told her best friend the truth and as badly as she wanted to lie, Brooke didn’t. She wondered what he was doing but how it all turned into lies between them. He didn’t love her or couldn’t because what he pulled made her feel like she was dying on the inside. She thought she was going to leave Atticus now they had this huge secret between them. Val had informed her that if she said a word about it she was a fool. How much of a hypocrite would she be if she didn’t? She broke up with Atticus when he cheated and now the tables were turned. Brooke waved her hands to show she needed a second. Two handlers helped her down off the platform and she walked to the kraft table. Picking up a bottle water and string cheese. When she turned around she smiled at Val.

“This dress is really stunning girl.” She touched her belly which was constricted by a corset. “I can barely breathe but Val your collection is going to be a hit. You are doing some real innovative things with fashion honey. I’m jealous. We have a party to attend downstairs in the ballroom. Only Lowell Devonshire has a ballroom inside of his company building. I should really go up there and finish or do we have the shot because I’m hundreds of feet in the air and spinning like a mad woman. Fashion is incredibly scary and murderous. Plus Jamal is downstairs and the event is waiting for our fashionable entrance. Did I tell you since Hunter moved out I’m so happy you are upstairs. Sometimes my mother is so dramatic. You know she came into my room hammered talking about some other daughter. I assumed it was you.” The makeup artist began to more highlighter and lipstick on her lips. “I just want to be young again and party. Have fun because I’m dumping the prince.”

Val had finished her wedding couture line over the summer and when the fabric had come in she had hand sew every single design and knew that Brooke was the model she wanted on the spread. Things had calmed down after the trial for Jamal it felt like he was at peace with what happened and they were still going strong when Brooke had called though after what Ronan did to her. She dropped her boy like a hot potato to be there for her best friend and she hated what Ronan did to Brooke on the other hand secrets like that didn’t go over well with men. Men held grudges like no other when it came to women cheating maybe even worse than women did. She didn’t judge Brooke for what she and Ronan did it happened but she knew it was something that would enrage Atticus plus looking on everything was Atticus that bad for Brooke? Ronan kept hurting her and pushing her away, Atticus could make her happy or at least she thought he could. Following Brooke over to the snacks she nodded her head at her.

“I’m glad you like it color is supposed to be big on white this year and I think that trip to Europe this summer for a few weeks inspired me. Plus you look stunning I can’t wait to start working on the fall stuff with you. Your mom is something else.” Val said she had taken the offer to move into the Kincaid estate after Hunter moved out and in with Bliss, she supposed to could have got her own place but Brooke needed her. She waved at the photographers to give them some privacy. She honestly didn’t think that it was the best sure idea to break up with Atticus if she was being honest with Brooke. He was the one that was trying to make things work with her again and the media was all about them as a couple it was small price to pay in her mind not telling him about Ronan if it meant Brooke could be happy. “Honestly do you think that dumping Atticus out of the blue is a good idea? You’ve spent the entire summer with him and suddenly dump him the press is going to eat you alive and he’s going to start digging into why you wanted to end it. I hate what Ronan did to you. Brooke it was cold and callous. I don’t like to see you keep chasing after him only to be hurt. Does Atticus make you that unhappy?”

“I have a heart Val.” Brooke said almost pissed at what her friend was saying. “Are you serious, Atticus came back perfect and that’s part of the problem. He’s so perfect that I can’t even think of anything else but me hurting and disappointing him. I cheated this time Val and I’m not that girl that would pretend that I didn’t just hurt this relationship.” She said as she walked to the dressing tent on the other side of the roof. “I think you got the shot because in some ways you are right. Everyone will hate me because I ruined the royal love affair. How will he feel if he ever finds out. If Ronan ever throws it in his face. Hell I’m ashamed of it. I went to him begging Val, I went to him to show him that I was the love of his life. Then he just ran and hid leaving me feeling so disgusting. I felt worthless and its so hard to let go of him Val. I’ve tried to love Atticus but I can’t stop missing him. I’m in this constant loop where I feel like it can work and then I have no answer about it. I’m ashamed that it keeps happening but I am not chasing him anymore. Get me out of this dress.” She screamed shaking slightly as she looked at friend. “The shot is got. Literally it’s gotten I need to get ready for this party and you do too. We’ve been on the roof for four hours it’s perfect.”

“Literally I love Ronan but he broke my heart and I don’t need anyone to rub that in. Everyone told me that he was trouble and how do you recover from thinking you met the love of your life and it turns out to be a fraud. Everything you felt for the man turns out to be a fraud because he is too much of a coward to love you. I was burned by love and I keep getting burned by Ronan. It doesn’t take me much to learn that fire is hot. He’s done with me and I don’t know. I just feel like I have learned something from this to never trust a man. How can I just pretend that nothing happened Val that’s evil. That’s so evil and wrong man trust me I’m not trying to mend this.” She said as Val undid the dress. “I just. Feel so used and like I’m garbage that he can throw away he doesn’t even care. He doesn’t even care he hurt me but now thinking about it. Maybe this was how it was supposed to happen because I needed to be free to fully commit to Atticus. So I can finally know that it won’t ever happen again.”

“I don’t think the man came back perfect but he came back to help with a good cause with his nephew and maybe I don’t know that whole scandal with Belle made him grow up and realize what he had lost. He cheated you did to him it’s even now and it’s not like you’re out there sleeping around on him with Ronan now. You’re right you  aren’t that girl.” She looked over at Brooke and loosened the corset so Brooke could get out of it. She no doubt was struggling for air in more ways for one and as she took the corset off and helped her out of the dress she wanted to be a supportive friend. Looking over at Brooke as she handed her the gown for the party and helped her into it she spoke softly. “Yes we got it all.” Walking out to the crew she waved her hands. “That is a wrap everyone thanks.” Going back inside she looked at Brooke getting ready and then pulled her own dress out to get changed.

“All I am saying sweetie is you have a prince at your beck and call ready and Ronan all he has done is break your heart over and over again because of some man fear he has going on. Find a man that treasures you and right now it looks like that is turning out to be Atticus.” Val said finally speaking her mind on the matter she could only be the supportive chirpy friend for so long in her mind. Brooke deserves way better than some mobster with an insane fear of death that was only interested in fucking her friend and then taking a call probably from his mistress. She caught Brooke’s face and grabbed her friends hands. “You can tell Atticus or you can not tell Atticus I know if it was me I’d keep silent. To preserve what I had or what I thought I could have.” She got her halter dress on and then found their shoes looking through a crack in the tent she spotted Atticus talking to the crew. “Speaking of prince charming.”

Brooke truly felt torn did she tell Atticus and clearly ruin a good thing? Or did she keep silent and keep up the relationship. Let it be one moment that she had to get out of her system. Seeing him smiling and speaking to everyone she truly felt it was the right move. She wasn’t going to tell him and she was going to keep it a secret. After all Ronan used her she would send him a text message to never speak of what happened and bury it. It was over and she needed to move on after all Ronan played her and she had to let go. The best thing to do was forget the other night ever happened and truly open back up to Atticus. “I see him. Look at him making all the girls swoon and I’m lucky to have him and you. You are such a good friend. I mean you could clearly say I told you so. Yet here you are saying go with the good guy.” Walking over to the clothing rack she went through Val’s designs and found a red dress that looked like she was a rose wrapped up. Val zipped her up and she quickly grabbed some water and mousse slicking it straight back. No ponytail just all her face.

“Okay I’m going to rep your line tonight and not Valentino white dress that I brought. I think showing you off at this party will get you investors.” Brooke grabbed her purse and walked out of the tent swiftly making it to Atticus. She grabbed his face and kissed him. The makeup girl and hairdresser rolled their eyes. Sorry girls the prince was all hers. Hell he had to be after what she had just done. He deserved all her attention to be focused on him. “You know sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky with you. After all we’ve been through I’m sorry I didn’t try after Belle. That was a mistake and I am happy we have found our way back to each other.” Kissing him again. “Are you ready to go to a Devonshire party. No doubt the drama will be exploding. They have a history of horrible weddings and even worse parties. We can watch the really rich of America acting a fool.”

Atticus had made his way to the top level of the DGI building shaking a few hands along the way and leaving his security team at the top of the stairs. He still loved this part of Brooke’s job seeing all the photographers doing their magic on his already beautiful women he fully intended to marry. His brother had called as soon as he had touched down with Selina Delacroix in tow and they did meet to discuss arrangements for his stay in America and then he promptly called his father to inform him of everything. It was the same as always he was to watch his big brother like a hawk, on the side he and Anderson were working on a way to get Bliss and Hunter full custody of his nephew. He truly believed that a child belonged with their mother. When he spotted Brooke in the tent her hair slicked back in that killer red dress that was literally wrapped around her body showing off everything he couldn’t help the grin. Though she had been reserved about them having a do over he was determined to win her heart and marry her and he was not going to stop till that happened. He walked to her wrapping her up in his arms when she kissed him and returning the kiss eagerly.

“You look stunning I almost didn’t know what to say, Val you have totally outdid yourself with this number. I would love to promote your line on the island back home simply gorgeous, stunning and elegant.” Atticus said stepping back from Brooke he reached into his pocket seeing her eyes get wide she thought it was a ring. He would get there but for now it was about rebuilding their relationship and he woulds start slowly with a piece from the crown jewel collection back home. He opened the box to show the fifteen karat princess cut ruby that was encrusted with pearls something his great great grandmother had made. “I think this is fitting for tonight to match that lovely dress that Val made and I have been planning on giving this to you for a few weeks. When you were in Paris I flew home and picked it out of the family vault that I knew that you would love it and my mother thought you should have it.” He said reaching out and placing it on her neck with a kiss afterwards. “I will give you a stunning ring later you can count on it but I know you aren’t ready for that. Shall we?” He asked looking at both ladies to escort them to the party.

Brooke touched the ruby necklace and smiled at Atticus. He was charming, prince charming and somehow she knew that maybe it was time to give up Ronan. He’d had his shot and so did Atticus but she wasn’t about to be played again. If Ronan wanted her he’d have to come to her because she wasn’t looking for a one night stand at all. She was a woman who fueled on love. She lived it and breathed that feeling. That high was something no drugs could ever compare to love. He was so composed and cool and never had too many words. Atticus however when he did speak she saw how he was trying to fix the past. Not only that but she was ready to move forward with him. “Thank-you it’s exquisite and I don’t think I deserve it.” She smiled at Val nodding her head letting her know she heard exactly what she said.

She noticed Jamal standing at the stairway with two bouquets of roses. He handed one to her and then gave Val the bigger one. She looked at Atticus and smiled. “I’m being showered with gifts. Thank-you Jamal and lets go to this party handsome.” She grabbed Atticus by his tie and laughed. “And just so you know I don’t like when make assumptions about me. If you keep this up I might want a ring much sooner than you think.” Brooke said as they walked down the staircase to get to the main floor of the top level. The photoshoot was over but she was beginning to see a picture of her future with Atticus.

*********

Cassie was getting ready at the office for the big DGI party it was something she wanted to cover herself and Jon was on his way to pick her up. He had been reinstated and was hot on the case of that cop that shot that boy after the trial. Life was somewhat going back to normal for them and she let out an exhale. Looking at the green versace gown she was wearing in the mirror of her office and turning around when she heard a soft knock on the office door. Turning around she saw Thor standing there in his tuxedo they hadn’t really spoke in months and she knew he was going to the party because of the casino deal. The casino was what everyone was talking about especially once Hunter had leaked the plans to buy the land by the lake the city was enthralled with their own version of something straight out of a Fitzgerald novel. Rumor had it that Max and Bliss were doing the interior designing with Gunner Westwood on the fleet of boats and the Devonshire boys would be making the main casino, Thor and Ronan would have input as well.

“Hey stranger it has been too long.” Cassie said walking towards him and giving him a hug feeling his arm wrap around her it was familiar and she wondered if he was here to cash in on the bet that they had made. The last thing she had on her mind was the bet that she had made with Thor and for a split second she almost wanted to negain on it or maybe she did but on the other after hearing that Skye gave Jon drugs all those years ago in court she wanted to hurt the other woman even more. “I wasn’t expecting you but I’m glad to see you. How have you been? I heard you and Ronan worked through things finally I’m glad for that.”

Thor was here to call in a favor. A favor that he didn’t know if she would oblige but he felt it was right to ask her to call off the bet. Ever since she sicked him on Skye he had fallen into quite the web. After what she confessed to him he wondered if he could ever confide in Cassie that Jon and Skye had a kid. A kid that was now adopted into a powerful family. It didn’t take long to figure out who the family was because of the information she had already given him. As he walked into the office he couldn’t help but to smile. “You still look stunning as ever Red.” He closed the door behind him and walked to the couch sitting down. “I’m glad Jon got off from that shit he is actually one of the good ones. Trust me my brother has the other half in his payroll. And no that wasn’t some exclusive Cassie.” Thor laughed as he patted the seat.

“I’m happy too actually I don’t want you. You know your vanity is alarming Cassie you have some nerve dumping me for a cop and then giving me someone I think I’m falling in love with.” Thor said it and saw her facial reaction. She wasn’t happy more like shocked because he said he was falling in love with Skye. “In other news we have a lot in common. We watch TV for hours and she’s watched every show imaginable. We laugh all day and night and I am here to ask for a favor. I don’t want anyone to know about that ugly bet we made. I don’t want her to know that’s how we started and yeah I know you don’t get it. Just like I don’t get you and Jon and it’s not my place too you understand? I think we are friends and we both were hurting at that point. I was jealous and wanted to I don’t know find someway to get you back. You were the priority until you weren’t and Skye is actually quite special. I see why men were falling at her feet and I guess you wouldn’t but I do. So Cassie do I have your word you won’t say anything?”

Cassie looked over at him folding her arms was he going to get sucked into Skye’s messy web too she tried to not let this words anger her too much. Love with Skye did he even know everything that girl had did? If he did she had to wonder why he would fall in love with her anyway, first it was chasing Jackson when she came home then it was trying to latch herself back into Jon’s web. Now it was bagging the mobster which irritated her but she forced a smile at her friend and ex-lover. “I would imagine so since you’ve seen what is underneath.” She said when she looked at him and placed her compact in her evening bag and took a set next to him on the couch. “We’ll keep the cop payroll secret between us for now.” She said thinking over what he was saying and choosing her words carefully with him.

“I want you to be happy but are you sure you are with her? I don’t think that is a wise decision did you know that she gave Jon drugs when he got back from the war while she was having a three way love triangle with him and Jackson? Is that the type of woman your mother would have wanted you to bring into the family business?” Cassie asked letting it out as she looked at him he knew the safest card she had to play was that of Carla who loved and adored her, had told Thor years ago to marry her. She truly didn’t believe that Carla would have approved of Skye and part of her did a silent fist pump when he said that Ronan was already wary as well.  “What is the favor? As for the bet and deal we made honestly do whatever you want, Jon and I are solid and we don’t have the baggage you do with her. I know everything that she ever did to him do you really know everything about her? I don’t want you to get hurt by her web that she likes to spin if you’ve noticed she has left quite the mess in her last victims.”

For one second his anger flared who was she to judge him or Skye? To be honest he could give her baggage if she wanted. Skye has a baby with Jon and no you aren’t that safe Cassie. Once that was out they both could lose the people the cared about. Jon hearing the story of what Skye did he’d go right into hero mode. “You know I forgot how judgemental you could be. I mean if I recall my mother wasn’t too fond of you saying that Forbes was a monster and she knew secrets about your father.” Standing up he shook his head and looked at her. “You know I do know what happened between them. If women judge men for every transgression that we make with random women or a hookup no man on earth would ever have a woman. It’s quite sad to see a woman who clearly is so talented and beautiful intimidated by another one. With that metoo stuff aren’t you girls supposed to be standing up for each other or some shit like that? You have some vendetta against Skye and it’s clear.” Thor said finally annoyed with trying to be civil.

“You bring up my mother? That’s low for you Cassie considering that your father is town terrorizing everyone. My life was tailored around yours and honestly I’m a little pissed you are here telling me how I should move on from you. You haven’t called me in months too busy with your soldier boy and I understand. He’s been in the middle of a crisis yet did you think you’d be with a cop? Didn’t we think we were going to be together. Nobody judges Jackson for being homeless and doing God knows what for a fix but here you are wagging your finger at Skye. Women power right. I should be leaving just keep my fucking name out of your mouth.” Thor said as he stopped in is tracks. Seeing Forbes Montgomery in a tux standing there looking at him. “Mr. Montgomery.”

Forbes had been eavesdropping for the last few minutes. She still had some of him left in her considering here she was making bets to keep people apart. That’s his girl do what you need to, making sure to ensure you get what you wanted. Why she wanted Jon Harrison was beneath him, but at least she wasn’t with the current gambino in front of him. Strutting into the office he paused seeing her in that green gown he took a deep breath. She looked so much like her mother and sometimes he felt his eldest caught his contempt for his deceased wife. It was something he’d never recovered from the years of her embarrassing him and letting him be the fool for many years.

“I was hoping to speak to my daughter alone but please Mr. Luciano stay around, I have a proposition for you and your brother. Since you’ve become his whipping boy. I never thought you were good enough for Cassie but Jon Harrison is even bigger disappointment. Daughter I need you to come back home to MontCorp and we need to show a united front. I’m about to stage a coup against the Devonshire’s and I want my family to be together. I also want you and your brother behind me when I snatch DGI from the Devonshire clan. Listen I know you are sad or mad at me. I need my family together and I have something we need to talk about alone.”

“I’ll inform my brother you would like a meeting with him. Considering how you two met I’m sure it’ll be a pleasant meeting. Once again Cassie keep our business ours and I’ll be outside Mr. Montgomery to give us a little more time. Maybe you can find a few incentives after this conversation on why we should flip sides. Much like your daughter did.” Thor said walking out grabbing the lapels of his jacket.

Cassie fumed at Thor and his dismissive attitude with Skye and her concern for him as a friend and it took all her willpower to not say what she was thinking. She wouldn’t be around to wipe his tears when the skank returned to skanky behavior that and he and Ronan should watch their product God knew with that girl when her ass would decide she needed a fix again. Instead she looked at her father and wanted to roll her eyes at him getting back in her good graces he could start with being civil to Jon and honestly she had no desire to be back at MontCorp full time she really did love the work she was doing at the paper. It felt like something had been awakened in her that she had missed at one point she thought about journalism as a major in college and all her electives were about that. But daddy had insisted on business school so she agreed she had done the business ownership thing that was her and Philip at the club and she liked the new life she was building.

“I didn’t realize you had time for social calls when it came to your constant feuding with the Devonshire’s. Let alone time for me since you’ve cut me off and kicked me out after I wouldn’t go along with your revenge scheme with Philip.” Cassie said looking at him, no matter how much they fought he was still her father. She let out a sigh watching Thor go down the hallway they had been friends for years and maybe a part of her was still jealous over Skye but she didn’t want to see him hurt by her either. “If you want me at MontCorp so bad the first thing you should do is actually be nice to Jon and accept my choice to be with him. He makes a good living and I don’t need a man to take care of me or one that is rich to do that. It may shock you but I really like my job here at the paper as well something different. Even got a good lead on a story that is going to run against the current mayor and his ex wife. So I guess dear father what is in it for you for me to come back?”

Forbes snarled as he heard his daughter’s demands. He wasn’t ready to give in just yet after all she didn’t seem to see Jon wasn’t a long term option. The Harrison’s have been poor trash since he could remember and no bakery would change that. Gritting his teeth he knew he had to shake some sense in his daughter. This mediocre life she was living disgusted him and they were living in a fishbowl now. What type of man didn’t try to push themselves to give the woman lifestyle they deserved. His daughter deserved to be with someone who could keep her in gowns like she was wearing. No doubt Jon couldn’t even spell the designer who she had on. The humble life is what Cassie was after but she wasn’t humble. She was born to rule and she hadn’t figured that out. She had placed herself second to Max and plenty of others. She still didn’t see that she was the true successor more than Philip. He had plans for Philip and Cassie but he also knew that he had to teach her lesson.

“I refuse to beg you to return to your birthright. Listen to me little girl I have five children and you only know about three of your siblings. As fast as I can snap my fingers to have you here I can have your sister by my side. It makes no difference to me if you want to stay in this poor life. I don’t condone it Cassie because I’ll tell you every gem isn’t a diamond. You shine brighter than the people you are around and one day they’ll push you away. They’ll show you that you aren’t common folk like them. Jon will fail you and what will you do then? Come to me for revenge and when that happens know that I will be there but it will be a price. So I ask without that price right now Cassandra come home and leave that fallacy that you’ve come earn. You aren’t poor Cassie and I’ll give you everything you were born into if you just stop this right now. Drop this job and be the woman I always known you to be. Not some sappy weakling who is sympathetic about a soldier who has scars all over. He’s not for you Cassie.”

“I never asked you to beg for my birthright I’m happy with Jon and if you can’t be happy for me father I don’t know what else to say or do to make you accept that. You keep wanting to doubt Jon but for some reason he’s been the only one there for me the last year you’ve been good knows where with your newest arm candy wife. Do tell me where dear step mommy is?’ Cassie said looking at him as she grabbed her mother’s emerald earrings and placed them in her ears turning around to look at her father as she picked up her clutch and then read the text from Jon who was waiting downstairs for her. “I would say would you like to be civil and attend the party with Jon and I for the paper but that would require you to unfreeze your icy heart for more than your precious business ventures. You don’t get to tell me who is right for me you never cared when you left Philip and I to be raised by nannies while you were gallivanting around screwing everything that moved after mom died. So please don’t pretend to care now. I’ll see you at the party.” Cassie finished finally happy to get that off her chest as she opened her office door took a glance back at her father one last time and then walked out the hallway.

