Monday, March 29th, 2021

Kim's POV

We are taking a short flight back to New York so I can talk to the sales team about moving. Then, I am having a chat with Adrian about the plan for Bliss.

We are going to take her to a resort in Barbados for a day or two of relaxing. And, of course, a secret bachelorette party that Bliss has no idea about.

I am still admiring my engagement ring. It is absolutely beautiful. It still feels like a dream that come August 21st, I will become Mrs. Austin Mitchell. He is asleep right now on the plane. Me, I couldn't sleep a wink. I'm still on cloud 9.

Jay and Tina are coming to pick us up when we land in New York, which we should be doing soon. Shane let us fly back with him and Bliss. He has a meeting with Nolan Grant's parents about the buying of their company.

That was unacceptable of him to try and steal Layla and Bliss' businesses. Talk about lowdown and dirty! He makes me sick.

Shane's flight attendant announced that we need to buckle our seatbelts.

"Austin, wake up. The plane is about to land. You have to put your seatbelt on."

I know what will wake him up. I started stroking his arm up and down and whispered sweet nothing's in his ear. "You and me in a.........."

He opened his eyes fast. Shane and Bliss were laughing.

"Seatbelt time, buddy. Buckle up because we are about to land in NYC."

"I'm holding you to what you whispered, you know," Austin said as he buckled up.

"I know you are. But, you will have to wait until Bliss, and I finish our meeting. How about you pick me up at the office?"

"I will be there with bells on."

Within 15 minutes, we landed at the airport.

"There is a private entrance now for private planes. Jay and Tina are waiting for you ladies at that spot. It is a quick ride. Austin and I will grab your bags."

"Okay. Thanks, Shane." Bliss and I got off the plane. Shane and Austin followed behind us with our bags.

Then, we took a short ride through a tunnel to a private parking lot, where we saw Jay and Tina waiting for us.

Bliss gave Shane a kiss, and I gave Austin his taste for the morning.

"What time is your meeting over?"

"Bliss and I were thinking about two hours, so I'll say 3:00 pm. If we need more time, then I would say 5:00 pm. I'll send you text."

"Okay. See then. Shane is going to take me to my house."

They watched us get in the car. Then, we pulled off to Manhattan."

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We made it to the office with 10 minutes to spare. Everyone is meeting us in the conference room. My team, for now, is 10 employees - 5 women and 5 men, all different races. But Bliss said with the business growing that if I needed more help to let her know.

"Good afternoon, everyone. Bliss and I have called this meeting because I have a very important announcement to make. The Sales department will be moving to Florida. Bliss and I will be working side by side and I want you all with me. The move will take place in June. And, I became engaged this past weekend and, my fiancé and I are moving so that I can be closer to my family in Barbados. Bliss is now going to speak."

Bliss' POV

"As for relocation expenses, I will take care of that. Moving expenses, if you have to pay off your lease here in New York, flying to Miami to look for a place to live, etc. I will cover it all. I understand some of you have families and may not be able to make the move. Kimmie and I understand that. I appreciate all of you very much for supporting the business. We are definitely going to celebrate before leaving New York. Talk with your family first and get back to me or Kimmie asap. And, don't forget that you all are coming to my wedding this weekend. Rooms are already paid for."

"Mrs. Landes, your company for the short time it has been out is a huge success. You have treated all of us as your family, not as an employee. You know each of us by our first name. And, you and your husband included us in the yearly trips he has for his company. We all appreciate that. I will definitely follow The Elegant Canvas Sales team to Miami."

"Thank you, Daniel. That was really sweet. Welcome to Miami. Those who can make the relocation will love it down there. Shane and I have so much in store for our companies in regard to rewards. It's a secret for now. You all will love where we are going to this year for the yearly trip. We are finalizing the details and will let you know soon. Kimmie will create a list. I want you guys to put your names and what you think you will need for moving expenses. Then she will give me the list, so I can start getting checks out to you all. Thank you for your time."

Kim's POV

Our meeting actually lasted for the two hours we scheduled. I had 7 of my team already put their names down. They said they will get back to me about the expenses. The others are going to talk to their families.

