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A security guard, a cleaner, and Audrey were standing around them."I'm sorry, Aunt Audrey," Lisa pleaded, her eyes filled with tears.Laura was amazed. Standing in the midst of the group were Lisa and Liam, with a scatted cake at their center."What's going on here?" Laura asked as soon as she walked up to them."Mom!" The twins cried out and rushed over to her."Laura, it is just a small misunderstanding. Lisa and Liam insisted on carrying the cake, and the cake fell off while they were struggling for it." Audrey replied.Laura raised her brows in question at the twins, who were looking up at her with round eyes of pity."No, don't try that with me," Laura told them as she looked at their pitiful faces."What did I tell you guys?" Laura asked them sternly."We should behave ourselves." Liam and Lisa replied."It was an honest mistake, ma'am; we'll just get this cleaned up, and all is fine," the security guard told Laura."Thank you," Laura replied to the guard and turned to the twin
"Oh, my god, something must be wrong," Terry North declared, his concern written all over his face."Everything would be fine; I'm sure nothing would happen to Cade." Luke said to everyone and then turned to Jason. "Jason, why have you not been here? It's been days since you came to the hospital," he stated.Jason knew what they were all worried about. Despite their concerned faces at his father's illness, he knew that was the least of their worry.With his chin held high and standing tall, Jason strolled the rest of the distance to his so-called family."I didn't know we had to keep attendance for visiting father in the hospital now, Uncle Luke," Jason murmured.Luke's cheeks were flushed as he replied, "I didn't mean that; I was just concerned that you did not show up."Jason turned towards Rita, who had her head bowed. "Aunt Rita, I didn't know you rear sheeps now," he said to her.Rita gave a nervous laugh. "Where did you hear that? Of course not," she replied, fidgeting a little.
Audrey, who had been smiling at Laura as she closed the door, was stunned to hear someone ask her such a question.Jason kept walking toward his door. Charlie was right behind him; Jason was on the brink and did not want to pour all his aggression on this meddlesome woman."Uhm!" Audrey tried to say something, but Jason cut her off."Safe it; I don't want to hear it." Jason replied, cutting her off; without looking back at her, he opened his door and said over his shoulders to Charlie, "Ensure she gets on that elevator."Audrey looked confused about what was going on; she had missed seeing Jason's face.Audrey shook her head, muttered, "A lot of weird guys these days," and stepped into the elevator.Before Charlie could turn to her, she was gone.Jason walked into the suite, relaxing his stiff shoulders that had stayed rigid all day. He had not expected the day to turn out like this, nor had he expected the conversation he had with his doctor the day before.*FLASH BACK*"Jason, I'm a
~Two hours earlier~Laura woke up to the sound of her twins shouting, "Mom!"Lisa and Liam were in a happy mood, running on their small feet in their pajamas. She climbed onto Laura's bed."Mom, it's time," Lisa shouted, jumping up and down on the bed."Arrrggghh!" Laura groaned into the pillow, adding, "Go away, you two; it's not morning.""Mom, it's seven already," Liam muttered, his face placed on his palm as he stared at his mom's face.Laura forced her eyes open. "Guys, is there something I'm missing?" she asked, covering a yawn."Mom, what day is today?" Lisa asked with a grin.Laura yawned, covering her mouth with a hand. She tried to think of the reason behind such a question."Uhm, it's Monday, sweetheart," she replied."Yes, mom, try again; when did we get here?" Liam asked, encouraging her, his eyes twinkling with mischief."We got here yesterday, Liam, darling. What am I missing?" Laura asked again."Mom! That makes today?" Lisa asked.Laura looked from Lisa to Liam, their
Jason was silent, his eyes bloodshot as he said, "Charlie, I need to get to that office as soon as possible."He turned to look at Tim and asked, "Who the hell called it?""It seems Shawn initiated it, citing your father's critical condition as a reason," Tim explained."So much for being optimistic; who is the a**hole now?" Jason vented."What do we do?" Tim asked gently.Jason thought for a minute and then replied, "Place a call to Alfred and have him delay that meeting. Whatever he does, tell him to make sure no voting is carried out till I get there.""Okay," Tim replied, and he instantly made the call.The North Corporation had its headquarter in the North building, which was specifically for the purpose of administrative work.Alfred was an executive who was committed to ensuring Cade North's legacy.At the office, Shawn stood before the executives and board of directors."Thank you all for coming on such short notice, but we would all agree with me that it is urgent we get this
"Yes, Jason, I know perfectly well what I am doing," Shawn replied, his face emotionless and unreadable.Jason turned to address the entire room and said, "Any vote taken without following the right process will not be acknowledged."Luke North stood up and replied, "Jason, you should see that we need to appoint someone; it is the right of the board.""I stand not against the appointment of the CEO, but against any form of disregard for proper procedure," Jason replied."The chairman, who is your father, is at a critical point; he isn't here, so the decision rests with the board," Terry North interjected."I believe we can adjourn this meeting and follow the right procedure if we are to appoint the CEO at all costs." Alfred suggested.A majority of the board accepted this, and the meeting was adjourned until further notice.Jason stared at his brother and looked at his uncles; without saying a word, he left the room."Tim, let's get back on track with my schedule, shall we?" Jason sai