Forbes stood watching her go. She had every right to be pissed at him considering that she was raised by nannies and his faithful butler Gerald. When Audrey died he couldn’t be a father. His heart was broken after she died, and felt numb on everything. He wasn’t able to function and how could he she was the reason he even had children. His first wife Beatrice got an abortion and he never wanted to be a father. It wasn’t on him she left him broken like a pieces of glass and Audrey thought he could do it alone. Standing he watched her walking away with Jon and a smile appeared on his face. He had a idea on how to get her back. How to get her away from Jon and for once Forbes knew how he was going to do it. Cassie never got his life in his past. Pulling out his phone he dialed Ronan’s number.

“Hello, Ronan how are you I have a proposition for you and I think you’ll want to hear it.” Leaning against the window. “You need a way to clean that dirty money even more and I need a security team. So you know what I would like a meeting with Thor that’s who I’d like to work with to lead this up. We’ll talk at the Devonshire party.” Hanging up he knew the message was sent. He text to his fixer Elizabeth Martinique. “Liz I need a favor I need you to find me all you know on Skye Morgan and Thor Luciano.”

*********

“And the video presentation is it loaded and ready?” Talia asked following behind Merci. This was the beginning of the end with Zerick and her. She hadn’t seen him since there hot and heavy moment. Now she was craving to see him and hopefully free him from his mess. So she had her heart set on fixing this mess and making sure he was healthy. The years he had to obsess over this was unhealthy and she had sneaking suspicion Forbes was apart of that. “Merci I need you to pay attention that video slide has to be perfection.”

Merci looked at Talia and rolled her eyes. “Listen intern Barbie I’ve been planning the best parties for the last three years. I have made a thousand video presentations and slideshows. This is no different you plug the thumbdrive in the usb in and video and music plays.” She said looking at Talia. “Go get a drink or something because you’re driving me crazy.”

Talia smiled knowing she was being a slightly obsessive herself. She walked to the bar and watched Merci going to work. She felt foolish for hiring one of the most expensive party planners in Atlas Falls and micro managing her. As she saw Simon walking in the party early. It was his idea to have it at DGI as a celebration of the accomplishments that they’d overcome. Hell with the year they had to celebrate something but exposing Zerick was insane even for them. She walked up to him in her slinky purple Chanel dress. “You look absolutely amazing as always. Can you talk me off a cliff because honestly exposing the man I’m sleeping with doesn’t not make me feel good. It was once and we’ve avoided each other because he won’t face that Forbes Montgomery is all scary and using him. I know this is a lot to take in but you look really good. Damn if you were straight I’d jump your bones instead of his. God I want him it’s insane one night and we both said we were falling in love. I’m rambling right? Right but I look good? Supportive kind of girlfriend who doesn’t know where we stand? Are you sure this is the best play.”

Simon looked around the party knowing that this may be the best one yet when it came to DGI Merci had outdid herself in a way he could only describe as elite. It was a damn shame the party would be Greer and Zerick’s downfall and possibly taking away from the atmosphere. He also knew it was the only way to weed out Zerick and Greer from DGI cast them aside and ensure that they didn’t destroy it, if by all accounts were true that was the real mission. He looked at Talia as she approached him she looked as stunning as ever and looking around the room he knew that she was made for this world. Zerick would probably never look at her the same after this but it was something that he and Talia had agreed need to be done it was the only way for them to get to the truth Zerick would be outed and Lowell would have a chance to explain his actions. The company would be safe and Forbes would be on the outs again beaten at his own game.

“This was the only way to get to the truth Talia the only one who really knows what happened that night is Lowell. And as much at it will pain the entire family to hear about Zerick’s claims the only way to protect DGI from him and to thwart Forbes scheming is to make it a public affair.” Simon said taking a sip of his whiskey on the rocks as he looked over at her watching her take a sip of her champagne. He felt for Talia he got that she cared for Zerick but he also knew that this was the only way he had convinced her to use Zerick but he had wondered over the last few months at what cost to her. They were so close to having everything exposed right where they wanted it to be and beating Forbes at his own game lifting his glass to hers to hit it he spoke. “Are you having second thoughts Talia? You know who he is what he and Greer tried to do, our jobs are to protect the company at all costs. That includes outing him here tonight. You already gave Merci the thumbdrive.”

Talia made that stupid haughty face that Simon was so good at. “Are you having second thoughts Talia.” She mimicked him with perfection. Was she having second thoughts? Hell yeah after she had the best sex in her life not only that but what if it was true? What if Lowell raped Kathleen and Zerick had every right to his claim and fury? Then they’d be exposing it but after a while what other choice did they have. He was right it was there jobs to protect DGI. If Zerick was wrong and this was somehow a big misunderstand then they just prevented a corporate takeover. Either way they were preventing Forbes from getting his foot in the door any further. That was the truth of it all. As she slowly touched his shoulders she shook her head yes.

“Yes I gave Merci the thumbdrive Simon.Look I know what we have to do it doesn’t make it easier. I mean he’s dreamy and smart. He’s so smart Simon when you get to know him. It’s sad it really is that he is wasting all this energy on Lowell. I just don’t know how someone gets consumed in so much evil. Forbes is really warped person and I just hope we can take him out after this tonight. Like legally or something get him to back down. Back to Zerick he’s one of those people who have all these emotions inside of him but stoic. He doesn’t show it but he’s always in pain you know? Kind like us and I see a lot him in me. I hide behind this ditzy front but underneath I’m a shark. Clearly I am to expose the man I love and nothing will ever be same between us. You know worse thing about I’m thinking what’s reward going to be? A bigger position in DGI or something like that.” Shaking her head she frowned. “That’s horrible right?”

Simon looked at her as she told him she had delivered the thumb drive and shrugged he was used to playing the part of Lowell’s lackey and he was damn good at it. He’d sacrificed so much over the years to make sure that DGI was protected he had destroyed lives over it. His own life having up and downs as a result. He lost the man he thought he loved due to the secrets he would keep sometimes with Mason. Love he had learned was for fools when it came to DGI and business Lowell and the rest of them could be just as dangerous as Forbes was and he sighed as he took a sip of his drink looking at Zerick across the room. Zerick was smart and honestly if the man swung that way he’d take him to the sack for a good fuck but he was also enemy number one right now along with Greer to Lowell and DGI. Meaning as much as he loved Talia as his friend he knew she would ultimately pay the price for what they were about to do.

“Zerick’s emotions aren’t my priority Talia if they are yours I don’t know maybe when all this out and in the air maybe he’ll open them up to you. I know that if what he is saying is true it changes literally everything everyone here has knows, people will look at DGI completely different and maybe I don’t know you can help him with those emotions and with the rest of the family.” He said looking at her and finishing off his drink as the Delacroix family arrived and he avoided looking over at Mason the fact he was dating and with Zach making his blood boil. It was fine now that he was out but it hurt that Mason was almost ashamed of their relationship over the years and he tried to not think about all the emotions he was feeling with his past with Mason and how it all ended. “Have you spoken to him tonight at all? You should act normal as possible with him tonight Talia and not cast suspicion on you and him having a rift. So I say are you ready to go over and mingle with him then?” Simon finished looking over at Zerick who was over with some investors.

“I haven’t spoken to him since we hooked up. Let’s go though.” She said honestly. Wrapping her arms around Simon she slowly strutted with him. As long as Talia had her best friend on her side she was fine. Looking over at him as he saw Mason arriving with Zach it had to be a bitter pill to swallow. Mason had come out and changed his entire life and Simon was here still alone. “I’m sorry I’m such a bitch. I am here babbling about my love life and here I am ignoring the fact that your bitchy ass ex is now all over Zach and in public. I don’t understand how people hide their love and I guess it’s a change for the better. It does suck though and we both know that he was a DL guy with you. If you want I can go trip him or do some other catty shit to him. I’m good at catty because he deserves it. I mean who does he think he is? Flaunting Zach at a party he knew you are going to be at. I know one thing he needs to apologize for saying you outed his bitch baby ass.” Talia said looking at her best friend who clearly appreciated the support she was giving. “There it is that bad ass smile.” Talia and Simon walked right into Zerick with the Bradshaw’s.

“Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw thank you for being here. We are so happy to have you joining the company after selling that plot of land we truly appreciate it. Now that Zerick has welcomed you I would love to introduce you to the rest of the Devonshire’s.” Turning to look at him. “Zerick you are looking especially dapper tonight. I hope that you have got the latest memo on the land that we have acquired. I hear Max has now taken over that project again from you. So here you are still.” Talia said with a snide sarcasm that she wasn’t known for. It was biting how she said it and she saw Simon face. “What I’m trying to say is you should be focused on what Lowell has said to you. That is working with Jackson on the energy summit that’s for next year.” Flipping her hair she looked at Simon to take the Bradshaw. She was sure he caught her idea. Keep him away from anyone who became investors or anyone he can taint from the board.

Simon had to grin at Talia she always knew how to make him feel better when it mattered and looking over at her he nodded. They made their way to Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw who were conversing with Zerick two new investors who had sold them the land for the casinos and in return made a hefty chunk of change of the deal that they had invested in buying stock. They were shareholders now and he knew that he didn’t want Zerick tainting them. “Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw I am so excited you could both make it. I know Max and her siblings can’t wait to show the entire room the casino project thank you for selling the land. Lowell wanted me to introduce you to some other investors shall we?” Simon asked knowing Talia could handle it as he took Mrs. Bradshaw’s arm and her nodding head watching Mr. Bradshaw give Zerick’s hand a shake as they left.

Zerick had arrived at the party after a few days away visiting his mother after his near outburst with Lowell he needed the mental break away from DGI, Lowell and Forbes to clear his head. It made him think about what was important and he had told his mother about Talia, she had sat stoic during the visit telling him he remembered Talia’s parents as good people. He didn’t have it in his heart to tell her that he was and had been sleeping with Talia as a way to keep her close to what he was planning with Forbes it made him feel dirty and honestly he had real feelings for her. When he had returned and learned Bliss and Hunter had solved the casino delima he had been stuck in the energy division which wasn’t a bad thing. They had good ideas there and he got to see his now druggie free brother and soon to be sister in law were quite smart and passionate about it. He had avoided Talia since their hookup, which had blurred those lines for him and he knew tonight was the proper place to apologize for his behaviour with her. He watched Simon lead the Bradshaws away and looked at Talia.

“You look gorgeous tonight I was making simple conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw they’re quite the lovely couple. Intriguing how that came about that Bliss and Hunter somehow had the keys to solving all our problems.” Zerick said wondering who he could and could not trust anymore he didn’t know if he trusted anyone at all. He saw her face scrunch up at his words and he looked at her genuinely knowing she didn’t deserve what had happened the other night with them. “Listen about the other night I don’t know how to talk about him or what happened to my mother so when you asked it seemed like I was drowning in these tugging emotions. I should have been a proper gentlemen and not went to the bathroom to rudely make a call to let you walk out thinking it was just a one time thing for me. For that I am deeply sorry and I truly apologize.”

Talia knew this was her shot to hurt him just as he had hurt. “It wasn’t? That’s why I just left because I know that I can’t count on a man for anything. You are unreliable Zerick and a unknown factor as they say in science. Look what we had was great and I’m really falling in love with you. What you carry around is dark and ugly and in the real world we don’t sabotage our parents companies because we are hurt. Us adults we know how to use big words and say what’s the matter. Not hide behind a false last name and us adults don’t cry over spilled milk when they don’t even know what’s the truth. I know you don’t love me but I do know you care and that’s scary. It’s so scary because I fell for you.” She said wiping her eyes. Her hair covered one of her eyes so she shook her head. “You have this infatuation with being a Devonshire and it’s funny because you think you are immune to it. You think because you linked up with Forbes you don’t want it. You are hungry for it and I see it all over your face. That’s why you can’t have a conversation with me about him.” Talia waved her finger at him.

“You fooled everyone and finally soon everyone will know exactly why and who you are. Have a good night Zerick because you are poison to me. You are the exact type of man I shouldn’t have fallen for. You are dark and twisty and lost. I deserve some who is going to worship me and not run out. So you go be dark and twisty all by your lonesome because I don’t want this. Stay away from and stay away from DGI. Leave now and it won’t all blow up in your face because I’m so done protecting a man who can’t open up his heart. I still feel the same but I don’t feel like I have to do this. Leave town and take that bitch Greer or else I’m going to show you exactly what Lowell trains his people to do.” Talia said unleashing in a fury she didn’t even know she had. “I’m sick of all the hiding in the shadows if you stay I ensure you’ll be seen.”

Zerick looked at her realizing what was going on finally in front of him, she had everything on him she worked for Lowell and she and Simon had been sniffing. Meaning he and Greer were about to be outed and he wondered if that meant she would just become the very thing she told him she hated. “Well I see where your loyalties really lie good thing I didn’t give you my heart completely knowing you’d stick a knife in my back. I’m not going anywhere till he tells me why he held her down that night when she said no and raped her over and over again. Why when she told everyone in this fucking town only a few believed her but you go ahead and work for him. I’ll come harder than ever and you don’t want to mess with me and my friends Talia I assure you of that. Good evening.” Zerick said looking at his hands which were shaking in a rage as he took a few steps back from her scanning the crowd for Greer they had to get out of this party as soon as possible.

*********

The cameras were blinding it was his return and the beginning of Dani and his plan. The media had dubbed them the new version of his parents. This had to be a bitter pill for Chauncey to swallow.The media also had of course known about Selina and rumors of he and Natasha seemed less unlikely. He knew Natasha was having second thoughts on DGI handling SandStar. Either way Jackson informed his stunning fiance that they were about to takeover DGI. Jackson didn’t want the company for vain or selfish reasoning. He wanted DGI because it was what seemed to be right. For the first time he was looking into his siblings projects and seeing each of them innovative. He especially had high hopes for Rory’s app. Tonight however Jackson was now going to be more clever and tonight his return to society would show it.

Adjusting his tie and moving her shawl around her shoulders perfectly. He leaned in and smiled at her feeling the nerves. Tonight he was going to use his charms to woo the board and soon everyone would see their plans for DGI were the best. Giving them all a say in the future and showing them all are needed. It was going to be there families legacy for now and into the future. “Tonight I’m going to show everyone I’m here not to get fathers approval but making them approve of a vote for me. My father will watch and we will get even more investors in the casino and more. Rory launch is going to cost the company hundreds of millions and honestly DGI can not lose that money. We have to get more investors to pay for this stuff. So I’m going to get a branded deal tonight for Rory. It’s time to work the legacy angle and I know you hate this stuff but Dani let’s break it down. It’s me or Chauncey and I think it has to be me. If he gets his hands on dad legacy he’ll destroy it on a powertrip.” They’d talked about this over and over again and they’d both choose this path. “I’m sorry we have to do all that because we are a team.” Jackson picked up her hand and kissed it.

Dani nodded her head at him as they made their way to the event, she let the stylist take over her look for the evening mainly just wanting it to be over with she had been pleased with the chiffon pink gown from Valentina Ruiz a DGI investment that she chose to wear to the party. They had talked a lot about his official return to DGI he had started to take over some of the day stuff from home but tonight would be the first real public appearance. She waved as the cameras flashed their lights at them on the carpet and smiled as they greeted board members. Everyone seemed supportive of them and their vision not to mention the way they fawned over the soon to be twins. The quietly had let their engagement out to their families ever since the trial and between the twins, asking about the energy division and when their wedding was she was fairly certain they had handled themselves with grace and poise that impressed most of the board.

“That went well, I told you nothing to worry about. If it came down to you versus Chauncey for CEO I know who I’d back no questions asked. We will have them all onboard next year for the energy summit which I am still pissed Greer dismissed the idea at the last meeting. I know Rory’s app is what needs to launch but she didn’t have to be so damn dismissive over the idea and the way your brother sneered.” Dani said looking at him and taking a breath he always looked at her like that when she would get riled up and she still found it endearing. Like he was always wondering what she would do next or more like he wanted to see what she would do next. “Personally I hope to God it’s just a phase Chauncey is going through with her she doesn’t need to be at DGI in the long run. So now that we have some schmoozing done where do you want to head next.”

“I see the Bradshaws over there they are influential to the state and have been for the last twenty or so years. Getting them as our investors for the energy summit and transforming it into something bigger on a world scale. That’s our next move they believe in global warming and are even friends with the Obamas. We get them behind it next year then I truly believe we can push the summit as a priority next year. What do you think?”  He smiled knowing he’d mapped out the room in investors, people he needed in his corner, and people he needed to speak to one on one. When he saw Chauncey appearing next to them his face frowned up and no less with Natasha on his arm. Damn it he wanted it to be a game or something but the bastard wanted a his hand in every piece of his puzzle. Jackson eyes zoomed in on Natasha finger. She was rocking a cheap diamond ring he proposed and it was all because of the media were painting him the winner of the DGI Hunger Games.

“You know brother it’s honestly despicable the lengths you will take to actually get attention and press. After your latest scandal you’d think that you’d eventually stop with the stunts. Maybe actually spending time with your daughter or even retaining full custody of my niece from Selina after all she is with that woman abuser Dimitri. You are sick and Natasha you were once stunning to me a business woman from the middle east who never settled for what men wanted for her. Now you are with the ultimate chauvinistic and sexist man I know. You are a walking cliche Natasha pathetic.” He waved his left hand at Chauncey. “And used. The perfect pair.” Everyone know he was just screwing Greer and now he was engaged.

Chauncey had asked on the way over to the event and Natasha had happily accepted he was a little shocked at that but when they talked further he understood why. Eventually there was only so much more longer she could use that she was staying in the States for business without a visa, she had assured him that she knew he didn’t love her. It seemed to be an amicable arrangement it was also a move that he knew would piss Jackson off to no end. Everyone in the family was talking about his younger brothers wedding and he wanted that one win from Jackson to let him know he could marry too. It was also good for the company, Natasha would be seen as an exotic addition to the family and if they had a child why that would rival his brother’s soon to be children and even Fox to some extent. He picked up a glass of champagne for himself, Natasha and Jackson ignoring Dani. He saw his soon to be sister in law shoot him daggers and saw Natasha looking at her intently.

“Getting attention isn’t that what you do every year with every stunt? It was banging the old publicist now turned executive, drug usage, rehab and shall we all forget knocking her up. If I didn’t know better you planned that just to worm your way into the hearts of mom and dad.” Chauncey said watching Jackson stew and Dani glare at him. He pulled Natasha closer to him and kissed her before addressing them both again. “I am happy you’re not the only one allowed to get married if you even make to the isle. Don’t let her blood pressure rise too much Natasha it will send everyone into a frenzy. Also I’m not that much of an asshole to have her go into preterm labor with me around so you can blame me for that too. Maddie is just fine and Selina got hers the moment she left the country.”

Dani glared at him and if she wasn’t pregnant she would have hit him or done anything to wipe that smug ass grin off his face. She didn’t know what type of a game he was playing with Natasha and she didn’t care but she knew what he was trying to with Jackson. Get him into a fight at the party that they were all here for tonight to show that Jackson was the unstable one. Jackson was the trouble maker that people couldn’t count on, not mention trying to upstage them with an engagement to Natasha that she guessed was fake as shit because he even gave Selina a nicer ring. When one of the waiters handed her a glass of champagne she put it back knowing people were watching them she was not going to lose her cool. Everyone treated her so fragile since the pregnancy which she got it was high risk but no one treated her better than Jackson did period. Their children would be born to two loving parents that wanted the best for them unlike Maddie and the chaos she had grown up with as Chauncey’s daughter.

“His stunts? Didn’t you recently sell weapons to some Muslim terrorist group back in Africa or are we all supposed to forget about that? You were fucking Greer like a week ago in your office too trust me we all heard it down the hallway. Should I go into labor with you around it would have nothing to do with your over inflated ego.” Dani said glaring at him and normally she wasn’t catty to other women minus Greer but she felt Natasha should be warned. She was in bed with a snake in Chauncey and he was using her to get back into Lowell and Jackie’s good graces. She placed her hand on Jackson’s arm stroking it seeing Natasha see her custom engagement ring and saw the scowl she shot Chauncey. “You gave Selina a nicer rock. At least we can say we have an honest relationship, we will have a great wedding and marriage coming up. You two make it down the isle you’ll be divorced in six months guarantee it. He’ll be back to fucking Greer and you’ll be I have no idea where you will be because I expected better from the woman we met in Egypt. The woman who made her own rules and wasn’t above a loveless void relationship.”

“Who are you to judge my love and my relationship Dani? And you Jackson, you blackmailed me into the deal in the first place or shall we forget that part? I played by my own rules until I hopped into bed with Devonshire’s. It seems like you have so much to say about my relationship which is none of your business. Our engagement is to solidify and strengthen what you could have destroyed. Showing me with Chauncey is good business and you aren’t dumb. You know it too. My bloodline and Chauncey as a Devonshire looks like a full merger.” She hissed back at them saying because she was accepting and a marriage of convenience it was foolish or weak. This was her way of ensuring SandStar continued to make it’s billions and some. No doubt a seat at the table on the board was a great position to have. Yet Dani let Greer take the energy summit from their hands. It was clear that Natasha had the best interest of SandStar not Jackson nor Dani and especially Chauncey. She would have to keep her foot in the game and right now it was marrying a Devonshire, the one who Greer was in love with was icing on the cake.

“To make a long story short you failed and next year that promise could come every damn year Jackson. The Energy Summit is far too important to be waiting on and you let Greer vote it down. I’m done playing I’ve retained 49% percent of SandStar and I’m still CEO. I’m going to use it to force Lowell and the rest of the board members tonight to have the summit as soon as possible.” Seeing Dani’s face cracking was priceless and knowing that she had power to do just that. “Chauncey I see a few members now shall we?”

“You won’t do that if you want SandStar to still be a company. I’ll have liquidations chop up your company so fast that your legacy will be a Wall Street joke in the morning.The New York Stock Exchange will have your face as the face that ruined a thirty year old billion dollar business. That you let DGI gobble you up and if you want we can go there Natasha but don’t come near the energy division it’s mine. That goes for you too Chauncey her disappointment is your mistress disappointment. Hell I guess that might as well be apart of the marriage you knowing he’s not done with Greer. Let me tell you something about my brother he’s nothing if not predictable. He’ll cater you for now but the moment that woman comes her ass sniffing around he’ll fall to her. You are a business deal and if that’s what you want so be it.” Jackson barked as he looked at his brother and Natasha daring to call his bluff.

