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

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

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

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

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

Biting his lip Jon nodded and understood Ryan protecting his family. The feeling of overwhelming sadness waved over him. When he heard that Skye hadn’t reached out to Ryan or Whitney. A few moments ago when she was in his arms he looked into Whitney’s eyes and felt a spark. Well they always had something but she was taken and he didn’t cross lines like that. Not anymore that is. He had when he went after Skye and it led to the gift that was Miles. Jon couldn’t shake; he was still feeling the sting of everything. “I didn’t have a choice in how this happened. I can’t honestly say I’m happy that my son is being raised by Ryan and not me. I hate it in fact. Whitney, can you promise me something because I guess I have to know this. You two will really love him. You will give him that home because I know you two. Look it isn’t my business if you two think you’re liberal and free and all that shit. But Whitney I don’t want him to not have what I had. I knew my parents loved each other. I want you to leave if you’re unhappy and you aren’t able to give him that life. I just know how many ups and downs you’ve had with Ryan. Whitney we had a relationship and I just don’t want Miles caught up in his parents’ game of love. I think knowing I had already fucked up his life by sleeping with his mother. If he found out what we did.” Exhaling he fiddled with his hands.

“I care about you, I don’t just screw people Whitney. Even Skye it wasn’t some fling but I screwed it up. I always romantically screw up. Look I’m just here to say I’m sorry and I have to right some wrongs. I don’t expect a place in Miles’ life but he will know how much his father fought for him. I love Miles and I don’t know him and I know you two don’t believe me when I say I appreciate that he has everything that I wouldn’t be able to give him. I appreciate you so much but I’m not going to say I’m agreeing or that all this is right. I feel slighted and this pain in my heart isn’t leaving Whitney. I’ve been empty since Skye left me and I just want to ask could I just have updates. Find out a little bit about him and what he likes. That will fill that emptiness and maybe some pictures. Just give me that and maybe I won’t be the pathetic guy everyone seems to see Jon Harrison is.” Biting his lip he nodded at her, taking her hand. “Please, I need to know if you can just give me that. Between me and you.”

Whitney looked over at Jon biting her lip for a moment. Honestly she had slept with him because her life was spiraling out of control not because she felt a cosmic connection or anything like that. When the shit blew up with her brother and Dani she didn’t think she could talk to her about it and when she visited she and Jon got to drinking. One thing led to another and it happened going to her best friend about it after would have been weird seeing how paranoid Lex was about Jon. So instead they both agreed for it not to happen again and to hide the secret from people who it would hurt. Ryan at the time has started his affair back up with Nova at the time too after she has discovered his little fling with Max. Was she happy right now the answer was yes but over the years she knew that could be a fleeting answer when it came to her entire relationship with Ryan in general. They tried their best to not involve the kids in their various affairs over the years with her father or Lex running interference on the matter. “Ryan and I are far from perfect patents Jon, anyone can tell you that. I can tell you that we try the best we can to give Miles what we promised with Skye a loving home. Right now I’m okay.” Whitney said looking over at him taking a sip of her coffee there wasn’t a huge need to bring up the current state of her marriage. What was she going to do? File for a divorce in an election year was she mad?

“What we did was a lapse in judgment. Jon I was mad and lashing out at Ryan and to be honest you were an easy target in a way. I wanted a way to piss off Ryan and in a weird way to mess with my brother too after ruining my wedding reception and everything that happened, but you, Jon, you’ve always been an upstanding and good guy.” Whitney said she had played her fair share of games with men over the years. Most people would consider her a Max Devosnhire of her area honestly the only person that grounded her or rounded her out was Dani and that was what made them such good friends. Dani wasn’t afraid to call her out when it came to her shitty choices with men and she could do the same to her, looking back she probably should have gone it more when she was with her brother. She encouraged Dani to lead Jon on, shaking her head and taking another sip of her coffee. Would it be so bad for her and Ryan to send Jon updates every now and then? They had with Skye and up until the entire custody thing and Miles walking into that room it had worked out for them Miles knew her as Auntie Skye, they sent her pictures and updates. Her father and Lex had warned against the idea but she had stood her ground with them both. “I don’t know how much Skye told you about our arrangement or at least our arrangement before both Ryan and then Lex decided to let her grace their beds. I was always grateful for what she did in giving me and Ryan Miles, it was so hard wanting to give Ryan a child and not being able to do all the treatments and then my mom died, Skye came into our lives and that all changed. If I were to ask my dad, Ryan or Lex they would say it’s not a good idea.” Whitney said, pulling out some pictures and handing them to Jon looking at his face as she did so.

Jon bit his lips as he stared into the eyes of his son. His lips quivered as he nodded his head praying somehow he could be a part of this boy’s life. He couldn’t just be in the shadows watching Miles growing up. He took a breath and looked at her and knew he had to atone and make right a lot of wrongs. Even though he didn’t like the Hessington’s they’d gifted Miles a life he could only dream of giving him. He wasn’t a fool, he knew Miles would have the best and only a lavish life. Taking her hand he shook his head understanding what she was doing and saying. She was going out of her way to give Jon a piece of Miles and that was enough for him. “It took a little time for me to understand I can’t uproot Miles because I’m not his father. I didn’t want to let go until I got him and I still don’t want to but Whitney you should know I do appreciate what you have given my son. I am a humble man and I have none of the luxuries that you will be able to give him. But I do have a lot of love for Miles. My heart is bursting with it and I know you can’t get in the middle of all of this but if I could get pictures and small updates. I’d appreciate it.. I’ll always root for the best for you and Miles. I need you to know that.” Jon said as he let go of her hands hoping his sincerity was flowing.

“Skye and I are missed opportunities and it got out of hand how toxic. I’m glad you and Ryan got it together and are happy. I can guarantee you I’m getting help and when it’s time to tell Miles, I’ll be right there, and thank you again for the pictures.” Jon looked at Mercury who was looking at him as if knew how sad he was. It was a sweeping feel crashing over him how miserable he was. How dark his life felt right now; the only peace he was finding was in his dog and his job. He was throwing himself into work and that’s all he could do until he repaired the relationships he scorched earlier in the year. “I know you are a busy woman but if one day you could introduce us. I never met him and I don’t mean to be out of place but I can’t truly move forward until I get to say goodbye to something I never had. Please, I’m begging you.” The awkwardness of how he was just at war with this woman and now he was pleading for a moment. “If you can just let me know him a little but if you need to keep up your walls I understand.” Turning the picture to Whitney. “But he is a big part of me. What if like me he has panic attacks or anxiety? What if I can explain the things you nor Ryan will get because genetically he is half or me. Look, you know what I mean things only Lex, you and Connor do because you are siblings. I just want to know him.”

Whitney looked over at Jon and she felt for him she really did it was unfair that everything happened the way it did. Part of her felt like she was tied to two realities one where she let Jon see Miles supervised of course and another where she simply said no to the man before her. One put her marriage into further strain and chaos and the other, well, call her compassionate. Neither would turn out good results for her and she would have to tell Ryan, her father and Lex eventually for a moment she closed her eyes wondering what her mother would do? Frankly she knew the answer her mother would say is do what was best for Miles and honestly she knew deep down the best thing for eventually would be to learn of his adoption. If anything she could see her mother if she were alive at least considering that with both Skye and Jon. In her fathers words Ava Crestwood Hessington had always been warm, loving and soft. She had never been that type but at one point her older brother had been until their father really took him under his wing at the conglomerate and then he shifted his attention to Connor, and now it was her turn meaning weakness or kindness was only tolerable when it benefited them. In this case it benefited her son and Jon Harrison and she wrung her hands in her lap for a moment choosing her words very carefully.

“Technically you did meet him once in an ice cream parlor as the nice policeman with his Auntie Dani, but in all seriousness Jon.” Whitney said, pausing for a moment looking at the dog too. It was so sweet and caring and she reached out to pet its silky coat. Her brain was spinning at it all the middle of an election year. Politics were a dangerous game and anything she did would be seen or could be taken out of context. She would have to explain why a cop was visiting her home and family, have to explain that she was not favoring the police force but wanted to make change. She would have to fight off speculation that she was having an affair with the man next to her which wasn’t untrue for her past with Jon. “Ryan will be away at least until the casino opening I don’t think there is any harm in you seeing Miles before then. Of course it needs to be done privately at my house, not out in public like this. I’m sure he would love to see the policeman that helped him back up again I’ll figure something out to tell him.” Whitney said looking over at Jon seeing the joy spread on his face and she looked over at the waiting towncar the driver who was no doubt making a phone call to her father she would handle that too.

Grabbing Whitney’s hand he looked at her in the eyes and nodded. “You have no idea what this means to me my God. It’s the first kind thing to happen in a long time to me. I have thought that hiding who I am in a hard exterior to protect me from people. It closed me off from moments like this. It made me bad at my job because my heart wasn’t in anything recently and losing Skye showed me I can’t keep living like this. I am alone but this gives me hope that I can have something. I’m not a bad person Whitney and I was clamoring for something I didn’t have. I understand that now okay? I understand he isn’t mine but him knowing me would be the honor of my life. I wouldn’t overstep and I understand Ryan is his father as much as I am even more so because he’ll shape the man he will become. I trust you both and I’m sorry I was spiraling and I won’t forget or can’t forgive this.” He used his free hand to wipe his eyes with his hoodie.

“I have a work thing I have to do Whitney so I’ve taken enough time from the future Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania. Um I hope you get your happy ending with Ryan and have everything you want because you are a good woman and person.” Jon stood up as he looked at Mercury. “I gotta get him home and call anytime I’ll be free. I assure you that I’ll always make time for Miles and you.” He caught himself at how that sounded. “You know what I mean I mean I won’t forget this. I won’t forget this forever because you are showing compassion to me. That is what humans and people do Whitney and I appreciate this.” Jon felt his dog pulling him. “I should go, she’s got a lot of energy to burn.”

“It’s fine I gotta get back to the office and go over some polling numbers anyway. I’ll reach out to you to set up a time for you to see Miles. You should bring her when you come the kids would really like it.” Whitney said, reaching out and petting Mercury, rubbing her ears wondering if Ryan was the type of man that would get a dog or let their kids have one. They had never really talked about one before,she got up front he bench walking slowly to the waiting car, holding up her hand to the waiting driver and security guard Theo who was there who would likely report her every move back to her father and brother. “Keep this between us, I’d really hate to tell my father what we were doing on my last marriage break.” She said keeping it short with him no need to talk about that brief little fling they had, she took a breath once the door was closed wondering what can of worms she may have just opened.

**********

Belle had gone through every Vintage fashion shop for the last few days trying to find the perfect dress. She settled on the yellow Lanvin, a reference to fashion of the twenties. Tonight almost all the Devonshire’s would be in attendance including Max. She wasn’t sure how that would go. As she blushed her cheekbones.  Placing down her makeup tools she couldn’t believe how Tess was inside of her father’s very office now. Clearing out documents, lying to the reporters, and honestly pretending to be the CEO. She spent a lot of time with her father and never got the impression he’d give her a damn thing. Picking up her other options and she flung herself on the bed in frustration. This was their first official date and everyone would be there watching them. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea as she closed her eyes and screamed into her pillow. When she pulled her head up she saw her glamorous sister standing at her door. Throwing a pillow at Bliss she rolled her eyes. “What have done now to precious Max? I mean I didn’t marry her ex-husband.” She said teasingly. “You think I’d be the one she’d be least mad at and all I can do is think of crazy things she’ll say to me today.” Imitating Max’s haughty demeanor. “Oh Jamal you can do so much better than her.” Stopping her horrible American accent. “She’ll diss me in front of him. Embarrass me because God that woman knows how to be mean. I just want a normal night? Did you see the paps after me? It was horrid and I saw them attacking you about mummy.” She waved her hand.

“None of this feels right? Right downstairs is where he made the choice for Jackson to be the CEO and she’s now in his office saying that she’s CEO. Like does she still get to play dress up? God have they found that other bloody will so this can be over and she looks like the raving loon we know our mummy to be.” Belle picked up the pink Coco Chanel gown, the yellow Lanvin, or the floral Oscar De La Renta. “Help I’m going on a date with Jamal. Yes that Jamal and I am completely afraid that our brother Rory might not be too happy. He’s taking this big brother thing very seriously. I wouldn’t want them fight over little old me.” She said with a mischievous glint. “I’m serious though, we’ve been circling each other for a while and he actually asked me to attend my first ever gay wedding and it’s themed. Like who couldn’t be more excited about this? Me that’s who.” Belle looked at her. “Help! I need help right now because I want Selina Delacroix, Ophelia Delacroix, and Mason Delacroix Fraiser or is Fraiser Delacroix to be wowed by me.” She squealed.

Bliss had left Fox and Hunter at home promising she’d be back in time for them to swing by DGI before they had to get ready for Zach and Mason’s wedding. She wanted to have a quiet afternoon with her handsome boys after all the bad news lately but she needed to talk to Belle. They hadn’t had a chance to talk about those texts and what Belle found after the funeral. They needed to get to the bottom of whatever Tess had done to that will for the future of DGI and they needed to do it fast. Tess had already installed herself in Lowell’s old office and every day they lost gave Tess more time to cement her claim. The last conversation she’d had with her father never would have happened if he was really naming their mother CEO. Bliss stopped in the doorway, watching her little sister. She caught the pillow and playfully hit her with it when she teased her about pissing Max off. “Can you believe her?” She rolled her eyes and plopped down on the bed. “At dad’s funeral of all places? All she did was sing her own praises and take pot shots at me in front of the entire town. I was so embarrassed. Wait, does that pillow thing actually work? Give me that,” Bliss grabbed the pillow back, burying her face in it and screaming like she’d just watched Belle do. “Nope, still annoyed. Max can’t stand the fact that a man isn’t falling over themselves to be with her. What Hunter and I have is real and she doesn’t know how to deal with it. And you? She’s jealous of the time you spent with dad. You know, everyone kept their distance after that fiasco with Zerick. Me included. I guess we thought we’d have time to work through it. Honestly, I wish I could have a do over. I lost so much time with him and I’m never going to let that happen with my kids. You and Maddie are the only ones that stuck by his side. I think Max hates herself and she’s taking it out on you. That and you’re annoying,” Bliss teased her back, hitting her with the pillow again. “It’s the curse of being the little sister. I’m fine being the ignored middle sister for a change.”

She propped herself up on an elbow and looked at the dresses she held up. “I saw the paps hounding you and I think we better get used to it for now. That’s not going to be the last of them. You know you don’t have to stay here with her? If you need to get away, come stay with me and Hunter. The Lanvin, definitely. I love the color and it looks amazing with your skin tone.” Bliss could tell she was happy with that suggestion by the look on her face. “I think you and Jamal will wow everyone at the wedding. Well, maybe try not to outdo the grooms. I’m glad to see you moving on from David. Did I see Jamal Delacroix stepping in to save you from those photographers? Your very own white knight?” Bliss sat up, hugging the pillow against her. “Listen, I love this. Having a sister I can actually talk to without having to defend everything I do but we need to talk about DGI. Close the door,” she said softly. She wouldn’t be surprised if her mother was lurking around the corner. She waited until she heard the door latch. “I’m sorry we didn’t have a chance to talk after the funeral with that show ‘mummy’ put on,” Bliss said, copying her accent. “And then we found out Brenda’s liver is failing. So, tell me. You said you think mom did something to the will? And those texts asking me about the COO position? This can’t be right, mom as CEO? Before the Summit, dad told me he was appointing me CFO and I think he spoke to everyone else, too. Why would he go to the trouble of telling us that if he was going to change everything in his will? Better yet, why would he give the CEO position to mom? He would have named Jackie CEO before mom. His body was failing but his mind wasn’t. He loved Jackie until his last breath. I don’t believe for a second he changed his mind about this. He was naming Jackson CEO and no one deserves it more.”

“Well I don’t know about that big sister. I mean Chauncey and that retcheted Max have been consummate professionals he even acknowledged that himself. He just I think he saw himself in Jackson the true Lowell. I don’t think he wanted to be the bad guy, I know he wished we were Jackie’s daughters. Unfortunately he made mistakes with mummy. He made mistakes with you and he also said it. I think Jackson represented him before he sold his soul, you know? Before all the bad things happened. I just know before he died mum was all inside that office and sneaking through his things. I caught her numerous times and I also saw her messing with his things.” Picking up the yellow Lanvin she walked to her full length mirror. “I’m thinking a fingerwave up top and bone straight to my ass.” She paused, shaking her head. “I’d upstage the grooms. But the hairstyle would be so cute thanks for doing this with me. You are actually good at this middle sister thing. Look at you being the link between me and the wicked witch of the Devonshire’s, I mean Maximilla.” Belle flopped down and pulled the pillow to her Ling walked in with desserts and fresh mock mimosas. “I ordered some things from that awful bakery, TJ’s. I mean you’ve had French pastries and these are American delicacies. I thought let me try them with my preggo sister who happens to be able to eat whatever she wants right now. Isn’t that fun.” Belle smirked as she felt comfortable for the first time with her sister. Breaking a piece of a maple glazed donut with bacon on top. She snickered, laughing. “This is insane to eat like this.”

Wiping her mouth she thought about David as her eyes glazed. “He had me running back to back to him. It was strange because at that time I had Connor so interested in me but I couldn’t stop. I really liked David, I think that is the crappy thing. It wasn’t in my plans to have deep feelings for him and really want that. I just saw him as something more. I wanted to be legitimized in the family and somehow I thought David was the way. Then someone blasted us and now he’s paying and I quit my job because I honestly don’t want to see him right now. With some nurse or polished bimbo. You know the ethics board reached out to me about this? Someone is after him hun and that’s what he deserves.” Belle felt bitter and almost scorn but not enough to ruin his career. “He dumped me and I don’t like it. I mean I’m stunning, witty, and I’m a killer in bed. However I have a lot in common with Jamal. He’s been good to me actually and we kinda understand how twisted we both are. I just hope I don’t ruin it you know? Don’t look at me like that I’m not being a pessimist. I mean I had a fucking prince in my hands and lost him, then I had Connor and lost him, and now Jamal and I are really I don’t know it’s nice and I don’t want mess it up.”

“Did you just suggest Max could be CEO? Are you feeling ok?” Bliss teased, pretending to check for a fever. “I know he felt bad about a lot of things but as far as I’m concerned he made amends. We were good. I’m glad you had time to get to know him and I want you to have the same with everyone else. Like you and Rory bonding. I don’t know if I’m the bridge. Maybe more of a veteran of the Devonshire hunger games on like my 3rd tour. You just have to stand your ground with Max. Do not back down, I mean it Belle. Try to steer clear at the wedding, though. Don’t ruin Mason’s day. She’s too self absorbed to care but you might end things with Jamal before they start if you give in to her. Everywhere else is fair game, apparently. Max’s rules. Living with mom should give you tons of practice. I can only imagine how that’s been going since the funeral. I haven’t responded to her texts. I don’t even know what to say. Of course I could do Chauncey’s job but she shouldn’t be doing Jackson’s, which is something we can all agree on.” Bliss told her sister as she looked at the cakes. She didn’t need the sugar, nor did the baby but one couldn’t hurt. She had a long day still, a meeting with Max about the casino before the wedding. She’d be rushing everywhere for the rest of the day.

“I’m glad you’re here to go through this with me. I never dreamed I needed a little sister and how I got one that’s so modest, is beyond me. Princes and doctors aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. I know Atticus is no Dimitri, but I’m glad you two didn’t end up together. You would have been miserable with all that royal protocol. The bowing and the rules. Seriously, so many rules. You need someone who’s fun, a little edgy. And I can see how much you like Jamal. So you better get used to American food. It grows on you but if you need a break, there’s a delicious Mediterranean wine bar that’ll make you feel like you’re in Spain. When all of this is over, we’ll go celebrate the fact that we liberated DGI. What do you think mom will do when she has to give it all over to the true Devonshires?” She and Hunter worried about the stress of it all with the baby and she could only hope it was over soon. Belle had seen her in the office, they knew Tess had altered the will but how could they prove it? She hadn’t missed the way Chauncey side-eyed her and Belle at the funeral and wondered if their other siblings were uncertain where their loyalties lay.

Biting her lip she thought about what Bliss was asking. What would mummy do when all the truth came spilling out? Thinking about Jamal had her smiling moments ago and then it was her mother. Mummy Dearest would do anything to win and right now she was desperate. “She hated how Jackie actually comforted me. She doesn’t like your relationship with Jackie. She’s going to be furious and she’s going to do anything to hurt everyone. She’s brutal and she’s angry. Somehow she’s done this and I don’t think she’s going to stop. Mummy isn’t having it; she’s going to pull them through hell.” Moving her hair behind ear, she knew that her mother was determined to retain everything she’s taken. Appointing Pierre LeClerq the COO made her remember all the mysterious calls she was making. How long had she been planning this? Did she bring her back for further distraction? Huffing she tilted her head and looked at Bliss. “Do you think she will ever stop? Honestly Bliss I don’t think so. I mean does she even think about us? I’m glad I have a sister to contemplate the madness that is Tess.” She crawled down to Bliss and began to braid her hair.

“I just want to be normal. I want to have a good relationship with my siblings and I don’t want war with Jackie. I just want it to be chill and honestly to get to know Mummy.” Belle looked at Bliss and wondered. “You were little and traveled the world with her? How is she? I mean she yells and buys but I don’t know it’s like she’s still the cool aunt instead of a mother. What is she truly like? You know underneath the couture and bitchy comments. Who is Tess Blisston Devonshire.”

