Okay, newer premise for me. Honestly I like Nikolas a bit more Cassadine then what is typically portrayed on the show. I think it makes the character interesting.

Yes I know I deviate from history of the show. TPTB writing doesn't always impress me, actually it rarely impresses me. My favorite couple is still Jarly, but I shook it up a little. Don't like it. STOP reading it. Just saying…

Obviously I own nothing. Feel free to waste your time suing me for nothing TPTB and ABC Corp.

LOL

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The Metrocourt had been running full guns for years now. With Michael and Morgan getting older and being teenagers; and Jocelyn turning three, Carly felt it was time to try a new venture. Her divorce from Jax had been finalized. She had retained physical custody of their daughter and Jax had visitation rights.

The two of them were for the most part amicable. She still had moments with him that were unpleasant particularly given his engagement to Brenda. He in turn was unpleasant about Jason and Sonny's differing roles in her life.

Some things never change… Deception was back on the chopping block, most of the original company had been sold multiple times. Carly's intent was to begin buying the pieces back. To start the buying process, she would have to convince Nikolas to sell her his share of the main assets and provide a release to the corporate name so she could use it. Not exactly a piece of cake by any means.

Determination wouldn't be a problem…she thought with a smile.

Nikolas knew that Carly had been discreetly buying huge chunks of Deception and re-establishing contacts from the business. She had always been interested in Deception; and his mother had profited from Carly's marketing for years beyond firing her.

Carly still spent time with Spencer who was now ten years old. She had been a constant in his son's life for years. And by extension, Nikolas had gotten to know her. Carly was manipulative and mischievous. She also was extremely loyal to those she loved and would destroy anything that tried to hurt her children or Spencer. While keeping her calm would be a problem, Nikolas knew that he needed that loyal and protective instinct that she had for Spencer and her own children.

He would have to play a duel game with Carly. One regarding Deception, the other regarding his own need. Unlike his uncle and Bobbie, Nikolas didn't care about discretions between Carly and him. He expected them both to stray, but if the goal of the arranged marriage he would make happen was about the children…he knew Carly would take Helena off the playing board before letting his grandmother harm one of their children. Of course he would cement that a bit more firmly during the prelude and shortly following their marriage.

It never hurt to have additional heirs in a monarchy of family after all.