“You wouldn’t dare.” She said stepping up to Jackson.

“Want to try me? You think Chauncey can stop me turning all SandStar products and marquee name into DGI? Dad wanted that upfront if you recall. I’ll rip your legacy into a million pieces.” Jackson said snapping his finger in front of her face. “Just like that.”

Dani fumed at Natasha for insinuating that she was the one that was responsible for not getting the summit in. The problem was that the CADMUS incident had deeply hurt DGI and the app would give the company upfront more revenue than the summit would. She understood why people voted with the app but it had been a dead heat between that and the summit, until Greer spoke to the room about Rory. It had swayed the final vote but to say it was her fault like she was somehow inadequate about running the division with Jackson or the Devonshire’s pissed her off to no end. She almost secretly sneered when Jackson threatened to dismantle SandStar and if push came to shove he could, but she knew he wouldn’t unless Natasha pushed more. She saw the press approaching them all for a picture and knew for now whatever it was would have to wait.

“He would you know it, I know it and for the record he didn’t blackmail you I did. He wasn’t the one that got ahold of those great little pictures of you and Noah sweetie I did. I wasn’t about to let you try and pit yourself against him and Chauncey when it came to SandStar which was what you were trying to do all along while we were in Egypt.” Dani said she didn’t like the blackmail at the time but it was her trump card that she had called in favors for. Calling Charles for the pictures assuring him that she would make a hefty campaign contribution in return which she did. She let it register on Natasha’s face and for once felt a win, she had thought it was Jackson that pushed the blackmail and saw Chauncey raise his eyebrow at her not sure if he was annoyed or impressed and not caring. “I won’t let you destroy my future here at DGI or my children’s legacy by playing chicken with SandStar with fits. The Summit will happen next year and you can stay out of it or I swear to God those pictures will be child’s play.”

Chauncey looked between them all and then glared at his brother knowing eyes were on them he knew better than to cause a ruckus on his father’s achievement day. Devonshire’s were anything if not a little stingy of the spotlight and his father was no different. He was curious about how his brother had sealed the deal with Natasha and his interest was peaked when it was revealed they had blackmailed her he never would have guessed that. That Jackson would have a bit of their father in him to follow through with a blackmail or that Dani would have orchestrated it. He pulled Natasha closer to him not sure what to say to refute the claims about Greer he honestly couldn’t and it was something that Natasha would have to learn to accept. She knew what they were business he had burning passion with Greer but he would fulfill his husbandly duties with Natasha as well, his mother had done the same with their father. He saw the press taking pictures of them all knew what the headline would be in the morning. New beginnings for both the Devonshire boys meaning Rory would be the only bachelor left on the market, he sneered at his brother and forced a smile.

“As entertaining as it is to get a rise out of you in both business and pleasure they’re watching us like a hawk tonight and father would be pissed if we ruined this. I’ll make a deal with you for now, I won’t try and upstage your big day to Dani as a peace offering if you in turn agree to let me and Natasha be a part of the planning of the summit. Fox is here and I know how excited mom is about the twins.” Chauncey said it was the best he could offer Jackson without looking weak or maybe it was that rehab letter he had sent or it was catching a slight glimpse that Jackson did know what he was doing with the business with blackmail. He saw Natasha looking at him like what was he planning or she was going to go off the rails on her own and he mentally made a note to not make that happen. “Who I’m fucking is my own business so if it’s Greer it’s her if Natasha doesn’t care I don’t see why you or Dani would either. I don’t ask what arrangements you two have can’t you both do the same for us?”

Jackson nodded his head knowing that this could backfire on the Devonshire’s and DGI if a marriage of convenience gets out there. Between the Kardashians and them he wasn’t sure who got the most attention. After Selina dumped him Chauncey lost a lot of his bachelor glow because he was a single father doing it by himself. Even though Selina was there from the beginning also and was a mother to Maddie forever. “I’ll do as you ask brother but let’s not walk in father’s footsteps. Don’t create generations of animosity between two women who clearly already hate each other. We aren’t Lowell or uncle Linus or aunt Camilla we are us. I understand we will never see eye to eye on certain aspects of life but what I don’t comprehend is why? Why do you hate me so damn much?” Jackson said pulling Dani closer and the cameras fluttered all over them. Chauncey was right they couldn’t cause a scene but he also didn’t want to let this moment go. He didn’t answer him in the letter in rehab but they were face to face now.

Natasha swallowed sensing that she needed to back down. She originally was pitting Jackson and Chauncey against each other to get the best deal for SandStar. If that bitch wasn’t with child she’d be ripping that horrible hair out of her head. “As I said before the summit will and should be a priority of DGI and hopefully when I marry into the family it will be even more.” She hissed back at Dani and smiled. Wearing a white feathered gown and her hair swept up in bun. Natasha wore opera gloves and picked up a glass of champagne. “As women we all make sacrifices and moves. I am not shocked another woman chose to judge mine. It’s shocking she can’t understand I’m fighting for my legacy also honey but let’s all cool it. The energy summit is coming when the revenue from the app gets to rolling in. Understood and Chauncey I am instrumental to the summit they have no choice but to include me. I have the connections in oil and all energy companies have come through SandStar once or twice.” She said smoothly as she touched Chauncey wanting to get him to talk to his brother. Maybe it would be better if they were on the same page.

“I asked you a question Chauncey, why do you hate me so damn much? I know I haven’t been a good brother but I’m asking for us to try and move past some of the hate and vitriol between us. I’m asking can I have my brother but that’s too much for you. I understand.” Jackson said as he took Dani’s hand. “I’ve had enough of this what about you?”

Chauncey didn’t know what to say to Jackson as the cameras flashed at them and he plastered on a smile. He supposed he had more of their father in him than Jackson did but for some reason the words lingered. He didn’t have an answer to why he hated him so much but tonight he couldn’t think about that. “My parents are here come on Natasha. They will be thrilled with the news.” He cast a look back at Jackson and Dani before he turned and escorted them towards his parents.

Dani watched Chauncey and Natasha go not sure what she could say to Jackson to ease what he felt with both Chauncey and Lowell. Maybe because Chauncey didn’t goad him further that was a good sign for all of them. “I have totally had enough for tonight. Hey I’m sorry about him, you’ve tried so hard to fix this with him and your dad. Let’s just get some good food and mingle with the siblings that actually want to be there for you. Maybe one day he’ll come around it.”

“Maybe one day.” Jackson said as he took his woman’s hand and walked away.

*********

Rory had arrived at the event adjusting his tie as he got out of the car with the cameras flashing on him he knew what the headline tomorrow would be Rory Devonshire back on the Market. He only wished Yasmine was there with him and he waved politely to the cameras as they snapped his picture. When a reporter stopped and asked him about his app it did take his mind off his lack of date the press was good about the app. He saw a few models around the event more than likely he was sociable with them in the past and made his way to the open bar inside the building. He ordered himself a whiskey on the rocks and then began to walk around the room it was a shrine to DGI’s accomplishments. His eyes stopped as he stared at the picture of a party from over thirty years ago his brother was a toddler, his mother looked pregnant with Jackson and Max they were standing with the Fraiser’s, Forbes was in it to and his eyes rested on Tess to the side. He couldn’t even stand her face in an old photograph and he nearly gasped when he saw Aspen Sinclair stand by his side.

“Holy shit Aspen!” Rory said he hadn’t seen her in years gone was the braces and the frizzy hair instead she stood before him fully gorgeous with that gorgeous red hair and porcelain skin he looked around for her parents. He spotted her mom over with some of the other board members he didn’t see her dad anywhere though. She looked absolutely stunning and he leaned in giving her a hug it had been years. “You look amazing how is school going? I think the last time we saw each other was the summer before I left for Europe a few years back to travel. I’m glad to see you we should find Brooke and Jamal they’d like to say hi too. Plus Val the last time we saw each other I was seeing her. Who was that guy you were with at the time I can’t remember his name.”

“School is for those non-forward thinkers. I personally thinking Harvard is not enough for my mind.” She said not revealing she was thrown out by a scandal. She instead lied to everyone about it. So she was caught cheating, and she got into a nasty catfight with the girl who ratted her out. It was what happened for now she was going to enroll in AFU in a couple of months and says she was staying in town. Her mother seemed to believe the hiatus story it was enough to get in the house again. Not only that she was killing it in this white Calvin Klein gown. Blowing a kiss at the camera crew they took their pictures. “You know you’ve been rich for how many years? It’s crazy to think you aren’t comfortable with doing this. It’s like ridiculous from the time I popped my retainer out I knew.” Aspen said turning around and throwing her red tresses to the camera.

“How is my ex-best friend Brooke? Still looking to replace me with Guadalupe? I mean Val?” She laughed knowing it wasn’t like that but she never cared for Val. Page Six reported Jamal and Val were hooking up. She was always the interloper and no doubt she wasn’t good for Jamal. The girl was tri-sexual and would try anything. She heard about her fling with this girl in Dominican Republic that ended quite horrible. Sucking her teeth she grabbed him smirking. “Ohh champagne come on honey let’s go party and walk this carpet a little more.” Throwing her hair she curled underneath Rory as the pictures snapped. It was fun because he was a snack and she was the entree so together they could be a whole meal. “Its all for the cameras plus if you are the Mark Zuckerberg when I’m old and famous I can say I dated you in my memoirs.”

Rory smiled at her as she spoke her laugh was still infectious all these years later and he found himself smiling at her as well. He looked around the room and saw all his siblings mingling with their dates, spouses or soon to be spouses and picking up his drink he threw back the rest of the champagne thinking screw it. Maybe he had grieved long enough it was clear that Yasmine no longer wanted to be with him. She wanted Kendrick’s brother for whatever damn reason he wasn’t sure, if she thought dating him was hard just wait till Khalil made it to the big leagues and the parties began with the groupies and he was wandering around from woman to woman. He may of made a mistake with Tess but it was not a continuous thing and he would put money on it that Khalil down the road would be that guy to her, the one that forgot his obligations at home while he was wrapped up in fame.

“Brooke is good actually she started to model for Val. I have a feeling you probably kept up on that though, she was engaged to Atticus Kavanaugh and then came home to get involved with Ronan Madden. They ended though and she’s hanging back out with Atticus again.” Rory said as he spotted Val and Brooke across the room with Jamal and Atticus and he pointed to them. He remembered that she and Brooke didn’t really have a falling out their lives just went in two different directions. He got a refill drink for himself and saw her look at him so he may of been drinking a little more the last three months and he shook his head letting out a laugh at her. “I can use another glass or two or three. So no school then what are you doing back home and does your mother know? Me getting ready to launch my app and single at the moment, dating is crap at the moment. There was a girl Jamal and I fought over her last year and we’re just too different I guess so tonight how about you be my date? I can’t be the only Devonshire here miserable the press would run with that.”

“Oh I wasn’t your date? I didn’t know that?” Aspen winked her dark eye at him. “Less talk about me and Harvard it’s boring and full of pretentious assholes. As for mother she’ll understand because I might be taking a leave. I don’t know. And more about this mysterious girl oh my God I was in the middle of so much drama I never heard about this. God I should keep in touch with some of you but since I’m here I will. Especially you Rory.” Turning in front of him she wiped the lipstick off his cheek. Looking up she saw her mother face of shock and approval. “Either way it sounds like she was super sketchy if she came between you and Jamal. You two were adorkable back in the day.” Aspen walked up too Val, Jamal, Brooke, and Atticus.

Leaning perfectly on Rory chiseled torso and slowly licked her lips looking at Val, Brooke, and Jamal shocked face. So she also had a fat phase and was painfully awkward. It was unfair how she was always looked at like the little sister or something during there hijinks. They were all the same age but she was once innocent but that was over. Well life seemed to show the all what happened to a girl like her. She became all of this because reinventing herself was necessary. She wouldn’t never be second to the Brooke’s and Val’s. Hell she might of been a princess or model if she would have gotten herself together much earlier. Perfectly she dropped her strap on her white Calvin Klein dress. “Hey guys.”

Jamal looked over at Brooke and shook his head. Damn that was Aspen Sinclair? What was the world coming too? The ginger who he never thought was cute when they were little grew to be stunning. It was odd seeing her so mature looking because she was honestly the little sister. She told her mother everything at one point so they couldn’t ever tell her anything. However she kept a couple of secrets and was always cute. “Aspen goddamn girl! You done glowed up on us all.” He looked at Val face she must didn’t think his complement was cute. “I mean you look beautiful.”

“Oh I know I’m glowing now.” She said looking Val up and down. “I have to say your designs are stunning but Brooke could make a burlap sack look good.”

Brooke mouth hung opened a little because here was Aspen the girl was stunning. It was almost alarming because she was literally perfect. Seeing her sprawled out on Rory she smiled at her friend. Well he always got the pretty ones and she was so pretty. Much different from Yasmine but Rory deserved a little fun and as long as she understood that she would be fun. Then why shouldn’t he indulge? “Thank you but sweetie you are rocking the hell out of that dress. Aspen Sinclair this is Atticus Kavanaugh. Darling this is one of my oldest friends. She’s spoiled rotten and an absolute hoot.”

Rory held out his hand as Atticus shook it he had met him briefly before while he had run into Brooke in Paris the last time they were together. He only hoped he treated Brooke better than Ronan did he was not happy to hear that bit of gossip. Brooke didn’t deserve to get discarded like trash. “Rory Devonshire good to see you again Atticus.” He saw Val side eyeing them with Jamal and turned his attention to Brooke and Atticus.

Atticus took in the stunning redhead before him perhaps if he was not with Brooke any longer he would want to take her to bed. But he wiped those thoughts from his head he had Brooke now and not only that he had learned his lesson with Belle. Belle had been his weakness with Brooke before and he vowed to not have a repeat of the same this time. He shook Rory’s hand and did the same with Aspen. “Very gorgeous my dear I have to say Brooke all your American friends know how to dress and throw a party. From your friends the Devonshire’s, to the lovely Valentina for designing your gown and the rest. Tell me Aspen did the lovely Valentina design your gown as well?”

“No Calvin Klein he’s a favorite American made designer. I love Valentina eye for certain women but I don’t know if her color scheme matches my palette. Not everyone wants to look as if they’ve gone to a fiesta.” Snapping her fingers as if she was about to flamingo as she winked a Jamal. “And it’s very nice to meet you Prince well I’d to be having to live under a complete rock to not know who you are. Come on Ilsa De Cruces is the resort local I’m spending next summer in because the Hamptons are done. Look at me dominating the conversation Val have you seen Celia? I attend Harvard with her and she was quite chatty about your time together.” Aspen asked as she batted her eyes looking at Rory.

Jamal noticed the shade between Val and Aspen it was clear either something went down or they just didn’t mix. Sometimes you couldn’t bring two different groups of friends together. When Ivan met Rory it wasn’t a click because when Rory playfully shot himself it triggered Ivan. Ivan felt like he was disrespecting Kendrick and that set him off. Sometimes two groups of people can’t blend and maybe that’s all this was. “Yeah my baby has a classic couture line, sportswear, and leisure line. She’s working to turn her cousin’s legacy into a opportunity for herself.” He kissed Val cheek. Now he wanted to know all about Celia but he wasn’t going to press it out.

“Choices.” Aspen said clearing her throat showing how uninterested she was in Val. “Brooke we have to go to Renards for old time sake! Oh remember the cotillion and those dresses we wouldn’t be caught dead in that. Although mine is vintage so it might be in. We have to exchange numbers and all that. Oh and Jamal I hear you are doing the music that’s amazing it’s been your dream so long. I think a Aspen Sinclair track would be revolutionary.”

Jamal loved Aspen new confidence and it was kind of infectious. “Slow it down killer. My artist are serious and I’m aiming to be a major force in music.”

Val glared at Aspen for all her fakeness and to even bring up Cecelia it took everything in her to not roll her eyes at her. She ignored the dig about her line and being American made, she was American but she sure as hell respected her heritage too and incorporated it into her designs but she smiled sweetly at Aspen. “I have Calvin number did you know he called my designs the highlight of Paris this year? Would love to invite you along the next time we talk industry if you would like.” Val said she looked around the room and saw Selina enter and heads turn. “Don’t look now but your sister has made an entrance. Let’s go say hello. See you later Brooke and Atticus.” She said pulling Jamal away not even acknowledging Aspen.

Atticus watched Aspen’s face and noticed the tension between the two girls and nodded his head at Val as she left. Music started to play no doubt to get people involved with the dance floor for a little bit. “Rory. I think I owe you a dance my dear.” He said to Brooke as he escorted her away.

“So should I ask what that was about?” Rory asked lightly as he looked at Aspen surprised that a cat fight hadn’t broke out between the two girls. He didn’t think they would be braiding each others hair or becoming friends anytime soon and some people just clashed her and Aspen were clearly that. Holding out his arm to her he looked at her. “Care to tell me all about it for a dance?”

“Of course I also want exclusive rights to be one of the first social media influencer. You know I have over 80k followers. They love to see what I’m wearing and of course I’ll tell you. Let’s just say that Val loves kitty cat much more than Katy Perry. She keeps kissing girls and likes it.” Aspen said looking back at Jamal and Val. “Also let’s just say that maybe you should look out for Jamal. Val goes with all the colors of the wind that’s all I’ll say.”

*********

Max looked over at Sebastian as the limo pulled to a stop outside of the DGI building this would be their first public outing in the states. She wore the latest Versace black lace dress from Paris fashion week and he looked gorgeous in a cut Armani suit, ever since being home they had got into a groove with each other, he had met Jackson and now she was ready. Ready to introduce him to the rest of her family, her parents and siblings, let Philip stew in the fact and sight  that she had completely moved on. Which she had and his creepy texts and calling her was getting boring not only that the threats that she would turn over DGI him that would end she had people to protect her from it. She had her father, her brothers and the man next to her leaning up to him on the seat she kissed him before pulling back and opening up the door to the limo stepping out onto the red carpet. She took his hand as they stepped out and the cameras flashed around them, she could tell she had brought a winner when the press was going crazy over them together and she ate it up posing for the pictures and enjoying being with him.

She kept a track of the time by the crystal encrusted watch on her arm and when she felt like they had smoozied the press enough she led him through the doors and into DGI. She shook a few hands inside the doors with board members and introduced Sebastian drawing a few raised eyebrows. She went to turn them around to introduce him to her parents and instead her heels collided into a wheel and looking down she looked at Philip who was in his chair staring up at them. Her eyes darted around the room what was he doing here and how did he even get past security to get in? “What are you doing here? Sebastian this is my current stalker wouldn’t be his first rodeo though now would it. Philip you need to leave now.”

“MontCorp was personally invited from Simon he said it was something we wouldn’t want to miss. Not only that he hinted that it was going to be a warning shot at us.” Philip said wondering why Simon brazenly walked into a board meeting at MontCorp. Father enjoyed his moxy and evidently this was going to be something they’d want to see? Whatever reason they were here if it was a way to try to stop the takeover it wasn’t going to happen. His father had his hands in so many cookie jars Philip wasn’t sure how anyone would beat him. Forbes was the ultimate spider and his webs spun far and wide. “Nice to meet you Sebastian.” He shook the other man’s hand. “I hate to warn you but her ex’s tend to try to kill each other. So pardon me if she’s a little rude.”

Arriving at DGI’s party was something he was excited about. She talked about her family constantly and although she didn’t see herself as emotional about them she was. Max was hard on the outside but once he cracked her shell he fell hook line and sinker. What Sebastian loved most about her is her owning her past.  While walking the red carpet he whisper silly things in her ear to make her laugh. Then whispered nastier things of his fantasies with her which made him kiss her. The cameras went crazy, what could he say she was irresistible? The moment he rolled up on them Sebastian stared him down. This was the crippled Philip Montgomery broken in all his glory. When she told him about Philip he got a bad feeling and the blackmailing her wasn’t acceptable.

Sebastian had sized him up from the moment he saw him. The type of man that was before him. He wasn’t complex he was a man in search of approval of his father. Underneath the bravado showed a hurt little boy screaming for someone to love him. He was also on a dark path that shooting had taken whatever humanity inside of him out. He felt sorry for him because Max was moving forward and no matter what he’d be stuck at that shooting. His lover told him all about Philip blackmail attempts and it wasn’t going to happen with him. Disrespecting her wasn’t a option and unfortunately somehow he thought that was honorable because of his condition? Right now all he wanted to do was shake him. “I doubt anyone tries to kill me Senor Montgomery. I don’t have to worry considering Max and I have something you two didn’t have. Honesty and not built on a childish desire to taste forbidden fruit.” He smoothly grabbed a peach from a platter and bit into it.

“Well let’s just say I didn’t pursue Max, she wanted to taste my fruit and had a good time gobbling it all up.” Philip said barking back at Sebastian. They were more than just lovers to piss off their parents. He didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. “I suggest you mind your business. I don’t have time to suffer fools with you. Listen I want my stock and I want it now. You three shot me and conspired to cover it up. I remember now and you seem to have forgotten I hold the cards. I’ll send your ass to jail in front of everyone. Matter fact there is Cassie and Jon over there how about I tell the press and the AFPD exactly what happened to me that night. How my memories have returned?” Philip barked at them both as he raised his voice knowing he was making a scene.

“Senor Montgomery if you ever threaten my woman again I’ll kill you with my bare hands and your family will be begging to find all the pieces of you.” Sebastian snapped as he felt Jackson swiftly pulling him back. “No he will not threaten Max or Bliss or Hunter if you weren’t stalking that woman none of this would have happened. You ever think about your place in all of this? Huh?”

Max wanted to sneer at Philip and she nearly did at his little outburst and show and she had to wonder what Simon was thinking having him come here tonight. Surely Simon had some sort of plan if that was the case so she was willing to let it go for now. There would be plenty of time for her to strike down the line if she needed too. Watching Sebastian show his disdain for Philip and then Jackson holding Sebastian back from hurting Philip. No doubt wanting to not embarrass the company today she had to grin as she leaned over and looked at Philip. He was pathetic and as she stared at him she realized they were too toxic for each other and yes it had started out as away to stick it to their fathers but deep down she knew the truth. It was over there was no coming back from the fact he was in that chair due to her, Bliss and Hunter.