“I’m your mother.” Tess said triumphantly as she sauntered in front of her girls. “Oh I never imagined this. Look at my girls together enjoying each other’s company. You deserve all what I have planned first. Bliss I want you there day to day handling all the operations. I also want Belle you to put on your social media that mummy is the CEO of DGI. I need your support girls because I’m planning on taking DGI back to the basics. No longer have shareholders and no longer having to answer to anyone else but me.” She said as she sat down in front of Bliss and Belle. “I’ve done this for you. He wasn’t going to leave you anything but money and how would that benefited you Belle? Or you Bliss smarter than Chauncey, Max, and Jackson all rolled into one. You are resourceful you’ve survived Dimitri and I know you can survive a little shade by your siblings.”

“Mummy that is a low blow considering you left Bliss to deal with Dimitri don’t you think?” Belle said narrowing her eyes. “We were enjoying our time if you don’t mind. I would like to stomach the rest of my sister’s visit without hearing your irrational logic. You stole something that doesn’t belong to you and I’m sorry my father didn’t want you involved in. It’s insane.”

“Bliss is that how you feel about your mother? I may have done a lot wrong but truthfully this is for you two don’t you see that? I’m finally able to give you the legacy my sins prevented you from having. Bliss you are my first born and I made plenty of mistakes with you. But you Belle I kept safe and spoiled so don’t you get smart with me. Do you still blame me for Dimitri getting his paws into you? Do you still resent me that I didn’t come with a white horse to save you? I am sorry Bliss and I’ll say it forever. I was too busy worrying about Belle or Lowell or my failed marriages. Are you happy I said it, but punishing me by being under Jackie is cruel. That woman never and I mean never can truly love either of you. You represent her greatest failure to herself, the bastards she now has to pretend to love and care about. I’m handing you two the throne and soon there will be no board members and no place for Jackie’s spawns.” Tess declared as she looked at her daughters. “Now you can either be with me or against me.”

“Thanks, Mom. For taking my trauma and trying to exploit it for your own nefarious purposes. We are with you but you’re acting like… a woman who’s not thinking straight because she’s consumed by grief.” Bliss said, looking over at Belle wondering if that was too over the top. She sounded downright crazy but saying that probably wasn’t the best tactic. Not if they were going to have any hope of finding out what her plans were. “You kept Belle away from her entire family and let her grow up believing she was someone else. Frankly, it’s disturbing that you don’t see anything wrong with that but I guess in some way you did give her a gift. She didn’t have to be jerked around by you her whole life. I think you need to slow down. You’re not making any sense. You can’t unilaterally remove all the board members. That defeats the point of having a board. Not to mention Belle doesn’t even want to work at DGI. I’m only just getting to know her and I can tell you that. She’s been living here with you for months. You don’t care about that? What are you going to do, mom? Force her to work there? That’s why dad wasn’t giving her a position but me, he’d already prepared to name CFO. Which is perfect because I don’t want to run the company. I want to be able to contribute but still have time to enjoy my family. I guess you wouldn’t understand that. Can you just think about us for once?” She asked, grabbing Belle’s hand and looking over at her little sister. “Not everything has to be about you hating Jackie.”

Tess’ hands shook as she listened to Bliss speak against her every move. She deserved to have everything she ever wanted and more. This would ensure that and she wasn’t going to be the horrible mother that she always had been. Her heart swelled as she thought about what Bliss was saying. Her lips quivered she had betrayed her children in the worst way and didn’t see this was repayment. A gift that she couldn’t give back. Her daughters were last on her priorities but now they were all she had of years of being secondary to Jackie and Lowell. Sniffing she stepped back as she clutched her chest. “Yet you have no problem letting her children degrade and talk down to me? Rory and I were lovers once and he still degrades me. I have done reprehensible things but I am your mother and you go to her for comfort! You show her the upmost respect and I get nothing Bliss. I birthed you and I am not perfect like your precious Jackie but I am trying to fix this thing. This wall I put up between you and I! I did do some painful things but you will take this gift. You both will rule the Devonshire’s and that is my gift to you. I am deserved and either you will ride with me or I will mow over you. You are my daughters and I love you both and I can’t do this.” Tess said as the room seemed to spin. “I am deserved to be in this position. You are deserved to have a chance at this.”

“This isn’t what I want mummy!” Belle said standing up as she stared at her mother as if she was insane. “I have so much that I want to say and how disturbed this all is. My heart is full of rage and this insanity that you have unleashed on so many people’s lives. You haven’t thought about what the media is saying and this is so disrespectful to our father’s legacy and the monster that you think Jackie is. Maybe it’s time to look in the mirror mummy. I’m getting my clothes and Bliss if you don’t mind, could I get ready for the wedding with you. Considering Fox and Quinn are the ring boy and flower girl at the reception I think I could help getting Fox ready today. You see mother? What happens when you show an ounce of humanity? People actually respond to you like a human. Enough with this lies about this is about us! It’s about Jackie and revenge you’ve wanted since day one.” Belle said snidely as she looked at her mother and narrowed in. “You hid me and disregarded Bliss and think we should somehow be a family? I will not let you continue this farce.”

“You are walking on a thin line Belle!” Tess seethed as her lips pursed in a silent fury.

“And what will you exactly do to me? I have my own money and my own power just by being an influencer and Archibald. You’re reprehensible and I’m not influential little girl who is enamored by you giving me custom designer clothes. You’re not a good person and I’m not a angel but I’m not evil. This is evil.” She spat at her mother.

Tess back handed Belle and she felt directly back on the bed as Bliss cradled Belle instantly. “You will do as I say because I’m both of your mothers. This isn’t a discussion.” Tess stood in shock literally feeling herself morph into her mother. The harshities placed in her life and cruelties but she wouldn’t tolerate Bliss nor Belle denying her. She saw the horror on Bliss’ face but she was an abuse survivor and that glossed over her views. “This isn’t up for discussion or refusal this your destiny and I can’t make you love me but I can make you fear me. I’m not as weak as either of you think I am. I’m CEO and I’ll destroy RePlay just to get your attention Belle. Remember my power and what my breathing has given you both, life. Why do you two insist on breaking my heart. I’ve been through enough.” Tess said with her hands shaking as she looked at her daughters. “I love you both but I need you both to know I’m doing this for you. Not some misguided revenge.”

“Mother!” Bliss shrieked, arms wrapped around Belle’s shoulders. It took a minute to find her words but when the shock of her slapping Belle wore off, Bliss was livid. Not only had she threatened both of them, she wanted to play her twisted games with Rory and RePlay just to punish Belle for not towing the line? Belle was just chipping away at the brick wall their siblings had put between them and of course their mother would latch on to that vulnerability. “You’re a vindictive monster! Good luck pulling a rabbit out of your hat, that’s the only way you’ll take over DGI. Come on, Belle. Let’s get your stuff. You can absolutely get ready with us. And you won’t be coming back to this house,” she said, glaring at Tess as she helped Belle gather her dress and the necessities. Whatever else she needed, Bliss or someone else would have. They weren’t staying here a second longer than absolutely necessary. “I mean it Belle,” she said, pulling her little sister out the door. “You’re staying with me or Rory or even at the Crestwood. Anywhere but this house of horrors. She’s taken this too far and she’s too delusional to listen to reason. Belle, we’re in this together. I promise you that. We’re going to stop that lunatic even if it’s just the two of us.”

**********

Lex was in his office, working on a few documents for Mason. Of course he was taking his time since Mason was getting married later and was trying to tie up these loose ends before leaving for his honeymoon. The slacker should have planned better. The memory of Dru’s hot naked body all over his office was still fresh. Marred just slightly by the memory of his father barging in on them. That shit was embarrassing. He tried not to think about that part. That old bastard really did ruin everything. He’d had a new lock put on the door afterwards and would have to remember to use it in the future. He should have done so now because next thing he knew his office door was flung open and Jackson Devonshire stomped in dragging his knuckles. That DGI stock wasn’t tanking quick enough. The sooner the company went under, the sooner Jackson would be back on the drugs and out of his hair. With his new partnership with Dru, he’d followed the DGI news more closely and maybe they’d have a little unexpected help from Lowell’s wife slash former mistress.

He suspected Jackson’s visit had something to do with Dru. Had he found out they’d slept together? But, why would he care? Unless he really did have a thing for her. That would be an interesting development. Whatever it was, this little visit was just wasting more time for Mason, so he might as well have fun with it. “What do you want, Devonshire? Take a wrong turn? This a law office not the unemployment office. See that sign out there? ‘Lexington Hessington, Attorney at law”? You should take a literacy class with all the free time you’ll have. If you’re here to settle Lowell’s bill, I hope you brought cash. Julian would be stupid to accept your credit right now but maybe your mom can find another way to pay off the debt. Bow chicka wow wow. I’ll give her the MILF discount if Julian won’t.” He’d never slept with someone so old but he could make an exception. If Julian was done with her. He wasn’t one to shit where he ate. Julian had been good to him and he at least owed him some respect. If Julian had figured out he and Dru were banging in the office he never brought it up. So, here’s to not being fired and hopefully that wouldn’t change after Jackson left.

Jackson listened to Lex silver tongue being unleashed as he nodded his head. The moment he started speaking on his mother and Julian’s relationship and how he’d sleep with her. First he planted a bug on his wife phone and now he was openly disrespecting his mother. “I thought I could be civilized but you have no character as a human. I honestly thought we could have a conversation but like the bitch you are, you continue to snark and throw jabs. So how about I tell you why I’m here. You planted a bug on Dani’s phone, she now knows that you were changing dates and information in her device. Zach uncovered it and now I’m going to warn you for the last fucking time to stop. But this time I’m not going to warn you nicely.” Jackson walked around the desk and kicked Lex directly in the chest. Making him flip out of his chair. As he looked at him shocked and withering on the ground. “She’s mine! You fucking fucked a whore and now you’ve lost her. Why doesn’t that register in your fucking head? You thought I was going to let this shit slide. With or without DGI were more rich than your ass could ever be so stop the jokes. Does it look like I’m playing with you. Get the fuck up before I stomp your ass.” Jackson growled as he flipped over Lex’s desk.

“You wanted this war right? You thought you could actually take my wife from me? With that fucking whore Dru? You are comical? You are second rate? No wonder Charles is fucking with Anderson over you and your pathetic ass siblings. I wouldn’t claim a bitch ass man like you. Get up LEX!” Jackson growled again, he was still on the ground obviously shocked at his rage. “Okay.” With that he kicked him in the ribs. “I’m giving you the chance to fight me like a man. Don’t be a pussy now. Don’t be scared did Charles bitch ass never teach you to fight? Lowell had me, Chauncey, and Rory in kickboxing, boxing, and karate as kids. So you wanted to fuck with my family and try to ruin my marriage get up so I can show you how a man handles this situation.” Jackson commanded.

Lex was on the floor, pain shooting through him almost the second it dawned on him that Jackson had somehow figured out what Dru had done to the phone. Well, not Jackson but Zach apparently? Jackson’s brain was surely too addled from the years of hard partying. Charles might not have bothered teaching him how to fight. That would have required spending time with his kids or at least sparing a thought for their general wellbeing. But he did learn how to take a hit, in more ways than one. Did that count? He’d just managed to catch his breath from the first blow when Jackson kicked the shit out of him again, almost certain he’d heard a rib crack that time. Groaning, he pulled himself up using the overturned desk. “So much for that famous Devonshire charm, huh?” He asked, laughing just a bit which he instantly regretted as a searing pain shot through his side. “Just, just hold on a minute,” Lex told him, holding one hand up, the other cradling his side. If he couldn’t talk circles around this overgrown ape, he might as well quit his job and join the valet team at the Rawlings. “You think Dani would be on board with this caveman routine? Dude, she’s so far above this. I thought you were trying to be the kind of man who was worthy of her? What are you even on about? You sound like a crazy person. I put what on Dani’s phone? Spyware? How would I do that? When would I have gotten Dani’s phone and had it long enough that she wouldn’t notice? We’ve never been alone. Unless you think Jackie’s in on it? You’re paranoid.”

“Oh wait, is this about those texts between us? I admit they came as a surprise to me, too. Look, she was going through some stuff, no thanks to you, and I didn’t want to shut her down. Frankly, I was worried how she’d take another rejection. You know those Frasier women are fragile. We were almost married. Those feelings don’t just vanish. Her and Zach probably cooked up this story as a cover. She knew you’d flip your shit and was scared of you.” Lex looked down his shirt, one of his favorites, which was all fucked up now. God, he hated this idiot. He did his best to brush off the dirt, nothing he could do about the rip and missing button. Small price to pay to keep Jackson from finding out the truth, that Dru was behind it all. He knew he wasn’t changing Jackson’s mind and he was happy to let Jackson continue blaming him. Otherwise he might look more closely in Dru’s direction. He needed to keep her on the inside. No way he’d succeed without her and they’d come so far. “I’m flattered you think I’m smart enough to do all that. I get why you’d think I could pull the wool over your eyes but this just sounds like a bad sci-fi movie. You’re not doing drugs again are you? Or maybe this is about more than some glitch in Dani’s phone. Are you pissed off because Dru took an interest in me? You’d ruin that wholesome image if you attacked me outright over your nanny but then lo and behold, Zach drops this in your lap and you run with it. I put you on notice for sexually harassing her once already. What will Duncan and Joellen think when they’re older? No means no, Devonshire. She doesn’t want you. You know what? Since you seem to be struggling, let me put this in terms you can understand,” Lex said, taking Jackson by surprise with two fast left crosses and a right hook. It took everything he had not to double over from the pain in his side but it felt good to punch him in the face. “We have a no assholes policy so get out.”

Jackson listened to him ranting and raving but it was him. He knew it and he had somehow manipulated those text messages to make Dani look and feel more vulnerable. He wasn’t going to convince him anymore. When he purposely mispronounced his children name he was becoming more and more infuriated. He wanted to bring his kids into this. To Jackson surprise Lex lunged at him and at him giving him two jabs and a dangerous right hook. The impact Jackson could feel his jaw would be aching instantly. He knew how much Dani hated violence but he wasn’t going to be fighting for nothing. Lex or someone else was trying to sabotage his marriage and he was about get out of his life. With all his might Jackson ate Lex’s attack. Spitting blood on his desk he looked at his shock. Jackson wanted to laugh because this pansy boy was about to learn something. “You keep talking about my drug addiction. You know how many times the rich kid got his ass whooped while trying to score? Until I learned how to fight back. I wouldn’t be fucking CEO of DGI if I didn’t experience the lows and highs of the world. Lex you better stop playing with me as if I’m a fucking idiot. No I’m not leaving bitch I’m not done here and I have years worth of rage to unleash on your face. So today you’re going to learn to stop fucking disrespecting me.” Jackson stepped up and began to swing connecting with Lex’s face a right hook, another left blow to his ribs seeing him crumple in pain.

“My children’s fucking names are Donovan and Jolene. You know that because you’re jealous that they aren’t yours. You couldn’t handle Dani and you think I give a fuck about Dru? You can have Atlas Falls whore. But you can’t have my wife and that drives you crazy doesn’t it Lex? I will kill for my family and I want you to understand that. I will end you and anyone who comes against my family.” Jackson then was going to embarrass him. Stepping on his ribs and grinned seeing Lex scream in pain. “I am warning you that if you don’t back off Lex, this is the a small and I do mean very small taste of what I’m going to do to you. You think I’m insane, you think I’m barbaric but this is the lengths I will go to protect what I built. You had her and you let her slip through your fingers and you are sadly mistaken if you think you get to play take back with my soulmate.” Jackson pressed down harder as he heard the door opening. “I’ll kill you before I let you destroy my marriage. Do you understand me? Whatever hole you crawled out of go away Lex and don’t come back. Atlas Falls is the fucking Devonshire’s and we run this shit and I’ll end you before I let you. Do you fucking understand me?”

Mason had been down the hall making sure his calendar was clear for the rest of the next two weeks while he was on his honeymoon, Julian had transferred his briefs to the rest of the junior partners which meant Lex. It was annoying but it was part of the game he had cases that didn’t just stop while he was away and he was really trying to make the honeymoon a non work one, plus Julian had encouraged him on it. He’d put in his headphones set an alarm for fifteen minutes to finish a deposition when he heard a knock against a wall down the hall in Lex’s office and looked at it annoyed. One of the secretaries had informed him that Lex had a female visitor with red hair and they had been quite loud in the office earlier in the week he had been nosy and proven right that it was Dru on the security footage. None of his business if it was true or not maybe that meant that Lex was moving on and he wondered if he should tell Zach or not and ultimately agrees that yes he would tell him on their honeymoon. When a second crash happened he paused his earbuds taking them out and away before starting to walk down the hallway. Lex wanted to fuck the town waterhole he could no one was stopping him but he was trying to work for the small two hours he was here before he had to head to the mansion and get ready foe the wedding. However when he made it to the door and heard the voices again he realized it was Jackson’s raised voice. Lex slithering on the ground in pain, his friends hands red from beating the hell out of Lex he stood there in simple shock for a moment.

He let it sink in listening when Jackson placed his foot down on Lex’s ribs and watched his co-worker screaming out in pain and then rushed forward hauling Jackson off Lex. He shoved his friend back, he knew from Zach that things were tense when it came to Lex and everything going on with Dani and her phone but it was his wedding day. Jackson was his best man hell he was supposed to be at the mansion helping get everything ready plus he had to know that Zach was looking into all of this, the law was looking into it meaning he needed to calm the fuck down. Lex was part of installing spyware on Dani’s phone Zach would nail the bastard to the wall and he’d never practice law again hell he’d be looking at two to four years for stalking and invasion of privacy. “What in the hell man! I work here, Julian could be on his phone right now on the phone to the police. The last thing you need right now at DGI is to be behind bars for him of all people.” Mason said looking at his best friend furious he got it he was protective over Dani clearly but Lex was not worth the hassle nor was it worth a trip down to the police station for them to likely have to deal with Jon Harrison on the day of his wedding. “Can’t you wait to beat his ass until after I say I do later to Zach today, then whatever got to town, besides it’s not like you and Dani aren’t okay, she’s been chatting that whole trip up to Zach.” Mason said looking back at Lex to just not make a move today was not the day to fuck with him. “As for you do you like get it now leave Dani alone.”

Jackson knew Dani would have a fit if he was in jail. Mason was his best friend and he knew he wouldn’t forgive him if he missed the wedding. Pausing his fist were shaking as he looked at Lex. “If I have to I’ll die for my family. I will never let go of Dani or my children. You’re going to have to kill me to end this do you get that Lex? I swear to God you’re going to have to kill me because I’m not going anywhere. Do you get that I’m not going to go anywhere. My wife isn’t going anywhere and my future is with my family.” Jackson removed his foot from Lex chest as he swiftly kicked him one last time for good measure. “You are a weak man. You could never compare to me and drugs or whatever challenges I have I’ll overcome. My mind isn’t like yours but I’m not a dummy or savage as you like to insinuate. I have power and influence that your family only wishes. You need politics and the power of the government, I was born into this. Don’t keep playing this game because you will lose.” Turning to Mason he patted his arm.

“I’ll see you tonight.” He spit on the floor wiping the blood curdling on the side of his mouth. “Call the police and I’ll tell them all about you planting that spyware on Dani’s phone. If you didn’t do it you hired someone to.” Pausing it hit him that someone else could be behind this. He blindly attacked Lex but he wasn’t sorry. “Clean your shit up Lex or I will for you. Atlas Falls is my kingdom I need you to remember you’re just a peasant.” Jackson looked at Mason. “I’m sorry man I gotta go.”

Lex fought through the pain and hauled himself up to sit against the wall, watching Jackson leave. “Fuck you and your lame ass insights, Jackson,” he yelled, pain be damned. He wasn’t giving that spoiled man child the last word. The second Mason closed the door he let his head fall back, moaning. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gotten his ass kicked like this. Punched in the face from time to time, sure but this was going to hurt like hell tomorrow. There was no telling what shape he’d be in if Mason hadn’t shown up. It was a miracle it was still intact after Jackson went apeshit in here. Every last one of those Devonshires thought they walked on water. What did Dani see in any of them? If Walter hadn’t failed to instill some good old fashioned values in his kids this would’ve been so much easier. She never would’ve given Jackson a second glance. He gritted his teeth, reaching across to dig his phone out of his pocket and scrolled down his texts until he found Swamp Girl. He needed to warn Dru.

Hey you. Looks like you were onto something the other day. Jackson just accused me of messing with Dani’s phone and now that big dumb motherfucker’s on the warpath. We need a new plan. 

Once that was done, he called Connor to come pick him up since Ryan was out of town. He’d have called Whit but he didn’t want to listen to her bitch at him for meddling in Dani’s relationship. Plus he might need Connor to halfway carry him out. He could barely move let alone drive and knew he’d be out of commission for a few days. He’d message Julian from the car telling him he was coming down with something. Jackson Devonshire… fuck that dickhead motherfucker. This was far from over.

