Silas's POV

With only a few days left before the New Year and our flight to Texas, the house was active. Gabe had left for Paris the day after Christmas with Luke and Victor for an art show at his gallery. Most of the Toma men were making trips back and forth, moving in their stuff. North and I had finished the downstairs rooms mostly. Now all that was left were the fine details like paint and furniture. We had cleared space in the underground garage to store their stuff before leaving for Texas. Owen and Kota had left early this morning on business and weren't expecting to return before New Year's Eve.

"Hey Ris, how are you feeling this morning?" North asked as Marissa walked into the kitchen. She looked like she was still half asleep, her hair in a messy bun and her bare bottom peeking out from below Nate's t-shirt.

"Sleepy and in need of tea," she mumbled and rubbed her stomach. "A certain little coffee bean decided to be very active last night and I was peeing every five minutes." I placed a cup of hot tea in front of her as she sat on the bar stool, her toes dangling down. "Baby gets to be a coffee bean, but no, I can't have coffee," she muttered under her breath. Yep, she's grouchy. North slid a plate of scrambled eggs and cinnamon toast in front of her and she gave him a weak smile. "Thank you. Sorry, I'm just a bit off today."

I gave her a kiss on her head, "It's okay, agápi. You're allowed to have off days, we all are. She smiled and nodded. We continued to eat our breakfast in silence until her phone rang from the nearby countertop. I reached over and unplugged it, not recognizing the number. "Would you like me to answer it?" I asked her. She nodded. "Good morning, Marissa Ryland's phone, Silas Korba speaking," I said formally. I listened as the man on the other end spoke hurriedly, then asked him to hold. "It's a Mr. Sterling. He's having a legal issue and needs to speak with you." She held her hand out and took the phone.

"Good morning, Mr. Sterling. What seems to be the trouble?" she asked, then listened intently, responding with a series of "I see" and "of course" before saying, "Could you meet me in the office in an hour? I'd like to see the documents myself and determine what the best course of action is." She paused for his response. "Very well, I'll see you then, Mr. Sterling. Thank you for reaching out." She let out a frustrated sigh as she ended the call.

"What's wrong?" North asked.

Marissa growled, "Jackson has filed a breach of contract suit against Sterling Industries for leaving G&R. He's claiming that I am still a part of the company and Sterling has no grounds to terminate." She stood and headed to the stairs, "Would either of you be willing to drive me to Victor's offices? I need to look over the papers and see what the hell Jackson is trying to pull."

"Sure, agápi, we'll both come," I answered, casting a glance between North and me. Neither of us were going to let her go anywhere alone, and as a family, we'd also agreed to stay in pairs or more when possible. She grinned and headed up to change. I turned to North, "I'm going to text Corey and have him keep an eye on the cameras. I don't trust Jackson for a minute."

"I agree," North said, quickly cleaning up the kitchen. "I'll send out a group text. Even if they're not here, they'll want to know."

I thought for a moment then said, "Put Dominic in the chat." North gave me an annoyed look. "Listen, I know you aren't fond of the guy, but he would kill for her. It might not hurt to have him aware and even in the area just in case."

"Fine," he grumbled and took out his phone.

Group text: North: Hey, just wanted all of you to know that we are heading into Victor's offices with Marissa. Seems Jackson is trying to sue one of her larger clients for breach of contract over leaving G&R. Silas and I are both going with her.

Kota: Fuck, I wish we were there.

Axel: Brandon and I are at the apartment, just a few minutes away. Do you want us to head to the office?

Marissa: I don't think you all need to be there. Poor Mr. Sterling might have a coronary. I just wanted North and Silas to drive me.

Victor: Luke and Gabe are asleep. I'll update them when they wake up. Have Corey watch the cameras. I have them in the offices, but also all entrances and the parking garages - with audio.

Dominic: Thanks for including me North. First, make sure someone stays at the manor. This might be a move to get into the house. As for extra bodies near the offices, my men will watch the parking garages and I'll keep an eye on the front. We will stay out of sight to avoid Jackson or anyone else making a connection. Flower, don't even go to the bathroom alone - I'm not joking.

Marissa: **eye roll** I swear you all act like this is a battle plan.

Owen: It is and you are la nostra bella regina. The queen must always be protected.

Dominic: *snort* my father calls her la nostra bella principessa, he'll love knowing you've been promoted to regina.

Raven: 👑

Corey: Raven and I will stay here to watch the monitors. Silas keep your app open as well so I have ears. I'll redline North if there is an issue. Victor's safe room is on the same floor as Marissa's office if anything serious should happen.

Nate: I'm at the bakery with Marc if you need us.

Marrisa: Alright gentlemen, are you content with your battle plan now? I hate to rush but I need to get to the office. Oh, and remind me never to play chess with any of you...