“You know what I think? I think you’re bitter that I dare moved on without you. That I moved on to something bigger and better than you. You were stalking Scarlett for what? To get under her skin to confess that something terrible happened to Veronica all those years ago?” Max said looking at him for a moment and then standing up again wiping the wrinkle out of her dress as she saw him glaring at her. It was the truth in her mind she was the one caught up in his sick game not knowing what he was even doing to Scarlett, he terrorized the girl and rumor was she thought it was Diego and that was why she killed him. “Don’t pretend that this meant so much to you, the only thing that matter to you was terrorizing Scarlett without me knowing. You’ll never get DGI or it’s shares and if I don’t see to it, my father, Simon and Jackson will.”

“Look you two go in the party and have a good time. I’ll handle Mr. Montgomery.” Jackson said looking at his sister. “Let me please I told you it’s time for me to have my sister’s back.” He gave Max a knowing look as he walked behind Philip wheelchair and forced him up. As Jackson rolled him in Rory’s office. One of the few offices in the building with balcony as he dropped Philip on the wheels of his chair. He pushed him quickly and he flew out of the chair. “Listen you sicko we are going to make this so clear today because I’m not going to tell you this again.” Jackson hovered over Philip with a glare in his eyes. He had been dying to do this considering this sick bastard fetish with scaring women. Not only that but his actions caused a chain of events that ended in him being in that chair. Not Hunter, not Max, and not Bliss. Philip chose the path he was on and even though Hunter shot him if he wouldn’t have been stalking Scarlett this wouldn’t have went down the way it did.

“Listen to me very carefully whatever you think you have on my sisters and Hunter, I suggest you stop it. The harassment all of it because I’d hate to end you. I’d hate to show a new generation of Montgomery’s what the Devonshire’s are about. I’ll end you does that make sense to you? I’ll end your entire life you piece of shit.” Bending over and grabbing Philip he pulled him up. Using the guard rail he pressed his limp body against it. “If I catch you near Max again I won’t hesitate to kill you is that understood?”

Philip felt so pathetic and weak letting a druggie like Jackson fail him around. Not only that he felt like he was less of a man. His father wouldn’t let this happen to him wheelchair or not. That’s when he felt it. His foot the pressure of his weight on one foot. It was faint but he knew that feeling. His eyes started to well up with tears as Jackson flung him into the chair. “I hear you but someone will pay for me being crippled and someone will pay for this disrespect.” He barked at Jackson without any mercy. “I’ll scream bloody murder before you’re able to toss me off. So everyone will know Jackson did it so listen to me. If you don’t give me the stock I’m going to come knocking. I’m going to wait to the worse time and decimate each of your lives.” Philip grabbed his legs placing them on the wheelchair. He looked up and smirked a sadistic smile.

“I can’t wait to get my revenge on all of you son of bitches.” Rolling backwards Philip spun around swiftly and got away from Jackson. Passing Max and Sebastian giving them the look of death. That was the wrong move to sick her hounddog of a brother after him. He rolled to where Cassie and Jon were and huffed. He saw the look in her eyes and knew she was furious at how disheveled his appearance was. “It’s over I got what I wanted.”

Jackson fixed his suit and made himself look presentable. Walking out smoothly without flinching he walked back to Max and Sebastian. “I handled him and if he contacts you again let me know because I fully intend to keep my promise on that Montgomery scum. He’s disgusting and nothing like Cassie. He’s all about revenge and just like his father. We won’t do a second generation of feuding when we still are dealing with his dad. I told him to drop it and that’s what he’ll do.” He declared and he dared anyone to say a thing about what happened tonight. He was threatening his twin and he was a known stalker. He knew she murdered Dante. This guy could have prevented Zach a lot of heartbreak and loss of his kid. “I”m not going to let him harm what you and Sebastian have going. You’re happy and I see it Max, so enjoy it.”

Max had stood there when Jackson was looking at them all and didn’t; even have time to react as she watched her brother wheel Philip away to Rory’s office. She had waited there with Sebastian wondering what to do for what seemed like forever. She had almost went to check and see what was going on only she stopped when Philip rolled out disheveled and when he said it was over she turned her attention to Jackson. Wondering what he had done to him to make him stop, she saw his brother adjusting his tie and his shirt cuffs and looked past him to Rory’s office. She walked up to him and hugged him before stepping back and smiling at him seeing Sebastian glaring at Philip from across the room. She was happy for once and she was going to enjoy it even if it didn’t last long in her mind.

“Thank you. I would ask what you said or did to him but I don’t think I’d want to know. You didn’t have to handle it but you did so thanks.” Max said looking around the room as Bliss and Hunter walked in with who she assumed was Fox. Turning to Sebastian she kissed him pulling back. “Let’s go handsome I have more people to introduce you to and to show you off too including my ex husband and sister.”

“I think I’ve heard the story of your ex-husband being with your sister. That’s very Jerry Springer.” Sebastian teased as he looked at his girlfriend. “And Jackson you are great brother but next time I’ll handle Senor Montgomery and let him know that if he comes near any of them again I don’t know what I’ll do.” Sebastian wasn’t playing nor was this a threat it was promise he’d kill that SOB. “Come I am sure that the night is still young magic is to be made.”

*********

She fixed his little tie around his neck and looked at Hunter with a smile. After Dimitri said he wanted Fox to know his mother and it made her feel truly happy. She wasn’t crazy and after that night Hunter made it clear he felt like Dimitri was up to something. Time had made a change in him possibly and he was with Selina now. Maybe that was what changed him and she wasn’t here to try and figure out what his deal was. Honestly she wasn’t here for the curiosity she had her son with her. Plus as she walked the red carpet with Hunter and Fox they looked like a true family. The feelings she got from that first night of just sleeping with Fox. She didn’t let him out her sight for the first twenty-four hours. She watched him sleep and just stayed with him until Hunter promised to watch him while she rested. It was scary because she was so happy. Nothing compared to this because she truly loved her son more than life itself. If she could die to make sure Hunter or the Devonshire she would. She would lay her life down for this kid and that’s what being a parent was about. Running her hands through her hair she laughed as Hunter spun around with Fox. He was already such a good father and role model. Unfortunately for them Dimitri had let Fox get a little spoiled and he was prone to temper tantrums. Hunter however explained why Fox couldn’t have something or do something. At two it didn’t always work but it was cute he was already trying to break some of that Ilsa De Cruces entitlement.

“Tiger momma.” Fox said pointing at the tiger in a cage.

“Yes I see that and if you near it I’m going to declaw that beast.” She looked over at a smiling Hunter. “You are so handsome tonight when he goes to bed I can show you that lingerie and maybe work on a sibling for him.” Bliss teased him playfully. She had both her boys and she couldn’t be happier. “Okay so should I just tell them all that I have my son or should I just waltz in and say hey everyone here’s your nephew and grandchild. This is more awkward than I thought. How do I explain I think Selina Delacroix is engaged to my ex-husband well my husband because we are still legally married. Selina didn’t look too happy to that Dimitri was handing over Fox. What’s her deal I mean I know she was exiled and all but I just want my kid and Dimitri and she can go.” Bliss was wearing a lavender Gucci gown. Both boys had on lavender ties and it made the look come together longer. They were a collective family and she wanted to show that. Hunter had stepped up and she wanted him to know how grateful she truly was. Leaning in a kiss him softly then she kissed her son on the top of his head. “He still smells so good.” She laughed softly.

Hunter had taken on the role of stepfather as best as he could even though he and Bliss were not married from talking to Anderson he knew what was at stake the longer they worked on creating a stable environment for Fox the better chance they had of keeping him in the states. It was one of the reasons he and Bliss bought a house together and moved in together in order to create that they would be serving Dimitri soon enough to fight him for full custody. He glanced over at her with Fox and he couldn’t imagine his life now without the both of them in it, he wondered if he would be a good father like his was according to Brooke he was filling those shoes in nicely. When she mentioned wanting to start on a sibling for Fox his heart swelled a bit and he wondered if they were ready for that in their relationship not that he would be opposed to it. He just figured they’d be more settled when they did with Fox he wasn’t opposed to the practice to work on that sibling and he pulled them both close kissing her on the lips while the camera’s flashed.

“I don’t know what her problem is honestly she’s never been like this before and I’ve known her for years. Maybe it’s the charm she sees in him after everything that happened when she fell out here.” Hunter said when she brought up Selina to him he honestly didn’t see why Selina would do it. Why she would go after a man she knew beat on women and did despicable unspeakable shit how could she just turn her back on Bliss after everything she knew Dimitri had done. “Listen if she marries him we will likely have to deal with this later but next times she’s haughty with you about Fox reminder she is not his mother you are. It’s not like Fox is Maddie and is down one parent and if she can’t respect that she and I are going to have words. You told her right or she knows what he did to you?”

“Of course I did. Everyone who I could tell knew and she even offered to help me get Fox back somehow.” She said as she looked around the room. “I don’t want to talk about that we have a amazing night coming up and I don’t want to temper it with Selina or Dimitri. This is our son’s first introduction to not just my family but yours and I just don’t want them to get the satisfaction of ruining it with there drama. Whatever Dimitri is after we will snatch Fox and soon he’ll forget about Dimitri and Selina isn’t his mother and she won’t pull a Maddie on my son.” Bliss said as she saw Jackson and Dani approaching them.

Jackson had spotted Bliss, Hunter, and a little boy from across the room. His heart swelled as he got closer because he could tell who that child was. He had the Devonshire eyes and the Devonshire mischievous smile. Slowly strutting to his sister he smiled widely. Looking over to an amazed Dani who was just as curious as he was. He leaned over. “I think that’s my nephew and I don’t know how this happened but man he’s adorable.” As they approached them he paused. “Hello, my beautiful baby sister and one of my oldest friends. Who the heck is this little guy?” Jackson took the toddler hand and shook it. Before he knew it the little boy jumped in his arms. “Woah little guy.” He looked over at the boy touching Dani face.

Bliss smiled as Fox jumped into his uncle arms. “That is your nephew Jackson this is Foxworth Hugo Kavanaugh.”

“I knew it.” He said spinning around with his nephew in his arms. “Dani meet Fox.” Jackson said smiling as he saw Chauncey and Natasha walking up

Dani had waved at Bliss as soon as they saw her after leaving Chauncey and Natasha earlier she couldn’t breathe around Chauncey’s ego and she knew Jackson was playing nice for the cameras. She looked and smiled as she saw Jackson pick up and spin the little boy around he would be an amazing dad she was sure of it. When the little boy reached out to her touching her face and hair she smiled at him ruffling the hair on his head. “Hey little guy I remember when Dylan was this little. You are quite handsome for a Fox aren’t you?”

Hunter had shaken Jackson’s hand when they arrived and he knew that for right now Fox and the custody battle was something she didn’t want plaguing them tonight. He watched as Jackson was formally introduced to his nephew and part of him was sad that the family bubble they had been making had popped he now had to share them with the entire world. “So you guys ready for two then?” He asked teasing them. “Bliss and I were just talking about trying for a sibling weren’t we?”

“We were.” She said biting her lip. “Being pregnant was the best time I had because I didn’t have to wear couture. I love fashion but it’s really freeing because honestly not wear all that constricting clothes. Oooh champagne.” Bliss said perkily. “I just want to toast to Hunter because I was in a dark place when he found me. He found me and helped me heal just in the right time because I didn’t know if I was able to keep moving on. So having a kid with him and building this life with him I know God did this. I never could dream of the love I feel and I’m breathing it. I’m living in love and being around my family is so beautiful because I finally know I belong with you all. I’m sorry I was such a bitch when I came but I really appreciate the time I’ve gotten to know all of you. Especially because I have found a sister in Max and Dani.” She said extending her hand to Dani. “Now I have my little boy back and all I can say is that I don’t have to cover up the hurt. I don’t have to wish anymore and never in my wildest dreams I’d think this would be my life a year ago. I have a man who I absolutely love and my family. I’ll give up all I have for this feeling because I’m so full.” Bliss said raising her glass. As the waiter returned with Dani’s sparkling cider.

“Cheers, I’m glad to have a new little sister even though you and Max drove me crazy last year with all the beef. I’m glad you two finally have buried the hatchet.” Jackson held Fox as he saw Rory, Aspen, Max and Sebastian approaching. “Let me tell them okay.” He kissed his sister and Aspen cheek. Shaking Rory and Sebastian hand and looked at them staring at Fox. “Hey Rory and Max I would like to introduce you to your nephew this is Fox.” He smiled seeing them all beaming at the fact that he was here. “Bliss got him back.”

“Hola, little Zorro. In spanish Fox is Zorro.” Sebastian said smiling as he saw the little boy clutch to Max instantly. He was jumping from his uncle and aunts like a little monkey climbing on the vines. “Maximilla there is nothing sexier than a woman bringing life into the world.” He leaned in kissing Dani, Bliss and Aspen cheeks. “Bellissima you women in America are rivaling Spain. We men appreciate the hard work you put in.”

“Ricky Ricardo is cute.” Aspen said waving at Sebastian. “And hey Zorro that’s a cute nickname. Hello Max how are you it’s me Aspen without the retainer and frizzy red hair.”

Max had been thrown a little bit when the little boy leaped into her arms and she wrapped her arms around him. The fake front she and Bliss had put on had been worth it to have this little handsome devil with them and she looked at Hunter and Bliss. “We’re keeping him here and I assure you I will do anything to make that happen. So will mom and dad, Jackson, Chauncey and Rory. You look lovely Aspen.” She tickled Fox as she looked at Sebastian wondering what this was with him all over again he was so at ease tonight.

Rory had made his way to his siblings and the cute little toddler with Aspen on his arm they hadn’t seen each other in years so it was nice to see her again. Even better she took pity on him on the carpet and with the press to hang out for the night. “Max has that right we gotta stick together for this little guy. We all have a past Bliss and he’s staying right here.”

Chauncey walked towards them all looking around the party just in case he saw Dimitri show is fucking face he may of been an asshole about some things but someone beating on his sister was unacceptable. He caught a look from the rest of his siblings as they rolled their eyes at the ring on Natasha as he bent down to his nephew when Max sat him down. “Strapping young boy isn’t he? Strong like all the rest of the Devonshire men we all know he didn’t get it from.” He stopped as he felt Rory kick him.

Jackie made her way with Lowell through the party relishing in this moment as a win for the family Bliss debuting Fox at the event was well planned. Something she and Bliss had made sure of ever since that monster turned up back in town with Selina nonetheless which disappointed her greatly. She looked over at Lowell and smiled it was a good evening teh company had good press and seeing his face light up at the sight of Fox made her beam on the inside. “Hello little darling.” She said kneeling down and hugging the little boy as she looked at Bliss smiling and then over at Lowell grateful that he had time at least for this.

Lowell spotted the little boy hopping from one of his children to the next. The glow his youngest daughter had was infectious and he felt it all the way from over here. She was so comfortable with her siblings now it made him emotional. Over the summer he watched Max and Bliss stop sounding so bitter about the next. Not only that but seeing them all together like this made him feel horrible over separating Bliss from her siblings for so long. Taking Jackie arm he watched her immediately shower the boy with love. He stooped down and saw him and tears began to form. He grabbed the little boy and held him tightly in his arms. Taking a deep sniff of the youth all over him, the innocence.

“This is why DGI will stay in the family. Maddie and Fox and the future.” He leaned over and touched Dani’s belly. She was radiant. “You are truly stunning and tonight is about the Devonshire legacy I’ve created for us. You all are a piece and if you work together you all are unstoppable. There will be trials and tribulations that will try your faith in each other but we have to remain together. Together is where we will find the strength to out run any demons after us. Do you understand? Chauncey you fight for dominance when you are a natural leader but false ego without Jackson you wouldn’t be pushed to do even better than what you think you can. Jackson you needed Chauncey to push you to be in line he’ll challenge you but he will honor when you eventually beat him. Max you think because you are a woman you aren’t at the top it’s because you haven’t found something to ground you. Something to make you take your seat at the table. Bliss you have just found a place a home but you aren’t clear you need to make your mark at DGI my dear for Fox and our future. Rory you are close so close to being the innovator I know you to be. Don’t let anything hold you back and run with everything in your brilliant mind. Tonight is a celebration and we have a new Devonshire. Where is the champagne?”

Jackson heard what his father was saying and felt immediately torn. Chauncey wasn’t the catalyst of him getting clean. Hell another we are Devonshire hear us roar speech wasn’t needed. How about why didn’t you come to see him in rehab? That pain was real and here he was pretending they were the future when old man couldn’t face what he did to him in the past. Jackson had a bitter taste in his mouth. “I’ve had enough to drink but we’ve welcomed Fox and he’s staying we’ve all stated such father. I don’t believe we needed the go Devonshire peptalk. We have all are here for DGI as we should be.” He spoke aloofly ignoring the entire little speech his father declared we need each other. His siblings were his rocks he knew that but it felt a little dry right now. Way to take the wind out of a great moment between them. Even though he couldn’t stand Chauncey. No matter what he’d always despise his older brother.

Bliss could feel the cold air between father and Jackson. Hell she wasn’t happy with him for not visiting Jackson in rehab either. Whatever he was doing with their uncle in DGI London wasn’t their business but he couldn’t travel to see Jackson? It was painful and she saw it all over his face right now and in Spain. “Fox that’s your grandfather.” She said looking at Jackie and her father faces adorning all over her son. The strange thing this wasn’t his normal round up. He didn’t read us he told us our strengths together and it was the truth. Bliss was just helping everyone division and not finding what she was good at. That had to stop. As she took Hunter hand she smiled at Max and Sebastian. Somehow she disagreed with her father that Max hadn’t found what grounded her. “Daddy you are right we are together and tonight is about introducing us a united front. Plus Fox has to meet his grandparents.” She had learned to respect and honor Jackie as her step-mother. She somehow had become more motherly than Tess had ever had been. Looking up she noticed Tess walking in with a dress on that was ten years too young for her. It of course looked perfectly designed and immaculate on her perfectly sculpted body and physique.

Hunter had bit his lip the entire time Lowell did his spiel it wasn’t something that Lowell normally did and he knew to keep his nose out it. Lowell had a protectiveness about his children and sometimes he didn’t put things the best either. He saw the tension between Jackson and Chauncey just like everyone else and then saw Bliss. “Your mother is here as I am sure you noticed. Shall we go say hello Bliss or are we ignoring her tonight?”

Max looked at her father and then at her brother and she was pretty sure you could cut the tension in them all like a knife if you wanted. She still wasn’t sure why her dad never went to rehab when Jackson had made a genuine and real effort this time and was in recovery. She also didn’t think Chauncey was at all responsible for it. She thought about his words about what she desired and for the first time she was content where she was at. “Sebastian shall we take our seats or dance? I assume the presentation will begin shortly.” Max said smiling up at him and then she looked at Bliss when she noticed Tess was there. “Jesus does that woman have no taste no offense sister, but why is she even here?”

Rory took a moment to catch up with his father’s statement only to see Tess enter and suddenly the room felt small and he wanted out of it. Grabbing Aspen’s hand he gritted out a smile. “Aspen let’s take a spin.” He didn’t give her a chance to object before he pulled her to the dance floor and away from the viper that was Tess Blisston and her arrival.

Dani looked at Lowell and then at Jackson knowing how much the entire rehab situation went with him and Lowell. She rubbed Jackson’s back to calm him down and spotted her cousin across the room and then saw as Braden arrived. “Hey let’s go say hello to my cousin real quick and Braden is here. We’ll have to take our seats in a little bit anyway.”

Chauncey caught the glare from his siblings, Hunter and Dani and then looked at his father. Tonight was about the company and the future and pulling Natasha into their circle he saw his mother’s face disapprove knowing what he was doing he looked at his father. “You will be pleased to know that I have officially closed the SandStar deal. Natasha and I are to be married.”

“We will speak she hasn’t seen Fox since he was born.” Bliss said looking at Jackie’s face wondering how she felt? With her mother now moving into the Nichols mansion she was constant in Atlas Falls now. She even had her grandparents seat on the board which made her that much harder to ignore. The rumors were swirling that Tess was about to put her grandparents home on the market. She would rather go dead before she let that happen. Bliss took Hunter hand. “We should go speak before she comes over here.” Bliss waved off the family taking Fox and Hunter with her

Lowell wondered if he was doing this for love or to upstage Jackson which this wouldn’t do. It was tacky to take someone else moment and eventually run with it. He felt badly for Natasha too because she was only going along to secure her place in the company. He nodded gripping Jackie wondering if his eldest son would ever find true happiness. Something that was a illusion for a long time to him. “If that’s what you two want then go for it.”

Jackson saw his father face and he looked so gaunt he however chose not to comment on Chauncey and Natasha. “Plus I also see Mason we should congratulate him on his win that was monumental. I hear that Eli is staying in town the guy has leached onto another family.” Jackson said disgusted walking away with Dani.

Lowell watched as all his children disperse and seeing Tess with Fox made him feel warm. They did that and it also clearly showed the ache that his betrayal gave his wife. He leaned over and kissed Jackie’s forehead. “I never understood how badly I hurt you with her. I was selfish as hell back then and in the back of my heart I know that this may sound foolish but I had everything I needed. She was an infatuation and foolish one because I will take your grace and beauty any day. I’m sorry Jackie, I don’t regret my daughter but giving her the power to say she had my child.” He lowered his head his heart heavy about his past. “If I could change so much I would looking back now. Walter my God I did him so wrong.” Lowell said for the first time ever. “How do I face the end knowing all the sin I’ve committed.”