**********

Simon looked over at Ivan as they parked outside his townhouse the medication in his hands, pain killers for his still lingering headaches. He spent a few more days in the hospital and had more CT scans than he cared to admit and the diagnosis was still the same a concussion that for the first week was more sever and now had been downgraded to mild. He was still doing a blank on how he was at DGI, the entire circumstances surrounding how he ended up on the stairs or where Lowell’s will was. The police were still looking to find out who pushed him as well they had been clever very clever to the point of hacking the DGI security footage all the way down to the traffic cameras. He had gotten little work down on Lowell’s will or trying to figure out who pushed him, even less work on the entire Dru Price situation. One that he did agree to look into once he got settled in at home, surely they could look into her story more, looking back they should have ran a background check the moment Jackson and Dani had hired her. His mistake it would be the last time that they hired without a background check no matter who said what about someone they could trust. Looking over at Ivan he grabbed his hand grateful that he had helped him drive home a few broken ribs were a bitch.

He had been sleeping up in a hospital bed for up to a week and just recently was able to sleep on his back regardless he wasn’t sure that he would be able to drive. Ivan had been at the hospital on and off for the week maybe that part of their relationship was back on track, he hadn’t tired anything since his outburst at the hospital. Zach and Mason’s wedding was today and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it all as they got out of the car and made their way up to his townhouse opening the door and coming inside. “Thanks for driving me home Ivan and for everything you have done for me at the hospital. It’s nice to be home finally though.” Simon said placing his coat on the hook and smiling at the bowl of cat food in the townhouse, his maid had told him she had been watching Oreo while he was in the hospital so at least he knew that his cat was taken care of one less thing for him to fret about. He could tell that she had been in to clean and do the laundry while he placed his keys on the rack as he looked at the wrapped gift on the table for Mason and Zach’s wedding. “Listen if you don’t want ot come with me to this wedding you don’t have to, hell I’m not even sure I should still go but on the other hand Mason and I were friends long before we were lovers. Plus from my understanding this will be the swankiest gay wedding the city has ever seen. Not sure you are ready go to it with me or not either their press will be there.” Simon finished looked at him and then reaching for the card and the pen on the coffee table to sign the card that Rosa had picked out and sent over with the gift.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight Simon.” He said honestly as he looked at his boyfriend. Walking up to him he wrapped his hands around his waist. “You know being public ain’t my thing but I can’t shake that I almost lost you. I could have lost the man I love. You know how fucked up that had me I beat up a helpless man. This is clearly some corporate shit but it’s my world because they put their hands on you. You getting what you want baby boy because I’m popping out with you tonight. Fuck letting Mason and Zach think you lonely they all up in our business but they don’t know. I’ll do anything for you. This shit is hard, you know. I was taught this was forbidden fruit and I swear I wasn’t sure if we could make it. But seeing you bleeding out and having to rush you to the hospital. I’ll never forget that shit Simon. I will never forget that I didn’t give you what you needed. You needed me to show I’m down then shorty I’m down.” Ivan said, pausing, touching his scar on his head. “That made me see that my uncle, or nobody else should dictate how I feel about you. Rosa is cooking dinner and shit before the wedding and we going to be eating there. She’s not getting me fat, she always making them tamales for me. I’m get you because I know that’s you making sure I eat.”

Ivan pulled Simon down on the couch letting him get comfortable in his lap. “I get nervous sometimes. But I’m not ashamed anymore. You who I love and I might be ridiculed for this shit but you my man and I’m not about to be hiding that shit no more. You heard me. You make me happy and my raps are beyond the hood. I’m having fun on this new EP and Jamal says I’m on my Tyler The Creator shit. I want it to be on Frank Ocean level, the EP is called Simon Says. It’s about us and I’m coming out on it and I’m going to dedicate it to my momma and you. The two most important people but I go this song I want you to hear because Jamal and I really been working hard on it. He thinks it’s going to make me a star or even bigger star. You see inspiration and I am listening. I offered that security guard something. I gotta perform at a seventeen year old party but we’re good too.”

Simon hadn’t wanted to force Ivan’s hand when it came to their relationship but given the circumstances he felt like maybe it was meant to happen. As awful as it was, that someone had pushed him down the stairs at DGI to get Lowell’s will and left him basically for dead that maybe this is that push that Ivan needed. He wrapped his arms around Ivans waist honestly he was glad that Rosa had been taking care of his house while he was gone, he didn’t need to worry about what was going on in his home on top of everything else. It didn’t mean that he had forgotten that Ivan had acted irrational and beat up a long standing employee at DGI it was still there but he could understand Ivan’s anger and after reaching out to HR he would to whatever it took to make it right to Carl if it meant hush money it meant hush money. He wasn’t even sure that Tess had been made aware of what happened to Carl but after her disaster it wasn’t like she had that much leeway to shake any more boots down at DGI. She already was making enemies left and right with all the Devonshires and a few board members, a judge would eventually decided meaning he needed to focus in on that after the wedding. He wasn’t actually upset at the wedding or Zach and Mason they seemed to fit and it wasn’t like Mason was every really out with him he was at peace with it he was at peace with how they ended.

“I never meant to force your hand Ivan I guess there are somethings that are out of our control like what happened at DGI, I really do wish I had more details for the police though so we could all move forward. I understand that you were upset and angry and you took it out on Carl not knowing all the logistics of it all, you were upset and thinking that Carl wasn’t doing his job. I know that had to have upset you greatly seeing me like that.” Simon said looking at him for a moment while Ivan led them to the couch and he sat on his lap. He was off bed rest finally and he had to admit he was looking forward to a home cooked meal from Rosa but being with Ivan after everything they had been through it was nice to have the downtime. He wrapped his arms around Ivan neck leaning in while he rested his forehead against Ivan’s for a moment of peace pulling back. “I really am glad that you were the one that found me Ivan I know going to Lowell’s funeral wasn’t something you were gungho about but if you hadn’t of showed up then I would maybe of ended up with so much more than just a concussion. If I would have woken up and walked around I could have fallen back down the stairs, I could have walked out into traffic. As for the wedding we have time before we have to go and Rosa isn’t trying to make you fat I think she just likes to take care of me and your part of my life.” Simon said touching Ivan’s cheek in return he meant it he was very grateful that Ivan had taken him to the hospital.

“I know.” Ivan said touching Simon’s face. “My music is my life. I write because it’s all I know to do. You are apart of my life and this EP could change hip-hop’s idea on what a homosexual rapper looks like. I’m not a weak and I’m no less of a man because I want to be with you. I’m sick of people telling me what to do, you know. I don’t want to hide our relationship.” He wrapped his hands around his hips. “I can’t do this without you Simon. Our lives have been intertwined since that night at the studio. I thought this would be a one time thing or something I could do in the shadows but I want to see the light with you. I want to be happy, do you know that? I want to be happy and living in darkness isn’t happiness. So let me do what I want to do. Simon Says is my love letter to you and I feel like that is enough. I’m never going to be waving a rainbow flag but I’m down for Simon and what my baby wants he will get, which is me.” Ivan waving his arrogance in the air as he started to shake his hips. “And the doctor said ain’t nothing wrong with you being physical so maybe I can get some cake?”

Ivan smelled a putrid smell but Rosa was cooking so he was sure it would end up good. Instead of plowing Simon he wanted to show him how much he missed him. Ivan got on his knees as he unbuckled his pants. Turning him around he spread his ass cheeks and flicked his tongue between his pink asshole. His tongue began to explore his hole as he flicked and sucked on his beautiful hole. Spitting and slurping it up he shook his head vigorously. Squeezing Simon’s ass in his face. That smell however stopped him. “Baby what the fuck is that smell?” He stood up wiping his mouth unable to shake the smell of flesh. He’d killed before and knew that smell. It was no doubt death. “Rosa?” He said seeing a trail of blood on the floor. Ivan walked briskly to the front closet pulling out his Burberry bag, and removing his gun. He saw Simon pulling up his pants and he pushed him behind him. That’s when he saw Rosa who was blue in the face laying stiffly. He knew she was dead. Ivan flipped her over and saw the stab wounds embedded in her body. Scanning the scene her panties were across the room. That smell was so strong he began to gag. “Baby come on I’m call the police and get you out of here.” He didn’t even want to look inside of that pot. “Simon get the fuck out of here you shouldn’t be seeing this shit.”

Simon listened to Ivan talk about his album and he was glad he was going to actually live his truth for once but also wondered about the cost. He would never tell Ivan what he should and shouldn’t do but he also wasn’t one to want to be thrust into the spotlight of the paparazzi he much preferred the shadows it was all he knew when, especially working for Lowell since college. He was used to do anything and everything for DGI but it was all behind the scenes, so much of his life had been hidden behind the scenes and yes he was out and proud there was no debate about that. But was he prepared for what Ivan was going to do, to be thrust like he would likely be into the spotlight. He had been thinking about that when Ivan had unbuckled his pants and looked out the window of the townhouse feeling Ivan’s hands on his skin he let out a groan, he closed his eyes for a moment and took a breath when Ivan began to suck and slurp the only problem being the putrid stench that was coming from the kitchen. Rosa had always cooked for him and hardly did he ever question it he had grown used to her dishes and cuisine from her home country and would eat anything. He almost gagged only for Ivan to stop too and pulled up his pants a small sense of dread overcoming him. A chill went through the air too and he looked at the thermostat it was set at seventy two meaning there was no way he should have felt a chill and then he saw Ivan reach for the gun in the closet, a precaution.

He never actually thought he would have to use it, it wasn’t like he lived in the projects like Scottswood. He looked down the hallway finally noticing the blood trail in it and shook his head. This couldn’t be happening to him or Rosa. When he saw her body though laying there clearly she’d been there a few days his eyes watered with tears for her family. Her husband and her two middle school kids would be crushed, not to mention the amount of blood everywhere was enough to make him sick. Which he did all over the hallway as any food he had came up and out st the sight and the smell of the woman that had been working for him rotting on the floor came into view. It was all so awful seeing her like that, the wounds in her body and then his eyes focused on the boiling pot on the stove wondering what was in the pot. Walking closer he gripped the counter for support as his hand slid to make the call to 911. Stopping know he reached the pot to remove the lid and he let out a harrowing gut wrenching scream at the sight. It was clearly an animal and that is when he noticed the collar on the counter. He didn’t say a word a he reached out for Oreo’s collar the cat he had since college and heard the operator asking what the emergency was. “They killed my cat.” He said into the phone the tears coming down his face wondering who in the world would do this.

Ivan wrapped his arms around Simon and pulled him back from the kitchen. “Baby boy come here.” He said as he began to usher him out of his very own apartment. “I want you to go to Talia’s right now and stay with her after the police come to you do you hear me? You stay here and wait for the police. I’m going to handle this shit.” When he was little he’d listened to stories of his poppa and uncle apart of the cartel. They’d kill everything in the house including the animals. If Simon would have been home he would have murdered the love of his life. The man he was willing to come out for and that meant he knew how much Simon meant to him. The fact that he killed Rosa and Oreo was only a warning. His lips quivered as he slapped his head. “Fuck!” He was slipping and now Simon was in danger. “I bring death everywhere I go. I swear to fucking God. I’m sorry baby this is Hector he does things like this. He’s sick as fuck okay listen to me. I know you think you I’m crazy as fuck. I know you think this is a game but my uncle is sadistic and Simon if you were here. Baby I gotta go find this motherfucker.”

He kneeled over as the air slipped out of his body. It wasn’t fair this man had molested him and now he was terrorizing him. He was saying how this made him a man. Ivan wiped his eyes as he looked at Simon. “This is what I meant. My uncle is sick and my father knew. My life isn’t what you think Simon. He sent me to my uncle as some sort of punishment because I was gay. I’m in so much pain right now Simon and you have to understand I didn’t mean to bring this shit to you. This is what I was scared of. He is what keeps me up at night and when it’s two a.m. in the morning and I’m up thinking about what he did to me. How he videotaped me and how he raped me over and over again. You have no idea what this is and how dark this and you don’t deserve this. I gotta handle this okay?” Ivan said looking at his lover. “Baby, look at me I’m going to kill him.” Ivan had bodies on his name and he wasn’t afraid to kill it was his way of life once upon a time ago. The devil would dance with him later but right now he had to have retribution for what Hector had done. “I gotta go.”

Simon was numb was a good word for it seeing his cat in the pot and the woman that was like a second mother to him dead on the floor. He’d seen death hell he’d help cover a death up before to benefit Lowell’s family and his best friend but this was so close and personal. His entire body was shaking at it all how much he had been through being pushed down the stairs of DGI and now a murder in his own home. He was barely listening to Ivan though he knew he should have said anything to calm him down or diffuse the situation he was good at that right? But right now it was so heavy and hard and all he could think about was that poor woman laying in his house dead due to the psychopath that had broken in and killed her along with his cat. He let Ivan let him drag him out of the townhouse wondering where the police were and how long it would be before they got there, his hands shaking and hearing the echoes of what Ivan was saying to him had be brought this onto Rosa? He looked at Ivan and nodded at him when he told him to go stay at Talia’s as he sent her a text hearing the sirens, he turned to make sure they were headed to his house before turning back around and seeing Ivan was gone likely going after his uncle. Meaning when the two officers stepped out there was nothing he could say about Hector if he did, they would then want Ivan too and he’d be in trouble. Instead he held out a shaky hand pointing to the inside of the house as he took a seat on the front steps his head hanging as he tried to erase the images from his head.

**********

Madeline sat at the table enjoying breakfast alone, scrolling through her iPad. She’d be meeting Wyatt for lunch later, before the wedding where they would never get any time alone. She’d put on a spray paint effect crop top from Balmain, a mini skirt and thigh high Louboutin Kate Botta boots. Wyatt wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off her and hopefully his hands if they could slip off somewhere to make out. She’d asked Greer to help her plan a celebrity polo match to benefit ALS. Her grandmother was busy with her own little event and anyway, she wanted to show up Dani. Greer was the perfect person to help outshine that little hospital fundraiser plus her father practically had heart eyes when he looked at her. So of course she’d have Greer at the house as much as possible. She had to do something to take her mind off of what was happening with DGI. She’d accepted her grandfather’s decision to name Jackson CEO, assuming he would be around to help her understand why after the Summit. Her father was the one who was highly educated, had years of experience with DGI and he chose Jackson? Who’d crawled out of a gutter and married Dani Fraiser and somehow that qualified him to run an international conglomerate? She loved Jackson but facts were facts. She’d thought he would let Jackson feel the sun on his face for a while, as a reward and then make the responsible decision and give it to her dad. Her grandfather had always encouraged her to be the best. Top of her class, class president, on the AF polo team and destined for Yale. What was all that for if the only experience you needed to run DGI was throwing orgy parties and snorting coke? What transferable skills did he gain from panhandling and sleeping in ditches? And why did Dani Fraiser have a seat at the table? Country mouse goes to the boardroom and then inserts herself into every aspect of DGI was not a tale for the ages. Her mother had devoted her life to DGI. She’d put in just as much blood, sweat and tears as any Devonshire. Exponentially more than some. No one could deny Selina Delacroix was the most competent woman to walk those halls. And in the end it’s left in the hands of a nepo baby who brings his hick wife along for the ride? How was she supposed to make sense of any of this without her grandfather? And of course none of that would matter if they didn’t get DGI back from Tess. Suddenly her own future felt uncertain.

She was stirred out of her thoughts when Natasha strolled in. Wasn’t there a leash law in this county? Should she just be roaming around the house loose like this? What if she stole something? “Natasha, dear. I’d say good morning but now you’ve ruined it.” She flipped over to the do to list on her iPad and made a note to follow up with Simon, maybe after he had a few days to recover. In the future, her father’s prenups needed to contain a clause prohibiting these whores from using the Devonshire name. With his track record, half the town could be named Devonshire in just a few years. She watched her take a seat and cursed her luck. “A little friendly advice? After seeing you in that bikini, I recommend you stay away from the breakfast pastries. Greer will be joining me for dinner later in the week. I must request that you make yourself scarce for the evening. Preferably remaining in your lair. I assume you’re still in the guest room since we all know my father’s room is standing room only. I’ll have the staff throw a few bones in there for you to gnaw on.” She finished the last of her crepe and dabbed at her mouth with the napkin that had been on her lap. “You might be wondering what Greer and I are doing? It’s a celebrity polo match. And guess who used to be quite the polo star? Anderson Kincaid. As you might recall I have an in with him. Imagining Anderson, all sweaty in those tight white pants? I’m sure he’ll have all the thirsty old hoes in Atlas Falls lined up to buy tickets. I’ve invited Cara and Anderson to join the Devonshires in the VIP area. You know him and my father went to school together. I’m sure they have lots to catch up on,” she said with a sly smile. “They’ve shared so much, haven’t they? I suppose my father will bring you as his plus one but anything could happen with him. Well, this has been fun but I have plans,” she saw Natasha start to speak and held her hand up in front of Natasha’s face. “That’ll be all. Thank you.”

Natasha was wearing her signature color of ice white Givenchy quilted leather stitched cocktail dress that was coresetted. Walking to the table which had a plethora of food out that the cook had prepared. Picking up a mimosa she with all her might ignored that little bitch until she heard Greer’s name. She will not be undermined by a little adolescent. Did this little girl think she was going to win? Did she believe she was actually going to war? Did Anderson’s presence suppose to shake her. If anything Cara did her a favor if she could sire a boy heir for Chauncey maybe she could twist him up even more. After their physical re-connection it happened again and again. One thing Chauncey Devonshire could do was please her and she was satisfied with that. Picking up fruit and a bagel with salmon. Sitting at the table she picked up her napkin and finally looked at Maddie. “Oh darling, were you speaking to me? I am so removed from the sound of your whiny voice. I can ignore you kinda like Selina did all last year, or your father does all the time. No wonder you were so distraught about Lowell he and Jackie did practically raise you right? Talk about unwanted, you are an afterthought to me dear and Greer how cheap. Oh you want to hurt me so you bring in your dad’s tart around. Here I thought you actually would be a challenge. What next? Are you going to parent trap Chauncey and Selina? You’re elementary but I hope you enjoyed the view of Chauncey and I. Oh you don’t know your father and I how do you young kids say it? We’ve been hooking up, and maybe I’m bloated with a baby. A little boy who will actually carry on Chauncey Devonshire’s legacy while you are in Switzerland, England, or Tokyo. I think China has an amazing academic program. You know over fourteen hours of there day is dedicated to education.”

Taking a bite of her salmon bagel she smirked. “I’m going to get rid of you and when I have your father’s son well that will finally erae you away. I mean Logan didn’t want you, she died and Selina abandoned you because you are an absolutely horrible child. You think you’re cute sicking Greer on me, but darling that ship has sailed. She’s pregnant with Brock Fraiser’s baby and that means that Chauncey won’t ever want her. Not like that again love he’s far too vapid to love someone else’s child but knowing Greer she’ll find some rich man to pawn off that baby too. You truly look up to her don’t you? You think she’s something special but Greer will always disappoint everyone. But I get it I’m the bad step-mommy and she’s the cool bitch you seem to connect with because she’s just as childish as you. I’m not that but you will go away if you don’t start to respect me. Or I’ll make sure you spend the rest of your teen years in a turban or locked away in a boarding school. I won’t deal with the disrespect so you little bitch if you want war let’s go but please Greer? That won’t happen because if it does I assure you I’ll do everything to ruin that charity event. I throw in with Dani.” Picking up her glass of champagne and sipped. “So do you want to play or do you want to bow out gracefully before I have to make you an example to all the other Devonshire’s?”

Maddie had smugly enjoyed her cappuccino as Natasha tried to dismiss Greer. She could deny it until the end of time but the mere mention of Greer’s name stopped her in her tracks. You could practically feel the air in the room thicken from all that toxic energy. And maybe she didn’t really belong to anyone anymore, now that her grandfather was gone but every bit of the love he had for her was genuine and pure and no one could take that away. If her father wanted a showdown, she’d show him what it really looked like to be Lowell Devonshire’s golden child. She was smarter and better than him and more importantly she knew how to keep her eye on the prize. She wouldn’t get distracted by a cheap trinket. “I wouldn’t brag about being recruited as a brood cow for a second string Devonshire but hey, you do you. Maybe he’ll buy you a bigger diamond ring once you produce a baby? That one’s not even custom. That looks like a last minute purchase. Or no, don’t tell me, are you trading that baby for the company Jackson took from you? Look at you. Clawing your way to the top using your body – the only commodity you have left to trade on. Wait.. isn’t there a word for that?” She was so sick of hearing about the glorified male heir. What in the misogynistic hell was that? The only d that actually mattered was the big D – Devonshire. The second coming of Chauncey Devonshire could get in line just like the first one. That can be his legacy: second best. When her father was her age, he had been working at DGI, soaking up all her grandfather had to teach him. He wasn’t doing any of that for her, was he saving it for the fantasy of father son bonding?