Owen: 😄

North: Yes, babygirl, we're good. I have your tea ready and Silas is bringing the Jeep around. I'll let you all know when we're back home.

I sat in the Jeep with a grin on my face reading the texts. It was nice to see her be playful. She'd been so serious lately with all the chaos. The texts went on for a bit with a series of I love yous from everyone then ended as I saw them come out the door. Marissa was swatting at North's arm as he picked her up and carried her down the steps to the Jeep.

"I can walk!" she huffed.

"The steps were icy. I wasn't risking a fall," he snapped back. Her eyes went wide. "I'm sorry," he said, lowering his voice. "I just..." his words fell off as he placed a hand on her stomach.

She threw her arms around his neck, "Oh, North!" I smiled as she kissed and reassured him. I knew he was worried about his over-protective tendencies, but she never seemed to mind. Leaning her head against his chest she told him, "Thank you. I didn't even think of that. I was just so focused on getting there." She cupped his face, "I told you once before - I'd rather be smothered than ignored, North. I know you love me and want what is best for both of us."

He looked at her as if she had hung the moon, tears edging his eyes, and said hoarsely, "Thank you."

"Okay you two, get buckled," I interrupted. "I don't want to drive fast on these roads." They both smiled as he fastened her in, then did his own belt. A short time later we pulled into the underground garage and stepped into the private elevator. I switched on my audio so that Corey could hear. When we reached her floor, an older gentleman and two suits were waiting.

"Mr. Sterling, thank you for meeting me," Marissa said, taking his hand. "Let's meet in the conference room." She led the way as all of us followed her down the hall. Only a few employees were in the building. Victor had given most of them the holidays off as he did every year. Those who worked were on a volunteer basis and compensated highly. Ironically, when his parents died, Victor discovered he had a multi-million dollar inheritance waiting. He'd used some of it to start several charities, but most of it he gave away. Even with the small amount he retained, he was ridiculously wealthy. Kota had done wonders with his investments. "Stella, would you please bring tea and coffee? We may be here for a bit," Marissa asked the young assistant that stepped in to check on us. The woman nodded and went to retrieve the drinks. "Well, sir, can you show me the filings?"

The old man grimaced and dug out a large binder from his briefcase. "I realize you have a situation of your own, Marissa, but I'm not sure how much my company can handle," he told her, shaking his head.

"I understand completely. Please just give me a few moments to read over these," she replied and began looking through the papers. She stood and made copies, handed back the originals, then began annotating the copies. I could tell she was furious and doing her best to stay calm. Stella came back in with the drinks and I added a cube to her tea and pushed it closer. She didn't even glance up, took a sip, and kept scribbling. I suppressed a chuckle as North and I studied Mr. Sterling and his associates. They looked more like bodyguards in my opinion.

Marissa cleared her throat, "If you look at the first section Mr. Sterling, you will see that Mr. Porter's claims are false. According to the corporate files at G&R, I was removed from employment on November 3rd." She showed him the records. "While I know this is difficult, I am more than willing to file a response on your behalf. However, I also understand if you feel my services are not in your company's best interest."

Sterling frowned, "Can I be blunt, Marissa? Do you think G&R will drop the suit if I terminate services with you, but still do not return to them?"

It was subtle, but I saw Marissa flinch for a brief second. "Melvin, I can't answer that. Mr. Porter's behavior has been erratic at best for quite some time. While I am sure your involvement with me was the tipping point for this, I can't say with any certainty that he will drop the matter if we part ways." She sighed, "As your counsel, I recommend you terminate our contract based on a conflict of interests, then contact the name on this card to seek representation if G&R moves forward."

The old man looked at her in shock, then quickly schooled his expression. "I'll need to think this over and speak with the board. There's still time before the court date. We'll let you know after the first of the year," he said and rose to shake her hand. "I'm sorry, Marissa, I really am." She nodded and escorted him out. His tone let her know what the decision was ultimately going to be.

She pushed the door closed behind them, letting her forehead rest against the wooden surface for a moment. When she turned toward us, she opened her mouth as if she was going to say something, then suddenly collapsed to the floor. "Marissa," we both shouted and dashed forward. I held her head in my lap, turning her onto her side as she began to seize. I held her arms and spoke softly while North phoned for help. "Shh, baby, it's okay." I couldn't stop the tears that were streaming down my cheeks. I felt so helpless. When the paramedics arrived, I refused to let them leave without me. The tech finally relented and I climbed into the ambulance with North following in the Jeep. Corey had heard everything on the app and through the cameras so the others were meeting us in the ER.

Author's Notes:  Damn Jackson and the Academy keep messing with them all, and it isn't going to get better for a bit...

Please comment, vote, follow, and share!