*********

Somehow Dimitri and she got seperated a few moments ago. Selina choose to step into her old office for old times sake and to be alone before her friends attacked. No doubt she was about to change the game. Tonight was a big moment for her and when she saw the reporters all looking at their phones shocked with tongues wagging. The news must be out because Forbes was nothing if not savvy using her exit and subsequent return to business as a new launching pad for the new MontCorp. As the word spread across the room that Selina was just named COO of MontCorp. That’s right she negotiated at COO position out of Forbes to get her spot at the table of destruction against the Devonshire’s. She was going to get Maddie to stand sole victor of that crown she assured that. Selina tapped her fingers against her pocketbook. Thinking of how angry Maddie was at her before the party. Her words cut sharper than any knife honestly. Maddie said she loved her, missed her and hated her all in the same sentence. It was painful to hear but she did destroy Dylan and Maddie being brother and sister. A family she built and trashed for revenge. However she was surprised the kids were taking it so hard.

Walking out the office she walked back into the ballroom looking for Dimitri. Where had he gone? Turning around she saw Chauncey staring out at her. His face said it all and she smiled. Knowing very well that he wasn’t expecting her to step up and and be able to take on him directly. Not only him but DGI in a whole after they dismissed her she wasn’t going to stop until they burned. She was furious and she hated how Chauncey weakness let her fall on his sword. Taking a deep breath and she knew Cassie was going to be gunning for her. That was her position and that girl was a Montgomery but evidently she was foolish to turn her back on a rising Fortune 500 business. Not Selina you see she’d watched the numbers over the years MontCorp was on DGI’s ass for years since its debut in 2000. The devastation of Forbes Montgomery pushed aside was gone and the fury was what she took too. When she looked up she saw Braden standing right there laughing with Tamara. Knowing she had avoided this all long enough she walked up on them.

Tamara couldn’t believe she was at a DGI event with Braden of all people. Dani asked a few of them to be there including her. Which was strange because Dani was never a fan of her. They had infamous clashes while she was pregnant with Dylan. Ironic because that’s the reason Dylan stuck to Dani like glue now. It was her fault honestly she wore a black sheath mesh dress that Miranda let her borrow. It was from Alexander McQueen and KC got it for her when she on a undercover job. The entire party was a over the top spectacle which did impress her and disgust her all at the same time. The excess in the place was almost too much to handle. When picked up her champagne glass as she smiled at Braden. He had been telling her funny jokes about this person and talked about that person outfit. This was the man she fell for and that was making it a harder to ignore their chemistry was still alive and crackling. When she turned around and saw her she almost gagged. She was still stunning her rich skin and and rich gown. Tonight she felt apart of Selina’s world and wouldn’t back down. For some reason she instinctively stepped closer to Braden. The gaul of the woman taking Maddie from the house and telling her they needed a day to spend together. Selina was very much a society mother.

Selina eyed Tamara and couldn’t put her finger on it but she was different. Seeing her curling up to Braden stabbed her in the heart. If she was honest with her Tamara was the only woman Braden had been with that intimidated her. Braden sometimes slighted his romance with Tamara but she had his only child. That was something Selina couldn’t let go of and no doubt watching her she had picked up on. Braden couldn’t just let her go either that bond Dylan had tied them together. Who was styling Tamara now that Alexander McQueen gown looked perfect on her. Approaching them she cleared her throat as she eyed Tamara. “Hello, you two look stunning tonight.” She said as she saw the obvious apprehension.

Braden had arrived to the party after Dani had invited them he was a little shocked at Tamara’s invite but let it slide. Maybe his sister was seeing something he wasn’t or that she never had and it was probably a peace offering for Dylan he wasn’t going to complain. Instead he had looked forward to an evening with Tamara until he spotted her walking in and he felt himself almost sneer at her he had deadpanned when she stopped by for Maddie. He refused to let Dylan go with her and he knew that she had been upset about it and this time he didn’t give a fuck. She wasn’t Dylan’s mother and as far as he was concerned she was no longer a part of their family unit period. He looked at her drawing Tamara closer to him and he hoped it hurt her he hoped it sliced at her very being for what she had done to him and Dylan.

“I’m actually glad you came so I can tell you to your face we’re done. I want to know where to send the papers too I wasn’t comfortable sending them to your new homestead with a wife beating monster overseas. But if that is the type of man you want to abandon me and and Dylan for by all means go for it.” Braden said his tone was cold and callous and he meant every word of it the way she had left him was gross. It stung and frankly the fact she was fucking someone else pissed him the fuck off seeing how pious she normally was all her qualms about how they couldn’t be together when she was with Chauncey was because she didn’t want to be that woman well she was now. “I know for a fact that no one at DGI invited you, you aren’t welcome here either. So if you came over here expecting me to grovel to you keep walking.”

Selina saw how hostile Braden was toward her and she understood. She left him and Dylan without any remorse. It hurt them all and it made him heartless to the plight of what she went through. Did she deserve all the attitude that Braden was giving her though? Especially in front of Tamara. She nodded her head softly looking at him. “I was expecting you to be civil about it. I know we are done and I just wanted to talk to you but your attitude shows me one thing. You are angry I’ve moved on without you. Am I supposed to sit here and take the bullshit? We are done and I hate to say the moment I married you we were done. How do you know he’s abusive? Were you there and did you see it with your own eyes? No you didn’t so don’t act as if my man is wrong at all. You are being so vicious but so you know I got a invite from the Devonshire themselves. I am also the new COO of MontCorp. So coming here is just another way of showing them I’m no longer afraid of DGI consequences.” Slowly touching her dress she clutched her purse.

“So you know what this was a mistake have a good day Tamara and Braden.” She hissed with the most malice she could muster. “To be honest I think that we’ve been done since before I left. You just weren’t man enough to look at the picture. You turned your back against my family and if it was Dani or any of your other cousins or friends you would have fought. I’m sick of pretending you would of loved my brother to be locked up but that’s why we aren’t together. We don’t fit in my world the world of elite. So I’m done with pretending you are the one when you were fantasy. A perfect illusion to what I want and wanted. I don’t do broke men nor do I do a man who only claim to fame is his sister and his father who lost a business. I may have failed leaving DGI but I won’t fail in life because I’m with you.” He hurt her and she would strike at him just as hard.

“What did you say you tiara loving princess?” Tamara said looking at Braden raising her hand. “He’s done with you because you walked out on your marriage. Not because of money and stick to the facts Braden. Tell her how she hurt you and Dylan. The marriage and family you built and trust me I know all about destroying families. You aren’t worthy to be my son stepmother. You aren’t a mother to even Maddie you are miserable woman who now is sniffing around a abusive prince? You know Bliss don’t you know? Do you think that girl is a liar? I don’t boo-boo. But when he knocks your head back I won’t say a word. Braden please we shouldn’t be doing this here.” As she flipped her hair she felt the anger building. “You are talking about broke but we all know you are the broken one. The broken one is you and all that poison inside of you.”

“Girl aren’t the only reason you are here is because I walked away.” Flipping her hair she looked at them. “I’m done Braden and we are also.”

“That’s right you walked away like the spoiled daddy’s girl you have always been and to think that I thought you would stay and at the very least give me courtesy of a conversation. Apparently what we had doesn’t mean anything to you and it never did. If it did you wouldn’t of left and found the next prince to get in bed with you used to judge people for affairs Ophelia being the worst now you are just like her. The worst thing and decision that I ever made was marrying you let alone loving you.” Braden said glaring at her and at the moment he meant every single word. He had put his life on hold for her so many times and maybe he had blinders on over the years at the end of the day when it came to Selina Delacroix. “You leaving had nothing to do with me and Jamal and the sooner you admit that to yourself the better you will be. You were hurt by Chauncey and Lowell and because you were angry at me you decided to run away opposed to dealing with our problems.”

“I wouldn’t consider Bliss a liar but you must I made a few calls the rumors about Dimitri don’t just apply to her. But maybe that is what you love to do chase men that have children with other women filling a void for you. Hell I’m surprised Chauncey even lets you around the young girl you are supposed to consider your daughter after how you left her too.” Braden said and he watched her eyes tear up and he even knew he was an asshole for bringing the kid issues up with her. But she didn’t get to come back and play the victim with him, she left after promising him a future and involved his son in that. “I will never forgive what you did to Dylan and I mean it you will never have any right to him ever I’m not Chauncey or Dimitri. And good luck trying to get Fox from Bliss I’ll hand her my number in case she needs it.”

A silence covered her as she closed her eyes feeling the sting of his words. She couldn’t think for a second because the hostility and complete lack of compassion startled her. It wasn’t as if she expected to be welcomed back with open arms. When Selina was sixteen she was told she wouldn’t have children a secret not many knew. Every year she’d go get another check up to see if something changed. So Maddie when Chauncey came back from California and they officially became a couple again, she took that girl in her embrace. They way he was acting was if she was kidnapper taking people kids. Her lip quivered but she refused to let them see her cry. Not a tear would fall from her eye because she would pull them back. “Eleven years.” She mumbled knowing that he would get exactly what she was saying. Eleven years they wanted and lusted after each other and it didn’t happen. “You’re not going to break me Braden. I am sorry that I walked away but what did we have? I left you because we weren’t what we assumed. I’m sorry if I hurt you and we shouldn’t be doing this.” Clutching her purse between her arms. She was stuck because her body wanted to scream and slap him. She had to say more.

Selina felt like Tamara had something right for once. She was right tonight was a celebration for her new job and to rub it into the Devonshire’s face she was now working with the Montgomery family. “I don’t want Dylan because he was never mine. Do you think that kid actually wanted us to make it? Let’s be real he’s been playing parent trap since he could walk.” She hissed back as the tears pooled in her eyes. How dare he bring her issues with conceiving and the assumption that she was just going to go after a kid. When he helped her originally with getting Maddie from Chauncey along with Mason. She gulped a little nodding her head. “My brother will be um contacting you and I assume you want nothing more to do with me. So your broke ass won’t be coming after my money. I maybe spoiled, I maybe a princess, and I maybe rotted on the inside but I accept who I am. I accept that I can’t have children and for you to assume I just want to snatch your son away from you.” She paused to collect herself. “I hope you live a wonderfully happy life with Tamara or whatever woman you choose. I hope you have happiness because I don’t wish sadness on you. I wish you to be the man you need to be. The man who has everything in the world going for him.  You have a sober woman who has been waiting a long time. Go be happy and don’t look back I assure you I won’t be. I let it go and flow because everything will fall in its place. I’m done.”

Tamara saw how badly Braden had hurt Selina by digging at her fertility. That was low and her eyes narrowed at him. She didn’t know that and for some reason as a woman she sympathized with her. “Please can we stop because this is getting ugly and people are starting to stare. Braden stop it right now.” She said softly as she touched her ex chest and nodded. “This is over because when they go low we go high. It’s over and you don’t have to express anymore hate she gets it.”

“Thank-you for being civil Tamara, please pardon me I have um some interviews to do about my new position.” She saw Cassie glaring at her as if she is furious. What was this shit on Selina day? She assumed Cassie wouldn’t like her after she snatched the COO position from her. Selina stormed away to the ladies room.

Watching the other woman storming away she felt her chest swelling because her sister couldn’t conceive. “Braden I know she hurt you and left your family. That wasn’t called for and honestly if that’s what you are. I don’t know what we are because I never thought you were that type of man. A man who would say something she clearly told you confidence and use it like that. I never understand you two but you loved her. So what I am saying is at the end of this maybe as mad as you are that wasn’t where you should have hit her with that low-blow.” Tamara exhaled as she looked at his shocked face. “Yes I’m saying that was too much.”

Braden looked at her and took a drink of his champagne and shrugged he was tired of being the nice guy when it came to Selina. He was so tired of getting walked all over and he knew he did his fair share of the same when it came to Tamara. But he has paid for it over the years or so he thought they had always been dysfunctional because of it and now maybe everyone could have a fresh start. He didn’t wish Selina ill or anything like hat but he thought she was putting blinders up when it came to Dimitri. He was simply done and when Tamara gave him the look he knew he had crossed a line and yes he felt bad but on the other hand what Selina had done to him was unforgivable to him and he wanted to hurt her like she had hurt him. Sometimes Fraiser’s lost their temper and said things and for once he felt like he had a bit of his father in him and shook his head.

“I’m sorry that was out of line with her but she doesn’t get to come back her and pretend like she didn’t destroy lives. Mine, Dylan’s in a way yours, heck Talia even since I married Selina while attending the wedding with her. I know she loves Maddie but it stings. I don’t like being that man but I don’t want to be pushover anymore with her either.” He said quietly he wasn’t sure if it would ever go back to normal with Selina now. And he look Tamara’s hand in his. “I’ll apologize let’s enjoy time rest of the party come on so see my sister over there and Brock was running around earlier.” He finished escorting her away from the states and into the crowd wanting to forget he ever ran into his soon to be ex for the rest of their evening.

*********

“I think he’s my cutest cousin well maybe because I don’t have any other cousins. Other than Rainer, Barron, and Kimber but they are in London. I’m so in love with him, can I put him on my snap?” Maddie said looking at her aunt Bliss. It had been a hell of a summer she had talked her grandfather to help her start a cosmetic line. Why not all the young girls in the media was doing it, Rihanna and Kylie Jenner were millionaires off beauty empires. Plus she had a hell of a lot of followers. They informed her on her fifteenth birthday she could launch it. Which made her have a lot of glee because she was so close. When she brought the stats to her papa Chauncey well his pride that she wanted to get into DGI. It was enough to make her heart swell. She of course wanted her company to be a success and they’d been going through names and colors palettes. “Plus I can do a little more research on my makeup bags and stuff. Thank-you for helping me go to grandfather with this.”

Bliss smiled at Maddie and wondered if her niece was going to be the CEO one day. Her mind was already on the money and it was inspiring. “No problem I’ve been helping everyone else I actually want to help DGI too. I think I’ve figured out what I want to do at DGI. Chauncey has the government contracts, Jackson energy, Max the casino, and Rory his app. I think I know where I want to go and how I want to make my mark.” Holding her son close she looked at him and knew exactly what her next move was.

“OMG what is it!” Maddie said holding her clutch to her chest. “I’m so ready.”

“Maddie I want to start a luxury brand with the launch being your makeup and I want you to be my partner. I’m thinking of buying Val’s line and keeping her on as creative director. I want luxury and I want us to do this together transforming fashion, makeup, and style together. Your fresh young eyes with my fashion sense well I think we will kill the game what about you?” Bliss handed Maddie her keys to her office. Kissing her son forehead. “He’s worn out and you sure you are alright with this? You are missing your grandfather speech?”

Maddie unlocked Bliss’s office door and opened the door for them three.“I’ve heard him give a speech before and of course I’m okay with my cousin. I have to get to know him because I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time together because I’m so down! Aunt Bliss are you serious?” Maddie said biting her lip. “I mean I did blackmail you last year.” Taking Fox from her aunt’s arms.

“I was also sleeping with your beloved aunt Max husband so I assume you would. Plus I was kind of underestimating my fully capable niece as a Devonshire. We are groomed to blackmail.” She laughed touching Maddie arm. “I’m going to be back when the speech is over and I’ll take him home. Then you can enjoy this party maybe sneak a little champagne. Oh come on I did it when I was your age all the time at my mothers luxurious parties.” Bliss smiled as she leaned down and kissed his forehead. “If anyone comes here you know what to do?”

“I’ll call you immediately nobody is taking him okay Bliss? I promise I’ll kick anyone ass who tries.” Maddie said placing her hand on her hip. “I have been taking self defense classes and karate since I was eight. My father made sure no man will ever disrespect me because I’ll kick their asses.”

“Watch your mouth or I’ll wash it out with soap.” Bliss pointed her clutch at Maddie as she closed her office doors and locked it. Teasing

She stopped knowing she was about to suggest something that wasn’t in the DGI wheelhouse but her idea was something that was unique. Just last year Louis Vuitton made over eight billion. If they could start to corner the luxury goods then they’d have revenue dealing in something other than weapons, tech, energy, and financial windfalls such as casinos. As she walked down the hallway the lights began to flicker. Bliss turned around and noticed the lights were working perfectly in her office. Just as she felt someone yanking her from behind. The sudden jerk took the wind out of her body. When she felt him letting her go she stumbled to the floor. She gasped loudly looking at his dark eyes as her stomach drop. He closed Chauncey door to his office, Bliss wanted to scream immediately. They hadn’t been alone since his sudden reappearance in her life. Grabbing the oak desk she stood up knowing he was amused with himself. The fall just made her cower a little once again she was that woman. The woman who couldn’t move her feet fast enough to get the hell out of dodge. She almost scolded herself that she left herself so vulnerable to be snatched by him. Dimitri her legal husband still and the man who once held her heart in his hands. He crumbled it and now she was left to feel fear.

“My family adores our son.” The quietness in her voice scared her because honestly she felt like she was shrinking. “You have been raising him wonderfully because his manners are impeccable. I don’t know what has changed in you Dimitri but I appreciate it. I truly do because I love him so much and I love that we made something so perfect.” She chose every word she spoke so carefully and it felt like she was being judged. “I hope you are happy with Selina she seems really happy with you. I really should be leaving though Hunter is waiting on me.” Closing her hands into fist and she dug her nails into her palms. “I think us being alone isn’t a good idea Dimitri.” She said meekly feeling like she was losing her newly found voice by the second. “Pardon me.”

Dimitri had left the party earlier after Selina had began her conversation with who he assumed was Braden ehr soon to be ex-husband it gave him the perfect opportunity to leave and follow Bliss as she took Fox from the room. So far everything was going as planned even allowing her to take Fox with Hunter Kincaid just for a bit, let them get comfortable. It was time for phase two of the plan to make her come back to him and realize what a mistake she had made. He of course had made her think there was a chance to escape him only she would be in for a rude surprise if she ever wanted to move on with Hunter it would not be allowed to happen, until he said it would be allowed. Selina was none the wiser and he would be rid of her for Bliss when the time was right, used and discarded right now she was something he needed to achieve that goal. He had followed Bliss and watched in the shadows till the right moment when he grabbed her and he loved seeing the fear etched on her face. It sent a thrill through him to know that he could still do that to her.

“Everyone adores Fox my parents and I have done a marvelous job raising him wouldn’t you agree? After all you did abandon him in the middle of the night to stow away to the states. Thinking what exactly? That I’d send him to you once you cake crawling to the father that didn’t even want to be around you growing up?” Dimitri said knowing which points hurt her the most. Lowell not being around when she was growing up one of the biggest sore spots and she had so many issues attached to it he knew how to exploit them. This was no different give her a few feet and then he’d yank it back. “Did you know that Selina has bonded with Fox so well? He almost called her momma the other day I was so proud of him. I think it is one you and I talked wouldn’t you agree? Alone finally away from everyone to settle this rift between us?”

“You haven’t changed.” Bliss said her voice barely above a whisper. “Rift? That is a very sweet way of saying that your behavior was acceptable? You were a monster to me and had no qualms about forcing your opinions and ideals in my head. If I didn’t agree it was a subtle dig and intimidation, and eventually your fist. I won’t be beaten by you anymore.” She said bravely finding her own voice.

Dimitri knew the game he wanted to play and he walked towards her seeing her cower to him and for a moment he thought about wrapping his hand around her neck. Only he refrained leaving marks on her would add to her narrative and it was better for her to wonder and fear his every move. Make her look unhinged when she had Fox with irrational fear and eventually Hunter would tire of that and if he didn’t. Well he knew people that would take care of Mr. Kincaid he stepped back letting out a laugh at her cowardice with him. Shaking his head he walked to the office window shutting the blinds and turned to her.

“Behavior you pushed me into Bliss you were always flirting with the staff from the pool attendants to the stable hands. I kept warning you and yet you kept leading them on what was I supposed to do?” Dimitri said stopping and looking at her again for a moment walking to her and touching a loose tendril of hair. He leaning in sensing her fear and brought his lips close enough to her ear feeling her entire body shaking and let out a sinister smile. “Still the weak cowardice woman you always were even a new life here can’t change that. So I would guess we are both the same. You have even decided to drag Hunter into the new game of yours. Return home with me Bliss and I’ll give you Fox.”

“Flirting with the staff?” She asked incredulously as she felt her stomach clutching. “Weak? Do you remember when my face was unrecognizable due to you pummeling it. I remember the stable hand was murdered weeks after our so called flirting when he helped me dismount from the horse. You are a psycho and what’s worse is you’ve brought others into this damn game you are playing. You think that I’m stupid Dimitri? You giving me Fox was a part of whatever scheme you are after. Why are you here? Why are you trying to intimidate me now? Why are you pretending that I’m the bad guy? I’m not because I’ve done nothing back then but love you with all of my heart. So I’m going to say this and say it once. If you continue to come after me, I’m going put the weight of all my family on your neck. I have something on you.” She said no longer feeling meek. She had to stand tall and confront him because if she didn’t he’d think she wasn’t here to fight.

“The nursery in the castle had so many gifts when Fox was born. You didn’t spend much time in there. My um mother sent me a gift to see her grandchild. A teddy bear with a camera inside of it. She said she just wanted to watch her first born grandson sleep. You remember the storm the night I escaped your clutches?” Bliss said seeing the anxiety raise in his face. “My mother watched and recorded as you slapped me around, punched, kicked, and spat on me. You treated me like a property, like I was your possession. I will never be your property again because you won’t lift a hand to me anymore. I have proof that you are an abusive monster. A monster that was jealous that your people endeared to me more than you. Jealous whenever a man would look at me. Angry whenever I thought on my own. You are a vicious monster that needs to be locked away forever. However I’ll do one better to you. I’ll take our son and give another man’s name. I’ll show him why he could never be a prince of Ilsa De Cruces. I’ll show him that his blood doesn’t make him the man you are. I’m going to protect my baby from you. Do you get that? You brought him back to me to lose him.”

Dimitri looked at her and moved towards her placing each hand on either side of her watching her flinch. The satisfaction he felt in his bones as he moved closer to her close enough to smell her perfume and he touched her hair again the threat that she had laid at his feet. The stable boy had got what he deserved in his mind and no one was the wiser no one questioned the crown at home and they never would. She didn’t need to know the truth about why he was here to destroy DGI instead that would come later all she had to know was that he was here for her and to torment her till she came back. He moved his hand up her neck slowly seeing her face contorted in fear as he finally wrapped his fingers around her throat barely applying any pressure.

