A/N: I do not own Twilight.

To my wonderful betas A Jasper For Me and HMPObsessed, thank you. They prettify my words, and I'm glad that they do. =) All mistakes are still mine, however.

I want to make this clear...There is no abuse in this story. James is with Bella because she wanted it that way.

Thank you to everyone reading/alerting/favoriting/recommending this story.

This chapter will give you an insight on Carlisle. So, here goes...

Chapter 4 – The infamous grandfather

I could see the stream of arriving guests to Carlisle's mansion had slowed to a trickle when my car approached the gates.

I ignored the uniformed security guard's advice that I couldn't park inside the gates, and went ahead and slowed my red Ferrari Enzo to a halt under the porte cochere. I could clearly see there was no snow on the driveway, which was the opposite of the excuse they had given for not allowing any cars anywhere near the house. Carlisle had a habit of developing quirky practices – the ones he made up from time to time for no other reason than to impose his will upon other social members of his class. This was to prove to himself, yet again, that he was still superior to all. My grandfather was an arrogant bastard and doing this was to confirm that he could manipulate and maneuver whatever and whoever he wanted. It was a wonder to me why some guests didn't turn around and go home once they realized that the driveway was clear. It was known that Carlisle was a generous benefactor that had donated tens of millions of dollars to different charities, reasons his guests might have put up with this 'small inconvenience'.

I turned to give my car another glance before entering the foyer. I smirked, knowing Carlisle would be pissed I didn't follow his instructions. I wouldn't allow him to push me around like he does everyone else. I was only here because his birthday was the same day as Jasper's wedding. I didn't want to spend the night wallowing in the thoughts of my ex-bestfriend enjoying this day without me. Not to mention, I didn't want to think about Bella. It was hard enough just knowing she was just here in the same city as me, and I was unable to go to her freely. It was torture to even fathom that she was with that slime of a man she called her husband. Anyone who was with her other than me was a fucking asshole in my book.

I needed to forget about my problems; what better way to do that than to torture myself and attend my grandfather's seventieth birthday party.

I entered Carlisle's study, which was on the opposite side of the hallway from the living room, toward the back of the house. I was never welcome in this house back in the days when I was still a beggar, in all senses of the word, but that had changed recently. I was not a frequent visitor, though I was now familiar with the main rooms of the house. The heavy paneled study doors had a thin strip of light between them, encouraging me to go inside. I knew it wouldn't be my grandfather, as he liked to keep everyone waiting, proving his superiority.

Esme was sitting in one of the couches in the study, looking nervous and excited all at the same time. She was Carlisle's second wife and was twenty years younger than him. She was not my grandmother, but she was the only one who had shown some compassion when I was a kid, although she never truly went against my grandfather's wishes to personally take care of me. The remorse I could see in her eyes whenever I saw her was enough proof she regretted she never did enough for me. I had forgiven her a long time ago…but only her. She was always so fucking sweet, like she was making up for lost time; I couldn't help be kind to her in return. Not like some other Cullens I know.

"Hello, Edward," she greeted, with a nervous smile. I nodded and smiled, but didn't bother to make small talk. Carlisle would be making his grand entrance any time soon, and I didn't want to be caught off guard when he did. I was still wary of this place. I don't think I would ever be comfortable with any of them. I was here tonight to freaking occupy my mind of things other than the thoughts that had plagued me these last couple of days. The only other time I was here before was when I needed to confront my grandfather of his meddling ways in my business affairs. Tonight, I didn't come here for personal reasons. I was here because I needed Carlisle and his family to distract me. I was desperate, enough to come and tolerate my grandfather's insufferableness.

I spent my time studying the many portraits that adorned the office. The large room seemed to be a shrine to the Cullen men; every size of framed portraits covered the walls and the mantel. I wasn't truly interested to know anything about my history; I just didn't have anything better to do, so I gazed at the old pictures of my 'supposed' ancestors.

"Do you see the resemblance?" I heard Esme ask.

"To what?" I said mockingly. I knew she was associating me to these other men that had power and wealth.

