Laura paused and turned back toward the living room to see Audrey holding something out to her."Your phone—you forgot it on the couch," Audrey said."Oh, thank you," Laura replied, closing the door behind her as she stepped back into the living room.In the hallway, Jason and Tim were heading to the elevator when they saw the door to the next suite close as soon as they got to it. Jason caught a glimpse of a woman just before the door closed."Jason, do you want me to knock and ask about the noise earlier?" Tim asked."No, the hotel staff should take care of that. Get someone to send whoever is in there the guidelines for the suite," Jason replied in a haughty voice."Okay, I'll do that. Gift is already at the restaurant," Tim replied.Jason's personal bodyguard, Charlie, pushed the button to open the elevator.As they walked in, Jason said, "While I speak with grace, get a non-disclosure agreement drafted," to Tim.Laura stepped out of the suite and realized the elevator door was cl
Jason took the contract Tim had drafted and placed it before Gift as he stretched out a pen towards her. "Sign it, Gift; that's all you have to do," Jason said grimly. Gift Hatcher was a popular celebrity; she was gorgeous and well known in the movie industry. She had known Jason for quite a while; their families moved in the same circle, although the North family was on another level of influence. "If I am going to be your girlfriend to keep this secret, it's going to be on one condition, Jason," Gift said, her voice filled with determination. "And what is that?" Jason asked, looking impatient. Gift smiled sweetly as she said, "I want you to put in a few words for me in the industry, especially some big projects." Gift's statement intrigued Jason. "Why would I agree to that?" he told her. Despite needing her help, he would never recommend someone solely based on being an acquaintance. Gift smirked, her eyebrows raised innocently, as she said, "Well, you can't be the only one
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