“The plans I have for you Bliss well those will just have to be left up to your wild imagination now. Your mother would never let those pictures come out if she wanted to get what she wants at the end of the day. You think you’re the only one that does their homework? Your mother was nothing more than Lowell’s whore and if you think you and her will beat me well you have something else coming.” Dimitri said knowing he rumors about Tess all those years and all it would take would be to contact the prince of England to verify something about a certain lady in England’s daughter. Bliss was none the wiser about her mother secret and he had no problems blowing that up if Tess didn’t fall in line. “Like I said you can have Fox back when you come home with me not before and playing that game with you. Well that is what will thrill me the most won’t if?” He said against her ear as he squeezed just enough only to remove his hand when the door to the office opened and the light was flicked on. Pissed at the interruption he looked at Chauncey.

He had gotten the text and immediately left Natasha at the table Maddie had told him something weird was going on with the lights. His office door was closed and the blinds were shut and he had taken out his key to unlock the door. All the offices were open for the evening and he knew one thing Bliss was not back in the party and a quick check on the room showed no Dimitri either. What he found when he opened the door sent a chill through his bones and he looked at his frightened sister immediately stepping to her and Dimitri and pushing he prince back. She was shaking like a leaf and he checked her for injury they weren’t on his precious little island. They were at DGI on their property and on American soil and he swore to god the man laid a hand on Bliss he’d swallow his pride and go find Jon Harrison and have him arrested on the spot.

“Are you alright? He didn’t hit you did he we take that shit seriously here in the states diplomatic immunity or not.” Chauncey said wanting to hear it from Bliss’s mouth and then he would take her away from him and back to party where she would be safe. He already had Maddie and Fox go back to mansion with an entire security team just in case. “Stay right there you take one step closer I’ll have a security team in here and the police departments finest to throw cuffs on your ass and send that pretty face to a cell. Then I’ll tie you up in court here in the states for years.” Chauncey threatened as he watched Dimitri take a step towards them and he placed himself between himself and Bliss for good measure. “I mean take a step and better yet they’ll be calling the fucking coroner.”

“No he didn’t.” She said as she looked at her big brother. For the first time in her life she clung to Chauncey like he was a lifejacket to someone who couldn’t swim. The fear she felt as his words echoed in her mind she couldn’t believe he was so bold. Then when he basically said his mother was in cahoots with him. Did Tess think she was going back to the toxic island to give her legitimacy? Was she broke? Was that why that bitch came back here? Either way she was done with her mother from this moment on. “He just threatened me Chauncey and I just want to get back to the party and stay away. Get Selina and get the hell out of this building. I mean it Dimitri you aren’t welcomed here any longer and if you think coming near Fox. I’m not letting my son anywhere near you. You’re still the same vile and corrupt spoiled prince. I knew you hadn’t changed and I won’t be coming back to that crown with you and your sick family. Atticus is the only one who actually has a soul.” Bliss grabbed her brother arm and pointed at Dimitri.

“Don’t come near me or Fox anymore. Our lawyers will handle this welcome to America you idiot.” She said seeing his nose flare when she insulted him. “You are pathetic man and I never imagined that you were anything else. I was told so many times by you that you loved me. It was beaten in my head until you truly beat me. If he didn’t come in what would have happened? Huh? A choking until I blackout? You are sadistic and I thank-you because honestly seeing your true colors again I see you are a bitch. Only a man who is weak and pathetic as you are would attack the mother of his child unprovoked. Please leave this party with Selina and my lawyer will contact you about Fox.” Bliss said as she held Chauncey arm. “Please get me to the party and right now don’t tell Hunter about this. He’ll try and kill Dimitri.” As she walked out of his office she looked at her big brother and for the first time she collapsed in his arms. Shaking and crying she didn’t know what else to do because he was after her and she knew he wouldn’t stop. “I thought that this was ending of that chapter. Now all I see he’s making up new pages and chapters. He wants me back and he won’t stop until I’m dead or he is.”

*********

Ronan arrived at DGI as he walked in the door with Thor and Skye in tow it was the first time he stepped through the door as a partner in a deal and not just a street gangster. The casino would be making the organization a lot of money as long as Lowell kept up his end of the deal. They would make a killing together and it would be the perfect front for the money laundering and the drug trade. He had approved the smaller casino steamboats for that reason the cops as far as he knew could’t touch them out there. Unless the AFPD wanted to get a brand new division up and running to patrol the water at the lake and the rivers it would be an operation that would last years if not decades. He did have to wonder how he would keep the other Devonshire’s in line with it afterall Bliss, Max and Hunter had been the ones to come up with the idea. He wondered who he would be working with full time when Lowell ever turned the keys over and if they would be as cooperative. As they entered the building he leaned over to Thor.

“I got a call from Forbes Montgomery seems to me he wants to have a business meeting. I would assume that you were eventually going to let me know since he saw you earlier tonight with Cassie.” Ronan said seeing the disdain on Skye’s face and the surprise. He wondered if his brother was keeping secrets from her about Cassie that intrigued him. He had just mentioned not so long ago that eh was done with Cassie, instead he waved off Skye. “I told him we would get back to him as soon as we got back from our trip if that is alright with you still. I think we should hear him out he seems to think he can help us with import and export.” Ronan said taking a glass of champagne for himself and Thor, reaching for a glass and handing it to Skye. “I would hope Thor told you it is a boys trip this time, perhaps you can join us on the next one.”

“I hadn’t even informed her of my trip but I had something planned and now you’ve ruined it.” Thor said pulling Skye in closer. Ever since she told him about Miles Hessington was Jon’s son name and the kid was filthy rich. He did his research from the little Skye told him and uncovered a lot of shit. Ryan and Whitney Hessington-Walker were Philadelphia elite uber rich. Ryan Walker was the son of Texas tycoon who invested in a fledgling company at the time named SandStar. His mother was a stallion breeder who only raised the best horses. Whitney and Ryan met during her time as a equestrian rider and they fell in love. Rich, young, married and beautiful they had it all but a child. For some reason at the time they couldn’t have a child so Whitney and Ryan adopted by Miles from Skye and Anderson Kincaid was the broker. That was the interesting part in all this mess. Governor elect Charles Hessington and his trusty right hand man and soon to be breakout Anderson were knee deep in this. He just had to keep working Skye. He wasn’t a fool this was going to come out and when it does he’ll already used it to get whatever he and his brother needed. Hell what Skye needed because people would be out for her. She was the utmost importance to him and well this had to be done. They needed big friends in high places to secure their home in Atlas Falls.

“Look we are heading to New York and I want you and Merci to do it big. So when we were leaving I was going to get you two a room her for the weekend. Then I want you two to go shopping on me.” He smiled knowing he just sent her on a shopping spree. However Skye had to learn nothing was enough. There wasn’t enough money, time, love, sex, and power to be gotten. Thor knew merging his organization with Ronan’s was risky, oldtimers would resent the shit more than anything. Carla hated Ronan and the Madden mobsters she spit on them when he killed him. It took for his uncle Garfield to get whacked for a truce. Now they were even stronger and he wanted to look into this move with the Falcone’s. Not to say it wasn’t smart he brought it to Ronan’s attention but Giavanni Falcone was a dangerous broad. “I want you two to have fun and I’m leaving some men with you to take you wherever you two want to go. Hell I’ll call in a favor from Hunter maybe I could get you two on a plane to go shopping somewhere huh? I don’t know why Forbes wants to see me but he’s not to be trusted Ronan in no shape or form. No business with that psychopath is good business.”

Skye felt so out of place at the DGI party years being in the foster homes and eventually in the group home was what made her so self conscious. How do you hide that why acting out like a bitch to cover all the hurt and even though she was dressed to the nines in a luxury dress from Chanel she still felt dirty and out of place as the ex drug user who used to sleep with Lowell’s son for a hit or a good fuck. They had arrived in the limo together and he hadn’t told her he had went to see Cassie and no matter how she tried part of her was jealous about that. Thor was friends with Cassie but she also knew he used to love her too after all he did call out her name when they had sex the first time all those months ago. It hadn’t happened since and then she looked at Ronan and the way he spoke to her like she wasn’t even there and shook her head taking a glass from the waiter. She then shot her eyes at Thor that he didn’t tell her about the meeting or the trip and honestly being holed up in New York while he handled business seemed dumb. She and Merci could have a girls day here she knew where she was not wanted.

“I thought you were going to bring Mercedes tonight Thor said you took a used ride the other night and yet here you are all alone. Must be heard all that power and all you can do is pine for the girl with the prince while bringing strippers home for the evening.” Skye said looking over at Ronan and then at Thor she was not afraid of Ronan Madden and she most certainly wasn’t going to be pushed out or show how jealous she was of Cassie tonight. Instead she looked at Ronan and rolled her eyes at the Forbes talk the man was menace but she knew enough that you just kept to yourself when people talked about Forbes or got in business with the Montgomery’s. “I also heard a rumor that you then tasted Brooke one last time so maybe you’re just not that big all around both in business and your private life. No wonder Forbes went to Thor first instead of you.”

“You talk quite a bit about knowing how all the strippers get paid or who they’re fucking maybe I should have offered you a job on a pole when you came back into town instead of leeching your claws into my brother. You used to come into the club a lot back in the day didn’t you score a line or two maybe more? I bet you’d look really nice strung out on a stage shaking it and fucking or free.” Ronan said not holding back as he looked at Thor to get her under control or at least tame the crassness in her it looked bad on them with the casino deal coming up. It was imperative that while at DGI and with investors that they not be presented as mobsters he knew that and taking a sip of his champagne he toasted to Thor and Skye. “A toast to you always being the second choice for my brother since the woman he really wants is with Jon Harrison you know one of the many men you fucked while doing god knows what. They all just leave you for better don’t they?”

Ronan saw his brother looking pissed at him but she drove him insane and he still didn’t trust her or her being so close to the organization, She wanted to take shots at Brooke he had no problem making sure she knew who was in charge of their business. “I’d take Thor’s offer of the trip better yet stay home here in Atlas Falls where you won’t be seen. I’ve ended people for less Skye and in this business I am not someone you ever want to cross. The only reason I tolerate this right now is because you semi make my brother happy and I know last year was hard on him when his mother died. But then again he didn’t lean on you for any of that either, it was Cassie that was there for him after it happened. After learning at the trial that even when you were thinking of fucking him or when you did that he still was more worried about Cassie well that is something you might want to think about that more.”

“Enough why whenever we go out you two have to turn this into Wrestlemania? I want a fun night on the town. Drink and socialize just to enjoy myself. Oh look there is Hunter one of my best friends and over there is my ex-fling Max Devonshire it was one time. We can go all day and dog each other but one he’s my brother Skye so he isn’t going anywhere and two she’s my girl Ronan so she isn’t going anywhere either so can we just be adults. You don’t like her for me I understand that, and you don’t like him I get that he can be very unlikable.” Thor said with a smile trying to calm the mood. From the moment he introduced them it was world war three. They always fought but this was especially brutal. She was feeling out of place and he was angry about Brooke. Everyone heard she came back in just to slap him and acted a fool on him. Either way he wasn’t down for this. Every time they went out it was this he had enough and Thor wanted a fun night with his girl before he met with Giavannia Falcone.

One thing he remember coming up was his mother never messed with them Falcone’s in New York. She came back from a trip from the big apple changed and hardened. He never saw his mother beat one of her girls but she did after that night. He brought her to Ronan attention for one reason only Canada. It was a big market and she ruled Canada, the cartel throughout America, and they got the Mexican connection well they’d be the most successful mobsters ever. The Falcone’s had Canada on wrap and that was known if she joined it could mean big things. “Now let’s get a glass of this expensive champagne or wine if you prefer and ignore Brooke looking stunning damn. That girl is really a supermodel look at her she’s hot huh?” He said looking at Skye. “I mean she isn’t all that.”

Ronan looked at Brooke with Atticus across the room and he knew he had no right to feel jealous. But for a moment he was and he almost wished had had brought a plus one as his date. Instead he was here alone with his brother and Skye Morgan and he resisted to point out to Skye and Thor that Brooke was a goddess in that dress and Skye was nowhere near as lovely. Brooke has impeccable breeding in her and it showed along with a poise that someone like Skye probably dreamed about as a child. Which was why he had let her go she was not built for his world there was no masking that and as her and Atticus approached them he looked at his brother.

“She is the most beautiful woman in the room and your blind if you say otherwise.” Ronan said looked at Thor to date argue back with him about it. His thoughts drifted to Forbes and the meeting the man wanted to have he would take a meeting with him because it would benefit the casino deal. “As for Forbes we will discuss business and his intentions in private Skye doesn’t need to know or be involved in that wouldn’t you agree? Putting her into a dangerous position to you and your enemies and father would not approve.” Ronan emphasized the last part the only reason his father viewed Carla as his equal was because she inherited the business, his own mother was never involved in the day to day operations for her own safety.

Skye resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Ronan and saw Thor stewing as he was talked down to by his brother. She reminded herself that she was just as beautiful as Brooke or any other woman there but she was still self conscience about being here. The irony of them being at the Devonshire party striking her from what she knew Ronan and Thor’s father had humble beginning and was in no way a founding family member of society. Yet Ronan wanted to act like he was better than her or Merci she knew that all too well it was a different kind of jealousy a jealousy of aiming higher than your status in Atlas Falls. Something that unless you married into those families you rarely achieved shaking her head at him she took a sip of her drink and then looked at Brooke.

“Aw you look so gorgeous I have to wonder what you have on underneath maybe Ronan or Atticus could tell us? Oh we haven’t met yet Skye Morgan and you must be Brooke Kincaid how ever could I not know that.” Skye said her eyes meeting Atticus’s hoping he got her meaning and saw Thor’s face full of dread. No one pushed her around and she wasn’t above throwing the princess of Atlas Falls society under the bus to run it into Ronan she was not going anywhere. “Ronan over here talks about you all the time especially that time you spent together when you got home recently.”

Brooke couldn’t believe Atticus demanded to meet Ronan again. He had a point to prove and she couldn’t help but dread it. Her entire face flushed when Skye mentioned that Ronan would know what was underneath her dress along with Atticus. Who did this bitch think she was? Whatever beef Ronan and she were having well that wasn’t her business. The shade of it all was that she would have to gather this girl, and she just met her. “What a pretty dress three seasons ago. Sort of like those jewels which belonged to Carla Luciano correct Thor? I remember her coming to quite a few of my father’s campaign event looking just as gaudy. Atticus wanted to thank-you for showing me with so much respect and loving me when he wasn’t here. He wanted to bury a hatchet before it became a awkward thing. Seeing how you’ve blackmailed your way into the Devonshire casino we more than likely will be seeing more of you. So that’s why I’m even speaking to you. Quite frankly I can’t wait for another big old wild west shootout. Maybe just maybe we can finally rid Atlas Falls of that pesky mob threat that’s been lurking in the background for years. Something clearly my father couldn’t do.”

As she looked at Thor shocked face and Skye clearly couldn’t believe she clocked her for wearing Carla’s old belongings. “Yes and I assume everyone is talking about you Skye. From the Devonshire’s to the Harrison’s right? You did have plenty of drugged up nights with Jackson and completely decimated Jon’s life at one point. I mean why are you even here? Thor I assumed because you went to Atlas Falls Preparatory with my brother you had more class. As the old wise adage goes you can’t turn a whore into a housewife. Literally you were a lady of the night while hooked on dope right?” Taking Atticus hand she smiled letting her fingers slide against the expensive necklace she just recieved. “I informed Atticus that I went to visit Ronan just a few moments ago, and I suggest that you mind your business about my relationship. I’d hate to have you removed from this party guest of a guest or not.” Letting her know to shut her mouth or she’d make sure her life was miserable. Being dragged out of a Devonshire party would make Page Six news. “Now what I can do is possibly help you with your bad hair, horrible style, and terrible taste.” Using all the blue blood in her to hurt with not a touch but her words. Brenda taught her years ago the most painful thing was the truth.

Thor saw the shock on Skye face when Brooke used all the uppity snooty appeal of her upbringing against his girl. As it continued he closed his eyes not sure what Skye would do. Standing taller he stepped in front of Skye they all wouldn’t attack her and they all needed to stop including Skye. “Enough!” He screamed looking at Brooke who was clearly beaming with pride she exposed Skye as a hooker. “Look we all have past and some aren’t as pretty as others. You know you get paid off your beauty but man that was the ugliest thing I’ve seen. Look you three in this kinky ass triangle can stop it, stop acting like you three are the issue. You bro you’re suffering without her and it’s sad to see you evil like this. We’ve made strides but you’re not going to disrespect my girlfriend. Look I’ll see you at the airport after this we’ll discuss the Montgomery deal from there.” He grabbed Skye hand and walked away. “Let’s enjoy ourselves okay.”

“I agree let’s go away from fake gangsta barbie wanna be turned princess.” Skye said refusing to let Brooke get the last word in when it came to her or her past in Atlas Falls. She may of never officially worked for Carla but she was not proud of her past for drugs in exchange for sex. Her beef was with Ronan but girls like Brooke pissed her off when they thought their shit didn’t stink too. The reality of it was Brooke was not built for Ronan’s life models didn’t marry mobsters or continue to model if they did and that girl was dumb as fuck if she thought that was how it all worked.

Atticus looked at Skye and Thor and raised an eyebrow as they passed. He never knew the bad blood that existed. He reached for Ronan’s hand to offer a handshake to show he had no ill feelings for him and then pulled it back when he realized it was not going to happen. “Thank you for being Brooke’s ear the other night when she came home. I was dealing with some diplomatic matters at the time and I know things needed awkwardly for you both.”

Ronan but his tongue knowing the lies Brooke had told Atticus about their encounter and he couldn’t help the snarl that came when the prince offered his hand. He refused instead seeing the look of disgust on his face and on Brooke’s as he took a sip of his drink. He spotted Forbes in the crowd and placed his empty glass on a tray. “I have a few people that I need to go see. Brooke, pardon me.” He said completely disregarding the prince in his way past them both.

*********

The tribal drums seemed to echo as she walked into the party and fire breathers spitting flames. Greer had to smile because Merci had really outdid herself. Transforming the conference rooms into a full on space. The cirque de soleil performers were quite a touch and she smiled looking over at the strapping man standing next to her. Licking her lips she knew she was looking stunning because everyone stopped to look at her. She wore a Atelier Versace nude beaded gown with diamonds sparkling on her neck and wrist. Her best accessory was however Brock Fraiser. He was quite charming which was funny considering she thought the fireman would be a stick in the mud. He had quite the sense of humor and he wasn’t what you would call a asshole. It felt easy just talking to him versus the last two men who she was with. Zerick was a guarded secret and Chauncey was emotionally never available. Not say she wanted Brock on the contrary he was a tool to make two men quite jealous. No matter what Zerick said he missed her and Chauncey a Fraiser would drive him crazy off principal. Tonight was all about turning things on their head.

“This party is quite extravagant don’t you think?” She laughed seeing his eyes grow large from the tiger in the cage growling. “Brock I’m a very honest woman I do want to be as transparent as possible. My ex-husband is here and my ex-lover who broke up my marriage is here also. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable because honestly I figure they will both speak. I’m however after a new chapter. Sometimes they come in interesting packages such as yours.” Greer strolled as the music became more grand and sweeping in the next room. She saw the Devonshire’s all scattered around the room. When she slowly turned a waiter grabbing two glasses of champagne.She made eye contact with Chauncey who eyes bugged out.  Turning around she smiled knowing she had accomplished her goal. Handing the glass to Brock. Now Zerick where were you at? As Greer slowly spotted Zerick who did look confused on why she was with another man. Taking a sip of champagne Greer had hit both targets in one shot. Zerick would only share her with Chauncey and Chauncey didn’t want to share her at all. No boys you didn’t get to run the show. She was the ringleader tonight. “I hope my past doesn’t scare you away from me.”

Brock Fraiser had ran into the blonde on his arm outside of his cousin’s office when he had reluctantly stopped by to see Jackson about a construction site job that he learned was for the house he wanted to build. He was taken by her beauty at first sight and he thought she might be fun to take out for the night, it also irritated his cousin to high hell and even as kids he loved to antagonize her. So he had agreed to be the lovely Greer’s date and even donned the tuxedo for the occasion he was a little overwhelmed at the cameras and the flashing lights. In truth he liked to be alone at the moment and single it meant that he could take a girl out for a drink and some fun in bed without strings attached to it unlike the rest of his family and siblings, minus Kelsey he wasn’t ready to settle down. Or maybe he was he just hadn’t found the right girl to settle down with. He placed his hand on the small of her back and escorted her past the tiger in the cage a little too over the top for him and he listened as she talked about Chauncey Devonshire. In truth he hated Chauncey almost as much as Braden did.

“It’s a little over the top if you want to know the truth I don’t see what caged tigers have to do with the company’s accomplishments probably why college wasn’t really my thing. Thanks for being honest with me, I do have a confession to make the only reason I said yes was to drive Dani bat shit just to see her face at the office when you asked was worth wearing a penguin suit.” Brock said taking the glass and a sip of the liquid inside as he watched his cousin fuming at him from across the room he missed that side of her over the summer the fighting side. The entire family had decided they needed something to light a fire under her ass so she would enjoy her pregnancy and get back to who they adored and if her look was anything it seemed to be working. He looked at Greer’s face and shrugged. “She hates you for whatever reason and if it lights something in her for her to get back to who she is it’s worth the being ostracized from everyone. So your exes I would hate to be either of them if this is how you get revenge. So which one are you wanting to piss off more?”

