"You know what I don't want to talk about Hyde or April fucking Lincoln." He growled taking a seat on her couch.

"What did you bring for lunch?" Ana asked indulging him.

"Sandwiches." He said smiling when he noticed her scowl.

"Sandwiches?" She questioned.

"Try it before you dismiss it." He said handing her a box.

He watched her as she took a bite and shut her eyes savoring it. "Okay, I concede defeat… fuck, this is good." She moaned.

"As if I would ever get you something mediocre." He quipped.

"I sent an email to Dr. Garcon this morning." He blurted out suddenly.

"H... How… do you know Dr. Garcon?" she couldn't hide her shock even if she wanted to.

"I found him a few weeks after I hired Barney. I tasked him with looking for you, and it was the first thing he found. I went to see him in San Diego of all places… I had thought Carla would wait till she got you to your new home, but… anyway, to my utter surprise the man was expecting me. He told me he advised you to give him permission to give me your file. He not only gave it to me but also did something that was extremely illegal, he helped me destroy the file and wipe it off the medical database."

"There is no record of the abortion?" Ana asked in disbelief.

"Nope," Christian answered with a shake of his head to boot.

"Thank fuck for that. I always worried about that, someone using it against either one of us. Especially, now that Carla has nothing left it's the one place…" she stopped when she noticed Christian smiling from ear to ear. "She already did, didn't she?" Ana asked with a chuckle.

"Yes, Dr. Garcon sent me an email this morning. Legally, he can't give her your file without your consent even if it existed. I believe she is headed here and needed leverage, she is desperate for money and knows I have plenty." Christian surmised.

"That woman is the lowest form of any existing being. You would think she would have learned by now, her desperation for money has cost her everything and yet she is still after money. I still find it hard to believe she brought me into this world." Ana shook her head in disgust. "What gets to me the most is not having any idea if the baby was a boy or a girl. I cried so much at one point I passed out. Dr. Garcon doesn't perform abortions on anyone that doesn't want it regardless of age or their parent's wishes, but he did so because he heard Carla threatening to have you arrested if I refused. I kept a brave face until he told me he was so sorry as if it was his fault… and wished there was a way around Carla. That was when I started crying… I had never felt so broken, not even when Ray died did I feel that distraught.

In the two years I lived with them, I barely said a word to either one of them. I met Emilia when I started school… she was a godsend. I spend almost all my weekends at her house that was when I wasn't working. I got a job at the library, and I used the money for what I needed. Hell would have had to freeze over before I asked Carla for anything after what she did." The tears streamed down her cheeks, and she made no effort to stop it. Christian lifted her onto his lap, and she stayed there for a time softly crying into his shirt.

"I always wondered how you survived living with her." He whispered.

"Had the baby been a boy… I always liked Michael and a girl… you know I could never make my mind up." She lifted her head looking at him.

"What names did you have in mind?" She asked.

"I always liked names like Juliet, Cora, Coraline… you know those posh names." He said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, no… you do realize Juliet died at the end of Romeo and Juliet and every Cora I know from books and movies also met with the same faith." Her tone had him laughing.

"A small part of me prayed for a miracle… I prayed for an intervention, anything to stop Carla from going through with her threat. Then Barney found your medical records and I knew she had forced you. I felt like I was right back to the day she took you away. Back then I couldn't eat, I couldn't stomach the thought of food… especially after destroying everything of us in a fit of rage. I ended up in hospital…" Ana gasped in shock. "Yeah, it was stupid, but I was right back to that moment when Dr. Garcon confirmed the abortion. I spent days locked away in my room, but this time my mom put her foot down knowing how it was all going to end." She held onto him a little tighter.

"We never really got the chance to mourn our baby or say goodbye. There is nothing anywhere that shows a life was taken from us." She mumbled into his chest.

"We can have a small monument at my parent's to…" This time he broke down. They'd both agree it was the first time either had really mourned the child they lost.

"Are you going to get someone to look into Christian and the Steele woman's past?" Elena asked. Linc dropped his fork on the plate with a loud sigh.

"For fuck sake Elena, what are you hoping to find?"

"Well, I wouldn't know until you get someone to look into it." She retorted condescendingly.

"Okay, say you do find that Grey and the girl had some questionable past. What do you intend to do with that information… blackmail him into marrying April."

"No, not blackmail… just strongly suggest." She said with a smirk.

"Well then, let me strongly suggest something. Let. This. Go." Linc growled.

"Jesus Linc, think what it would accomplish to have those two in our back pockets." Elena sounded almost animated with glee.

"Back pocket, huh." For a minute there she thought Linc could see the potential. "Now dear, here is a large dose of reality. Christian Grey has me in his back pocket."

"What is that suppose to mean?"

"It means Christian has me in his back pocket. He owns the majority share in Lincoln Timber." Elena looked as crestfallen as he expected. "Yes dear, Christian Grey owns us."

"Why would you sell to…"

"It was either that or declare bankruptcy. Of course, Christian doesn't know it was the reason I sold to him."