"That was a very productive meeting, Bliss. Thank you for coming and your support."

"You're welcome. Enjoy the rest of your day. And, I will see you on the weekend."

We gave each other a hug, then Bliss left the conference room. I sent Austin a text that I am ready. I have a house in Brooklyn, so I need to put it up for sale. It's not too far from Austin and Ryan's business. The proceeds from the sale I will definitely need for our house and move to Miami.

Austin texted back that he will be here hopefully in about thirty minutes. So, I went to my office to check emails.

Sure enough, in 30 minutes I received a text from Austin that he is downstairs waiting for me. So, I signed off my computer, locked my office and made my way to the elevator.

Once on the elevator, I made my way down to the lobby. As I walked out the door of the building, I saw Austin's Denali and hopped in.

"So, how about we get to work on what you whispered in my ear?"

I had to chuckle. "I knew you would hold me to that. Let's go eat first because I will need energy for you."

"To eat we go."

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2021

Shane's POV

Today I have a meeting scheduled with Nolan's parents about the company. Hermione and Jacob are accompanying me to his parents' house.

I really do enjoy shopping there. The menswear selections are some of the best. I am not going to let Nolan's parents lose what they built.

We pulled up to their home on Long Island.

The three of us got out of my Denali and walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. Nolan's mum opened the door.

"Come on in and thank you for coming." Mrs. Grant led us to the living room of the house, where her husband was sitting.

"Mr. Landes, we have no idea why or what possessed Nolan to have a blatant disregard for your wife or Layla's businesses, "Mrs. Grant says.

"We lost almost every investor we had for the company because of Nolan's egregious judgment. We sincerely apologize to you and your wife, as well as Layla. We had no clue he would even think of doing that."

"Mr. & Mrs. Grant, I believe you. And, I hope you understand why I did what I did. My wife's business means everything to both of us. Layla's my friend and her success means a lot to me too. I couldn't stand by and watch their success be ripped from them."

"Yes, we do understand completely."

"But, I also don't want Grant's to fail because of what happened. A good majority of my closet is from Grant's. These are my lawyers, Jacob Dolloway and Hermione Forrest. We researched the company so we could draw up a fair offer for me to buy Grant's. I want you to still run it. I will not change the name. And, you will receive a portion of the profits, as well as the sum of money offered in the contract."

Hermione handed Mr. and Mrs. Grant a copy of the contract.

"I know this will be a difficult decision to make. My wife and I are having a second wedding ceremony this weekend and will be on our honeymoon for four weeks. Please take that time to decide."

"Congratulations on your wedding ceremony. We had already decided but wanted to see the offer that you had. We don't want our business to go by the wayside either. So, we both agree to you buying the company. You were the only one we were willing to sell our company to."

"Mr. and Mrs. Grant, you can sign the contracts and have them dropped off to us. We will have Shane sign them as well. Jacob and I have already placed a mark where you both will need to sign, as well as where Shane needs to sign," Hermione mentions.

"What I would like to do is hold a companywide meeting with the employees after my honeymoon. Each location can video conference from their locations. I want to reassure everyone that they will not lose their jobs. With each business that I invest in or own, I do have quarterly meetings, so I will do the same with Grant's. And, please call me Shane."

"Shane, we really appreciate your help and support for Grant's. We would also like to hold a press conference to announce the sale of the company."

"Okay. I do have some time tomorrow morning before spending the rest of the day with Bliss. How about 10:00 am in front of the headquarters? I'll have a limo come get you."

"Thank you. We appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your day."

I shook Mr. and Mrs. Grant's hands, then Mrs. Grant showed us to the door.

"Enjoy the rest of your day as well."

We made our way to my truck, got in, and drove back to the city.

"Thanks, Hermione and Jacob."

"You're welcome, Shane."

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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021

Mr. & Mrs. Grant were already set up in front of the building, so I joined them, and we started the press conference.