"To you," she said stubbornly. "The Cullen men are a handsome lot. Just like you."

I gave her a warning look, telling her I didn't want to pursue this topic. I was pissed Esme wanted me to acknowledge my relationship to this family. I hated being associated with the Cullens, even though I opted to carry their name. I was here because I needed to be, not because I wanted to be. I needed to forget about Isabella for a night, and Carlisle would definitely make me do that. I slid one hand in my pocket and moved a few paces away from Esme, feigning interest to the other portraits.

The silence in the room was interrupted by a curt, loud voice. "This will not take long, I promise," Carlisle said abruptly while he strode into the room, followed by my cousin Riley.

I took my time to turn around, wanting my grandfather to wait until I acknowledged his presence. Damn, bastard.

"Sit down," he ordered.

I walked over to Esme and helped her sit in one of the sofas, then walked back to a corner across from the fireplace, shoved my hands into my pockets, and lifted my brows. Riley quickly sat beside Esme, clearly afraid of angering our grandfather.

"I said sit!" Carlisle warned. He didn't think I was afraid of him, did he? I stared at him amusedly and turned around to look behind me.

"What are you looking for?" Carlisle asked stonily.

"Your dog," I said icily. "I'm not your fucking pet."

I could see his expression turned cold and resentful. There was something in his eyes though, like he was proud of me, which he masked away quickly. He stood erect and proud, appearing as if he was the one winning here.

I was here because it was my choice, not because I was forced to be here. He needed to know that. By the way he was looking at me, I knew he understood I wasn't a member of his flock he could easily bark orders to.

"Fine. If that's what you want then by all means…stand," he said grittily. He wasn't used to not getting his way, but my stubbornness surpassed his.

"I called upon the three of you because I wanted say this in front of the entire family. I feel I owe this to you, Edward," my grandfather announced.

I resisted the urge to laugh; instead I crossed my arms across my chest. After all these years, he saw the need to say such things. It was clear he wanted to make amends. As if these words could make up all the hardships I went through when I was a child.

Carlisle was staring at me intently now, and I stared back unflinchingly. I wasn't one to back down on a challenge, especially if it was coming from him.

"Many years ago, I did you an injustice. My pride and anger were the reasons behind it. I admit that now in front of your grandmother and your cousin, and I want to right what I have done."

I raised my brows, suddenly curious on where he was leading this conversation.

"My anger had nothing to do with you, Edward," he said. "You were a product of my spineless son who had no character or decency. You're mother was a gold digging bitch who only wanted our money."

I could feel my jaw tense. I wasn't hurt by what he said because it was the fucking truth. My father didn't have any scruples, and my mother was a whore who only thought about the money she could get from Carlisle in exchange for taking care of me. It was just hard to listen to it all.

I tried so hard to remain impassive; after all, I was here by my own choice.

"I was surprised though, Edward. I always thought you were not cut out to be a Cullen because of who your parents were. It never occurred to me you would come out better than I expected. I threw you into the world with nothing except the opportunity to have an education and to make social contacts," he continued. His face was blank, but his voice held some awe in it. "In the last decade, you had turned what I gave you into an impressive, little financial empire. You inherited this ability from your Cullen ancestors. You may not have been raised as a Cullen, but you definitely are one."

Instead of being pleased by what he just said, I was amused. He seemed to have this notion I needed his approval. "Is this a compliment which I should be thankful for?"

"Of course not! We all know Cullens do not need reassurance of their worth," he declared egotistically. I couldn't keep the smirk off my face. Maybe I had inherited his arrogance after all. I was considered conceited. "Now that we have established who you really are, there's no need to further discuss this. You're my grandson, and that is that."

Carlisle moved toward Esme and reached for her hand to assist her up. "Esme, darling, take Edward into the living room and make sure to introduce to our dear friends."

"I didn't know this was a part of my night," I drawled lazily. Three pairs of surprised eyes turned to me.

"What did you expect? It's my birthday, and we have a party. It's about time I tell them you're my grandson," Carlisle said smugly. Them being the socialites and millionaires he associated with.