Her mothers, on the other hand, both of them, would never. Like Logan woke up and decided to bleed to death or Selina wanted to get raped. Natasha was so vile no one was in her corner. She couldn’t understand having a bond like her and Selina. Her and Logan too, even though they’d never met. Natasha couldn’t break that. “So sorry, your juvenile insults won’t work on me. I mean, aren’t you projecting just a little bit? You ended up in this mess because your family didn’t think you were worth the paper your shares were printed on unless you had a man at your side to take the reins.” The fact that her father would bring this beast into her home and turn her loose to bully his only child was pathetic. He should have just bought an escort if he was so desperate for female attention. But was he really so desperate he’d let this monster send her away? Was it so easy for him? He’d almost done it before and now her grandfather wasn’t here to protect her. Up until this moment, she wouldn’t have questioned it but now she wasn’t so sure. Natasha was taking a big gamble if she wasn’t sure he’d back her. If Natasha gave him the son he always wanted she’d have him completely under her spell. She’d take her horses and run away to California with her mother’s family before she left the country. “You don’t have to worry about Selina coming for your man. She deserves so much better than Atlas Falls’ very own man whore. Besides, she’s so far out of his league now. Ever since Greer dumped him, his tastes run more towards uncultured swine. It’s some form of self flagellation. Greer is the woman of his dreams but he screwed it all up so he only allows himself to have mangy strays now. Fitting that the two of you were rutting in the back yard like animals. It’s giving midlife crisis. All that Botox must be going to your brain because you are so far detached from reality. Go ahead and try to run to Dani. Jackson doesn’t like you or he wouldn’t have screwed you over for SandStar. This is my family. You’re Devonshire adjacent for now but you’ll never be one of us. Soon enough you’ll be the first of countless ex wives. You’re a nobody with zero say around here. So, I won’t be going anywhere. You’d do well to remember you’re standing in my house. You might need my pity one day.”

“I love the ring of the first ex Ms. Devonshire.” Natasha said seeing she did pierce her armor with the Selina and Logan comment or she wouldn’t have spoken about it. So the little witch wasn’t invulnerable. “You maybe right, I have no say so around here but your image is everything isn’t it. You’ve cultivated this fake portrayal of the honor roll, the dean’s list, polo right, charitable endeavors which I doubt you do, and a cunning little brain. However I can make that all disappear. I’ll shatter your perfect image and your dream of going to Yale. Do you know who is head of admissions at Yale? Why Madame Gene Boudreaux. Do you know I know her personally because she was my headmistress in my boarding school. You know who she hated more than anyone else? Greer LeClerq. Trust me toots don’t want to go up against me. I might not have your clout here. I might not ever have it with the Devonshire’s but don’t mistake I have clout. You hold your family to such a high esteem. Like you are something special when your grandfather stole everything that made DGI so special. You think you’re the only one with a legacy. Oh you know nothing of a legacy little girl. My father was on tankers, and he didn’t inherit his wealth from ill gotten gains. So proud of a legacy that is tarnished and you have the audacity to act as if you are special because you’re a Devonshire. I fucked kings, I party with Presidents, I am a alumni of Yale and Harvard. You seem to think I’m on your level when you are desperately trying to recreate my path of excellence. Little girl I was you worshiping my father, and disdaining all the women who came into his life. You are only a sad replica of me with out the true polish.” She picked up her coffee taking a sip.

“You do know your beloved grandfather was a sexist, and he pitted his beloved boys against each other. Well what do you think will happen when I keep fucking your father over and over again. I’m going to get pregnant and then I’ll win my first award. It’ll be easy to win my first acting nomination. You are so predictably spiteful you’ll say something or do something you can’t resist it. When you do I’ll feign a pain and boom you’re gone. I’m going to complete his transformation into his beloved daddy. But first he has to have a son,a male heir someone who he will look into their eyes and see his own mortality. You however he sees his greatest heartbreak losing Logan. Or Greer I’m unsure now. You think I don’t know that this man loves her? You think that you can rub Greer in my face and I won’t do anything. Oh Maddie you must learn a lesson in all of this. You aren’t a big dog, you’re still a scrappy little puppy bitch. But I’m a fucking doberman. I’m a wolf and I will eat you alive if you don’t back down bitch. I have no problem annihilating you. What’s worse is I’m itching to do it.” Pursing her lips into a smile. “I’m going to enjoy showing you how it’s done and maybe one day you’ll get back at me but it won’t be tomorrow.”

“OK! You can stop talking about fucking my dad. For the love of god, I got it the first time. Loud and clear. I just ate, you know. This is the problem with you. You think you’re the main character. A big, bad predator when, in reality, you’re a mutt begging for scraps. I guess it does explain your atrocious table manners. How you managed to snow Chauncey ‘to the manner born’ Devonshire escapes me because I’ve seen the way you eat lobster bisque. This is my Versailles and I’m the sun king’s golden child, bitch. So, you can crawl your flea bitten ass back into the shadows with the rats. What planet do you live on? Walter was never smart enough to bring that software to market. It’s not my grandfather’s fault Walter allowed himself to be outsmarted. Same way Jackson railroaded you. He did that dopey old goat a favor when he acknowledged his small contribution and maybe if you’re good, Jackson will throw you a bone, too. All’s fair in love and war. And don’t even pretend like you have any morals when you just threatened me.” Now she was going to have to have a boss fight with this bitch before she could get to the next level? Everything from the Summit was coming back and falling into place now. The stupid smug look on her father’s face when he rubbed Natasha and the baby they were making in her and Greer’s faces. The way he demanded they all bow down to this old hag. This was their plan all along? To replace her with an inferior Y chromosome baby? And her father was going to sit back and let Natasha destroy her future for funsies? This was her grandmother’s ‘poor suffering Natasha’? Couldn’t any of them see her for what she was?

What would Lowell Devonshire do now? Not show weakness, for one. For two, he’d eliminate the problem. But how? It wasn’t like she had an abundance of free time to plot. Or the experience. She would have to mine everything her grandfather had taught her. But first she needed to get away from here. “Being on your knees in front of a man doesn’t mean he’s a king, sweetie. All that fucking and partying didn’t get you much since no one likes you. You’re insignificant. There’s not a single soul in your corner. As for the women in my dad’s life? Let me just think about how many I couldn’t stand,” Maddie looked up, pretending to seriously ponder this as she counted on her fingers. She drew it out by going through all ten fingers several times. “I was right. Just one,” she said, holding up a single middle finger. “You. I know you’re not used to winning but give yourself a little credit.” What they had in common was precisely nothing but they could agree on her being a former Mrs. Devonshire. However, she would have to step in and clean up her dad’s mess if it was going to happen. Someone had to take charge and clearly her father wasn’t going to do it. Honestly, who was the parent around here? “At least we can agree on you leaving the family. I have to say this obsession you have with me is weird so you leaving can’t come soon enough. I accept your offer to divorce my father and I’m ready to negotiate the terms right now. Actually, scratch that. You’ll be leaving but with nothing other than the same shoddy rags you were wearing the day you darkened our doorstep.”

Natasha lip twitched as she listened to this little bitch attack back. She had just about enough of her. Standing up she walked to the silver antique coffee pot that Jackie loved and poured her another cup. Then calmly walked over to Maddie and slapped her directly in the face. The pure shock on the little girl’s face showed nobody had ever raised a hand to the Devonshire princess. Leaning in she looked at her. “You aren’t on my level in the least bit. You think you’re special you come from your father accidentally dipping his dick in a valley girl. I’m sick of holding back with you bitch. If you want a war game on because I’m not playing. I tried to let your little snarky comments go, I tried to be nice, hell I even tried to buy you but now Maddie you’re in my way. You think I won’t slit your father’s throat in a heartbeat to get my company back? Do you think I won’t take the baby that I’m planning on having with him and never let him near he or she? I have more ambition in my pinky toe that your spoiled indulgent ass could ever. But if you want to keep this up let’s go.” Walking back to her coffee cup she pour the near scalding hot liquid on herself.

Screaming to the top of her lungs she noticed Maddie’s shock. “Oh you weren’t ready for the game.” Turning around she saw Lorenzo the butler and a few of the staff come in. She broke down immediately in tears.”I didn’t mean to strike her.” She rushed into Lorenzo arms as she collapsed. “I think I maybe have a burn. She poured that coffee on me and I slapped her. I’m tired of this Lorenzo!” Her shrieking was loud enough for anyone to hear. When Jackie came in she just shook. “I just lost my baby and she said she was happy the baby died. She threw it in my face that my baby died!” She screamed as she saw Jackie’s horror at her words. As the staff began to clean and Jackie grabbed her. “I can’t deal with her anymore Jackie. She’s so disrespectful to me, she always has something evil to say but this is too much. I could call the police and she assaulted me with coffee. I am so sick of this! I just want a place with the Devonshire’s and she’s always harassing me and antagonizing me.” Jackie hugged her and she looked up at Maddie mouthing checkmate. “I can’t do it anymore. She’s horrible, spoiled, self centered and selfish. I think she would honestly hurt my child because she will never like not being daddy’s only child.” If Maddie kept accusing her of being the barren Madonna she’d play her role. Natasha lowered her head and spoke the first truth. “I just want to have my life back.”

Jackie had been in her office, a cup of coffee in hand, about ready to take a bite of her scone as she scoured, of course, nanny profiles on an agency.  A few possible qualified candidates of course were on her radar and the agency of course assured her that they would be sending her the background checks, after that she would take the information to her son and Dani. Lauren was working her own side on the Dru situation if they found out anything on that front it would be easy to dismiss Dru with just cause and she would be out of their lives without much of a fuss, when she heard the blood curdling scream however from Natasha in the dinning room she had left the office to find Lorenzo and other members of the household inside the room Madeline across the room. The cup on the floor next to the pot, Lorenzo had already called for someone to fetch something for the liquid on Natasha she was simply horrified at the accusations that Natasha was saying. She knew that her granddaughter had taken Lowell’s funeral very hard and she wasn’t fond of the woman in the room but to say such callous things let alone pour scalding hot coffee on her was atrocious. Not to mention the miscarriage that Natasha had suffered with however had pushed her down the stairs and losing her grandson was horrible.

“Madeline Claire Devonshire what have you done!” Jackie said her voice rising just slightly as she stared at her granddaughter while Natasha was being tended too, she was appalled yes Madeline could be tough and spoiled at times. She however never thought it was in her to be so entitled let alone awful to attack Natasha with hot coffee and attack her over what she assumed was the miscarriage. She knew that Maddie wasn’t happy about the pregnancy at the time but what had happened the night Natasha was pushed at the wedding was horrid. “You will apologize right this instance I have no idea what has gotten into you but this has to stop, lashing out at Natasha and throwing something so ugly into her face is quite frankly beneath you. I thought that your grandfather and I had done a better job, clearly not. I will be calling your father later to explain what happened to him and calling the school you will be missing your upcoming polo match. Since you seem to think you have no consequences that stops right now, perhaps everyone has indulged you far to long especially your father.” Jackie said looking at Madeline who simply looked shocked at the punishment she also then looked at Natasha her eyes soft. “I do apologize for her behavior Natasha what happened was awful.”

Maddie had been shocked into silence when everything snowballed right down to this moment when her grandmother showed up and demanded to know what she’d done. Nothing! Was she going senile? That charade was so flimsy DoJo could see through it. When had Natasha ever hugged her? Or tried to fit in? And she didn’t even bother to ask her side? Well, it wasn’t exactly true that she hadn’t done anything. She’d said plenty her grandmother would be pissed about but not what she was being accused of. Of all the elementary school antics. She was far more sophisticated than this and her grandmother should know it! But she needed to evaluate the situation carefully. She could pitch a fit but that was unbecoming and it might expose all the things she’d actually said. To be honest, this might be the lesser of two evils. Rolling her eyes when Nastasha mouthed those words to her. Checkmate? With that lame move? No, this game was just getting started. She kicked that coffee pot out of her way and heard it skitter across the floor and hit a wall as she crossed the room. “I’m sorry, Mémé.” She didn’t think she’d actually apologize to Natasha, did she? Anyway, she hadn’t specified who she should apologize to. “Sorry that she,” Maddie pointed across the room. “Is like Tess. If Tess had fangs and rabies and was spewing venom everywhere. I’m sorry that I have to be the one to take the trash out for this family.” And whatever unpleasantries came with that responsibility, so be it. “I’m sorry that my father has low standards. It’s so unfair that you would take the thing I love most. You’re messing with my polo handicap, Jacqueline. I’m so disappointed in you. I’ll be getting ready for the wedding in my old room at Grandpa Tony’s.”

Maddie left them alone in the kitchen, hearing her grandmother apologize to Natasha. None of this would be happening if her grandfather was still here. She looked up at the ceiling. “Are you even up there somewhere? I know that got out of hand but I could’ve used a little help back there. A lightning bolt would have been a nice touch.” She took back everything she’d ever said about Danielle. Give her fifty Dani’s over Natasha any day. Really though, why hadn’t she thought of getting ready at the Delacroix mansion before? No one would be watching her there and she could sneak Wyatt into her room so they could finally have some time alone. Another thing Natasha had ruined. Let that bitch think she’d won something and she’d strike back when the dust settled. As she headed to her car, she turned the read receipts on for her dad so he could see she was ignoring him if he texted her later.

**********

Cassie pulled up to the Montgomery mansion parking her Mazarati out front and looking the grand staircase going up the walk, remembering her mother walking up those stairs after a long opera tour. Her and Philip of course would peak out the window when she would return normally from Europe all the bags around her feet. She and Philip would watch all the commotion and then her parents would dine or dance the night away at least for a few weeks but when she was performing in town it all shattered and went away thanks to Lowell Devonshire and she pursed her lips. She would never mourn that man and actually hoped he rotted in hell she didn’t even attend his funeral. Instead she had sat in her office at MontCorp popped open a bottle of champagne and hoped DGI went down in flames and hopefully it would with Thor on her side. For now anyway she always wondered if Thor would itch for his old life with Ronan or if he had his own ambitions hence why she came to visit her father. She handed her coat to the maid and the fall was starting to set in barely casting the woman a glance as she did so. She looked to see if Philip was there; he had been shady lately, more so than not paranoid about their aunt of all things. Blythe was a non non-factor in their lives and had been for years boy to mention their annoying cousin Aspen. However, taking MontCorp from him would be like robbing the blind at this point. Walking to her father’s office she swung the door open seeing him reading the latest paper, Greer was for now useful.

“Hello father, since I didn’t have it in my stomach to attend Lowell’s likely atrocious worship fest of a funeral full of lies no doubt about what a kind and good man he was, I came to inform you that so far everything is going as planned with Thor. Hunter was gullible enough as we predicted to give Thor an in at DGI with the HR department and he wooed his way into a position with Chauncey. Word on the inside is that big brother isn’t happy that he was passed over.” Cassie said looking at her father everyone in town was talking about Mason’s upcoming wedding, another event she would rather be caught dead at. She simply didn’t associate with Devonshire friends or associates and it wasn’t like she or Thor were invited or had to make an appearance she poured herself a glass of scotch from the tray lately she had been feeling a little dizzy at times she assumed it was overwork. Nothing that a simple glass of scotch and a good meal couldn’t fix she pouted one for her father handing it to him as well. “Philip says you’ve been fitted on Tess wanna be Devonshire a lot since the wedding and here I thought you were over being second to that man. I mean he’s dead you outlived him and now you’re out here chasing after Tess of all people? Things are that bad between you and the bitchy stepmother. What number is it now three? No wonder she prefers to stay in Mexico watching you chase after Lowell old ghost with his mistress now.” She said, taking a sip of her scotch while she sat on the sofa in the room knowing what she was about to ask. “You frankly don’t need Tess when Thor is already there to whisper and watch for us and when the time is right we can swoop in and crush those petty ass children of his.”

Forbes placed down his newspaper and clicked off the stock market. DGI was in flux with the head of the company unknown to the financial investors. This was an interesting turn of events and with Tess’s power play it made it easier for the picking and attack. Nodding his head at Cassie while reading his computer barely acknowledging Thor Luciano. In all honesty he liked Thor much better than Jon. Thor was going to continue his position at DGI but if he failed it could mean destruction for MontCorp. He didn’t need Tess anymore and he’d surely let her know it. Tomorrow he’d begin a full scale attack on DGI with assistance of another backer. As he crossed his hands looking at his daughter. “I’m proud of you Cassie taking such interest in MontCorp. You are finally seeing that you have a legacy in our company. I however do think Thor is a valuable tool at our disposal, we won’t just be using him. I have other irons in the fire and I need you to trust me. With DGI at flux as it is we have a chance for us to finally get the respect we have clamored for. Lowell took Audrey from us and I will take his most prized possession alive or dead.” Forbes declared as he finally stared at Cassie.

“Tell me why has your brother been lurking and mumbling underneath his breath. He is alarming me as if he is after something. What could that be? Also if you love Thor you will be very careful daughter. He could ruin what we are building against DGI. Don’t get it twisted if he is caught then we all go down for insider trading. Jail has never been something I want or wanted for my beloved child. Now my question to my dear daughter is what are you exactly after? Ambition is a delicious thing and it runs through our blood. Tell me what will happen after I retire? Will it be you and Philip sharing the table or will it be just you? Or just Philip trust me I’m not placing you two against each other I’m asking a question since suddenly you both see your legacy. I mean I don’t have the same issue as Lowell. I know who deserves it. I just want to hear it from you both.” Forbes crossed his arms as he leaned back in his chair.

Cassie looked at her father honestly she could say she wanted her piece at MontCorp ever since that little run in with Kendrick at the Club of course Thor had jumped to her defense but she wasn’t cut out for the gangster lifestyle that Philip had let into the club. She had been fine with Ronan as a third partner as long as her life was not at risk, but after that she was fine to cut ties with the club and take on her foolish brother for her legacy. Not that she thought that Philip was always foolish but he had been the one to reach out to Ronan and then got distracted by that bitch Max Devonshire, distracted to the point that he kept falling at her feet to the point that Hunter shot him or it was Max that was still pretty unclear. “What would you have me do instead play house with Jon Harrison with a white pickett fence? Or better place my sister up on a stripping pole again I’ve been useful to MontCorp I did just gain that entire deal for you and step mother in Brazil. How is Angelica? I figured she’d be here crawling out of the woodwork the moment you decided to come back and reveal that Yasmine was our sister. Lucky for you Phil and I are used to learning we have siblings left and right unlike other another family who has melt downs left and right over pesky things like that.” She said taking a drink of her scotch while she sat down on the couch looking at her father.

“Phil is always after something lately he seems to be cooking something up but I really have no idea what it is about, he called me the other day about all the time you were spending with Aunt Blythe, that would be even low for you father. I told him it was nothing with Aspen latching herself onto Rory Devonshire I am sure she reached out to you for advice and help, it’s not like Aspen has ever had taste I think we should all be toasting that he put that nonsense with Max Devonshire to rest. It was nauseating watching him fuck her all the time knowing what happened with mother.” Cassie said her eyes narrowing at the thought of that ill fated romance with Max thank God nothing came of it she was now stuck with that wine maker that would know about her awfulness shortly if he wasn’t already. Max deserved the lifetime of misery she made for herself and in her opinion so did the rest of the brats and she thought over her father’s words about Thor maybe he was after something else but he was devoted to her. “Thor is and has always been completely devoted to me he is the one that said he would spy for us why do that if he is going to turn on us? As for what I want it should be obvious I want you to place me at the head of the table I’m more than qualified and at least I’ve never been tainted by the Devonshire’s. I could push us forward in a new level at MontCorp a changing of the guard is needed.”

Forbes swiveled in his chair as he listened to his daughter. She had so much faith in Thor while he really hated feeling like this might not be the move but he also understood the war that was brewing. Pierre had latched his hooks into Tess and here he was helping her for years hide Belle and even giving her money to further her lavish lifestyle. This was going to be revenge in the purest form to dismantle DGI before her eyes. As he leaned back he thought about what Cassie was saying about Max and Philip. He almost wished his son was still screwing that little bitch. It would be an even easier snatch and grab. When he heard that Philip was lurking around Blythe and Aspen. Why? Did he have a idea of the truth. For years he had taken back his revenge against Walter and Lauren but now he was fearing his agenda was coming to the light. Folding his hands Forbes looked at Cassie. “He has the power to takeover as well now Cassie what will you do if Philip does just that? Will you sit idle or will you fight back. Or will you accept if he is CEO? I mean eventually I will die if Lowell didn’t show us anything it’s that. Life is fragile, have I ever told you the story of when I saved Lauren, and Dani?”

Forbes closed his eyes it was as if the storm was raging in his mind. He didn’t know what possessed him but he swam as hard as he could. He fought against the flash flood and the raging waters and pulled out Dani and Lauren the sad part was it was too late for Victoria. “We were parked the driver and I. Considering the water was rising so fast. I saw a car behind me and I heard a little faint scream. It was Dani she was so afraid and shaking. I swam to her as hard as I could. I was in town to bid on this very building. When I came to her I took Dani to the limo and I came back for.” He paused knowing that part of the story couldn’t be told. “I came back to an unconscious Lauren and saved her but little Victoria floated away. Drowned and the body was never found. Life right?” Forbes said glancing out the window. “I want you to tell Thor to keep vigilant and to figure out how to exploit his position. Are we clear get in and get out I don’t want my daughter in danger of anything. You are very important to me. I know I haven’t showed it enough but its also about the fact that you look so much like Audrey. It haunts me that I never got it right with your mother.” It also haunted him that he killed her. That bitch betrayed him one too many times but he loved Audrey so much the shame of what she was doing to him engulfed him. “I often wonder what I did wrong with her.”