"Good morning everyone and thank you for attending on short notice. As you all know our son changed a contract we had on the table to merge with Layla's Fashion House. That contract was null and void when our son changed it to take away her business, as well as The Elegant Canvas, which is owned by Mrs. Bliss Landes. My wife and I had no knowledge of what our son did until last week. We do not condone his actions. What he attempted to do was disgusting and we let him have it. Due to our son's actions, the majority of investors rightfully withdrew their investments. We also called this press conference to announce that we have reached an agreement to sell the company to Mr. Shane Landes."

"I did not think that Mr. and Mrs. Grant deserve to lose their company because of Nolan's actions. As a consumer, I always shop at the location in Manhattan. And, always recommend them to my friends. Over the next couple of months, I will be holding meetings with employees for Grant's to address their concerns. And, the name will stay the same. I urge you to continue supporting Grant's Men's Warehouse. Thank you for your time."

We walked a few steps away from the microphone.

"Thank you again. And, congratulations on your wedding ceremony this weekend."

"You're welcome." We shook hands, then I made my way to my truck so I can meet Bliss.

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Nolan's POV

This sucks. But, it is my own fault. Leaving New York, my hometown was a decision I had to make. No way was I going to be Blake's sex slave.

I have to figure a way back to New York. She is going to pay for trying to kill my parents because I didn't give her what she wanted.

And, my parents actually sold the company to Shane. Well, at least it is in good hands and away from mine.

I really know how to ruin things - ruined my parents' business, ruined my relationship with Jewel, and ruined my chances of living in New York.

I have to at least let my parents know where I am. So, I called my mom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mom to Nolan: "Boy, where are you? We may be mad at you, but you still are our son."

Nolan to Mom: "I found out what happened. Mom, someone from my past tried to have you killed because I told her no. I'm sorry. I really am. You always told me that one day there will be consequences. You were right because they are here. The same person who tried to have you killed is the reason I left New York. She wanted me to be her sex slave. And, I couldn't."

Mom to Nolan: "Where are you, Nolan?"

Nolan to Mom: "I'm on my way to Florida. I need to find a way to get into New York. At least Jewel will let me see Lily."

Mom to Nolan: "I am not going to say a, 'I told you so' speech because you already know. You are our only child, so we will help you as much as we can. Take a flight back to New York. Disguise yourself or something. Let me know what you look like and I'll send a limo to come get you. You'll have to come to our house, and I will have Jewel and Lilly come too."

Nolan to Mom: "Thank you, mom. Once I am settled in Florida, I will come back for a visit. See you soon."

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I made a pit stop in Atlanta so I could see the aquarium. It's amazing. Tomorrow morning, I will get back on the road to Florida. Miami is a popular place, so I'll go there.

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Narrator's POV

Braelyn stayed with Austin so Layla and Kim could travel with Bliss' bridal party to Barbados.

The ladies all spent the next few days at a spa to relax before the wedding.

Adrian even had a surprise party for Bliss, loaded with food, fun, and strippers. Everyone had a great time, especially Nana Margie.

The wedding for Bliss and Shane was beautiful and everyone had an amazing time in Barbados.

Layla and the crew all flew back to New York on Monday. Tuesday they all used as a rest day.

The rest of Kim's team got back with her after talking with their families, and everyone was moving to Florida. Kim was excited about the move and will forward the list and monetary requirements to Bliss after her honeymoon.

Speaking of honeymoon, Austin and Kim continued planning their wedding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, April 17th, 2021

Kim's POV

Throughout this past week, Austin, Ryan, myself and a few of my friends helped me move what I needed to Austin's house.

I spoke with my real estate agent and he suggested that I do a little work to the house, so that is what I am doing. I didn't have much to do because last year I had my kitchen and bathrooms remodeled, with the help of my parents. They still spoil me even though I am 27 years old.

Austin and the guys are out getting food for everyone. Today, we are mailing our invitations out for our wedding. Logan and Natasha are taking a nap.

"Thank you, Layla and Braelyn for your help."

"You're welcome, Kim."

"Ms. Kim, may I have something to drink, please?" Braelyn asked.

"Sure, sweetie. What would you like?"

"I would like water, please."

"Layla, would you like anything?"

