An Angel At My Table Chapter 25 Casualties of War, a twilight fanfic

A/N: As always light & Laughter and thank you to those of you who took the time to review, as you know we love your feedback. Also thank you to those of you who have added this story to your subscriptions :)...Love, light & laughter to my facebook friends, I'm fast learning you're a very naughty bunch of minx' :) (especially you wolf girlz, man alive! LMAO)...Chapter photos will be up tomorrow can't be assed doing them tonight. lol...Jannie G, me and you have a date with with my new hottie we definitely need to catch up soon. lol...Larissa you're next in line ;)...And of course Sassy41 you know you dont even have to wait in line :) Cinnamon xx

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Chapter 25: Casualties of War...

Bella's POV

Edward had decided not to go into the office this morning instead opting to invite Irina to work with him at home; we had just sat down for breakfast when the phone rang. Edward didn't move from his seat, he knew I couldn't ignore a ringing phone. I poked me tongue out on the way past and he smirked. I was surprised when I heard the Chancellor of the University on the line. He requested I attend a meeting with him today to discuss some issues that had recently been brought to his attention, he didn't elaborate on what the issues were in regard to so I was overly concerned. I knew it couldn't be anything to do with the marking criteria because I was meticulous in following the schedule guidelines.

I took my seat back at the table and relayed my conversation to Edward, I caught a flash of some emotion in his eyes but it was gone before I could recognise it, when I looked more closely all I could see was the depth of his love for me.

I left the twins with Edward and headed into town, I was barely conscious of what was going around me, I was preoccupied replaying the conversation with the Chancellor over in my mind and trying desperately to find any clues as to what he might want to discuss with me.

I still hadn't come up with anything when I knocked on his office door.

My heart began to race; it was beating so hard I started to feel lightheaded when I stepped through the door and saw Jake sitting in a stiff wooden chair with his face in his hands. My throat constricted and tears pricked my eyes, Jake looked totally devastated when he looked up and met my eyes.

"Ah… Isabella thank you for coming on such short notice, please take a seat." I never took my eyes from Jake as I took a seat beside him.

Although I still didn't know why I was here; I suddenly had the feeling it wasn't going to be for anything good. Jake was visibly shaking next to me causing fear to claw at my insides. I took a deep steadying breath and willed myself not to vomit.

"So Isabella, Jacob, the reason I've asked you both here is because an official complaint has been made by an anonymous person in regards to a potential conflict of interest." Jake and I looked at each other and I could see my fear mirrored in his eyes.

It prompted me into speech, "what sort of conflict of interest sir?"

"Well Isabella the complainant has alleged that until very recently you two shared a residence."

"Yes that's correct we were flatmates." It suddenly dawned on me where the chancellor was going with this and I gripped the armrests to stop the convulsions trying to rip through my body.

"Well Isabella surely you can understand our being very concerned about this considering you mark the exams and all written material handed in for assessment for three of the courses Mr Black has been participating in. Now I have been over Mr Black's results and I noted his grade average puts him in the top two percent of our academic program, which of course gives him automatic acceptance onto the honours roll."

"Sir... I have never given Jake inside information or marked him higher than the marking schedule indicates for the quality of his work. Jake has studied extremely hard to get where he is."

"Yes well that may be, but Isabella you must see that we can't be sure of that can we? The potential damage to the universities reputation should this get out could be quite substantial and it is for that reason that I have no alternative than to terminate your employment contract with the university. And Mr Black all of your submitted material will be subjected to a review and reassessment, the review committee will request that your Professor's read your work and give an opinion on whether they feel you are capable of producing work of this standard. Until the results of the review are known I have no choice but to remove your name from the honours roll."

I stood up at the same time as Jake, my legs were shaking so badly they felt like jelly; I fought back my tears and followed Jake from the room.

I burst into tears as soon he closed the door behind us. "I'm so sorry Jake, I never even thought for a minute something like this could happen. I have always marked your work fairly and impartially. Besides you know that none of the student's names are on their submitted work only their student ID numbers."

"I know that Bells, I know you'd never cheat. Bella you know they know I could have easily given you my student number... Don't worry ok everything will work out in the end. Let's stay positive about the situation, regardless of the outcome we both know the truth."

I stared at Jake, wondering if he had taken leave of his sanity. "But Jake this could ruin everything you've worked for, destroy any chance you have of being successful in your chosen field."

"No it won't Bells, the worst that will happen is that I'll have to resubmit the work."

"Jake that's nearly three years worth of work you'll have to resit, that's repeating three quarters of your degree again. You can't afford to do that you're already struggling to pay your fees."

He pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head, "Bells its ok honestly, I would have rather dropped out of university than missed the opportunity to have lived with you and the twins." I buried my face into his chest and sobbed uncontrollably, he rubbed my back and whispered "Sshh... don't cry Bells, I promise this will all work out you'll see. Come on I'll drive you home, where's your car parked?"

I hugged him tightly, "Thanks Jake, you're the best, friend ever." He laughed into my hair and placed another kiss on my head.

I agreed to Jakes request to drive my Jag, I wasn't sure if Edward would be that thrilled; but it was the least I could do for my best friend. I stared out the window watching the shop windows passing before me but not seeing them, my mind was replaying my conversation with the chancellor.

He had said that it had been an anonymous complaint, but who? I slapped my hand against my forehead, "dah Bella how dumb are you?" I muttered to myself, of course I knew. "Carlisle," I spat his name from between my clenched teeth, so he had decided to take action after all.

"Bella what are you mumbling about? You know talking to yourself is a sign of insanity don't you?" He said before flashing me most favourite Jacob smile. It was nice to see it there.

I tried to smile back but I'm sure it was more of a grimace, "I was saying that Carlisle is behind this, he's the one that made the complaint."

Jakes eyebrows contracted into a frown and his knuckles flexed when he reaffirmed his grip on the steering wheel. I was expecting him to agree with me so his next words sent a wave of shock through me.

"I doubt it was Carlisle, Bells. I mean in terms of revenge it seems pretty lame for someone like Carlisle. I could imagine his schemes to be a lot more grandeur than getting you fired from a job you only do because you're too proud to let Edward support you financially. No this seems more like something a jealous classmate would do not the CEO of a global empire."

"But Jake you know what Carlisle said, he'd go after my friends. I mean you stand to lose everything why would you not think it was him?" I was confused Jake was making absolutely no sense.

"Like I said Carlisle is way more ruthless, it just seems too petty to me for him to waste his time on."

I was going to argue and tell him he's was silly not to think it was Carlisle when he pulled into the driveway.

All thoughts of arguments melted away, I was home.

Edward, Irina and the twins weren't in the kitchen, lounge or on the balcony, Jake followed me to Edward's office. I could hear muffled voices through the door and couldn't help but smile, my life was waiting for me just beyond this inanimate object. I pushed the door open and my smile widened, Edward was sitting on the soft leather couch reading 'The Wizard and the Hopping Pot' to the kid's who were seated either side of him listening attentively.

Irina was working at the computer, she smiled radiantly at both Jake and I. Her face fell slightly when she took in my appearance; I knew my eyes would be red and puffy from crying.

"Are you alright Bella? You look upset like you've been crying." Edward was off the couch and by my side before I even had time to think of a response.

He held my shoulders and looked directly into my face, "what happened at the meeting Bella, why have you been crying?"

I fought to keep myself under control; I forced back the sob trying to push its way from my throat and refused to let the tears pooled in my eyes spill over. I threw my arms around his neck and buried my face against his throat, trying to breathe in as much of his smell as I could, knowing it would help me control myself.

While I had managed to keep myself from crying I had no energy left to control the tremors rippling through me. Edward obviously felt them because he held me tighter; his hands threading into my hair.

I was just wondering if I had enough control of myself to explain but before, I had chance to examine my self control Jake spoke.

"The university received an anonymous complaint about a possible conflict of interest from the time we lived together, apparently someone thought that Bella had been giving me inside information on the exam content for the courses I'm taking and purposely marking my work to the highest level so I could gain automatic entry onto the honours roll. The University was concerned about the fallout if it became public so they terminated Bella's contract and are officially reviewing and reassessing all the work I have submitted since Bella took on the job."

I hissed Carlisle's name against Edward's neck.

"What was that Bella?" Edward's throat vibrated against my lips and I was distracted by how good it felt.

A wave of desire washed over me and an involuntary moan escaped my lips. I marvelled at body's ability to be completely turned on by on insignificant movement in his body when my mind was awash with turmoil.

Before had time to respond to his question Jake spoke again.

"She said Carlisle, Bella thinks Carlisle is behind this…I told her I doubted it very much. I'm pretty sure Carlisle's would be a little more inventive in his schemes. I reckon it was someone from my course who was jealous and saw a chance to cause me some grief. Bella's more upset about losing her financial independence than losing the job."

I pulled my face from Edward's neck and turned to glare at Jake, I couldn't believe he just said that. I continued to glare at him; my eyes boring into his, he gave me a semi apologetic look before his eyes drifted to Edward's where they lingered for a moment before returning to mine.