Cassie sat on the seat listening to her father drone on and on about Thor and his suspicions about where he was at the DGI and what he was doing. She knew where her cards needed to be while her father was so focused in on Tess he was neglecting the biggest person they could sway in Natasha Hassan-Devonshire or from what she guessed ex Devonshire soon. She had no idea if Philip was circling her as well or not, but she and Thor spotted her first meaning she was their mark. “Philip has no in at DGI that I know of Thor is there front and center and he’s been talking to various people making headway employees are ready to jump ship and so are a few investors as well, just what we need. Should Philip want to go up against me he can try and one of us would come out on top. You taught us that did you not to go after what we wanted or was that just talk for your son and not for me? I admit I was complacent before at the club but I was also young and wanted to look up to my big brother only to realize that he wasn’t ready father. Consorting with Max was clearly where he failed, ever since Veronica died at least she was ride or die for this family and thought of Max as nothing more than someone she had to be friends with to get into her circle and stay there. You have to admit I had hoped it would be anyone that he move onto other than Max herself after Veronica. Despite all those things that were apparently going on behind closed doors with that family.” Cassie said pausing for a moment and shaking her head when he asked about that night.

She didn’t remember a lot from that night other than what the news had said she was what maybe seven at the time? She remembered the police arriving that night at the door she had snuck out of the dinning room with Philip, their mother had a drink in her hand for the police to inform them there had been an accident. The fall out from it though what had enthralled the town with her father, the hero that he had become for saving Lauren and Dani, her father rarely did anything to help others unless it benefited him. Oddly enough she always thought her mother was jealous over the fact he had plate hero in that moment versus just to keep on driving by. Then again that was her parents entire relationship and marriage trying to one up each other left and right. “I was seven I could hardly turn on the television by myself let alone worry about heat street rat and her spawn you deduced in your heart to rescue. Mom had her own issues with you, but I think deep in some way she had to have loved you to stay with you. We’ll never know what made her.” Cassie said her voice breaking just slightly for a moment her suicide always so fresh lately on her mind and she took a sip of her drink to test her resolve again. “We all know that Lowell had the biggest hand in her death and your downfall with her and now that he is out of the way our eyes can be on the prize. Thor is not going to be swayed by any of them I assure you of that. Philip we all know what he thinks with.”

“If you believe Natasha is an inside track then go for it. I believe in you Cassie unlike your brother. I don’t trust Philip right now and ever since Max I haven’t. Laying with a Devonshire is always going to be a cardinal sin to me. You however have shown ingenuity and a silly little club he wants and is building. Philip has stars in his eyes that he will somehow fail me and this family so I’m planning on neutralizing your brother.” Forbes said, turning around looking at Cassie. “It’s time for the Montgomery reign, an era unprecedented and I’ll assure you that you will be at the head. After I retire because my beloved daughter Cassandra it’s almost time. I don’t want to play a young man’s game and be the old coot still pulling strings when times are changing. Plus it isn’t fun without beating the one person who I wanted to. Lowell took that from me by taking DGI and absorbing his life’s work. You and Thor prove this to me and I’ll reward you with the keys to the kingdom.” Forbes pulled out his chair so help me control Philip and stop whatever he is up to and I’ll give you what you so clearly have been craving.”

He never thought that Cassandra would be willing to carry the torch but she was his most savvy child. Philip was digging and if he dug too deep he’d burn down this family. “Now that Natasha Hassan-Devonshire is the target find out as much as you can about her. Befriend her if you must but Cassie do this silently. Move quiet because I’m after something so much bigger at the moment. Tess betrayed me but this could be exactly what I needed to help destroy the Devonshire’s once and for all. And if somehow Tess slithers out of this I’ll still have means and power enough to break anything she ever touches. I want Jackie and all his spawns to burn. I want Tess and all her spawns to burn. I want DGI and all the others Walter, Pierre, Harvey even the two everyone forgets Gloria and Keith. I want them to burn and lose so much.” Forbes seethed as he looked at his daughter. “Take our family to where we both know they deserve to be, on the top. Cassie I have something I need to tell you. Tess has kept me at bay from snapping her pretty little neck because she knows something.”

Philip stood outside the door and shook his head. So Cassie was kissing the ring. How disappointing would he know Chauncey and Jackson both had chances to pop her cherry. Cassie might not have fucked a Devonshire but she lusted after a few. They just never paid her ass any mind. Clenching his fist how dare she betray him? Secrets. That’s all this man had and he was stumbling right into this one. If his sister was smart she’d push to find out whatever this deep secret is. So they underestimated him and thought his newest venture was foolish? Well he had an insider in DGI. He had someone who wanted to see him succeed. Life was fickle like that unexpected things always seemed to fall into his lap. He didn’t want to speak on it yet but when the time was right he’d attack with a weapon. “Come on Cass don’t mess this up pry it out of the old man.” He whispered to himself.

**********

Hunter had two things he needed to get done before the wedding, one put on his tuxedo and swing by and pick up Fox from the nanny, the second was to make sure that all the groomsmen himself and Jackson made it to the Delacroix estate in time. Standing in the way of all that however was this last minute casino hiccup that happened and Max so far was well over half an hour late without so much as a text. Bliss was running a little late but she had at least texted to tell him she was stuck in traffic after being at Belle’s. Honestly he and Bliss were a bit alarmed about what Tess was doing at DGI and also they were both concerned about how cavalier Max was with her pregnancy. Surely she had to know that the entire family wanted her to just sit back and enjoy it if there was anything her behavior with Sebastian lately was even more alarming. She should be enjoying this moment in her life that she was going to have a baby with the man that she now claimed to love, but it felt like everything involving Max a show, just to have a show. Like their wedding and their entire life together was a huge show. He wondered for a moment if it was because Max knew that he and Bliss were planning to have a baby, though deep down he knew that was false she had gotten pregnant months before they did.

When he heard the conference room open and Max sauntered in without a care in the world he almost rolled his eyes at her but instead pursed his lips, she was not his problem in that way anymore. He was completely focused on his marriage to Bliss and their pregnancy but the antics had to stop with Max. It was causing unnecessary drama for her entire family and now Bliss, frankly Bliss didn’t need the added stress. “So nice of you to pencil us in today, for a moment here I thought we’d actually miss Mason and Zach’s wedding because you can’t like, make a phone call to tell everyone you were late. Listen I get that your life now is constantly harassing Belle because you are jealous of all the time that she spent with your dad before he died. Listen I know that you like to be petty but could you calm it down this time?” Hunter said, looking at her and then putting the papers down on the conference table. “Bliss really doesn’t need the added stress of you and her again going at it with Belle in the middle. She already had a lot to deal with when I was arrested, the stress of that could have really hurt her or the baby. I would like to think as a soon to be mother I thought you would at least understand. Maybe you need to take time off to focus on you and Sebastain more.” He finished and there was a lot going on with all the family drama he wanted to just calm down.

Outwardly composed, Max’s inner dialogue used every single vile, vulgar word possible to describe her feelings towards Bliss and Hunter. How dare, of all people, Hunter try and slither his way back into her personal life. He’s her ex-husband, and ex-husband is the category she desired to keep him placed in. As for Bliss, the mere scent of her presence made Max want to full-on vomit in the mere hope of her disappearing. Unbothered by Hunter’s inquisition of her own pregnancy, Max momentarily ignored Hunter’s slight pause in judgment.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, but I do have other things to do in my day. And while I would love to just say ‘let’s go to a wedding,’ we do have important things to discuss. The plans for the casino opening need to be discussed and finalized. We are running out of time, and that is where our focus should be.”

She didn’t want to be so cavalier over Mason and Zach’s impending wedding, but she could not let Hunter run a meeting she had so much riding on. Continuing to feel a bit triggered, Max continued, “As for my pregnancy, I am completely fine. If you are so worried about my post-pregnancy and maternity leave plans, perhaps you should focus on your wife’s state, because it sounds like she may not be able to handle what we’re dealing with, because I am perfectly fine and capable of handling this meeting, as well as the casino opening. Your concern is not welcomed. Perhaps you should be focused on your little tart’s impending spawn.”

Hunter looked over at Max raising an eyebrow at her. The hostility needed to be taken down several levels in his opinion when it came to her and Bliss, maybe not Belle but Bliss was his wife not to mention her sister. A sister that had lied for her to stay out of jail with Philip and he thought the two had worked through everything last year when it came to how they felt about everything. He had assumed that Max was simply okay with him moving on with his life even if that was with Bliss and it wasn’t like she wasted time either. She was shacking up in Spain with Sebastian right after the ink was dry, hell if he loved Max in that way he probably would have felt the same way that Jackie did seeing Tess back with Lowell. “Mason is getting married today. I’d like to actually make it to his wedding so would Bliss. Granted Lord knows not everything revolves around you Max and it hasn’t for years but I didn’t think you’d actually be so damned selfish towards Mason of all people. I get it, it’s been hard with your dad dying like he did and the change at the company but leaving me or Blis hanging for your earliest convenience is frankly childish.” Hunter said looking at her and putting the meeting notes down on the table he had better things to do than fight with her.

“I really don’t get this switch with you, you have everything you could ever want me free from your ankle, a man that worships the ground you walk on, a pending child and all you can do is lash out at me or Bliss every chance you get. I would like to think my ass and Bliss covering for you when shooting Philip at least made you see things differently. Then again maybe I was wrong about it all, we’re all worried about you because we care about you. I saw the way you treated Sebastian at the Summit like he was some servant that was out to do your bidding. Stress isn’t good for any pregnancy Max hell anyone that has had a baby can tell you that.” He said his voice rising at her and then he narrowed his eyes further. She was going to stop referring to Bliss as a tart, Bliss had been nothing but a damned saint with Max and the rest of her family left and right since she came to town. Not to mention his son or daughter too, it was cold and callous of Max. “I’m going to ask you to stop referring to your sister as a damned tart. You want to hash this out, let’s hash it out. I was going to divorce your selfish ass no matter if she came to town or not. Do I need to make a list? Ryan Walker and Philp should be the first two who knows about the rest. You never loved me. Heaven forbid that people actually want to be together and happy, excited about actually spending time together and having a baby. Thanks but your concern or lack thereof for our baby let alone your own is alarming.” He finished folding his arms as he looked at his ex.

By the time Bliss left her mother’s house her head was spinning. It was a relief to know she and Belle were on the same page but she felt bad their bonding was over Tess’ machinations. She liked to think they would’ve come together even without their mother’s scheming but when this was all over, when DGI was delivered back to the rightful Devonshires, where would they all land? She’d thought she’d had Tess figured out but now she wondered, did a part of her really think this was what they wanted? Lowell would have been furious with her mother. That she’d seen how close he was to dying and set it all up was obvious but the how of it wasn’t clear yet. Surely she’d had help. It seemed beyond her mother’s reach to make it all happen. She’d puzzle it out with Hunter later but now they had to get through this meeting with Max. She hurried to the conference room catching the last bit of what Hunter was saying. It sounded like things were going just as poorly here. Max was glaring at her husband who was clearly annoyed. “I’m so sorry I’m late. I got here as quickly as I could,” she kissed Hunter, pulling a face while facing away from Max. Hunter was more than capable of dealing with Max but who wanted to? She seemed determined to be her nastiest self still and quite frankly, everyone’s patience was wearing thin. One thing she knew, she wasn’t bringing Tess up in front of Max. That would be like dangling fresh meat in front of a hungry bear who just came out of hibernation. “I’m obviously interrupting. I’m not sure if I have good timing or bad.” So, more of the same about her and Hunter and how Max suddenly has a problem with it? She refrained from rolling her eyes.

“Max, if you have something to say just, say it. This vicious bitch routine? We’ve seen it all before and it’s old. You tried to humiliate me and Hunter at the funeral and you failed. At dad’s funeral, Max! You couldn’t just say goodbye to him with some dignity? You’re such an attention whore. Do you think he’d be proud of you? Now I walk in on you going for round two with my husband. Aren’t you bored with this? You can’t believe you’re going to convince me or Hunter or anyone else that we’ve taken anything from you. Hunter and I are solid. You can’t tear us apart or turn us against each other. So, I don’t know? If it makes you feel better, take your best shot, I guess? But we won’t be losing any sleep over it.” She looked over at Hunter. Had she been too harsh? At this moment, she didn’t even care. It paled in comparison to the way Max was acting. Was she giving Sebastian the same treatment? She hardly talked about him or the baby. She didn’t seem to be settling into domestic life in any way. Not that she had to give up her career or anything like that but she wasn’t acting like a woman who was about to have a family of her own. At this rate, that baby was going to come out more mature. “I’m starting to wonder if there’s anyone you actually do care about. Your baby? Hunter’s right. He doesn’t seem to be a priority for you. Truthfully, we’re worried about you. You’re still working a ridiculous amount. I haven’t seen you take any time to relax. Your life is going to change completely when the baby’s born. You must know that. You have nieces and nephews. Unless you’ve been so self absorbed this whole time you haven’t noticed them? Have you thought about what you’re going to do then? Have you thought about names? Decorated the nursery? Planned your maternity leave? This is happening whether you’re ready or not. You’re going to have a baby in a matter of weeks. And all at once, it’s going to be the most amazing and the scariest thing that’s ever happened to you.”

Max almost fumed while she looked at them both the indignation that they had any business with her and Seb or her pregnancy, when in fact it was Bliss’s mother that was causing all this strife to begin with. Everyone was nagging her lately left and right when in fact what she was more worried about was Bliss’s bitch of a mother getting her hands all over her father’s legacy and company. As if being his last wife was some honor or that her father would let her and then these two had the audacity to try and side line her? “Didn’t have to try and humiliate either of you. I simply stated facts and didn’t sugar coat how you two came to be. What did you want me to do lie to everyone while I eulogized my childhood with him and how I came to be with Sebastian? I mean you two did get together while I was still married to Hunter or did you simply forget about that and how I simply bowed out because the circus you bring around you was too much even for me?” Max said looking at her sister and waving her off the concern felt so fake tat the moment given what happened with their father and how Tess had seemed to just jump right in and attempt to take over everything. Yet here she and Hunter were to tell her what to do now? What gave her the damned right?

“Of course you won’t lose sleep Bliss you never do, the most laughable thing here is that you and Hunter feel the need to judge me and my pregnancy. Shouldn’t you both be worried about your own if I wanted your input I would ask for it. But we all know that you can’t keep your nose out of it just like your mother and this stunt she is pulling at DGI. So worried about my child and yet here you are with Fox just parading around happy as can be. Sebastian knew what he was getting into when we got together. He knew I was career driven and I’m not interested in domesticated bliss. I am sure Sebastian is handling the nursery just fine, he doesn’t need me to help with it.” Max said finally taking a seat while she looked at both of them hiding the urge to roll her eyes at the insinuations and fake concern they showed. Her focus was on the casino launch and then from there outing Tess Blisston from her father’s legacy. She for one didn’t understand all the fuss she most certainly wasn’t going to sacrifice her career for Sebastian let alone their child, if Bliss or Dani wanted to do that it was on them. “I get that you have no ambition in life other than trying to take over my life and push out children, you and Dani can go commiserate over that and leave me alone to handle your awful mother.” Max finished opening up her tablet and making a few notes before she looked at Bliss. “So about the opening obviously I will be cutting the ribbon with Ronan and you and Hunter can stay in the back.”

Before she knew it, a bark of laughter had escaped from Bliss as she imagined her and Hunter relegated to the crowd. Closing her mouth, she met Max’s eyes with an incredulous stare. She felt Hunter by her side and put a hand on his arm. “I’m fine. It’s ok. I am not letting her get to me. Not after the morning I had and not on the day of our friends’ beautiful wedding.” Turning back to her sister she wasn’t backing down and she wasn’t going to let Max run her off which is what she really wanted. To avoid having to hear the truth or deal with any feelings. She’d never understand how Max and Jackson could be such polar opposites as twins. “I have put just as much into this Casino as you have and you are not pushing us aside at the ribbon cutting or in any other capacity when it comes to this project. You are not an island, Max. It took the entire team to bring this to fruition and I’m not going to roll over and let you take all the credit so you can show everyone how important you are, big sister. I never dreamed we’d have to rehash this conversation but I am every bit a Devonshire, same as you.” She’d fought too hard to rebuild herself after Dimitri only to allow Max to devalue her contributions now. A fact that her mother had reminded her of earlier in the day when she was so cavalier about the hell that man had put her through. Nor was her mother going to be the reason she was suddenly thrust back to square one with her family. But really, it was just Max. Everything was all about Max, all the time. It was exhausting.

“You’re deflecting. You’re using Hunter and I to distract yourself and everyone else from the real problem which is that you’re gearing up to be the mother from hell. What is wrong with you?” She grew up with Jackie of all people. How did she end up like this? “I was separated from Fox for so long. Almost his entire, short little life and I missed so much. So, you’re right that Hunter and I are deliriously happy and we’ll keep parading around as you’ve said, with Fox and with his little brother or sister when they come. You’re not the only one who lost Dad. He wouldn’t have wanted this for you or the baby. In fact, he would have hated the way you’re acting.” Bliss told her, putting the documents and blueprints and everything else back into their respective folders and piles. Maybe this baby was making her hangry or maybe her mother had drained what patience she had today but she was over it. Max wasn’t listening to a word they said. Hopefully once the casino opening was behind them she would be more amenable to hearing them out. And quite frankly, she had her own bun in the oven to think about. There was no way of knowing how far everything with Tess would go but it was sure to be stressful in its own right. Maybe she could talk to Jackson about Max at the reception. He’d at least have more insight into how they could reach her. “I think we’re done here. Hunter and I can recite the opening night plan in our sleep. We’ll be front and center at the ribbon cutting even if I have to enlist Ronan to run interference with you. We’ve got this. Go home and get ready for the wedding but please don’t bring that morose attitude with you.”

Hunter decided no matter what he said or did Max was going to do her own thing regardless and if she wanted to be bitter about their divorce she could, he was over it. He was happy with Bliss and if she wanted to pretend that life was going to just continue on as it had after her child was born she could. He gathered up his coat and wrapped his arm around Bliss helping her into her own as well. He gathered their things watching Max stew as a smirk appeared on her face like she had won something against him and Bliss. In reality she hadn’t the only thing that she had done was isolate herself even further and what for? Because she was mad at Bliss and Tess? “Bliss is right, we really need to get ready for Mason’s wedding. You can schedule the opening whenever you would like we will both be there right up front with you. You know the sad thing about all this Bliss is trying over here with you. We really do hope that you find the happiness you want in your life before you can’t. Let’s go.” Hunter said hiding Bliss out of the door so that she couldn’t argue anymore with whatever Max wanted to spew back.

Max watched them both leave with that smirk on her face as she looked around the conference room. This casino was going to be the thing that put DGI back on the map just like Rory’s app, Jackson’s solar panels and then Chauncey’s weapons contracts too. They were going to be back on top and then they were going to come hard for Tess. She didn’t care if it took all her time and energy she was going to make sure the company was out of Tess’s hands, Bliss wanted to be on the other side of that fight she could be. Sebastian could be home with the baby while she helped snatch that back to her family. She picked up her phone texting her assistant to send some swatches over to Seb for the nursery whatever she felt was best for the baby of course. Before closing the phone folding her arms as she got a text from Sebastian that his mother’s plane was about to land in an hour or two. It was already starting in her mind him trying to confine her to the house she couldn’t stand Regina Navarro.

**********

Mason had left work after breaking up Jackson and Lex inside of Lex’s office wondering if his co-worker was actually going to press charges or not on Jackson, who was furious. Didn’t help that he had almost caught him killing Lex but on the other hand could he blame him if what Zach had theorized was true? Lex installing that software on Dani’s phone to drive a wedge between one of his closest friends and Dani to gain Dani back seemed like a huge risk. Then again DGI was vulnerable since Lowell’s news about his illness leaked so if anyone wanted to strike it would be the ample time and opportunity. Plus it wasn’t like Lex had been subtle with things either, sure he kept claiming the St. Christopher’s fundraiser was for charity but he felt it was more a way to try and worm his way back into Dani’s life. Regardless he had pulled Jackson off, shoving him out of Lex’s office before his friend got arrested, reminding him he was getting married in a few hours and couldn’t bail him out. He was elated when he arrived at his childhood home to see it decked out and he wondered where Zach was probably getting ready in the guesthouse with his wedding party. For himself he wasn’t even nervous; he had those first date butterflies at the excitement of it all and knew his party would be a little late and he enjoyed taking it all in. When he spotted Selina inside his room though he smiled at his sister wrapping her up in his arms. He joked her trip with Elliot had been good for her souL and he swore she looked more at ease now and dare to say it fully happy.

“You look happy sis, not that you weren’t before or anything but like a weight if off that trip back to Chicago must have been worth it. I know I have kinda let you and Elliot do your own thing even though at first I couldn’t stand that man, but I’ve warmed up to him. He’s dropped a bit of that pretentiousness that made me dislike his ass when he came to town. Plus as long as he treats you right I don’t have a problem with him. I was also really glad you took a break and went with him Selina, I know you aren’t thrilled with the direction Lowell went at DGI.” Mason said looking at his sister speaking honestly on her and Elliot was easy after everything that she had been through with Chauncey and Dimitri she deserved to be happy. The other side was that he knew that she wanted Chauncey as CEO and that didn’t happen. He was simply on the legal team at DGI and Jackson was his best friend, but he could tell his sister was bothered by DGI and their past with it, their legacy or lack thereof with it. “You finally get to meet Monique and Zeke and his parents? I’m getting married in a few hours but me and Zach are dying to know how your trip went. You ever want to take a break from all the corporate stuff I know Jamal would run pops place with you you know?”