“I brought a Fraiser to a Devonshire event. What do you think?” She said seductively. It did make her feel good not to have to lie to a man. They were upfront already and that was something she didn’t have with either Zerick or Chauncey. Her first husband Zerick Westwood was mystery and she liked that initially. As she got older all she wanted was to finally know who he was. To know that they truly were there for each other. He could never give her that and when she got with Chauncey he’d never admit but it hurt him. She knew it because something about them made his skin crawl. The marriage was over and she honestly saw something she never felt with Zerick. She felt a kindred spirit in Chauncey. It didn’t happen overnight but this year and last few months have made her see how alike they truly were. Now he could keep trying to make that fake romance with Natasha happen or he could come get some of her fire.

“I don’t know why your cousin hates me so. It’s actually quite alarming. I thought it was because how fat she’s gotten and she was jealous that I am still a zero. However it seems to run deeper than that, when I stopped her proposition for the energy summit this year. I voted Rory I just think it was smarter to go with the app and then we live stream the entire energy summit off Rory’s app. Plus what have they done for the environment so far? I mean the deal isn’t a year old you know and that was what it was all about clean new energy.” Greer said vainly not even caring about the babies Devonshire. You’d think those twins were the second coming of Jesus and Mary the way everyone was acting. “I don’t want to dog your cousin but she can be quite a bitch. I find her to very overrated in business and highly annoying.”

Brock looked at her people in his family usually weren’t so candid when they did talk about his cousin and he supposed she came off like a bitch most of the time. He also knew that had a lot to do with his uncle and the relationship they had. He shrugged and took a drink of his champagne he also didn’t think Dani had gotten fat she was pregnant that was a huge difference. He didn’t understand the whole energy thing for the most part he didn’t have a business degree but he knew it came from a good place. What he understood from the boring conversation that they had at family dinner night at Braden’s a few weeks ago it was to make renewable energy affordable he also knew his cousin wanted to get into the solar market too. None of those sounded bad on paper he guess but maybe Greer just didn’t like energy. He was also secretly glad Greer had voted no on the summit thing it was another great idea but Dani didn’t need to be even more stressed out than she had been.

“Honestly I think she hates the way you went between two men with Zerick and Chauncey. It reminds her a lot of what happened with her parents and Brenda Kincaid. The energy summit was really important to her I am glad you said no to it though, she really doesn’t need the stress right now.” Brock said that was the only explanation that he could come up with he knew it bothered Dani how Greer played the two men at DGI. He also knew his aunt and his uncles divorce the situations were a lot similar to how Brenda entered her parents marriage and played his uncle and Steven Kincaid. He bit his tongue about the rest Dani thought Greer was pretentious, fake and more importantly that Greer got to skate through life and work because she was with Chauncey. “She had a really rough go of it last time she was pregnant and she went through alot with Kendrick and Jackson being gone all summer. So thanks I know you guys don’t get along. Shall we mingle?”

“Let’s.” Greer said rolling her eyes at all the Dani conversation. Little Ms. Virtues was the modern Sandy Dee. Whatever happened between Lauren, Walter, and Brenda had nothing to do with her. She should honestly learn to keep her personal feelings out of business. That’s how she got her ass last time and revealed she had a miscarriage which she marketed as an abortion. Either way she didn’t care for the pollyanna and it was clear that she didn’t like her. Going between two men that made her laugh she hadn’t been with Zerick in months and Chauncey was the only man she had been with recently. It wasn’t her business and it was her body women like her set them back for years. However she knew what it was more than anything Dani was intimidated that it was another woman who was just as smart and more capable to use her sexuality to get ahead. It wasn’t her fault God gave her all this.

As the walked she felt someone tapping her shoulder turning around she saw none other than Natasha and Chauncey. Seeing them looking beautiful as ever kind of pissed her off but she wouldn’t show it. The scowl on Chauncey face though was worth a millions of dollars. Turning around she looked at Natasha. “That last year couture never looked more beautiful on you Natasha. Unlike my custom gown tell me do you like being second to me in your entire life.” Greer said laughing as she looked at Brock. “Brock this is a long time frenemy Natasha Hassan and you grew up in Atlas Falls. So I’m sure you know who this, Chauncey.”

Natasha curled up underneath Chauncey as she looked at Greer she rolled her eyes. Rubbing his chest she showed off a diamond ring on her finger.  “Brock Fraiser correct that feature the newspaper did on you was interesting a part time fireman and owner of a construction company. A small one no doubt because Greer always seems to aim low.” She said snidely looking at Chauncey in his eyes. “Stop drooling darling it’s not becoming she’s not that ravishing. In fact she looks a little parched with that dress on. Some women are so thirsty for attention.”

Chauncey had arrived to the party bringing Natasha as his date and grinned and bared it when the press snapped a picture of them on the red carpet with Jackson and Dani. The press was already labeling them and his brother and Dani the new power couples at DGI and he had to wonder if they would ever label Greer as that on his side. The look on Jackson’s face when he had seen the ring was enough for him to relish the rest of the evening he wasn’t the only brother allowed to make a splash. In truth he didn’t love Natasha he knew that and she did as well, but he knew what was expected of him for the future of the company and securing Natasha as part of the family permanently was the way to do it. He had went with a generic ring one that was stunning and large and he saw Greer’s eyes and swore he saw the hurt behind them. She was with Brock Fraiser of all people which irritated him and he couldn’t help but stare.

“Brock I would love to introduce you to my fiancee Natasha Hassan former owner of SandStar Oil and a board member here at DGI. I see Greer went to the other side of the tracks for her date tonight. I wasn’t aware that they let the ordinary into events like this then again your cousin is here too.” Chauncey said glaring at Brock watching the man’s feathers get ruffled at how uncomfortable he was in that tuxedo he pulled Natasha close for good measure and kissed her deeply on the lips. “It’s all quite new isn’t it dear I asked on the way over to the party, the press loved it. How is your evening going Greer?”

Brock resisted the urge to roll his eyes at Chauncey’s rudeness and he bit his tongue the moment he insulted his cousin, he may of gave her shit but she was still family. He saw the hurt on Greer’s face and wasn’t sure what to say to her but instead he wanted to flip the tables on Chauncey to not embarrass his date. “Greer and I have been seeing each other for a few weeks haven’t we? This is just our first outing she wanted something a little bigger than you could offer her. Be careful I hear he is quite small where it counts Natasha.” Brock said looking at Chauncey’s face scowl at him. “Where ever did you pick that hideous ring out? I would think for all the money this family has Natasha he could have went custom instead of Zales.”

“Check and mate.” Greer laughed at Brock’s burn. “I mean nothing is more basic than Natasha who cranes through the trash where I dump all my men and picks them up. I mean I cooked also tonight Natasha must you always have my leftovers. Let me call Zerick over her and then you’ll be like the dog torn between two owners you won’t know which way to go.” Looking at the ring she touched her earrings that he just gave her and laughed. They were more expensive than the ring she hand on her dainty finger. “Yes we have been actually talking and dating for quite a while. If I’ve gone across the tracks then you must spend so much time in the desert. Scoop that sand out of your mouth.” She gritted her teeth as she clapped for Chauncey. “You’ve finally turned into the subservient little boy your father was keeping you at. Good for you.” Greer said as her eyes dared to get teary.

Not today she wouldn’t let Natasha see that she had hurt her. Nor would she indulge Chauncey and her. It was over between them and she was sure that now more than ever. “Just tell your fiance to please keep my name out of his mouth. Tell him to not call me when your boring and plain jane sex doesn’t do it for him. I know what makes him tick and you’ll never get anywhere near that. You aren’t the type of woman he opens too you are the type that is fragile and will eventually break under the pressure. Just like in boarding school.” Greer said with a snooty tone in her voice. Knowing she poked the bear just the right way. “You should really look into Natasha’s past. You won’t like what you find.”

Natasha was honestly shocked she went there. How dare she bring up her mental status. “You are vile you know that. Jealous and vile she always has been Brock. Watch out because she bores very quickly and she’ll be onto the next. She never has a ounce of loyalty.” Natasha seethed back at Greer and before she knew it she tried to slap her.

Greer quickly caught her hand. “And you are predictable.”Using the one hand she caught she pushed her back into a table. “Brock I didn’t come to this party to be assaulted so let’s leave Chauncey to put his bitch back on her leash.”

Chauncey pulled Natasha closer realizing he had got what he needed from Greer her ugly side on full display and he saw and heard the people whispering and pointing at the near fight. “Ignore her Natasha. I do see my parents over there shall we. The presentation should be beginning in a bit.” He said before looking at Greer one last time and escorting he and Natasha to the family table.

Zerick had finally spotted Greer in the crowd starting a fight with Natasha and some poor schmuck and went to her interrupting the group. “May I speak to you in private Greer our dance number is coming up.’ He said not even bothering to address his spoiled ass half brother and the poor guy she was with as he pulled her to the dance floor as the tango started to play. “Listen I don’t care about whatever yours and Natasha’s feud is. Or how pissed off you are that Chauncey saw you as used goods, or about the poor schmuck you are using to try and get one over on us. Talia is planning something tonight. We need to figure out our story right so my dear act the part and dance.” He said smiling at her as he began the dance on the floor.

Greer smiled through her fear as she looked at his eyes. He was afraid too and that shocked her. Zerick was no doubt one of the toughest men she ever met. Seeing him shaking in her arms she felt like was holding him up. Whatever they had on him he didn’t want it out, rightfully so. “Look at me whatever it is, I think it can only benefit me and you now.” Greer said through her fake smile. “I know that we’ve planned this but we also have been puppets. You think I don’t recognize the signs. Every time my father calls I go running and you always used to do the same thing. You’re working for someone and I feel like we’ve been given one half of the story. Aren’t you sick of not knowing the full thing? The Devonshire’s all have a piece but Zerick it’s more going on then they are saying. Lowell is a cruel SOB but he didn’t throw all them away unless it’s for some reason. Something else is all spinning here and I don’t know what it spawns from but my father and whomever you are working with aren’t telling us everything. Don’t you feel it? We’ve been conning people for years and you have to know that.”

She looked in Zerick eyes wondering what he was feeling because honestly at one point she wanted him. She did and he refuted saying they were only friends and eventually not even that. Greer knew they could expose her and she could lie her way out of a few things. If her entire ledger was read today then the ghouls would want their blood. So what? Greer knew that she was in Atlas Falls for her father’s petty debts and was sick of being beholden to just that. If they wanted her head she wanted it to be from her own shit not her father’s. His eyes showed he understood what she was saying as she looked at his face. “Whatever happens we have control from here on out? We need to be free and craft our own paths. You see what I’m saying Zerick? We need our time to be us again without devils on our shoulders. I’m sick of it and if we go through a little flack for corporate espionage well I say they slipped we conquered you know? Plus I get to be Greer LeClerq and not Greer Westwood that’s not either of our names or have you forgotten? So I guess my question is who are you Zerick and what have you been running from for so long?”

Zerick went to answer her questions only for the music to stop and then he saw people returning to their seats. He saw Forbes in the back of the room and looked up at the stage as the DGI logo splashed on the screen and watched as Chauncey got up from his seat. “Too late for that now Greer.” He said quietly leaving her standing in the middle of the dance floor as the lights dimmed and he saw Chauncey approaching the podium he went to the shadows of the back wondering what Talia had up her sleeve.

*********

Chauncey looked out over the crowd of people in the crowd gathered at the tables to honor his father this was their big comeback after his blunder. He looked over at his siblings sitting at the two tables closest to the front and then around the room so many people who had been a part of DGI over the years or who were associated with DGI. Now it was his turn to make that shine and to honor his father and DGI in the best way possible to get investors back on board and make them all secure in DGI again. He knew he was in the doghouse with the CADMUS debacle that had become public, it was no different than other deals his father had done in the past those deals though never became public and were never put under a microscope. He took out his tablet flipping to his pre-written speech as the DGI logo came on the screen behind him and the room broke into a polite clap of appreciation.

“Good evening and welcome to the night of celebration for DGI and honoring its various achievements. Years ago a young man at Atlas Falls University met the lovely Jacqueline Davis and together they would go on to build a family and legacy that will be on full display tonight. Humble beginnings turned into a billion dollar fortune five hundred company over the years and not only did they expand their business empire their personal empire as well. Having four amazing children together and a lovely granddaughter with more on the way. Though mistakes were made also welcoming another daughter with open arms and her son.” Chauncey said not sure if he had worded Bliss’s inclusion in the family right or not  It was the best he could do at the moment as there was no polite way to say his father had carried on a years long affair and had a child he kept hidden out of wedlock for years. “He now is proudly going to face retirement soon and we as his children couldn’t be prouder to take over his legacy. From starting and running the first software development that led to DGI’s first million from the Andromeda software that he worked on with his close friend Walter Fraiser to striking out into technology and engineering feats and adding to that brand with soon to be casinos and hotels DGI is taking over once again.”

“Taking over? That’s honestly a joke. You rewrite history very well a trick you must have learned from your daddy. You see what happened was he used Walter to get his greedy hands on Andromeda. That program was all Walter’s and Lowell stole it. You have no idea the man your father is. What’s worse is that maybe you do? Chauncey and Jackson you two have always had a sibling rivalry correct? Where did it come from? Your father embedded it in you two. Now you two hate each other’s guts is that a family? I mean Max and Bliss last year were clawing and scratching each other’s eyes out. Then Rory was well let’s just say he’s in love with a stripper.” Even though she was his daughter it sounded so good to dig at Rory. “So you tell me what idealistic family you have? I mean the affair with Tess my God didn’t only end almost nineteen years ago? It’s nothing you can say to me about this false empire built on lies. You see that is funny you’ve been taught this revisionist history. When everyone who has been around DGI for years has seen the writing on the wall. You all have built this empire you hold to such esteem is built on the lower echelon back. You profited on Andromeda after we all did the work to make it a success that still now rivals Apple and HP.” Forbes said with a disgust.

“Walter was your exit in DGI a easy one? Was your exit in DGI one that you agreed with? I think we all know that answer and if we don’t then we are lying to ourselves. Walter for the last thirty years has been screaming Lowell bamboozled him into signing over his shares for pennies. You have no idea the man you all honor and what’s worse you honor him in blindness. Blind to how he has ruined the beautiful Jackie and tainted the stunning Tess. How he pitted his eldest boy against his younger brother. How he let one of his children falter in the wind then pulled her close after she exposed him. Or let’s talk about Pierre LeClerq? You know the man you falsely put away for embezzlement? Why would that rich French man all of the sudden need DGI’s money unless you were the one who embezzled it? Or Harvey who you pushed right on out with me and Pierre and Walter and anyone else he could step on. No DGI isn’t built from the Devonshire’s it’s built from the blood of the men that he ruined.” Forbes snarled as the room began to have a hush over it.

“I have all of your attention. Please raise a glass to the great Lowell Devonshire the God among us men. The man, the myth, and the legend. However legends he is not a pied piper who lured talent to him and sucked them dry? Walter when’s the last time you made a new program? Pierre where are you? Oh that’s right he ran to France after you got him thrown in jail. Harvey? Also in France! Selina oh that’s a new body you ran all over and let your own son do the driving. Thus is why I picked her to be the new COO of MontCorp. If you any DGI worker is tired of the Devonshire’s always getting the credit for their hard work come. I welcome the creative minds and spirits of you all.” Seeing Chauncey shocked expression as he hijacked the speech was priceless. Walking on stage with him he clapped and the silence was deafening. Leaning into Chauncey. “Little boy you aren’t ready for me. I’m going to enjoy feasting on your carcass.”

Chauncey stood not sure what to say at the moment with the gasps that we’re going out across the room. Not that DGI’s past wasn’t known it that wasn’t the place for dirty laundry to be aired. He caught his siblings faces and the rest of the people that Forbes had names in his spiel and  turned back to the microphone desperate to take it from Forbes. Even if it meant a fist fight his father was now publicly humiliated and nothing could take that backs. Another drawback to what was going on with DGI and he was already working on spinning it back to them and the good of DGI. What did Walter have to complain about? His grandchild would be in DGI? He didn’t care about Forbes being outed taking one look at the man or some schmuck named Pierre and Harvey.

“Ladies and gentlemen I would like to think Mr. Montgomery has had too much to drink? As for Mr. Fraiser I would think he is enjoying himself and life right now his daughter is about to join our family and he just became mayor of Atlas Falls you on the other hand have what exactly do you have to show for your hard work DGI employee leftovers?” Chauncey said waking to him and wrestling for the microphone hoping his father stepped up and threw Forbes out. His eyes pleaded with his father and turned to Philip. “Wheel yourself up here and get him off stage already. No one cares about the past we are all here for the future. Pierre and Harvey don’t matter what matters is the future and you aren’t a part of that Mr. Montgomery.”

Lowell sat back and watched wanting to see how Chauncey would handle himself against Forbes. He wanted him to see it wasn’t a easy as he made it look. He crossed his arms not moving a finger against his assault. He was ashamed of his past being put on blast like this but he wasn’t going to let it show. He smiled as others watched Jackie and he faces to see how they’d react to this. Leaning back he felt himself stiffen as Chauncey cool was cracking. Wheel yourself up here? That’s how he choose to speak to Philip? A crippled young man due to Hunter, Max, and Bliss. It was a tragedy and if Audrey was alive how would he explain his daughters getting her son shot?

“Chauncey don’t engage with him it will only get worse. He’s not drunk he’s furious that he’s always going to be second best to me and DGI. That’s the honest to God truth he should be crying to his mother for creating him to be a pathetic excuse as a man.” Lowell stood as he looked directly in the eyes of his rival. “You are about to be thrown out if you don’t sit down and let my son finish his speech.” Lowell said knowing Chauncey wasn’t ready to tango with the devil himself. He raised a hand to stop Jackie before she could speak against him getting involved. “Get off stage Forbes.”

“Save your righteous indignation. I’ll decimate you one by one.” He pointed to each Devonshire in the room. “You say Harvey and Pierre don’t matter but there legacies are etched in DGI just as Walter and I. Don’t get fooled because Danielle is marrying Jackson, Walter hates Lowell as much as I do. You little boy don’t have a clue about your father and what’s worse is you don’t care. You threw your own ex-fiance under a bus to satisfy your very own rage. You let a woman you once loved or cared about fall on the sword. However your loss is my gain because Selina is now MontCorp COO and I have someone who can take my company so far ahead of DGI. You see I hired Selina because she knows how you all think and as long as I have that I’ll be able to be one step ahead of you all.” Forbes spoke as he saw the faces of Chauncey and Lowell. Hell the entire room was shook by the fact Selina was now working for MontCorp.

“I took one of your biggest and brightest stars and now I’m going to make sure you all know my wrath. Selina is the first of many I’ll acquire under my belt but understand that this is a siege on DGI. You hear me Jackie I’m going to tear apart all of your children dreams. I’m going to be the thing that goes bump at night, I’m the boogeyman that you never thought would come to life. I’m coming for you all.”

“Well come for us!” Bliss said standing up passionately. “You aren’t scary as you think you are and trust I have a son to fight for and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect his legacy from you.” She hissed as Max stood along with Jackson beside her. When she saw Rory approaching them she grabbed his hand. “We aren’t afraid. You should be because one thing your arrival has done is unify us and we are ready for war.”

Lowell watched his children rallying against Forbes. “So with that being said security get him the hell out of my party. Hell if you see Selina, and any Montgomery beside Cassandra get them all out of here.” The crowd cheered as he saw Talia and Simon smiling widely. He nodded at them, “Loyalty is in my staff blood and we are family.” Looking over at a shocked Tony he knew that he was heartbroken when Selina was fired. However right now this was war. Gloria had invested millions at DGI and his investment with his wife would be ruined if MontCorp succeeded. “Forbes, Harvey, Pierre, and Walter established DGI but I took it to the billion dollar empire it is now. Don’t forget that.”

Chauncey slinked back away from Forbes the moment his father spoke and watched the scene unfold eventually motioning security forward. He watched as Forbes was escorted off the stage and could tell that he had already lost the room and the moment and he hoped that the upcoming slideshow would make up for that. Leaning into the microphone he spoke. “Ladies and gentlemen for an introduction to the future here at DGI my lovely sister Max and brother Jackson.” Despite his differences with his brother he knew this was Jackson and Max’s moment to swing things back their way.

*********

Jackson watched as security escorted Forbes out of the party after screaming he’d get his revenge. Those words sounded like a ominous threat versus a declaration. Chauncey was supposed to introduce the legacy of DGI while Max and he finished the honoring of their father. As he grabbed his twin hand he felt her nerves. Max never liked public speaking which was something he hated also. However tonight wasn’t about them or a life long rivalries between all these petty men. It was honoring the greedy but smart Lowell Devonshire. His father was brilliant honestly because he took four men at the top of there games and used them to build his company. Now would that happen in 2018? No not at all but he did what he had to do to make sure DGI was success and that’s what mattered. As he took his twin hand he smiled at the crowd.

“Please everyone give it up for Mr. Forbes Montgomery bitter after over twenty years.” The crowd erupted in snickers and snarls.He looked over at Max and saw he’d broken the ice. “My father legacy is and always will be a man of integrity and pure understanding of business. I can’t believe he’s been as successful as he was. A man from humble beginnings who has made a empire and nothing and no one will stop DGI legacy. My older brother said it but let me emphatically reiterate that my siblings and myself will be taking a active role in ensuring DGI is preserved for the next generation and millions of people who work for us now. That’s a point without all the people from the CEO to the janitor who cleans our offices they all matter. We want DGI to see that we are invested in the future. Now that we’ve spoken about the legacy let’s show you what DGI has in store in the future.” Stepping back the lights went dim and then a static started as a vintage home movie started. That’s when he saw her she looked like mother but she had a wildness in her eyes. It was shocking to see her but he knew who that was. It was his aunt Kathleen and someone mother didn’t talk about a lot. She was lost in her insanity and all he knew of her was that she being taken care of. As he watched her he saw she picked up a little boy and swung him around in her arms.

Looking back at the monitor he gasped seeing the little boy evolving with the pictures until he recognized him. It was Zerick and he turned around trying to stop the damn videos. When he was crying for his mother to awake from a almost catatonic state. It was chilling as he looked at the man who was standing defensively in the middle of the room. “Looks like we are having technical difficulties everyone please give us a few moments.”