"I'll take water too."

"Okay. I'll be right back." I got up and went to the kitchen to grab us some water. I grabbed one for each of us, then headed back to the dining room.

By the time I went into the dining room, Austin and Ryan came back with our food. They went to Chipotle.

"Thank you, guys." I always get the burrito bowl with the shredded beef. And, can't forget their tortilla chips.

"Now that the invitations are going out, what's next?" Layla asked.

"We already picked out where we are going for our honeymoon. We're going to Paris for three weeks."

"Paris and a surprise location as well," Austin added.

"A surprise? Austin, you know I don't like surprises."

"Oh, I know. That's why I did it. You'll learn to love my surprises one day."

"While you both are here, Layla and Austin, I wanted your permission to include Braelyn in picking out things for the wedding."

"It's okay with me. I think she will like it," Austin answered first.

"It's okay with me too. Lollipop, would you like to help Ms. Kim with her wedding?" Layla asked Braelyn.

"Yes, mommy," Braelyn replied.

"Thank you, Layla and Austin. While we are in Miami house hunting, I was able to schedule an appointment for the cake tasting." I already know what I want. Braelyn likes chocolate cake, and red velvet is my favorite. So, I want half of each, and cupcakes as well.

We heard Nattie crying. "Sounds like two little ones are waking up. I'll be right back." Ryan and Layla went to get the kids.

"Braelyn, would you like to help me pick out flowers?"

"Okay, Ms. Kim "

"Thank you, sweetie."

Ryan came back in. Where's Layla?

"Can you guys watch Logan? We are taking Nattie to the emergency room. She is really warm and will not stop crying."

"Of course. Come to Auntie Kim, Logan. What should I give him to eat?"

"Layla was going to give him some of her Chipotle."

"Okay. I'll feed him."

Ryan grabbed Layla's bag, and then he darted out the house.

After we finished eating, we all went to watch television. Logan likes Finding Nemo, so that is what we watched.

Austin's POV

About an hour into watching the movie, Kim, Braelyn, and Logan was asleep. It was cute because Logan was laying on Braelyn. I'll carry him first.

We have a room for both Logan and Nattie that we use when we babysit them. I placed him down on his bed and pulled a cover over him. He didn't wake up at all.

Next up is Braelyn. After picking her up, I carried her to her room. She was knocked out too, didn't wake up at all. She was up most of the day with us.

Then, I went back downstairs, turned off the television, then carried Kim upstairs. She was just as tired.

I stayed up a little so if Layla or Ryan calls I will be able to answer it.

About two hours later, Ryan sent a text that Nattie is starting to cut teeth and her temperature was high due to a fever. Once they are done at the hospital, they are driving home. I told him that is okay, and we'll see them the next day.

************************************

Narrator's POV

As promised, Ryan came over and picked up Logan.

Austin, Kim, and Braelyn continued working on the invitations.

Nolan made it safely to Miami and checked himself into a resort. He then went shopping for more clothes. After shopping and eating, he went back to his room to come up with a plan to go back to New York City and to make Blake pay for what she did.

*************************************

Saturday, May 1st, 2021

Nolan's POV

I am on a flight back to New York to see my baby girl. And, rid New York of Blake. I'm not going to kill her because that is just not me.

My mom sent a limo to pick me up from the airport. I now have blonde hair and shaved my facial hair.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to New York. Please put your tray tables up and seat belts on. The plane will be landing shortly," The flight attendant announced.

Within 15 minutes, the plane landed at JFK. I just brought a small duffle bag with me that I could carry on the plane. After grabbing my bag, I made my way to the main entrance.

There was a limo driver holding up a card that had my first name on it, so I told him who I was and got in the limo. Then, we headed home.

*****************

It was quite a bit of traffic, so we got to my parent's house in an hour.

I saw Jewel's Mercedes, so they are both here.

"Thank you," I said to the limo driver. Then, I made my way to the front door. My mom opened the door with Lily in her arms.

"Dada." She held out her arms for me to hold her. I am the biggest idiot on the planet. I held Lily tight as we entered the living room.