Lisa and Liam's eyes widened at the sound of the voice; they were surprised. They had moved into their room to make the call."It's a woman," Lisa whispered, staring at the phone."I thought you said he was a man," Liam whispered right back.The voice from the phone spoke again, "Hello?"Lisa looked confused as she said, "What do we do?"Without replying, Liam took the phone and ended the call instantly."Liam!" Lisa exclaimed, visibly startled. She added, "Why did you hang up the call?""Because it's a woman, you said your candidate was a man, Lisa," Liam explained."See, there's a second number on the card," Lisa said, pointing towards the card."Let's send a message; I don't think we should call," Liam suggested.Lisa thought about it for a minute, then agreed, "Okay, let's write the message."They locked their heads together as they brainstormed on what to send to their candidate number one.*******Jason and Tim walked into North Technologies; the building was huge and state-of-t
~ Flash Back~It was a sunny day that morning in Hawaii, and Lily had gone to the conference alone."I have heard Tina. I'll make sure to eat. Would you keep nagging me like a baby?" Lily spoke into the phone as she sipped her coffee and stared out through the window of her hotel apartment."I could have come with you, but you stubbornly wanted to go alone," Tina said through the phone."I know Tina; it's that time of the year; I just want to be alone," Lily replied."I know, Lily; just promise me you'll be fine." Tina responded, her voice calm and quiet. She understood Lily's grief and respected it."Okay, I promise," Lily replied, adding, "You should get to work; one would think you're my nurse, Tina."Through the phone, Lily heard Tina chuckle. "Okay, boss, I'll get to work. Talk to you later," Tina replied, ending the call.Lily dropped her phone, her mind filled with the memory of the one jewel she had cherished in life. It was the anniversary of her daughter's death.Loveth Whit
Shawn and Tobias looked back instantly, and the shock on their faces was so appealing that it brought a smile to Lily's face. "Laura? What are you doing here?" Tobias asked, looking shocked. "You look like you've seen a ghost." Laura said as she walked over and sat in front of them. Before they could answer, they heard a knock at the door, and Laura said, "Oh, that must be him." "Aunt, I thought you said she left," Tobias said, looking at Lily. Lily remained silent and only responded with a shrug. Laura opened the door, and Jason walked into the office, a sight that only made Tobias more scared and Shawn visibly angry. "You were saying something about my family," Laura said, addressing Shawn. "What is going on here? Why does this feel like a trap? Are you suspecting us of something?" Shawn asked, standing up suddenly. "Nobody is suspecting you of anything; we are just asking you about your last statement," Lily said, breaking her silence. "You know what? I'm leaving. I only
As soon as they were alone, Jason turned back to Laura and said, "Let's hear it."Laura shook her head and replied, "Jason, up until this morning, I didn't have the information I have now. I was actually trying my best not to be angry at you.""Why would you be angry at me? If for anything, I should be the one pissed, because you were not picking up my calls and you left without any notice from the event that day.""I know, but if you hear me out, then maybe you will understand my reasons," Laura said, holding up her hand."Okay, you have the floor," Jason said as he took his seat a few feet away from her."I came back to town to find my mother and to find out what happened to me seven years ago," Laura said.Jason was silent as he watched her speak, his expression neutral. Laura brushed her hair behind her neck and continued to explain her mother's relationship to Lily."Suffix it to say that I found my grandmother, but I was not able to find out what happened that one night that I c
Grace walked into Jared's office, demanding to have an audience with him."I'm sorry, ma'am, but you can't go in now; he is not on sit," the receptionist said apologetically."I know he is in there; tell him that if he does not see me now, he won't like the next news he hears," Grace responded.Having no choice, the receptionist put a call through to Jared's office again and relayed the message.After a few minutes, she dropped the phone and said, "You can go in, ma'am.""I thought as much," Grace replied, and she walked straight to the elevator.It had been radio silence since her last confrontation with Jared, but now she was going to rain down all the anger she felt within on him."I told you not to come here, Grace," Jared said as soon as Grace walked into his office."I don't give a damn what you say any longer, Jared," Grace replied with scorn."What exactly do you want, Grace?" Jared asked."What do I want? Huh, that's rich coming from you." Grace replied, adding, "You know I h