I knew he planned this. In another time, I would just shrug off his plans and go back home. I didn't need his connections, or his money, and definitely not his approval. This certainly would be interesting - him introducing me as his grandson. I would like to see that. Maybe I could get a few laughs out of this night. This would make a good story I could relate to Rose after.

"Besides, what better way to show those Whitlocks that we throw a better party than they do. It's payback for treating my grandson like shit," he hissed. Ah, and there it was. The reason for him calling me to his house. He wanted to show his friends and associates his grandson wouldn't be made a fool. Typical Carlisle, never letting anyone tarnish the Cullen name, even if it was only because of me.

I should have known he knew about Isabella and me. Esme attended my disastrous almost wedding after all.

I narrowed my eyes at him. I didn't need for him to remind me of people I certainly didn't want to be thinking about at this moment. Carlisle needed to shut the fuck up before I would lose my cool and stop the pretense of civility towards him. I didn't need for him to remind me of what my life was now. Not that he knew what it was like for me. But I also had no intention of showing any of them how fucking miserable I was.

Maybe I was in the right place. I always did associate the Cullen name with misery.

Riley just looked at me apologetically, and I shrugged. I didn't want Carlisle to continue on this train of conversation, so I didn't give him the chance to say anything. I moved past them and went ahead toward the ballroom just beside the living room.

I should have bailed on this party. I didn't need this kind of stress. I had more than I could bear.

My entrance was not grand, but it felt like it, since everyone turned and stopped to stare at me. I tipped my imaginary hat, loving the shocked expressions of the people in the room.

Yeah, fuckers. Fuck you all.

I was still feeling smug when I entered the ballroom, feeling the high on making these damn people speechless. I would bet a million dollars they never imagined Carlisle to recognize me as his grandson, not in their wildest dreams. He fucking fooled you, assholes! Carlisle didn't do anything without gaining from it. This grand gesture of his definitely had hidden agenda written all over it.

After the initial shock of my appearance in the house with the same people who shunned me, the tension in the room dissipated. They could now officially call me the grandson of Carlisle without offending my grandfather.

Now I would be an even better catch for the fucking women in high society. Not only did I have my own money, I also had a powerful name behind me. I knew all about the games these people play, and I wasn't fucking interested.

I was still enjoying all the shocked faces and the sudden excited chatter around me when I saw her. My grin dropped, and I growled. There in the middle of the room was Tanya, looking oh so smug and smiling flirtatiously at me.

"Oh, Hell," I hissed. Riley, who was beside me, just coughed uncomfortably, clearly knowledgeable of what happened between Tanya and me.

Esme, who was tasked to introduce me around, was suddenly beside me, ushering me forward. However, Carlisle blocked us and pushed Tanya in front of me.

"I think you two know each other," my grandfather said too eagerly.

I cursed under my breath, and Esme tightened her hold on my arm. I knew Tanya was his pet, and he still had hopes we would get back together. Maybe so he could control me through her. Not fucking likely.

"Edward, Darling," Tanya said, and I balked. She was reaching for me, but I took a step backward, not wanting her filthy hands on me.

"Tanya," I said grittily. My hands were clenched tightly at my sides, trying to control the anger of seeing her near me.

"I missed you. The last time I saw you, you left me hot and bothered." She was licking her lips, thinking it was sexy. She wasn't even ashamed of her declaration and the fact that I was repulsed by her presence.

"Shit, I regretted that night. More than you will ever fucking know," I muttered angrily. I was shooting daggers at her, and she pouted, clearly insulted. "I don't want you anywhere near me."

"But Ed-," she started, but I pushed her away quite strongly, not even caring if I hurt her. She didn't deserve anything from me.

"Edward!" I heard my grandfather yell, but I just linked my arm around Esme, and led her toward the exit, before I said my goodbye.

I was ready to go home.

I didn't fucking need this. I sure as Hell wouldn't tolerate Carlisle meddling in my personal life.

Isn't Carlisle an ass? I love him that way. (bwahaha!)

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