Max had walked to the stage with her brother ready to calm the crowd and move onto the slideshow of the future at DGI something they had all worked on over the summer. Starting with some new government contracts that were coming up, Rory’s app, energy starting up in Atlas Falls and another in Montana to take some of the oil there too, the Casino and the first glimpses of the upcoming luxury line as well. Only once the slideshow started she looked at her mother and father in the crowd and then back at the screen. Her mother rarely talked about aunt Katie the last time was in high school when she heard her mother on the phone with her aunt’s doctors, she then watched the screen turn to Katie with a little boy and then the pictures of said little boy pop on the screen. The pictures of the boy continued and she recognized the man in the pictures with him as Forbes over the years. A feeling sank in her stomach as she looked at Zerick Westwood’s picture on the screen and then saw him standing in the middle of the room staring at the screen, she couldn’t read his expression and she saw the crowd whispering and she leaned into the microphone to echo her twins sentiments.

“My brother is right we are apparently having technical difficulties. Please bear with us as we resolve this issue.” Max said forcing out a smile and in the dark room she could see people moving around the room likely looking for the projector. She had no idea what was going on with the screen and then other pictures started to surface to of what she assumed was Zerick over the years and then pictures of a little blond girl appeared with a man that she didn’t recognize and she looked at the picture of the girl and Zerick and it dawned on her that it was Greer and then the screen flashed with two birth certificates zooming in on their names Zerick’s made her mouth drop open at the suggestion and then she saw the last name on Greer’s LeClerq. She looked at Jackson’s face and then back at the crowd her mother’s shocked expression. “Do something, before this gets worse. Go find Merci and tell her to shut this down.” Max said looking at Jackson to make it all stop especially with what Zerick’s birth certificate said.

Zerick had separated from Greer long enough to start to make his way to an exit only to be stopped when the lights dimmed and security shut the doors for the speeches. He recognized the pictures in the slideshow of his childhood at various times and he narrowed his eyes as he spotted Talia in the crowd, she had stolen them and he wasn’t sure when or how but the memories of him and his mother were private and intimate and he looked at the pictures of himself and his mentor on the screen. Inwardly he felt a sense of glee when his birth certificate had flashed and the sick look came over his half brother and sister’s faces on stage that they now knew how much of a monster Lowell really was. He met Lowell’s eyes in the crowd and then looked around the room when it switched to Greer and he knew what was coming next on those slides everything that they had done while here. From him making Noah twist Natasha’s ear, to him blackmailing Simon and Mason, to Greer releasing Dani’s medical records, the Cadmus files being changed not to mention he was sure people had picked up on her last name. Finally spotting her at a table with Brock he walked swiftly to her table as the slide continued.

“We have to leave now. We can take the service elevator if we are quick. Leave podunk boy here and come with me now or I will not be able to help you out of this.” Zerick whispered seeing Brock staring intently at the screen he wasn’t an asshole when it came to Greer he did care about her they were friends long before they were lovers. He knew she would catch a huge brunt of the backlash she was the one that was fuckign Chauncey and had targeted a pregnant woman and he knew how people in Atlas Falls felt about that. He saw her refusing to go and then shook his head at her. “You really think he is ever going to want to be with you again once what we both know is coming up on that slideshow comes out? Leave with me now.”

Greer watched with glee as Forbes was dragged out by security and she couldn’t believe he acted that rash. It was bold to come to this event and openly attack the Devonshires. For years she had been behind the scenes planning and plotting now it was all coming out. When Greer saw Zerick birth certificate her stomach sank. He was a fucking Devonshire? That was what he had been hiding. When she saw her uncle Harvey picture flash on the screen her heart fluttered because her time was up. Zerick had said they were in danger but she didn’t think this openly. She felt like someone was going to open half of pandora’s box however Talia and Simon had done their fucking research. Her eyes shifted to Chauncey who face showed the horror of what had happened to him again. Another woman had outsmarted him this time with dire consequences. When her picture with her father flashed on screen she gasped knowing it was over. Her birth certificate flashed on the screen and then a laundry list of Zerick and her sins spilled out. Her lip quivered as Brock looked over at her pissed. She had exposed Dani miscarriage and played it through the media as an abortion. It was a dirty trick and she was sure that everyone would be gunning for her now.

Before Greer knew it Zerick was offering to usher her away. Standing up she looked at Brock and knew she had to get away. “I’m sorry I dragged you into all these games.” She turned to Zerick and slapped him as hard as she could. “That’s for lying to me for years and now let’s get the hell out of here before we are tarred and feathered.” Looking at Chauncey shocked expression and took Zerick hand. “We have to get out of here.”

Jackson stood frozen for a moment as he watched everything on the projector. His heart pounded out of rage and all he wanted to do was get to Zerick for an explanation. That birth certificate named Lowell Devonshire as his father. If aunt Katie was his mother that meant they were cousins and half-brother and he saw everyone doing the mental math. Not only that did his father have an affair with Katie? Was that why his aunt went mad? How many secret children did his father have? Seeing his mother tear soaked face he knew that this might be serious. Looking around he saw the slideshow going again. He immediately rushed to the projector and kicked it stopping it from playing again. As he turned to Merci. “Get the fucking lights on now.”

He turned to look at Max and saw Dani scanning the crowd furiously. He knew who his fiance was trying to find. If Greer was smart she would be getting the hell out dodge because Dani would kill her for this. That was low and it almost ruined their relationship last year. As the lights clicked on he saw Talia and Simon blocking the service elevator. “Stop them right now and clear this damn room. Everyone party is over and if you aren’t a Devonshire get the fuck out of here. Well all but you Ms. LeClerq.” He said yelling across the room at Greer. As he saw Zerick and Greer turning around to face the music. “You aren’t my brother and I don’t know who exposed you but this is over. My father nor the board members have to say it you both are fired.”

Greer looked at Simon and Talia satisfied expression and she smirked. “Oh you don’t know who exposed us well look no further. Please know that Talia and Simon exposed the Devonshire’s. You know Zerick your past is becoming so much clearer to me. You told me once before your father raped your mother. Lowell let me introduce myself to you my name is Greer Amanda LeClerq and this is Zerick Devonshire your son.” No longer faking the British accent her French tone was in full effect. “You sent my father to jail years ago and I sent your company in a tailspin I think we can call it even you piece of shit. You raped Kathleen and did all this but you are looked at as a God. No more and now with that last little piece of information out here. Nobody will look at DGI the same because times up and me too movement is in full effect. You raped a woman and now look at what you got. You have years of your sins coming to life.”

Max had watched the presentation and done the math in her head and felt her stomach churn Bliss was one thing, everyone talked about her father’s affair with Tess and other women. Aunt Katie was another no one ever talked about her or where she went and why she left. She took one look at her brother knowing he was doing the same and then looked at her poor distraught mother. The slideshow moved on and she watched as Jackson kicked the projector over and then her eyes caught onto Dani in the crowd and she moved off the stage. Greer’s stunt had thrown her brother’s relationship with Dani into complete chaos which had led to the events of the kidnapping. She met Bliss halfway to Greer and Zerick seeing Dani still ahead of them. “She’s going to kill her.”

“If we don’t get the bitch first.” Bliss said grabbing Max hand looking for Greer.

Dani had sat through the slideshow and the speeches glancing over at her father every so often with Forbes comments not sure how to read his face. She knew he disliked Lowell but she had hoped he had put the hate aside now. When it moved to Zerick her eyes met Jackie’s across the table and she looked at Lowell not sure what to think. Lowell was a lot of things but rapist seemed so far out there even for him, on the other hand if it was true she tried not to think about that as she then looked at Jackson and froze when the private emails popped up. Her medical records and a pitch to the news networks to run the story as an abortion and her entire body raged at Greer. She didn’t even bother to wait till it finished as she stood up scanning the crowd for her. She didn’t care that she was very pregnant what she did was low and had almost cost her her entire relationship with Jackson.

They had been on the outs because of it and had it never of happened maybe the kidnapping wouldn’t of either. That had been the darkest time in her entire life to date and it was no ones business. She finally spotted her and made her way through the crowd and shoved her brother off her on her way, she was so tired of being nice to that bitch over and over again. Putting up with her by the time she reached the door and saw her banshees on about Lowell and who she was she had enough and didn’t even let her finish before her fist collided as hard as it could against her perfect porcelain face. She saw Zerick hold Greer the moment of impact and then she snapped out of it when she felt Jackson dragging her back and tried to lunge at her again. “Let me go, she had no right.” She said pleading with him.

Chauncey had moved from his seat the moment the lights clicked on staring at Greer finally putting the pieces together Greer had told him about a girl that was taken by a night. He just assumed it was women fairytale stuff but she was a LeClerq and Pierre’s daughter at that he had betrayed his own flesh and blood for her so many times. She had been pushing his takeover at the company and now that he was almost ready to do it he felt sick to his stomach. His eyes darted around for Selina, he had been so terrible to her the last year first the affair with Greer and then he had went after her in the worst ways possible. Using Maddie to do it and he gripped the table at anger at Greer as it festered in him. He had lost one of his closest friends and confidants over her at the company and in his personal life, Selina wasn’t just Maddie’s mother in many ways she was those things too. His brain hadn’t even begun to process Zerick’s claims yet. He watched as people started to leave the party and made his way to the door where Greer was with Zerick and watched Dani punch her and for a moment he almost felt that wasn’t enough.

“To think I would have given you everything wow. You’re nothing to me now Greer just the girl that didn’t play the game better than the people my father hires. Good thing I never followed my heart with you and gave you a piece of DGI. I’ll give it to Natasha instead and you’ll have nothing just like you came to town with nothing.” Chauncey said looking coldly at her seeing Zerick release his hold on her too. “No wonder you had to divorce him false claims to the kingdom and all.”

It was all happening so fast at one point she was unleashing on Lowell the next Dani had punched her. Everything in her body wanted to attack her if she wasn’t carrying them children she would have. Trust that suckerpunch wasn’t the end of this. Her heart swelled the moment Chauncey approached them. She knew it was over and she couldn’t help but to feel the sting of that. It was what they deserved so to speak for falling for two marks instead of sticking to the plan. Zerick lowered his guard and she had also but it was fine. Holding her mouth she sucked her bottom lip and then spat at Chauncey feet. She could feel Zerick letting her go because he know she was shaking from fury. Who did that weakling think he was speaking too? Chauncey didn’t get to be the devoted son now. No he didn’t get to wear the mask of a good fellow.

“You bitch.” She hissed at Dani. “When you drop those kids watch your back because I already showed the world your medical records, no telling what I’ll do next. I assure that was the last time you put your hands on me Danielle. It was so easy though to rip apart your happiness. Chauncey and I relished in it because I did it for him. You do know that don’t you? It was a delicious to watch Jackson using again and you so distraught behind it.” Greer slowly walked to Chauncey. “You would have given me anything that’s comical Chauncey? You mean I would have given you everything? How will you be CEO without me because business isn’t your strong fortay, you are out of your league. How I’ve been having you plan to take over DGI? How I had you making every horrible move you made against your very own family? I ripped Selina from you.” Snapping her fingers in his face to show exactly how calculated she was. “And I made the rift between you and Jackson even wider. You are weak Chauncey because of your arrogance and you think you are entitled to DGI. So I was giving you what you wanted. You helped Zerick and I break your company and if you think for one moment I’m sad?” Greer laughed in his face. “Your sex was the only interesting thing about you because we all know your mind isn’t that big. I thought for you, I made you my bitch Chauncey and no matter what you say about giving Natasha DGI, I could care less. You marry that crazed bitch and I’m still going to be the one you dream about believe that.” Greer felt Zerick pulling her back. She saw Chauncey fist balled up he was furious. “So you all know he was planning on taking over DGI making Lowell look unfit was next. So have faith in your family.” She laughed at Max and Bliss shocked expressions.

“Yes girls big brother was going to throw all of you to the wolves.” She seethed as she stepped behind Zerick for protection

Jackson quickly turned to look at his parents who were standing in utter disbelief the silence said it all. He truly was plotting to takeover the company behind all their backs? “Is this true Chauncey? God I knew you were low but this makes no sense out of us all you had the keys to the kingdom. Why?” This was the second time he was asking him why today but this was just too much.

Bliss saw how much Greer rant affect Max who looked sick to her stomach. He just saved her from Dimitri and to see him in this light. “I thought you were a superhero tonight and you just can’t stop letting down the family huh?” She said looking at him shaking her head. “I thought we made progress as my big brother but I don’t know you at all. You are truly a greedy monster.”

Max looked at her older brother he had always been cut throat that was no secret but to want to out their father as CEO and take over the company did he really think she would let him do that? It sank in that he did and she was so sick to her stomach over it. “Jesus Christ Chauncey. I don’t even know what to say you don’t or would never need to do that you’re the oldest Dad would practically hand you the keys.”

Rory stared in horror at Chauncey and the coop that he was planning on with the company and worse to overthrow their father. He hated that part of it that he had let Greer into his head that bad that he was going to go after their own father. “They’re all right what the hell?” He managed to say not even sure what to say to any of it.

Chauncey stared at her angry at her for exposing what was going to he his big moment at DGI and right now he had no answer to his siblings. At least none that he could plausibly come up with at the moment and he went to speak only for Zerick finally speak instead.

Zerick looked at them all in rage and then glared at Greer she thought she was so fucking smart and loyal. The only thing she was loyal to was herself and his siblings forget it they were loyal to whatever was convenient to them. He clapped his hands slowly at her and their petty arguments as he leaned into Lowell and finally unleashed on him. “Father and his many children whatever will he do?” He spat watching the shock on their faces. “Prodigal son fucking an enemy only cares where his dick has been. Son barely clean from his latest stint in rehab one you are constantly looking your nose down too glass stones daddy. Spoiled princess learned to share finally only not really. Other princess is just a pretty face that comes and goes running from the boogey man. Last son is just there you were too tired to make him fight for anything, isn’t that right father? You heard me so I’ll say it again father.”

*********

Lowell finally stepped forward as the silence the room echoed. Zerick had unleashed a rage he hadn’t seen in years. It was painful to see that young man in such a fury for nothing. He wasn’t his father and if he was he would have taken care of him. All he could think was how did Forbes get his hands on Zerick years ago. Then his name dawned on him Kathleen traveled to Zurich on her eighteenth birthday with Tess. She used to say she would move there years ago. He felt light headed as he looked at Jackie shocked expression. Did she believe this madness? Keeping Bliss away from the family was a painful secret but he did not do it twice. With all his heart he knew that he had to defuse this situation. He wasn’t that man. He wasn’t a man to rape a woman. He never even touched Kathleen and that was the honest to God truth. As a child that girl was disturbed and now this was a new level. When he turned to see Jackie shocked expression he felt his heart sink. Did she believe what that bastard was saying? Stepping forward he knew that he had to say something. Once the room was clear he spoke up.

“Zerick, this is why you were so angry at the house that night.” He said finally clicking in to why the young man was so furious with him. “Your mother is a very sick woman and why she put my name down on your birth certificate I can’t tell you Zerick.” Lowell knew that Zerick wouldn’t believe him but he had to defend himself against the lies that were being spewed out. “I have never touched your mother but you have been conditioned by Forbes. How he got you I will never know but I do know that I am willing to do anything to clear up this misconception. You are throwing big allegations out at me and my family. Young man I can’t tell you how sorry that he poisoned your mind against me and your family. You are our blood because of Kathleen but we don’t share blood.” As he lowered his head unsure of what else he could say to convince the boy. “I’m greedy not a rapist Zerick. My last child is Rory Devonshire and I’m sorry you aren’t apart of my dynasty at all.”

Zerick was so fucking sick of his games the indignation that he kept throwing around the lies that he and his dear auntie kept telling themselves. They locked his mother away after he was born to hide his father’s dirty little secret that he raped his wife’s sister at a DGI party while high on coke. A nasty secret that not even they could run from this time he was here in the flesh and he watched as Forbes reentered the room to watch the events unfold of the truth. His mother’s rape had sent her into a tailspin to the point that she had to leave town because no one believed her about it. So instead she went to Europe where she was taken in by family friends the Westwoods and after he was born it was never the same. She would have constant nightmares about the ordeal and combined with her bipoloar disorder that then became PTSD she had be locked away and it didn’t take a genius to figure out why his auntie paid the bill when Forbes had to admit her. Guilt for her husband’s sins and he laughed at Lowell turning in a rage to face his father as he looked at his siblings too.

“You’re my father admit it. Interesting enough all of my siblings did get something from you some more ways than others. Coke addiction a little fun back in the day fucking anything other than your wife, be careful boys and make sure you get consent before you do a line. You don’t get to come at me like that not after what you did to my mother the day you created me because you were to high to wear a rubber while you held her down.” Zerick said finally unleashing his rage at the man he knew to be his father. He saw his aunt’s face and looked at her shaking his head and looked at the shocked faces of his siblings. “And where were you while he was fucking her and having his way with your little sister, cowering in a corner? Did you hear her screams? Then again affair after affairs what was your own sister at the end of the day. The evidence speaks for itself you paid the bills for her to be sent away, her silence for his dirty little secret.”

Jackie had watched the slideshow bringing back childhood memories of her and Kaite at the country club their parents teaching them to run it together over the years. Her mind had went back to a simpler time when she was young and then that night happened. It was a DGI party the old company members had been there she had just had Chauncey and had agreed to let Katie come to the party that night. She had gotten lost in the crowd and then Lauren and Gloria had went with her to the nursery with the children. The next morning there were whispers around the mansion and it was the first time she had heard about Lowell and Audrey she remembered how Lowell had refused to answer and deep down she knew he was screwing her. Katie however was nowhere to be found, she had placed calls and eventually it was Steven who had called to tell her Katie was with him. She remembered gripping the phone in her hand that afternoon while Steven told her that Katie told him she had been raped at the party, when he had mentioned Lowell as the culprit she had slammed the phone down in anger and disbelief.

She didn’t hear from Katie again for years and over the years she had always wondered in the back of her mind about Lowell and Katie it was a sin she carried with her. She had been hurt so many times by his cheating in the past with Audrey and Tess and likely others she never knew about. She had stayed because DGI needed her and she loved him but at what cost? She looked at the boy and knew her face was wet from crying remembering the phone call that came it had been when she had found out about Tess, she swore she was leaving Lowell and she discovered she was pregnant. Friends in England had called and she took a visit to them and bumped into Forbes Montgomery and she saw him with a little boy in his arms, Katie was beside him. She had tried to reach out to her while she was there and the night before she was to fly back Forbes called her and she rushed to a clinic in London. Katie was unwell again and this time she had almost drown her son in a bathtub the doctors had informed her it wasn’t safe to have her out and she agreed, so she signed the consent forms to lock her away for her own safety and that of her nephew. By the time she had left the hospital Forbes and her nephew were both gone, she never even got to know his name.

“Katie is sick very sick.” Jackie said looking at him he looked so much like Katie in this light and yet she saw some of the Devonshire line in him as well. She never told Lowell she used DGI funds to pay for Katie’s care for years, eventually she was sure he had found out when they had talked about it after Rory’s high school graduation. She should have pushed then to know the truth as Lowell insisted that they pay and she wanted to believe in him that what he was saying was true that he didn’t rape her sister. “It was never hush money, she is my sister. I am the only one she has left.”

Lowell saw the look on Jackie face did she not believe him? He didn’t rape her sister and the pain of seeing how conflicted she was. He covered his mouth as he closed his eyes thinking back. That night was the beginning of his relationship with Audrey. It was the first time they shared themselves with each other. One of the main reasons he hated Forbes was Audrey and he couldn’t just ignore it anymore. He knew he wasn’t with Katie that night because that was the night there relationship went beyond playful flirting into a full fledged affair. Over thirty years he kept a secret buried and he couldn’t reveal it now. Forbes was evil for turning this man mind into this. He was watching this unfold as if it was exactly what he wanted. Jackie had her ties to Katie and he had the ones that binded him. When he revealed that Lowell had a problem with coke in the past that made him feel weak. Jackson expression broke his heart because he had been evil to his son about his illness. His legs began to shake lightly as he reached for Jackie and when she winced he leaned back in disbelief. Lowell was a lot but he wasn’t a rapist and he wouldn’t do that to Katie. She was always troubled but she was sweet as pie to him. They had a special relationship back then and he wasn’t out to hurt her.

Stepping away from Jackie, Lowell looked at his children and shook his head. “I’m sorry that Forbes filled your mind up with that poison. I have been a monster to my wife and I hurt her so badly. I cheated with Audrey and Tess that’s it. I carried on affairs because I felt like I needed more. I needed more women, and more attention. It was never just sex for me because honestly both women I built bonds and had true love for but I never slept with Kathleen. High or not I never touched your mother Zerick. I swear to you that I’m not your father and I apologize that Forbes encouraged that misconception. You weren’t there that night and I know that night because Audrey and I became lovers that night. I didn’t do anything I swear it and the fact that you have your aunt in shock. We searched for you Zerick and we tried to find you but he hid you. This man who has tainted your mind with all these lies and I know you are behind this.” Lowell said beginning to walk toward Forbes. He didn’t have much strength but he was about to attack him. “Get out this is a family matter!”

“Oh don’t blame me Lowell, he has proof of his lineage. There is a diary full of Kathleen secrets and she name’s you as her rapist.” Forbes said spitefully as he saw the look of shock on all the Devonshire siblings face. “Oh what’s wrong all of you? You look as if you believe that you may have a new sibling. Hell last year you got Bliss and now you have Zerick.”

“Please kids don’t.” Lowell froze in the middle of speaking as he fell to the ground. His entire body started to convulse and shake wildly. He was right there he saw Chauncey running to his side falling to his knees, and Jackson stabilizing his head. Bliss was screaming for someone to call the doctor. As Max dialed 911 he looked over to see Rory holding Jackie. As Lowell shook wildly he started to fade out and the last thing he saw was Zerick standing with Forbes. He kept trying to speak but nothing was coming out. David said his symptoms would change as the illness progressed. He closed his eyes as slipping away into the darkness.

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