Selina placed her hand on her hip to listen to Mason ramble on and on about her trip and she giggled seeing him so invested in her relationship. “Well if you’re asking if I got my back cracked then the answer is yes. Secondly Zeke is an adorable little gentleman and totally a superstar. I know that boy is something special because his parents are amazing. Monique is quite the woman and she welcomed me and his parents loved me. I actually helped his mom make some gumbo and gave her some of dad’s tips. She was thankful and I really had a good time after all the drama.” She looked at the house and touched Mason’s hands. “Dad would be so proud that you and Zach are committing to each other. I know that at first he was an ass and then when he finally came around it was truly inspirational to see where you two were going. I’m sorry he didn’t get to see all the good you two will do in the world. I mean I remember you saying how many kids you two are going to adopt. I’m excited to have Zach as a brother and I’m even more excited to walk my brother down the aisle. It’s a very non-traditional wedding but the beauty is everywhere in what you two are doing.” She wasn’t sure if Mason was ready to hear what Penny said. Wedding day or not he wasn’t going to sit back and not tell him what she found out.

“Do you remember Penny who was mom’s nurse when we were little kids? Well I visited her and she is as crass as ever. She however did tell me something I didn’t want to know. I’m glad to know it now because I think I have an idea of why our father took his life.” Selina pointed to the deliveries of the flowers to place them in the back. As she led Mason to the living room and closed the doors. “Sit down brother, Penny is under the assumption that our mother beat her breast cancer years ago. That she was in perfect health when she died and she doesn’t believe our mother is dead at all. With all the clues and things I’ve been finding out.” She looked down and finally made eye contact with her brother. “I am inclined to believe our mother might be alive and that she visited dad or let him know she was alive and it drove him to kill himself.”

Mason had been looking at his tux hanging on a hanger and walked into the bathroom to change while listening to his sister about her trip. It sounded perfect for her and after everything she had been through he loved that for her. He looked at himself in the mirror. This was going to be the happiest day of his life next of course to any adoption days he and Zach had in the future. He smiled at the thought that his dad’s cooking and recipes were still getting out into the world. Honestly he always thought he should make a cookbook, he would have told him that even if it meant publishing with Greer of all people. He went to work on his tie when he stepped out of the bathroom and smiled as she helped him tie it, always doting on the little brothers she had with him and Jamal. He wondered if she would be like this had their mother lived and part of him froze up at it, he remembered Penny from back then. Had been a bit harsh when they were younger and loud too, and sometimes he remembered the way that his mother would always side eye her. His father was always good to Penny though and the in-home care that she always provided their mom during her cancer. She had left right after the funeral was over and he always assumed that she had just transferred jobs and went on. He remembered their dad talking about her wanting to go on back to school for a masters. He grabbed his shoes as he followed her to the living room.

“Mom’s nurse yeah I remember her when mom was doing the treatments here at the house she would come like three times a week. Maybe she didn’t know what she was saying, people get old and cynical Selina, maybe she has guilt over the fact that mom was terminal and there was nothing anyone could do. I’ve read about health care workers having this sense of guilt over it. Maybe she is projecting. Dad sat us down and we had that talk right before mom died, mom then saw us too and told us the same thing, we cried a lot. Her coffin was closed we had a funeral.” Mason said looking at her and seeing that she was serious as he began to tie his shoes he had wondered if all the digging was going to lead to this. Selina digging for answers with their dad’s suicide answers that he didn’t really think they would ever really have answers to there was no note. He missed their father but like Jamal he was trying to move forward that is what their dad would have wanted. “I don’t know what demon’s dad was facing down Selina. I think everyone has those thoughts you know the dark recesses of your mind about things you have done in the past. Do I think mom faked her death and then boogey manned dad, no you have hearsay. Dad had the death certificate. I know this is hard for you okay you knew mom in ways I didn’t but I’m getting married in a few hours. Didn’t expect you to try and drop that on me before it.”

“Mason!” She shrieked, almost alarming herself. “Look, I’m not trying to make this event about what I’ve been doing. But I need you to read these while on vacation with Zach. It’s your turn now and I’m not trying to scare or make you think I’m going crazy. If you read these it doesn’t sound like a dying woman. Lowell’s remorse was palpable but mom was just as volatile as the first page of her diaries.” She handed him all her diaries wrapped in a ribbon. “I knew you would think I was reaching for something but I have this feeling Mason. Things are changing and I know you seem to think that this is my imagination or that I’m trying to find some reason. It started out as a reason but I am starting to think our mother truly faked her death and why did Jeremiah Beecher just show up assuming he had a piece of our pie. It was because she sent him.” Selina gripped her arms as she turned away. Thinking of her mother’s frail body and how she told her she would always love them. “I don’t want to believe this shit. I don’t want to believe it either but something inside of my body. Something isn’t right and I sense it.” She turned back to Mason. “Penny wasn’t lying. I visited her and that woman is crass and over the top bitch but she didn’t have reason to lie. The payout she said was for faking our mother’s death. Gloria Delacroix isn’t innocent and I’m not lying when I say she isn’t a good person or mother. Do you know she was the catalyst for everything that happened with Walter and Lowell?” Gulping, she looked at him.

“I know this might shock you when I say this but Jeremiah called me. Almost as if the bastard could sense I was onto him. He asked to speak with me because he’s offering me the CEO position at BA Energy.  The top oil company in Europe, Africa, and South America did you know he was the CEO? Not only was he smart enough to run a law firm and scoop Elliot out of the ghetto but he also was brilliant and had enough time to run a fortune 500 business that Lowell has tangled with in the past? That’s bullshit Mason and you know that. You and I both know that it’s bullshit.” She remembered how hard law school was for Mason and how demanding Julian was on him. At the same time if Mason was running a CEO position it would be no feasible way. That meant something else was in the brew. “I just should stop, this is crazy, I sound crazy! I am a top executive at DGI, have a man who loves me and I’m here getting amazing offers and I’m being a conspiracy theorist.” She felt silly saying it out loud. Her mother was dead or else where in the fuck had that woman been.

Mason didn’t think Selina was trying to make his wedding about what she had been chasing but he also thought she was maybe starting to sound like a conspiracy theorist. Maybe she needed a break but she was reaching in his logical mind, raising people from the dead, a faked death all sounded like a very badly made sci-fi movie to him. Plus it wasn’t like his mother ddn’t have enemies from the sound of it, maybe Penny simply lied because she fucking could because she was mad at his mother. ““Honestly I had no idea that mom was involved in that, I just thought it was Walter being a stubborn ass and our godfather being who he was too. People lie Selina maybe Penny would to get you to come home early and to fill your head because she knew you were upset.“ He said quietly as he held the diaries in his hand, seeing the ribbon wrapped around them like Selina thought it was a good gift to bestow upon him and he wondered if that was her way of reacting to Lowell’s death. First their father, he had come to terms with the suicide he may never have all the answers to why it happened but he did know that his father loved him, Selina and Jamal. Life was hard enough most of the time and he didn’t know his father’s demons but he did remember how he felt and how Zach had saved him and maybe mental illness was something that they needed to talk more about as a family. He honestly didn’t know what to do and he let it sink in that their mother was probably the cause of that big schism that happened in the first place with Lowell and Walter, the thing that changed their course just as much as Zach’s uncle sometimes he felt guilty for it, the wealth that he inherited from it.

“You’ve been upset since the Summit and since you decided you didn’t like who Lowell picked as CEO and maybe processing all that has your mind racing.” Mason said looking at her and placing the diaries down on the table he wanted her to be okay and maybe now was the best time to have that hard conversation with her. The one that he got their dad’s struggle but he found someone to talk to after Zach saved him and maybe she needed to do the same with Elliot’s support. “I mean Jeremiah seems like a leech there is no denying that and who knows what went on between him and mom, but dad denied him in the end so that is what matters. He probably picked Elliot up and out of the ghetto because as much as I disliked Elliot in the beginning his record is pretty amazing for a lawyer. Maybe on top of Jeremiah being a world renown asshole he likes to dip his hands in and out of business not something I want to do you know?I think if you want a fresh start from DGI maybe you take it.” He moved towards her giving her a hug before pulling back not wanting her to be super concerned with the past he wring his hands for a bit before he took a breath. “I think you want answers about how or why dad could have done what he did. I was there once after me and Simon. I felt so alone Selina, so hurt and confused and Zach found me and told me to call and get help. Maybe dad didn’t know how to ask for help, there ain’t no shame in that and if you need to talk to someone too about everything you’re going through then let’s do that okay?”

Selina knew she sounded crazy however her gut wasn’t wrong. That was what Lowell loved about her and her gut was telling her that woman wasn’t lying. She smiled knowing how scared she must be making Mason. He must have thought she was certifiable? That made her sick to her stomach. Her baby brother who always depended on her was now thinking she was going crazy. “You’re right Mason, I’m stressed and today is your wedding day baby boy. I shouldn’t even be bringing this to you and maybe Penny was absolutely lying.” All Selina however could think was what if Penny wasn’t. What if her mother had been gallivanting around the world? What if she was somehow all apart of her father’s suicide? Shifting in her seat Selina could feel the heat radiating from her face. “I’ll talk to someone because you’re right all the loss and grief is getting to me. Whatever I went through last year and I have lost so many of the monumental men in my life.” Selina confessed as she looked at LaTonya, her hairdresser arriving.

“If I’m going to give my brother away then I should get ready.” Selina said seeing he hadn’t picked up the diaries. “I’m done with those. I really think you should read them though.” This wasn’t what she wanted to give her brother on his wedding day. Selina prayed that he would receive what she was informing her. But Mason wasn’t ready and today was a celebration. She had to smoke her mother out if she was alive and she had an idea to do just that. “I’ve turned in my resignation at DGI, I’m leaving and I want a new adventure Mason. It’s just my choice right now. To find my own way in the world and find out who the hell I am outside of riding the coattails of the Devonshire’s. I’m more than that and I can do better whatever it is I know I will find my place.” Selina stood up and hugged Mason. “I love you. Wherever mom and dad are in heaven, earth or hell I know they are proud you are marrying the love of your life.”

**********

Greer had been running things from the hospital for two days. Ophelia and Kelsey were on her ass and she deserved it. Rubbing her belly she looked down at him. “You’re about as stubborn as your father. You have to stay inside for a little longer.” She smiled thinking about what Ophelia said. Her condition was absolutely treatable if she just cut back the workload and stopped stressing about the wedding. How could she do that when every moment she feared that everything would unravel. Teasing her hair she bit her lip as she looked at her chart. If Brock ever put the dates together. The conception date was on Valentine’s Day. They had the ugliest fight and her disdain for the Fraiser made her run right into Chauncey. Wrapping her arms around herself she began to take a deep breath. Closing her eyes trying to shake the image of Chauncey slamming into her body. As opened her eyes she knew Brock was the man she had to focus on but somehow Chauncey kept living in her mind rent free. Last night Greer had a dream that she was at her son’s graduation from high school and Chauncey and the Devonshire’s revealed the truth to him. For the last few nights these dreams had consumed her. Here she was one of the most powerful new publishers and she was honestly afraid of going to sleep. Ophelia warned her that she needed rest.

Teasing her hair she felt flushed in the face. Today she was going home and her short cervix would have to do as told. She wanted the Aldo Beckman award or the Poe award. Pulling the covers back she smiled as she grabbed her laptop and pulled out her phone. “Gail tell me what’s the latest on the stealing of DGI.” Listening to her cub reporter blathering on with idle gossip. “Unless it’s facts we can’t print. I want to know who is running DGI right now!” Hanging up she saw Kelsey walking in. “Um, what are you doing? You’re not my doctor and I don’t believe you should be just snooping through my charts. I don’t like you and I don’t think you could give me bias treatment.” She hissed as she looked at Kelsey. “It’s not like you care about your future nephew. The Fraiser’s are so angry and jealous that Brock wants something more than to be as basic as the rest of this town.”

Kelsey had been doing her rounds she needed to be done in like an hour to make it to the Delacroix estate to get ready with Dani for the wedding and she paused outside of Greer’s room looking at the chart. Ophelia was out for the day and after the bed rest in a hospital bed as a precaution more than anything Ophelia said that Greer was ready to be released. She agreed with the assessment the numbers looked okay, her cervix was still short which meant that preterm labor was super high risk but all the panels had come back clean. The intriguing part for her of course was the apparent due date had Ophelia made a mistake at the first ultrasound had Greer simply gotten her dates mixed up? Swiping up she was determined to get to the bottom of it all and had intended to be cordial with Greer until she started to open her mouth at her and almost rolled her eyes. Her brother was likely downstairs getting everything ready for Greer’s release; maybe the woman would take the advice and not come to the wedding. She closed the door quietly behind her ignoring Greer’s outburst for a moment while she checked her vitals and the machines, no she wasn’t her primary care doctor but she had better get used to it. After the wedding she was taking over Ophelia’s clients which included the awful woman before her and she sat down crossing her legs in her black slacks her white coat flashing her ID to Greer while she folded her hands on her tablet.

“You’re supposed to be on bed rest at the moment with no stress. I’m surprised that Brock let you have the phone back so you could ignore sound medical advice. Ophelia’s out today she told you that yesterday or did you simply forget Mason is getting married you know to my brother later today therefore you’re stuck with me. Believe me the only thing we’re angry about is that of all the women in Atlas Falls, Brock decided to settle for you when he could do so much better.” Kelsey said waving her hand off at Greer as she pursed her lips for a moment she had tried to be nice to the woman before her over and over again. Greer just seemed to push back nad have some irrational hatred about her entire family though whether that be because of what happened between her aunt and Willow’s father she had no idea it wasn’t her business. Greer had constantly gone after Dani since she came to town. “Your vitals look good today and I agree with Ophelia’s assessment that you can and should be able to go home. I already let Brock know and he went downstairs to get everything ready. However looking at your chart I do have a lot of questions like the supposed conception date here with the dating ultrasound. It says around February fourteenth, which is awful odd since you were literally running out of the Pub that night and you and Brock took a break for a few weeks. Just curious about that.” Kelsey finished her eyes narrowing at Greer perhaps is was a simple mistake.

Greer felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew Kelsey was medically in handcuffs. It wasn’t like she could say anything to Brock but she wasn’t going to let Kelsey think she had a one up on her. She chuckled as she titled her head. “What are you trying to say Kelsey? Because I was assaulted by your aunt Lauren we couldn’t have had sex earlier in the day? Just so you know I please your brother all times of the day and night. We just made love yesterday. As for your family’s opinion of me it doesn’t matter because Brock loves me. You all seem to have this weird ties to each other where you think you should put your opinion on each other’s relationships. That isn’t reality because what Brock and I have you will never understand. I mean my cousin Willow is really in love with you but you were having threesomes with Jamal and Val so don’t judge me. You can’t none of you hypocritical Fraiser’s can because you all have fucked up flaws. Each and everyone of you. From Lauren to dead Victoria so please don’t sit here and try to judge me.” Victoria was the catalyst to the destruction of Walter and Lauren furthermore who was Kelsey to sit here and put her opinion on anything when she didn’t know if she was a lesbian or bisexual. “Why is it so hard for you all to stop and just accept that you are about to have me in the family?” Greer said, looking at Kelsey with disgust.

“If you were pregnant would you just let your career go down the drain? Just because I’m working doesn’t mean I’m stressed out. It means I have a media conglomerate to run and I’m not weak and I have the best doctors in Atlas Falls on my case so I doubt anything bad will happen. So stop trying to make me scared, Ophelia said that I shouldn’t be stressed. Putting everything in my father’s hands is stressful because he’s a power hungry tyrant. You have no idea what my life has been like and the sacrifices I have made. Instead of playing with Barbie I was working on my lies and what I would do to DGI. None of you have a idea who I am and what I’ve been through. What is all the more horrible is you all let your preconceived notions of me judge who I am. When Brock clearly sees more in myself, so much more than I even saw in myself. I love your brother, isn’t that enough for you all?” Greer gritted her teeth wondering if she even believed what she was saying. Hopefully it was enough for Kelsey to believe.

“All I am saying is that it’s awful convenient for you to basically admit you had feelings for Chauncey Devonshire and you to take a break. Next thing we all know is that you’re pregnant and of course Brock is the father. You may think its strange but I think we just like to look out for our own, you know warn them when we think they are making a mistake with someone. When they are settling, then again what would you know about that? Your dad told you to come to town to fuck people right?” Kelsey said glaring at her sure the story was plausible she didn’t deny it but the entire thing was always suspect to her. Brock of course went back to her and she wondered if that was because she had played the pregnancy card her brother was honorable to a fault. When Greer started to talk about her and Willow though she almost sneered at the bitch in the bed Willow and her weren’t even a thing when she had the threesome with Val and Jamal, Willow was on tour and they were texting but they weren’t hooking up or even a couple. She physically had to clutch and unclutch her hand when she mentioned Vicky too who was dead and wasn’t even one when she died. “Me and Willow weren’t even a thing when I hooked up with Val and Jamal reaching or projecting on your end much? Then you have the audacity to sit there in that bed and talk about my dead cousin? Classy not like Vicky could even speak for herself, she hadn’t been talking it that much.” Kelsey said shooting daggers at her.

“Oh we’ll tolerate you but accept you? Maybe my mom will or my dad but you us cousins we band together always have. As for my nephew we’ll just pretend that he didn’t come from some vapid bitch and know that he hopefully pretty much takes after my brother. I’m a doctor. If I were to get pregnant down the line I’d damn sure listen to my doctor’s sound medical advice and not keep pushing it to endanger myself or the baby I was carrying. My career could simply wait till I knew they were safe and could return to it.” Kelsey said looking at Greer this was so not about her career it was about the fact that no matter what Ophelia had told her it was going in one ear and out the other. She got that Greer had a hard life there was no debate in that from what Willow had told her or what Brock had said but the problem was that Greer used that as an excuse to be awful to people around her. Or to think that she was better than her entire family, who worked hard for what they had and simply were close was that such a bad or awful thing? “So just your father works for you I thought your uncle did too? Listen no one is telling you to not work or not have a career my mother did it while pregnant, so did my aunt but they both listened to their doctors when they were told to. You sit there and look down at my entire family any chance you get like we’re inferior to your pretentious ass. You want some honestly from me right now I think you’re selfish, there I said it selfish which makes me wonder if that will change once my nephew is born. Hence why myself and others are struggling with you.”

Greer sat up and looked at Kelsey with contempt. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. I never looked down on you if anything I was jealous.” She seethed back at Kelsey. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to come from Pierre LeClerq? When his mind is always on revenge and he trained me to be just as lethal. Now I’m trying but when your aunt or you even come at me what am I supposed to do?” She said becoming emotional. “You have no idea about my life and what makes matters worse is that you all won’t give me a chance. Is it true I hurt Dani yes but I didn’t attack your entire family. Lauren hating me get it that’s her daughter but all of you are extreme. You are like a ravenous pack of wolves looking to feed on me because I’m rich and I want my son to have it all. Don’t you want the same for Dylan and Delilah? Lucy is a convict right now and you all don’t hate her. I can’t do this right now.” She gripped her stomach. As she looked at Kelsey. “This baby is the only good in my life. You can look at me as if I’m the bad guy but the love I have for Brock is immense and I am trying Kelsey I truly am.” She said as she turned over and said something she never thought she would say. “I want my mother and I want to be better but nobody sees my pain and life isn’t easy. I’m not easy but you all aren’t innocent. You all attack and claw at me and when I fight back you say I’m a beast.”

Greer lips quivered because Kelsey was on the money. She pegged her because this wasn’t Brock’s child but Chauncey’s. “I made love to him on Valentine’s Day and I guess because I’m not likable to you, that means I’m a whore.” She shrugged as she looked back at Kelsey. “Get out right now. I don’t want you as my doctor. I don’t want you near me and if that is the case that Ophelia is retiring, I’ll go to the public hospital before I come near you again. Get out Kelsey! You talk about following medical orders and you’re stressing me out! Your family wants my child to die or something. I can’t keep this up.” Greer said beginning to hyperventilate. “I can’t! I can’t keep doing this with you. I’m pregnant! I can’t keep this up! I can’t keep doing this. I can’t breathe.” She said shaking. “You hate my baby and me! You hate him!” She screamed as she saw how shocked Kelsey was and it looked like remorse was waving over her. Good she was seriously having a panic attack but she saw Kelsey knew she was out of line. “Get out! Go!” She didn’t want Kelsey or any Fraiser but Brock near her. She felt like she was losing the air inside of her body. “Go!” She gasped as she squeezed the rail.

“Coming at you? I’m just trying to figure out if there was some mixup with your ultrasound or not, normally they’re pretty accurate for dating. You seem to be getting awfully upset at me asking a few simple questions so maybe you do have something to hide. I want Brock to be happy with a woman that is worthy of him and not blinded by whatever it is you think are offering him. I find it intriguing that you really think that money can literally buy your ass happiness or that my brother would even really care about money at the end of the day with you. Newsflash he really doesn’t care, money doesn’t buy you happiness or provide it for you then again your vain self can’t get that through your head. Lucy made some mistakes and owned them, I’ve actually never seen you own any of yours.” Kelsey said looking at Greer and debating if she was going to push it further it just didn’t add up for her at the moment. Greer and Brock get into this massive fight and Greer then discovers she was pregnant. The theatrics at this point to her were just exhausting when it came to her protests. On the other hand she was a doctor and she did take an oath to do no harm and she intended to fulfill that even with the women in front of her. “No one in our family is wishing your child any harm.”