"Bankruptcy." Elena knew years of planning and manipulation had come to nothing because of her husband. "How?"

"It's simple Christian bought a lumber yard three years ago. At the time it was nothing to worry about because it was a small operation enough for his own manufacturing needs, but then again this is Christian Grey we are talking about… within a year he had turned it into one that rivaled my own and worse he could sell his stock at a lower price because he owned the land and therefore the timber that came with it. I was forced to match his prices to keep the contractors I had deals with or risk losing them. That left me with little to no profit, in all fairness I should have gone to Christian then, but in a moment of stupidity I instead chose a different route, and it ended up costing me more. In the end, I went to Christian and considering he doesn't need my business I had no choice but to tell him I needed the money, not why I needed the money. He came in and within months turned it all around.

I don't give two shits that I have to run my decisions past him because having his input has made Lincoln Timber profitable even though I'm sharing the profits. The boy is a fucking genius, and I for one I'm not about to ruin a successful partnership because you can't get it into your thick skull that he is not interested in April. If I hear one more word or find out that you are persisting in this foolish endeavor, I will be the one to go to him and Ana and tell them what you intend. I love my money and the lifestyle it affords me, and I am not about to lose it because of you and those stupid kids.

I'm meeting Carrick for a game this afternoon and fishing later, don't wait up." Linc wiped the corners of his mouth and threw the napkin on the table in disgust. "Even if he didn't own most of my business I will still be talking you out of it because the major point you seem to be missing is that he is not interested in April."

Just before he leaves the house, his daughter stormed in looking as though the world just screwed her over. "I just got fired." Linc was not the least bit surprised.

"Why?" Elena asked standing up.

"Because... I'm not good at my job." Linc was shocked by her honesty. "They compared my work to the other copywriters and mine was subpar at best according to the new president."

"Did you call Christian?" Elena asked earning an eye roll from Linc as he walked out.

"Yes… daddy, where are you going?" April asked surprised by his attitude.

"I'm late for my game." He countered.

"I just got fired." She reiterated.

"Yes, I heard you the first time, and I also heard it was because your work was subpar at best. What surprises me is the fact that you are surprised by that. You kids need to be realistic about your prospects in life. If I were you I will save that trust fund, invest it because it's all the money you have. Your mother has left you so deluded about marrying Christian every other decent prospect is now looking elsewhere because you rejected them all." With that, he walked out.

"What did Christian say?" Elena asked ignoring Linc.

"I saw him leaving the building, and he said it wasn't his business. I could have sworn he'd been crying, he looked a mess when he climbed into the car. Hell, Taylor had to damn near carry him in."

"That's it, he didn't offer to speak to the Steele woman… nothing." She asked ignoring her statement about his wellbeing.

"Nope," April said sitting down. "He spent all afternoon in her office by the looks of things. It's obvious she is the one as far as he's concerned."

"You can't give up." Elena barked.

"How can I give up something I never had?" April muttered before walking out.

Elena knew her children had inherited her beauty, but unfortunately, it seems it was all they possessed. He had nothing when she met and married Linc and was able to give herself a great life, now she had to do the same for her children. With April it was easy, find her a man like Linc, rich and handsome, Christian Grey was the epitome of both. Unfortunately, Christian was not remotely interested in April, and now with the information Linc had just dropped on her lap it was time to accept things, as painful as it was.

Christian and Ana hadn't spent that much time together, she had promised to come by Escala after work and true to her word she was on her way up. His eyes were still a little red-rimmed, but he made no effort to hide it if anyone understood why it was Ana. Christian Grey could not appear weak to anyone, except to his immediate family and Ana. They had seen him at his worst and didn't judge him for it.

He smiled at the sight before him when the elevator doors opened. Ana was a vision in white, white jeans, a white tank top, and a linen shirt. "Hello, Angel." He teased earning a grin from her.

"Angel... I like that." She purred wrapping her arms around his neck. "I thought I'd come spend the evening with my boyfriend." She added.

"Well, your boyfriend is thrilled to spend the evening entertaining you." They walked through the double doors, and she stopped at the sight before her.

Christian, this is beautiful… very unexpected." She murmured.

"I will admit I had you in mind when I decorated the place." He was reminded then to show her the library sometime that evening. The penthouse was warm and welcoming though apart from his family he rarely invited anyone round.

He had cream-colored walls, an off-white couch with several pillows and throws in various brown accents. A cream-colored shag rug and several potted plants that brought life to the place. "I love it," Ana said walking over to the balcony. "What a view." She whispered. "I could stand here for hours just staring at that skyline."

"You are more than welcome to come here anytime day or night and stare." He quipped as he placed a bottle of wine and glasses down. He quickly grabbed a tray of crackers and various cheeses. He tossed a few pillows on the rug, and they got comfortable.

"I promise I'm not going to make the entire evening about your work, but how is the renovation of Kavanagh Media building coming?"

"It's right on schedule, it's a lot of work, but it should be done in a month. You should see the office Kate designed for herself, it's a bit much for me."