Neither my father nor Jewel said one word, which I understand. I brought this on myself.

"You know where your room is. And, there is food in the kitchen if you are hungry."

I carried Lily with me in the kitchen, and put her in her highchair. Then, I fixed myself a plate of food. Lily sat in her chair, giggling like crazy.

I just stared at her. She really is a beautiful, little girl. Even if I did take over their businesses, my life would have been a mess. I hate myself for doing that.

After I finished eating, I took Lily out of her chair and we had a chat.

"Baby girl, I know you can't understand what I am saying, so I will tell you again when you are older. Your daddy did something really stupid. Daddy tried to take something very important to others. And, by trying that I ruined my parent's reputation and ruined my relationship with your mom. I'm thankful that she will allow me to see you. Your mommy deserves to be happy, and I hope she finds it because I messed up big time. It may not seem like it now, but I love you, Lily. Daddy is going away for a little bit, but I promise to come to see you every month or sooner."

"She's your daughter, Nolan. I'm never going to take her away from you. Why Nolan? What possessed you to try to take away Layla and Bliss' businesses? Grant's is a very successful company."

"Plain and simple - greed and jealousy. I was jealous of the attention they were receiving, and I wanted it. Greed costs my parents their company and the only relationship that I have ever had."

"You're right about that. I don't think I can trust you or be in a relationship with you again. But like I said, I will not keep Lily away from you."

"Thank you."

"Are you really leaving New York? And, where are you going?"

"I think it is best that I leave. I have done too much damage here. I'm moving to Miami. I'm staying at a resort at the moment, but when I go back, I will be looking for a permanent place. I will fly back and forth to New York to visit with Lily. I promise."

"Good luck, Nolan. I do hope you will finally mature and grow up. It's time for Lily and me to go back to Yonkers. How long are you in town?"

"I'm staying until Wednesday, then going back to Florida."

"I'll bring Lily back every day so you can spend time with her."

"Thank you. I appreciate it." I carried Lily to Jewel's Mercedes while she said goodbye to my parents.

After a few minutes, Jewel came outside. She opened the doors, and I put Lily in her car seat. Then, Jewel got in the driver's seat, turned on the car, and pulled out of my parents' driveway, back to Yonkers.

Now, I need to deal with a certain crazy female.

**************************

I told my mother where I was going before I left. I took a cab back to my house. I got out a few houses before mine, and just as I thought, Blake was in a black SUV, parked in front of my house. I wish I listened to my mother all the times she warned me about playing women.

Blake didn't know who I was, so I took a walk around the neighborhood. I called the police to come to my house. I told them I found the culprit who attempted to murder my parents. They are on their way. I asked them to sneak up on her so she would not try to getaway.

I saw them about to turn onto my street, so I waved my hands to stop them.

"The woman is in the black SUV parked in front of my house." They pulled their cars over, got out, and silently walked down the street to the black SUV.

The police officers surrounded the SUV. "Freeze!!!" There was nowhere for her to run. "Open the door! Ma'am, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Denise Grant!" They started reading Blake her rights as well. I was in position for her to see my face when she opened the door.

"You have no proof!" She screamed as she opened the door.

"See Blake, that is where you are wrong."

"Who are you?!!" She screamed as the police put the handcuffs on her.

"I'm making sure you go to jail for attempting to kill my parents. Oh, and charge her with trying to make me a sex slave. I have evidence on my cell phone that will put her behind bars for a long time."

The police slowly dragged her to their cars, and off they were taking her to jail. I hope she stays there permanently.

After that episode, I went into my house to pack my suitcases that were in my closet. I will eventually sell my house because I can never come back here. If I ever want to at least gain Jewel's trust, I need to get rid of the past. One thing I know is that I will live comfortably with the money that I have. I am set for life.

Once I was done packing, I grabbed the keys to my Range Rover, which I will drive down to Florida on Wednesday.

I locked the front door of my house, then put my luggage in the trunk. Then, I pulled off to go back to my mom's home.

"Goodbye, New York."

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Thank you for reading chapter 39.

And, thank you for your votes and comments. 😘😘😘