She turned to the door and saw her brother on the other side and resisted the urge to roll her eyes as Greer clung to the guardrail, her vitals were good she was going to release her and maybe Brock would have some common sense. Besides, she needed to clock out and then head over to the mansion to get ready with Dani and Zach. “There you are, I was wondering if you were ever coming back. I was just chatting with Greer. The baby looks fine, the bleeding has stopped. I’m going to go ahead and release her but like Ophelia I would really advise her to take it easy and maybe even go on bed rest for a few more weeks. The baby after all is everyone’s first priority right now as it should be.” Kelsey said, shooting her eyes at Greer for a moment, how crass was this woman thinking or insinuating that anyone in her family wanted her baby to die? She may of been a bitch at times but no one would wish that upon anyone, given how her cousin had died in that lake or her other cousin’s miscarriage. “I really have no idea why she takes everything so personally or how you put up with the theatrics all the time. I gotta run though I am sure Zach is anxious for us all to get started at the wedding.”

Brock had been downstairs at the pharmacy getting the medications filled for Greer and texting his brother that yes they would be there for the wedding. His truck was ready to take Greer home as well after her stay for a few days at the hospital. He was still a bit shaken at how everything had happened. One minute they were back together and had made love the next she was bleeding and spotting. His mother had come and assured him it was normal and then Ophelia had as well but he did wish Greer had taken care of herself more and took some time off. He wasn’t even sure if it was okay for her to go to the wedding but he couldn’t very well miss Zach’s wedding to Mason and had assured him that he at least would be there. He picked up some lovely roses from the gift shop before riding the elevator back up to the maternity floor and saw Greer clearly upset and then looked at his sister wondering what she had done or said. More so was this always going to be how it was and he nodded his head at her when she said Greer could go home.

“Greer are you alright? She was fine when I left and you know stress isn’t good for her. Kelsey, what in the world did you say to her? You can’t just.” Brock said  starting to child his sister and he was a bit flabbergasted when she simply just left and he could swear she rolled her eyes at him. He went to Greer’s side placing his hand on her shoulder to let her know that he was there for her. Cleary something had happened but it was still Zach’s day and maybe that was why his sister had simply left. Running his hand through his hair as he started to help Greer out of bed. “What happened? I can’t tell them all where to shove it later after Zach says I do if I don’t actually know what happened.” Brock said looking at Greer and hoping it didn’t come to that, cutting out his siblings.

“She’s just doing what she always does, which is chastise me and criticize me! I can’t Brock. I want another doctor asap because isn’t this against some oath you’ve taken? I just can’t with your family.” Greer calmed down as she saw the exasperated expression on Kelsey. Poor Fraiser’s they thought they’d win against her. Greer wrapped her arms around Brock as she looked at Kelsey behind the hug showing her that she wasn’t going to allow her to keep interfering with her relationship. She had her fucking brother whipped and wrapped around her finger. No way would he turn against her or this baby. It was everything that Brock Fraiser wanted and they both knew that. This was his chance to have it all. If Kelsey, Zach and even the jailbird kept pushing she’d take him from underneath their noses. Watching Kelsey leave she smirked. Biting her lips as she looked back at him. “I really want to attend the wedding. Brock and I really have to show them I’m willing to be a Fraiser. I’m going to show all of them that I’m the woman for you. I promise Brock you won’t lose the people most important to you.” She picked up his hand, determined to keep pulling him in deeper.

“Our son is doing fine and Kelsey is releasing me so I want to be at that wedding and I want to show them all.” She said confidently. “And if anyone stresses me, we will leave.” This little boy was a blessing because if things ever got dicey she could feign pain or uncomfort. “I love you Brock, and we will figure this out because you are my husband and the man I truly love.” Chauncey Devonshire was once her soulmate and he said all but said they couldn’t be at the church. It was over and she was going to get a happy ending one way or another.”

**********

Ivan was in Scottwood putting his ear to the streets again because honestly he had no other choice. This motherfucker literally killed a defenseless old woman and a cat. He did it as a warning sign. All Ivan could do is see Simon in danger right now because his uncle had fired the first warning shot. This was him showing him he had access to the life he had created for himself. He’d always said it would end that sick motherfucker if he could. It ended now and tonight the torment he was putting him through. How could he keep raping him over and over again. He was free right now and if he could he’d ask God why? Why did he make his uncle fucking molest him? Why make him the monster in all his nightmares? Gulping he looked down at Simon’s gun. If he had to he would cap that old motherfucker and they’d be smoking on Hector. He was sadistic and he knew that from a long time ago. The things he did to him you don’t do that to family. So far all he had on Hector was that he was up under Gia, that mobster bitch from Canada. It was said that his uncle had quite a kill list now and that he wasn’t to be fucked with. He left blood everywhere he went and that meant he wasn’t going to play nice.

As he pulled out of Scottwood and toward downtown. He was so far removed from his life being in the hood and just one of Kendrick’s runners. He had a hit EP and he was one of the most hot rap acts in America. Now he was fucking up. He would have to kill Hector and what would happen? What would happen to his career and everything he was trying to build. His father was just saying how proud of him he was and maybe he could get him off him. Then it would be fucking saying that every whisper was true about him and Hector. He wouldn’t do that as he pulled into his apartment parking garage parking. Placing the gun behind his back and underneath his shirt. Walking through the hallway for some reason he was on high alert and he felt like something was going to happen. When a group of three teens came charging around the corner. Ivan almost pulled out his gun and because his heart nearly popped through his chest. He could feel his uncle’s presence everywhere right now. Gulping as he slowly dragged his feet until he made it to his door. His heart still beating fast, he unlocked the door and clicked on the light to his apartment and he nearly began to cry. How did he get in? His body literally froze at the sight of his uncle. He was older but that smile. That look of lust and hunger was all in his eyes. His hands began to shake feverishly. “What are you doing here?”

Hector sat swirling Oreo collar on his hand as he stared at his beautiful nephew. He could smell the fear on Ivan. It was almost like an aphrodisiac, he could feel himself getting hard at the thought of hurting and violating Ivan. He almost loved Ivan as much as he loved Gia. Gia was special though. She feared nothing including him and that electrified him. No other woman would be his wife. No other woman would understand his darkness like Gia. She was the epitome of his soulmate but this boy wasn’t going to shame the family. So he sent a warning to Ivan and now he understood all this talk about him coming out was done. “Your father doesn’t deserve what you are trying to do to him sobrino. You have been busy as fuck changing your life. Nice digs by the way, horrible security but great place. We’ve been through this a million times. He nearly ended your life when he found you kissing a boy. Sobrino, why must you keep trying him?”

Hector stood up and walked up to Ivan with open arms. “Come give your uncle some love. Or are you going to stand there and look stupid?” Pulling him into a hug tightly he took a deep sniff of his smell. “Look at you looking like money and nobody benefitting from it. Have you sent some money to your Ma? You should have fucking been given her everything because she saved you faggot. You remember what I used to do to you?” He wrapped his hand on his neck. As he gripped Ivan’s neck and slammed him into a wall. Placing his elbow to his throat, he leaned in, licking his face. Flipping him around he pressed against him. “I should fucking kill you because you won’t embarrass us nephew. I’m all for you being happy but my love I heard some of your songs. I heard what you were saying about me about your family! I won’t take that.” Hector said furiously. “I swear to God, I’ll kill you if you mess up my life. You see I’ve met the woman of my dreams. I met a woman who makes me feel alive. I made you a man, don’t forget that. I will kill to keep my past a secret and what I did to you was our business.” Patting him down he pulled out the gun placing it to Ivan’s temple. “And what were you going to do with this?”

Ivan quivered when he flipped him around remembering when he used to molest him. His eyes began to water as he started to shake in fear. His stomach clenched as he began to feel that similar bile rising from the depth of his soul. He was sent to live with this monster. Did his new love know how sadistic this man truly was? “No, you won’t silence me.” He felt the gun to his head as he closed his eyes.Tears began to fall down his face because he wouldn’t go out begging. He’d live his truth. He wasn’t going out like this. Ivan had taken bodies in the name of his boys and Kendrick. “Kill me then. Do it because I’m not going to be quiet anymore. You sick man you fucking raped me. You think that you can wash all this away? You can’t silence me. I’m sick of you and if you’re going to kill me do it bitch. I’m not going to be abused or pushed around you or my father!” Elbowing his uncle in the gut. He turned around and punched him with all his might.

Hector gripped his jaw as he fell back onto the ground the gun falling from his hand. He sat up so swiftly as if the hit did nothing to him. Even though it hurt he wasn’t going to show Ivan that he charged at the boy. He began to bob and weave Ivan’s erratic swinging. He was fighting off emotion. He wanted to hurt him. To kill him even but he had given him the truth about what he wanted. He thought he broke that side but the little faggot wanted more. He wanted dick and so he was going to beat his ass and might punish him. He was turned on by the fear of it all. This was the about him understanding he could end his so called happiness. His eye was swelling. Hector finally swiftly moved to the right and swung, connecting to Ivan’s face. His nephew flew into the closet door. He moved fast and kicked him in his chest as he stooped down. “I’m staying in Atlas Falls,I have to protect the love of my life but that Simon Says little EP won’t come out. You won’t shame my brother and my beloved sister-in-law you little faggot. If you don’t end that shit with Simon I swear Ivan I will kill him. I won’t have our family be out there like that. I won’t be the villain for making you a man. Showing you why we don’t do that shit okay. Do you understand me? I did it in jail to survive and I made you stronger you survived didn’t you. Oh and the black boy you better check him too. I’ll kill that fake ass fucker. I swear that EP better never see daylight!” Hector screamed at Ivan. “I’ve been watching you Ivan you’ve been so sloppy.”

Ivan lips were quivering knowing his ribs might be broken. That kick knocked the wind out of him and he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. How could his uncle believe that he made him? His contributions were destructive. He taught him how to cook crack, sell drugs, and molested him. How could he ever get over this? How was he going to protect Simon? How would he protect everyone from this when he was so scared right now. This man haunted him and he was losing air from his body. “Get away from me and you don’t run my life! You can kill me now because I am not running you hear me uncle.”

“Then I guess this means war. When everyone you love and care about is dead and gone you’ll regret those words. I’m here in Atlas Falls for the long haul. I’m going to be around for you to see exactly what I can do. When I’m on top you’ll beg for peace after I’m done sending you to so many funerals. So much blood will be on your hands. But I’ll be seeing you and Simon soon. Is his booty tight? When you were fucking him it looked tight. I can’t wait to share him with you nephew.” Hector swung at Ivan face hitting him again. “Maricon.” He spat in Ivan’s face. “I’ll be seeing you soon nephew.” Hector walked to the gun sitting by Ivan. “You couldn’t hurt me could you nephew because you wanted me.” Picking up the gun he stuffed behind his back. “You don’t need this do you?” Walking out laughing.

Instinctively Ivan’s body curled up into a fetal position as he collapsed into tears. For years he thought about what he’d do if he was face to face with Hector. All he could do was freeze. He wept openly as wails escaped his mouth and the haunting of what happened to him returned. Peeing in the bed until he was beyond a teenager, the stifled aggression, and how he looked at his sexuality as a sin. His mind was fucked up and he knew he couldn’t fight him alone. He had to figure out something because Jamal and Simon had nothing to do with this. They were innocent just like Oreo and Simon’s maid. He couldn’t seem to catch the air inside of his body. Ivan began to cry a little harder because how could he not stop him. He was so mad and now here was cowering. How could he go back to Simon? What would he tell him? Everyone? He had to release that EP when it was already due and Jamal had all but mastered all the tracks. Ivan knew that he was going to have to kill his uncle. He was going to have to do something or he would never get any peace. He’d die before he let Hector touch Simon. He swore to God if there was one he was going to make this shit right. Ivan knew he was gay and he knew that the world deserved to know at this point. This wasn’t him selling his sexuality or his soul this was sharing his soul to the world. Being free from judgment and expectations of being a latino and a gay male. He wasn’t macho or he was tough. No that wasn’t true he survived Hector and this time he wasn’t going to lose. If it was Hector or him he would kill him. Somehow he had bodies under his name but this was different. This was the monster underneath his bed and proverbially the only devil he feared. Hector meant he was going to have to face his mother let him be taken in by someone so sadistic. How his father was only calling for money and how his uncle was a sick predator who was still looking to abuse him.

**********

Lunch was the perfect time for he and Brenda to sit down and catch up before his nephew’s wedding to Mason. Honestly ever since the Summit he had been worried about her health and he recalled his request to Charles that he had followed through with regards to Hunter who was out of jail and home safe with Bliss, a small thing to ask for Brenda’s piece of mind through her new ordeal. He had made the reservation shortly after the Summit at the Rawlings a little too pricey for his tastes but it was as exorbitant as La Callie neither had nor accepted coupons. The Pub was doing fine and business was booming but he has never been one to spend that much money on a meal like this even when married to Lauren. It just wasn’t in their nature the only thing they had actually spent money on when DGI was their house which they purchased in full. After they were outdated DGI financially it was the only stable thing they had Lauren refused to let him spend money on other exorbitant things looking back it was for the best. His children learned the focus of hard work and chores and once they took over the Pub it stabilized out again financially. They bought used cars when needed. They put money away for Bradens college and a little for Dani’s though she had gotten a full ride scholarship. He simply brushed the waiter off as they were seated helping Brenda into her chair while their water was filled.

“Have you spoken to David since breaking the news to your family? I know this has to be hard and takes its toll on you and them. Even Anderson returned home for a bit when he was campaigning and with Hunter out of jail and that business with Dimitri behind us all we can all move forward. I know my children haven’t been as warming to you as either of us has hoped they would.” Walter said looking at Brenda thinking about that part of their relationship his children refused to come around to any of that. He actually blamed Lauren for that enough to brush off her false concern with this nonsense with Dru when she called. If Dani and Jackson were having problems that wasn’t his business he had told his daughter long enough it wouldn’t be roses with Lowell’s son. “Braden will come around Dylan and Madeline are friends and Wyatt is in his circle now. Dani embraced Lowell’s madness as of late on the other side she did let you attend the wedding with me. I had to stop back but with your image and Andersons coming up I was thinking we could now try again, now that the dust has settled. We deserve our shot Brenda its been years and I feel now maybe even more than ever with your current condition.”

Brenda twirled the thick glass in her fingers looking at the glass. She was thinking about her future. Or would she have much future. If she didn’t find a liver she’d be dead in a few years. Exhaling she looked at Walter and gave him that signature smile she had used with Steven for years. Right now years of mistreating her body had caught up with her and she wasn’t ready to die. She wasn’t ready to be done with the man before her. Her children were just having their own kids and how did they need her. “No, we’ve been in contact. I have another appointment soon but I truly don’t want to focus on that. Right now my mind is in survival mode. I’ll do anything to be with you and my children and your children. They might not like me but I will be a part of their lives so they might as well get used to it.” Reaching over she took Walter’s hand and knew she had to tell him this. “All that I do know is that we have years to live out our happy ending and I won’t be going anywhere. The good lord will have to drag me off this earth and that’s a promise Walter.” She said passionately as she squeezed his hand.

“So tell me what’s been going on in your life? I mean you have those adorable grandchildren and Dani seems happy. Although ever since Greer put out that slander piece everyone is questioning if Dani and Jackson are happy because of her.” She said looking at Dru walking into The Rawlings. “You know I am not judgemental about affairs considering we carried on one for years. But something about that girl just rubs me the wrong way ever since I met her. It’s like looking in a odd reverse funhouse mirror version of.” She could tell Walter knew what she was about to say. “I know someone on the come up because I was that girl hungry for validation and even hungrier to be something special. I see it all over her she’s after something and I’m not going to say much but the fact is I know someone who wants to climb to the top of the hill and she’s aiming high.”

Dru walked in hoping to get a steak and a moment of peace. Jackson and Dani hadn’t used her since they returned from Montana. That was alarming and Jackie wasn’t answering her calls when she was supposed to return to work. What if all she had done was for nothing? Looking across the restaurant she saw her parents and a pang instantly hit her. They are together now? Looking so happy and she was supposed to be alright with that? They threw her away and she wasn’t sure how much she could take of them. They didn’t deserve some fantasy happy ending. They deserved to suffer and that’s what she wanted them to do, suffer. It took all her might to not run across the bar and tell them to go to hell. How she was embroiled in so much drama back in Cape Kenitrich. How she carried horrible relationships and how miserable she was. From the moment she was old enough to remember she loved the high life. She knew she was more than the swamp rat that people called her now. She was the daughter of two prominent people and that wasn’t going away. She saw stars her entire life and she stole that money because she knew that she deserved a chance for them to see what they gave up. It was like a moth to a flame she found herself stolling over to their table.

“Mr. Fraiser and Ms. Kincaid right?” She said as looked at Brenda with disgust. She cleaned up her face after a few moments but the subtle aggression was noticed. “I just wanted to speak, and see if you have heard from Jackson and Dani? They’ve been back a few days and haven’t called me. I’m just curious if you know anything?” She said looking at Brenda. “Oh Ms. Kincaid, you’re looking a little pale, you might want to powder your nose. If you see your daughter and son-in-law please tell them to call me.” Dru said snidely with enough concern to not know if it was shade or concern. Flipping her long red hair she smirked as she looked at Walter who she was most interested in. Purposely opening her purse she dropped a picture of who they thought was Kendall and her. “Oh it’s me and Kendall. I wanted to give you this Walter.”

Walter had squeezed Brenda’s hand back in support; he did truly feel like it was their time. Braden seemed to not have as much hatred towards Brenda that his daughter did and if he did he knew better than to show it or express it. Dani just in his mind needed to get over it Brenda wasn’t this huge threat that Dani perceived her to be. He knew that he needed to be at his nephew’s wedding in a few hours. Perhaps he and Dani could talk then about this entire thing with Brenda couldn’t she show an ounce of compassion for a woman that was sick? He was glad to hear that Brenda had made another appointment to follow up with David. His gaze followed Brenda’s as Dru walked into the Rawlings and honestly he attributed the gossip rag to just that gossip. Although he had let his mind wander with it just slightly he had warned Dani numerous times. Jackson wanted to cheat on her he could and she’d either have to take it or walk away. The divorce settlement would be more than enough if it was true and then he remembered Lauren’s frantic phone call about it. What was he supposed to do, walk over and have a fatherly chat with Jackson couldn’t Dani handle it on her own? Plus he felt like Lauren was projecting too much into him to his knowledge things were fine and Dru had been nothing if upstanding. He was slightly taken back when she came to the table and asked though and he took a drink of his water on the table before speaking.

“Ms. Price, we were just talking about you. I would assume Dani and Jackson are fine. I talked to Lauren and she wants to spend more time with the twins. Is that so odd? Dani likely agreed to do that, anything to please her mother. Surely they are paying you well enough that a few days or weeks off wouldn’t be that big of a deal? Unless you are upset for another reason of course like that article that Greer LeClerq printed? I’m sure when they need your services Dani and Jackson know where to find you.” Walter said looking at her trying to gauge her reaction to his statement trying to decide if what Greer had printed was true or not. If it was, Braden could simply handle the divorce and he looked at the photo when it fell on the table. He looked at the girl in the photo, his daughter looking for a resemblance to any member of his family and he didn’t see it. “I wouldn’t take it too personally but I can mention it at the wedding later. Thank you Dru I had hoped she looked more like either of us though, something perhaps in the eyes or cheekbones. Hell even the hair that bright red like yours or even Victoria’s we were all so glad when Dylan had it. What do you think of it Brenda, anything on your side?”

Dru gritted her teeth as she looked at Walter putting her purse down and she snatched a chair from another table. Sitting down before Walter and Brenda. “First and foremost Mayor Fraiser that article that Greer LeClerq printed is false news. Trust me I don’t want Jackson, I’m so much more interested in Dani. Either way you both deserve a picture of Kendall, I thought that you would appreciate that. Do you miss her?” She said unable to stop herself and the disdain she wore on her face was showing but right now she didn’t care. “I doubt that you care about anyone else other than yourselves. I mean from what I hear you two carried on like dogs rutting and couldn’t stay away from each other. I have made an abundance from Jackson and Dani.” Leaning in she looked at Walter and Brenda. “Does she look like you?”

Brenda touched the picture and looked at the girl and shook her head. “Actually in this picture you remind me of my mother. Your face back then looks just like her. I see her sad eyes in yours but Kendall kind of looks like Maggie.” She said lying it was startling looking at Dru. “Can I give you a bit of advice Dru if you are messing with a married man? To get your things in order because this city loves to rip apart the other woman. I’m living proof how they forced me to give up Kendall because of shame. You don’t want that life.” Brenda said, picking up her water and taking a sip. “You aren’t ready for that in my opinion. The entire city of Atlas Falls hating you and I believe you when you say you haven’t but that doesn’t mean you aren’t lusting after what Dani has. He isn’t yours and I heard you loud and clear you want something of Dani’s but what is it Dru?”