"What about your office?" he asked his eyes taking her in as she pulled off her linen shirt.

"It's simple…" she paused realizing it was time for change. Christian spent the last ten years just as she did and if he could derive some joy in life and create a warm environment for himself so could she. "But I'm going to take a page out of Kate's book and design an office space that is warm and welcoming."

"Hmm-mm." Ana turned to face him. "Your skin is so smooth." He murmured planting a kiss on her shoulder.

"I remember you being a lot smoother when you were angling for sex." She said with a giggle.

"Angling for sex… angling for sex. You think that is what I'm… okay, I am, and you were fifteen you didn't know smooth if it hit you in the face, that is why you can tell how shit I am now." She threw her head back in laughter.

"I don't know… you were shit at a lot of things. I recall the whole Susannah Leila debacle." He groaned.

"Don't remind me, that was a pretty low point in my life." He said with a groan filling her wine glass and his draining the bottle. "Would you like some more?" He asked shaking the empty bottle.

"No, I'm good." She mumbled. "I'm something of a lightweight when it comes to alcohol." He stared at her lips as she spoke barely hearing a word. "You really are useless when you have sex on the brain." She teased.

"And only you could help me out of my uselessness." Even he knew that was corny.

"Wow, that was lame, but God... yes," Ana muttered.

"Don't you have a house in Mercer?" Christian asked as he runs his fingers up and down her spine.

"I do… the décor is somewhat outdated, and it needs work. I'm just too busy to deal with the house right now." She had never felt so relaxed in body and mind.

"Elliot owns a construction company, I'm sure when you are ready he'd be more than happy to help." Christian murmured.

"I'm sorry… I haven't spent that much time with you or the rest of the Grey's." Ana apologized.

"They understand you have work to do… but how about we take my catamaran out for the weekend. I hear you love to sail… this captain could do with a second." His lips found her skin. "You could invite Emilia and Kate, I'm sure they would love it."

"They would." She purred. "Speaking of Emilia, she opened Hyde's files and well…" she turned facing him. "It's recordings of every conversation he'd ever had with April… I think he had it in case she stopped playing ball. Then again I believe she gave information on you for the promotion from assistant to copy editor even though she wasn't qualified for it. Christian, you were in foster care with Hyde." He sat up looking perplexed.

"Ana, I was never in fost…" he jumped up looking for his trousers. He looked up to find Ana waving his phone at him. "Thanks." He said with a chuckle despite the situation.

"Mom, was I ever in foster care?"

"Yes, you spent two months with the Colliers while the state searched for any relatives you might have had." Grace wondered why this was coming up now.

"Holy shit… I don't remember a thing from then, turns out I was there with Hyde."

"Oh my… yes… of course, the red-haired boy who kept trying to get us to adopt him as well. There was just something about him that made us uncomfortable. We knew if we adopted him you and Elliot would most likely be in danger. After all these years."

"I guess he didn't let it go, he's been using April, and she's happy to be used for a promotion. Anyway, thanks, mom. Ana and I will be there this weekend, we thought we could take The Grace out for the weekend." Talk about a drastic change in topic.

"That is an excellent idea, see you two then." She said hanging up.

"What are you going to do?" Ana asked. Despite the nature of the conversation Christian's attention was more drawn to her naked body.

"Christian," Ana warned. "Pay attention."

"Let it play out, confronting Hyde when we have no knowledge of what he's planning is just foolish. I believe Harper Lee said 'never ask a question you don't already know the answer to.' My security has been sleeping on the job, but not anymore, they are watching Hyde's every move, which is easy because most of his moves involve a Grey…"

"And me," Ana added. "He's been looking up information on me, and it wouldn't surprise me if we learn April has said something hence Hyde's sudden interest in my past."

"I'd bet a billion dollars Carla is on her way to Seattle. Dr. Garcon was a dead end, but we still can't have her talking about our past to anyone… the gossip alone would be enough to raise eyebrows."

"Oh please, Carla wants money and will only to talk to whoever is willing to pay and that we can control." She said with a sly smile.

"What is going on in that brilliant mind of yours?" Christian asked pulling her closer to him.

After almost two days Carla finally arrived in Seattle, it was city she knew well she had spent most of her life there before Ray died. Before Christian Grey had shown up for dinner, Stephen talked about him a lot and had in fact made it a point to say Christian's business was based in Seattle because it was Carla's hometown. She in the last two years had collected over a million dollars earmarked for Anastasia's care, and despite never having used much of it on Anastasia, she had just over ten thousand dollars in her pocket and nowhere to live.

She had one piece of paper as proof of her daughter's pregnancy and she could be persuaded to not make that little bit of information public for the right price of course. Christian was worth billions and could certainly part with a couple of million as far as Carla was concerned. A businessman of his caliber would not want that type of gossip spreading, and she wasn't above padding the story either if that is what it took. After all, Anastasia wasn't around to say it wasn't true if she made her sound younger than she actually was.