Lily was surprised to hear that, so she gripped her hand tightly and asked, "What else is there that I haven't said?"Laura shook her head and replied, "No, not you; it's from me.""Oh, what is it?" Lily asked.Laura pulled her hand from Lily's grip and brushed it through her hair as she sighed deeply."Actually, I came back to town because of two things. The first was because of the note you sent to me about my mother, and the second was because I wanted to find out what happened to me about seven years ago." Laura explained.Lily's face squeezed in confusion as she asked, "Something happened to you? What might it be?""Well, I don't know either; all I know is that I got pregnant after, and that was what resulted in my father sending me away from town," Laura replied."What?" Lily exclaimed in shock."Yes, you see, I was betrothed to Jared Tuner, but my stepsister set me up that night," Laura said, explaining what Grace had told her about the same night.There was more confusion on L
"Jason?" Tim called, wondering what was wrong."Okay, Liam, thank you for calling me. Do you know where you stay?" Jason said this on the phone.Tim realized he was talking to Laura's son and shrugged, hoping he got the answer he was looking for."No, that's fine. How is Lisa?" Jason asked.Just like magic, the hard look on Jason's face cleared as he spoke with the children. After a few minutes, the call ended."So?" Tim asked."They are leaving in two days," Jason said."What two days?" Tim replied, surprised."Yes," Jason replied, his voice sounding dejected."Oh, oh," Tim muttered."What did Gift say?" Jason asked."Nothing, just like I told you she would," Tim replied, adding, "Don't the kids know where the house is?""They don't; I think Liam called me from the card I gave him sometimes back," Jason replied."Hmm, well, I think you have tried all that you can," Tim said encouragingly.I am really going to lose Laura, Jason thought as he sat there, staring into space.*************
When Jason walked into the office that morning, everyone who saw him knew something was wrong."Jason, you don't look so good," Tim whispered behind him as they walked through the building lobby."You look like you did not get any sleep last night," Tim added as he noticed a few people staring at Jason."That is of less concern right now, Tim; I need you to get Gift here today," Jason replied as they boarded the elevator."Gift? You mean the same Gift Hatcher?" Tim asked."Yes, I need to ask her about Laura. She mentioned some time ago that they had been childhood friends," Jason replied.Tim shook his head, knowing that was not going to be a good idea, considering the outcome of the last meeting Gift had with Jason."I can basically feel you shaking your head from here," Jason muttered."Uhm, I just don't think Gift would be a good idea; I mean, after the last time, she would not be so keen to see you." Tim explained.Jason was at his wits end, and he was only trying to hold it all t
Jason woke up that morning with a heavy concern in his heart. He had tossed and turned through the night.The night before, he had been stunned by Tim's statement, and for a moment, his heart had frozen."What did you just say?" He had asked."Humm, I just heard from Emily, who heard from Laura's live-in nanny that Laura is leaving town," Tim had replied carefully.Jason had sat at the back of the car, stunned by the news. He had imagined a lot of outcomes from her sudden departure from the hotel, but he had not imagined that she would leave town."When did you get this information?" Jason had asked."Uhm, just before you stepped out of your office," Tim had also replied catiously."Why isn't she telling me about leaving town? Why is she suddenly avoiding me?" Jason asked himself, feeling a sinking feeling in his belly.Now, at the dawn of a new day, Jason climbed out of bed, looking dazed as he murmured, "I never thought I would feel this way."He walked over to the balcony and stare
"I really must have feelings for him," Laura muttered under her breath."Laura?" Teressa called again."I'm fine; I just felt a tiny pain in my chest," Laura said."Okay, let me get you water or something," Teressa said, hurring over to the mini-kitchen in the apartment.Laura's phone rang, and she saw Audrey's name on the screen."Hello, Adurey," Laura said, picking up the call."I think something must be really wrong," Audrey said in response."What?" Laura asked, her brows squeezed in confusion."You never miss a chance to work; that's why I'm wondering what's going on. How are you feeling now?" Audrey asked.Laura shook her head as she replied, "I'm fine, Audrey; I'm just not up for work yet.""Okay, no problem; I just wanted to check in on you," Audrey replied."Thank you," Laura replied, adding, "If there is anything that requires my urgent attention, please let me know.""Don't worry, I will," Audrey replied before ending the call.Laura pulled the phone from her ears and rubbe
"Hello? Lily?" Jason said as soon as he heard her voice."Jason, how are you?" Lily said, breaking into a smile as she realized it was Jason."I'm okay. How are you? Is Laura there? I called to speak with her," Jason replied.Lily looked back, and to her dismay, Laura was gone. She looked from Audrey to Tina, both of whom had unreadable expressions on their faces."Humm, she is not feeling too well and has taken the day off," Lily replied, adding, "If there is anything you want us to help you with, I'm sure Audrey would take care of it.""Oh, yes, of course," Jason replied, the line silent for a few seconds before he added, "Are you aware she moved out of the hotel?"Lily coughed slightly as she replied, "Uhm, yes, I am.""Uhm, so do you know where she moved to? Well, not that I am particularly interested; I'm just, you know, trying to be a good neighbor; I believe we were neighbors," Jason replied, forcing himself to stop after realizing how he must sound."Hmm," Lily said, her brows