Dru’s face scowled as she looked at Brenda. “You are the wrong person to tell me anything. You have been a mistress for your entire life. You are pathetic, and I would never wait on a man until he leaves. That’s the difference between you and I. I don’t want Jackson and whatever I want from Dani isn’t your business you bitch. You threw your daughter out like she was old news and expected me to listen to you?”

“Where does Lauren find these strays look you little scandalous trollop, I’m more classy than you ever could be. I’m more woman than you can muster and I have enough power to erase you from this very earth without someone blinking an eye. I have heard your little digs and I have to know what have I ever done to you? What makes you think that you’re better than me? What makes you believe you have a shot to even come up against me when you are already nothing. The dirt on my shoe is more relevant than you are to me. I tried Walter but she is a disgusting vile little swamp rat who seems to think she can talk about my life. You aren’t someone who can judge me, do you hear me, little girl.” Brenda slammed her hand on the table. “You don’t have to like me but you will respect me, is that clear?”

Dru looked at her. “You’re old enough to be my mother and listen to how you speak to me?” Her voice said, quivering. “I’ll tell you one thing that you’ll regret those words. I’m going to make you eat it and you both are horrible. There I said it you gave away your daughter and let her get absorbed in the dark undercurrent of Florida. She’s dead because you could never care enough. She’s dead because you gave her away and I’m here to remind you every chance I get. I don’t like you Brenda Kincaid and your racist ass family. In fact you might be all those things and I may not be the type of woman you are but why would I want to be. A washed up beauty who has nothing but memories of when you were a bad bitch. I’m a whore and I’m proud of it but you it’s sad to see you still lusting after a man who couldn’t give you a second of time before you exposed everything. That is the irony he didn’t want you and would have never told Lauren. You want to know why? Walter shall I say it or you want to? Brenda is a fantasy but never wife material.” Dru looked at them both and felt a sense of pain. Her mother hated her and Walter wasn’t pleased. “Oh go tell Dani, Walter that I hurt the woman who broke up her family feelings. She’ll give me a ten percent raise. You are pathetic Walter as well. Look at you sitting in here with this woman. The woman who threw away your very own child. You disgust me and enough is enough. I’ll say whatever I want.” Dru said, looking at him and her. Her parents who she hated. “So bitch if you say one more word I’ll shove a dinner roll down your throat and show you how swampy this swamp rat can get. I’ll drag you so let’s go if you’re ready.” Dru said standing up. “Come on you old bitch let’s go!”

Walter had looked between them both and decided that he had enough of the bratty girl before him and simply put his hand down on the table hard. Seeing other patrons jump, even Dru herself, he had no idea why she kept trying to pick a fight with Brenda, and his mind went to their encounter at his mothers house after the wedding. Clearly she was after something he just couldn’t pinpoint what it was but maybe it was time that he took Lauren’s side on the matter and had a talk with Dani about Dru’s future. He remembered that incident at the house, Dani was already on edge with the press and clearly Dru wanted something from her as she just admitted as much. Plus he didn’t trust Jackson to not be his father in that regard but the disrespect to he and Brenda for their very complicated circumstances with Kendall stopped today. “That is frankly enough Ms. Price you are not Kendall and therefore you do not get to speak for her especially to myself or Brenda. You have no idea what our circumstances were or were not back then. Insinuating you do is cruel as much as it is misguided. I already warned you once to back out of my life and this bizarre need to insert yourself into it back at my mother’s and I’ve kept that to myself. However it has come to my attention that clearly I need to have a chat with Dani about it.” Walter said, staring at the girl, her red hair very much so catching his attention for a brief second before the thought left.

“I did receive the strangest call from Lauren the other day. Do you want to know what it was about? She seems to be under the impression that you are trying to seduce Jackson now where would she get that idea? Not to mention Dani gets word of that you’ll be back on the sidewalk or wherever it was Lauren picked you up from. Lauren has been quite accommodating since your arrival into town offering you a job at the Pub, then to watch the twins letting you move in with her. Perhaps a little too accommodating if I am honest.” Walter said meeting Dru’s eyes across the table seeing Brenda looking at him as well, he had meant it the disrespect ended here and now that this woman kept showing him and Brenda. He had been willing to look the other way for the most part when it came to Dani’s marital issues and problems but when Dru went after Brenda repeatedly that was where he was drawing the line. Brenda and he had impossible circumstances back then to deal with and maybe if they had both been honest from the get go things would have been different. “You just stated that you wanted something from Dani. I am telling you that if that is Jackson to just stop while you’re ahead. The thing she loves more than him, her children and her mother is my mother. Once she finds out about that night of her wedding there will be no raise to be had do you understand me? You will be dismissed.” Walter said, taking a sip of his water and looking at Dru seeing the smug look that formed on Brenda’s face.

Dru quivered when her father raised his voice at her and seeing her mother’s snide expression she calmed herself as she was caught and the mistakes she made couldn’t be undone. Stepping back she looked at them both. “One day you will regret treating and talking to me like this. Both of you and maybe it’s time for me to leave my employment because you won’t keep threatening it. I interjected myself in nothing more than all of you so happily gave me access to. So suggest you mind your own business or maybe I’ll tell everyone that the mayor of Atlas Falls is harassing me. Election year is coming up and I’d hate to turn this into a scandal. Mind your own business and I’ll mind mine. You keep protecting this viper but she’s the one who threw your child away who happens to be my best friend. You all came to me wanting to know about Kendall but I know one thing she would have hated you both. From the depth of her soul and I hate you both enough for her. So if you must call Dani, tell her do what you feel is best Walter or Mr. Mayor but then I’ll unleash hell upon you all. I have my own threats and secrets. Keep it up Walter and danger will be at your door steps Mister Mayor and the ex-first lady have a nice fucking day.” Dru stormed away out of there. Pulling out her cell phone she bit her lip. Texting Pierre LeClerq immediately. It was all falling apart.

Brenda looked at Walter as she leaned in closer to him. “I may be sick but I am nobody’s fool. Walter Fraiser we have to find out who that girl is because whatever she is after she’s looking to set off multiple bombs in all of our lives. Don’t call Lauren at all because we need her right in our grasps when we snatch her up. If you don’t find out who Dru Price is then I surely will.” Brenda sat back picking up her water and taking a sip. “That rage is personal and she is after your daughter and eventually my step-child. Dani might not like me but I refuse to let some street urchin attack her. For two I also will never allow her to disrespect me. So if she comes at me again sick or not I’m going to show that girl I grew up on the other side of the tracks and I’m going to mop her up. But leave her in place obviously she feels satisfied but I’m going to show her exactly why you never cross or talk down to Brenda Kincaid. I haven’t had a project in a long time not since that little tart Max Devonshire but Dru is now on my radar and I’m going to chew her up and spit her out with or without you. But I’d personally love it if we together annihilate this little bitch. Take out a weed in the garden before it grows.”

**********

Sebastian had made paella, fresh tortillas and had a bottle of wine on ice. Today his mother was coming all the way from Spain and he had a driver picking her up from the airport. Max was upstairs getting ready and he was nervous. After all, his mother was notoriously picky. She hated Gia, and she hated Raquel. She met Max and felt like she was accepting but now she was having his child. His mother would be way more judgemental and try to figure out if Max was any good for him. “Mi Amor mama is almost here, come on you look amazing as always. I want you to be downstairs at least when she arrives.” He called out upstairs as he popped the cork on the wine bottle and heard people driving up to the vineyard. He smiled widely because his mother was here. His family meant the world to him and that was something he needed Max to see. She was about to join a jovial family that was full of love. So much love that it was going to engulf her. “Can you hurry up babe.” He opened the door and saw his momma standing there.

Sebastian ran out and hugged his mother as he spun her around. Holding her so tightly he wondered if could breathe. “How was the plane ride? The family? The vineyard? Momma, how are you? I want to know everything. I cooked for us and I’m going to try and say it’s as good as yours but I know that’s a lie. Max! Mom’s here.” He took his mother’s coat and looked at her. “You came all this way for me and the baby thank-you.” Sebastian walked to the table and Max still hadn’t come downstairs. Was she trying to make a bad impression on his mother? “Hey you know morning sickness, afternoon sickness, and night sickness. I think it’s a girl because she’s always sick and that’s what grandma said.”

Regina Navarro had left Barcelona Airport for the states the day before a long plane ride that her son had paid for of course first class and she had thought about this exact moment the entire ride over. How the rich little American heiress had come into Sebastian’s life and lured him to her American ways, when he could have easily picked a lovely girl back home. She had hoped the relationship would fizzle out after their little summer fling, had he learned nothing from Gia herself all those years ago. No he always chased the American girls and now the woman was pregnant, and no matter what all those photos showed online she could tell there was something off. Most women were happy to have their baby whereas Max seemed to only want attention on her. Hardly mother of the year material or ready for a baby at all, she had thought about coming sooner but Max’s father dying had delayed her trip a few weeks. No sense in causing an uproar then about things, the worst part for her being that the woman refused to marry Sebastian. Meaning her poor grandson would not be recognized by the church and no bishop back home would baptize him, she had to wonder if anyone in the states would. Once the driver had arrived at the airport for her she took the car and watched it winding through Atlas Falls stopping at a high rise and she hid the disdain on her face this was hardly suitable for her son and her grandchild.

“It was long of course but fine. Your sisters are all okay watching over the vineyard back home. Or it’s because she can’t sit down long enough to actually plan a wedding to you and make a life with you. Of course I would be here for you and the baby, you will need the help mijo and what better way for me and Max to really get to know one another than me staying here for a few weeks?” Regina said taking in the living room of the condo and smelling the food in from the kitchen shouldn’t her soon to be daughter in law be down here at least helping instead of hiding upstairs? From the little and few times she had actually sat down with Max the woman couldn’t be bothered unless it was focused on her, sometimes she wondered if in fact Max even loved her sweet Seb or if she was just working her rebound from her divorce and her little affair that got someone shot. “I do hope that she is at least considering the wedding or a wedding soon, perhaps something quiet with all of us why I am here. You can have a large wedding after the baby is born. It would be so disappointing for my first grandchild from you to not be baptized in the church, you know how important that is to me and you, your faith mijo. So tell me how that new piece of land is for the new part of the vineyard? I thought you were going to move to that farm with Max?” Regina finished so far not impressed with the living arrangements she was seeing.

He felt his mother’s disapproval from her tone. Seb also knew that Max’s charm could win her over. The moment she spoke about baptizing his child, Sebastian was going to broach that with Max today at dinner. Folding his arms seeing her judging the penthouse and that they weren’t in a house. “Renovation on what used to be the Thorpe Farm is now Navarro Vineyards is happening now ma, we will be moved in by the time the baby is born. This is her penthouse and we are staying here instead of in a hotel room. Or with her family.” Seb didn’t love his mother’s condescending questioning of what he would be doing with his family. Max nor the Devonshire were openly religious so he had to show her how much this meant to him. It wasn’t a big deal to her but to his family this would be a major event. He knew that for sure she wasn’t happy with Max. She never was happy with any woman he found to be fair. Max however might be the proverbial icing on the cake. She dealt with Gia but never tolerated any woman he loved or wanted. Taking her coat and hanging it up and then sitting down with her in the living room.

He gritted his teeth. Why was she so amazing and judgemental all at once? How he missed her but right now he could tell this trip was all about her. Not him or Max she had to fulfill some sort of validation that he had made another romantic mistake. “Mom, we are engaged and when the time is correct Max and I will marry. My fiance might not want to be pregnant in her wedding photos because this is her last time walking down that aisle. I assure you of that because I love Max with all my heart and that baby inside of her is the best of her and I. So mom if you have come here to cause any drama or add any complications to my life I’ll send you back. Mami, no estoy jugando, te enviaré a casa. Te amo mucho, pero no dejaré que le faltes el respeto a Max o a mí,” Sebastian said as he looked upstairs. “Max my mother is here baby are you okay? I might go check on her.” He said with annoyance that he wasn’t hiding.

Max had come home from that dreadful meeting disaster with Bliss and Hunter; they really were insufferable. As for Mason’s wedding she would be making a late appearance Sebastian had gone about cooking for his mother. Who showed up randomly at the last minute uninvited? She might add on the eve of a wedding she was going too? Not that she and Mason were super close or anything like that but it was an annoyance and frankly Regina had never liked her. She heard Sebastian calling and simply ignored him while she finished getting ready. The world revolved around her schedule and his uninvited mother could wait. No one consulted with her if she had wanted Regina there or not and she most certainly wasn’t her sister in law, there was no need for Regina to be there. Her assistant had been tasked with finding a proper nanny to care for their son while she went back to work; there didn’t need to be this big fuss about it. Applying her smokey eye she looked in the mirror and couldn’t wait for this to be over to go back to the figure she has instead of feeling like an overstuffed balloon. Regardless she was ready to head down, get some food and then head to the wedding and she plastered on a smile as she looked at Regina and Sebastian.

“Oh don’t worry I’m here Sebastian just knows that I do things on my time. It’s quite our routine isn’t it? Don’t you love the penthouse? I can’t wait to have the baby here. It’s so close to work and downtown. My child will have access to it all as a private nanny, close to my work and the absolute best schools. I was surprised to hear that you were flying in so suddenly and out of the blue nonetheless.” Max said looking at the other woman they had met once before in Spain it wouldn’t be her first time dealing with a demanding mother for a man that she was dating, Brenda was more than enough for years on end. But Regina was different in a way, Regina seemed to have her pegged as some foreigner that swept Sebatian up off the street when in fact he had approached her at the vineyard during a tour it wasn’t like she tracked him down. As if she would track down some winemaker to have a fling with in the first place she placed her hand on her stomach as she looked at Regina. “I’ve already told Sebastian that I’m frankly not ready to get married yet so unfortunately you’ve wasted your trip if you think for one second I’m having some quickie wedding to please your outdated traditions to be placed on my son. As for the Thorpe farm, if you can call it that there is no reason we have to live there. You just don’t get to show up and dictate how Sebastian and I make our decisions.” Max said, slightly sneering at Regina and then looking at Sebastian to take her side.

Regina stood there for a moment looking at Max like she had lost her mind and then pursed her lips just as she suspected it was all about that Devonshire side of Max instead of a mix of both their cultures. Then again it wasn’t in her opinion that the likes of the Devonshire name was something to brag about, the trip had been last minute but that was simply out of respect for the girls father who had passed, a father that had quite the reputation. “I was actually planning to come and visit after the Summit but then your father passed away and I thought I would do the respectful thing and wait a few weeks. You seem to be upset at the mere thought of me visiting because you are so vain that you can’t bear to see my son fawn over something other than your well being and that of my grandchild? I know that you simply think that the world revolves around  you but it doesn’t.” Regina said putting down her bag on the couch as a sign that she was going to be here for the next few weeks and Max would simply have to adjust to that one way or another. It was her grandchild that was coming in a few weeks and she intended to be there for the birth and to help Sebastian as much as possible. “I seem to remember the first time we met you kept talking about yourself barely letting my Seb get a word in and now you want to insult his values?” She said, shaking her head.

“My grandfather was blessed by the Pope himself at the Vatican, your father could never even dream of that gift that was bestowed on him. Sebastian served the church as an altar boy in his youth, all my children have been blessed in the church. Yet you stand there and can’t look past yourself to do this one thing that my son asks of you? Clearly you don’t love him enough that you damned his child in the eyes of God himself.” Regina said looking at her son’s shocked face at how harshly she spoke and she waved her hand off at him. Max wanted to do this here and now they could. She found Max to be insufferable and selfish and this off putting attitude towards marriage a bit confounding. “You had no problem creating a child together and yet now you can’t be bothered to do right by it. Sometimes I wonder how you even came to the conclusion that you actually loved my son.” She took a sigh before she looked at Sebastian with pleading eyes. “Oh mijo why? ¿Debes elegir a esta vil criatura? ¿Por qué no una mujer que realmente te respete a ti y a tus valores en lugar de escupirlos? Lo único que le importa es claramente ella misma y lo que quiere.”

“Momma!” Seb said with his voice booming off the walls. As the room felt incredibly tense. “Max is trilingual and is very affluent in Spanish. I can’t believe you said that.” Sebastian looking at Max and his mother. “Look you two don’t have to like each other but we will respect each other! One thing I will get understood at this moment momma, is my fiance and the mother of my child. You don’t get to come in here and talk down to her. You also don’t get to stomp your foot Max to exert your power. Look I know that is how it worked in your family but in my familia we won’t have these power struggles. So all this bullshit I refuse to accept that we will not be a sick replay of your father and Jackie. We won’t continue to do this, are we clear? So now that the ugliness is out we can move on? Please you two?” Sebastian pleaded as he looked at the two most important women in his life. He saw that he stuck a nerve with them both but he had never been one to bite his tongue. This divide about how Max and he saw how their child should be raised was growing. He wasn’t that old fashioned; he understood that Max would want to have a career. Especially considering who her father was. She opened her heart to him and he understood thornes but her acting out lately had been nerve wracking. But he knew her father’s death and this DGI mess was consuming her. Max had his heart and he wasn’t ready to let her go.

“Now me and my fiance haven’t talked about getting our child baptized yet but she wants me to respect her ideas and traditions so she will naturally do the same with mine. I will get a priest and I’ll inform you of the details Ma but you have to do me a favor. Let me and Max openly discuss this together and do it our way. Okay so I have food and I would like you to attend Mason and Zach’s wedding with us. You wouldn’t mind would you Max? I mean my mother arriving and the city is celebrating and what better way to get you in the mood for a wedding than attending one? I think my mother could help you with a few traditions to incorporate from my side.” Fixing both women’s plates and sitting a glass of wine in front of both of them. “Mother had a glass every night with all of us. She said it made us all strong.” Sebastian looked at Max softened his eyes as an apology for overreacting and not trusting her about drinking. Had she done extra to prove her point absolutely but he did understand that was Max. “Mi Amor I trust you and I think if you get to know my mother you’ll trust her.”

 

Regina simply looked at them both she said what she said and she meant every word of it when it came to Max Devonshire. If herson wanted an apology he could wait till hell froze over. She didn’t believe for a second that Max loved her son or the child she was carrying above herself. She saw Max sit across from her at table almost looking like she had won while her son poured them a glass of wine, her grandmother’s paella but honestly her appetite was gone seeing how much of an effort her son was making. The woman across from her being this stoic ice queen about it priest or not she’d make a few calls. There was no way she was letting Max Devonshire disgrace her family’s good name with God. She also wasn’t rude enough to just show up to whatever wedding her son and Max were attending. How tacky would that be? It had been a long flight and she was simply exhausted from it, the jet lag starting to hit her as she pushed her plate back.

“No thank you Sebastian I’ve suddenly lost my appetite and I do think the jet lag has started to settle in. Perhaps a rest and then you can take me to the vineyard in the morning for a tour instead? We can all start fresh then and I really do need to check into the hotel.” She said her eyes boring daggers into Max as she spoke seeing the smugness forming again and then saw the pained look Sebastian shot at her and then Max. She’d played that card perfectly; she of course had gotten an invite to stay at the penthouse which was a little too overcrowded by Max. “Oh the hotel would be fine especially if you two plan on discussing everything I’d hate to interfere. I had your sister arrange my stay on the way over. We both agreed I likely needed to stay there.” She said as she walked back to the foyer where her suitcase was waiting as she sent the message to the driver that Sebastian had arranged for her to stay. Her long nails clicking on the screen, she saw Max pick up the glass of wine and began to drink and she hugged her son. “I think knowing I really am just tired mjo.” She pulled back from him before walking out the door and she could swear she heard a pin drop at the action. A small smile formed on her own lips. She would have her way, that child raised as a Navarro one way or another.

Max sat down at the table forcing her best smile at Sebastian and Regina the woman was insufferable. Her Sebastian this and her Sebastian that when she was the one that Sebastian had chosen? When he had moved to plate up the food and poured the wine she stared at her across the table. It had taken everything in her to not roll her eyes at Regina and at Sebastian and his little dig at her parents, her mother had turned a blind eye. Was that so awful? Hunter had done it with her; it was what they did as Devonshire’s Regina could keep her old fashioned notions to her damned self. She had been in the same position with Brenda for years and even Brenda eventually learned her damned place. She looked on as Regina pushed the plate back and picked up her glass of wine taking a sip and then picked up the fork taking a bite of the food while she looked at Sebastian. She didn’t bother to encourage the woman to accompany them to Mason and Zach’s wedding; it wasn’t going to change her mind one way or another. Maybe one day she would remarry Sebastian when she was good and ready, not before the baby or not. She stayed behind a few more seconds taking a few more bites before standing in the doorway. Her eyes met Regina’s for a moment while she watched them hug while she took another gulp of her wine and then she saw Regina leave.

Honestly she didn’t know what to say in that exact moment that wouldn’t set off another argument for her or Sebastian, they had room for his mother at the penthouse. The message that Regina had sent was pretty clear she wouldn’t be under the same roof as her more than she had to be, which was fine by her. She simply shrugged at Seb when he looked at her and clicked her heels back to the dining table while she put her glass of wine down. The food was still a bit cold while she took a bite of it again before looking at her phone when it buzzed the timer for the wedding going off. “Next time that you want to invite her you should have discussed it with me instead of springing it on me. I have the upcoming casino opening to deal with and the last thing I need right now is your mother putting her nose into our affairs. I know you think she means well. We really need to get to the wedding.” Max finally said making her feelings known the best way she could about all of it and Regina Navarro to boot.

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