"Bella," Edward growled, "are you honestly worried about money?" I ignored Edward for a moment instead continuing to shoot my death glare at Jacob. He met my gaze evenly with no hint of remorse for ratting me out.

"Of course I'm worried about the loss of my income, I've got financial obligations I have to meet," I hissed at Edward, finally responding to his question.

"Bella go and get your bank account details now." Edward's voice had a ring of authority that raised my ire.

I turned to look at him my eyes narrowing, "No I will not Edward, we've been through this; my mortgage is my responsibility. Please don't start this argument again." We had been through this argument a million times already; I couldn't believe he wanted to go down that path again.

Edward sighed in exasperation, his eyes closed and he pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.

I knew the gesture well; he only used it when his patience had reached its limit. I clenched my hands into fists, closed my eyes and braced myself for what was coming next.

My eyes snapped open and I looked at Edward in surprise when he addressed Irina instead of me.

"Irina would you please access the human resources files at Cullen and retrieve Bella's bank account details, then transfer funds from my account to pay the balance of her mortgage."

"Edward," I fumed, "we talked about this, why won't you just…God..." I trailed off. I rubbed my hands over my face, I was so angry with him and I wanted to argue but I wasn't going to do it front of our friends and least of all my children.

Edward took advantage of my silence to deliver his final word on the matter. "Bella if you think I'm going to sit back and watch you stress yourself even more than you are now over how you are going to pay off your mortgage when you have access to millions of dollars you refuse to touch, it's not going to happen."

"It's done Edward," I could tell from Irina's voice that she was torn between doing what Edward asked and not wanting me to feel like I no choice in the matter.

I met her gaze and tried to convey with my look that I wasn't angry with her.

No, my fury was directed at Edward and Jake.

"Thank you Irina," Edward said smoothly smiling at her in appreciation. He turned his smiling face toward me, "see how easy that was love, don't you feel better knowing that you have one less thing to worry about." I ignored him and turned my attention back to Jake; who had drifted over to the couch to finish reading their story. I gave him a withering look before I turned and stormed from the room.

I headed toward my room but quickly changed course when I heard someone knocking on the front door. I took a couple of deep breaths to compose myself and rearranged my face into a smile and opened the door.

Esme's face broke into a radiant smile, "Hi Bella, sorry I never phoned first, I went into the office to see Edward and they told me he was working from home today."

"Hi Esme come in Edward's in his office with Irina, Jake and the twins feel free to go to wander down there; I was just going to start lunch. Would you like to join us?" I concentrated on relaxing my rigid facial muscles into a happy smile and keeping my voice light and even and was pleased when I managed both.

"That would be lovely thank you Bella." I noticed Esme was holding a large envelope not dissimilar to the one Jake had the other night, It reminded me to ask him, if I ever decided to speak to him again that was, which of his family was having property issues.

I watched Esme disappear into Edward's office before I made my way to the kitchen.

So many thoughts swirled around my head; I was starting to feel dizzy. I was struggling to keep my head above torrent of different emotions that were bombarding me from every side. I banged and crashed around kitchen muttering under my breath as I prepared lunch. God was the world going insane or was it me?

I consider the question for a moment, while I could see my own sanity was slipping, I was still certain that I had hit the point of insanity yet.

I thought about Jake, he had definitely taken leave of his sanity, that answered my question. Everyone else had gone insane, the revelation was further backed up by the thought Edward had decided to reopen the mortgage can of worms. My thoughts returned to Jake, Christ talk about totally drop me in it! How could he betray me like that and tell Edward about my financial fears? God he knew how I felt about it! Bloody traitorous bastard.

It wasn't so much that I didn't want Edward to provide for me, and it was even more than the fear that it would reinforce in Carlisle's mind that I was a gold digger; it was my own personal fear that I was losing my identity. At times I felt like I was losing who I was as an individual. I didn't just want to be Edward's partner and mother to my children; although they were the most important parts of my life I didn't want them to define me as a person. I had my own dreams and aspirations, things I wanted to accomplish for myself. When I had been raising the twins and living with Jake I had complete control over my life. I didn't have to answer to anybody, I didn't need to rely on anybody financially, every decision I made was right for me and my children and I was sure of myself.

But now I had no control, decisions that should have been mine to make, had just been taken from me as well.

My thoughts turned to the scene in the office and how Edward had completely steamed rolled over my feelings, I hated when he did that. It was frustrating and sort of degrading when Edward treated me like one of his children instead of his partner. I had just taken the crystal salad bowl from the cupboard when it slipped through my shaking fingers; it shattered into thousands of glittering shards and scattered in a million different directions.

"Fuck…shit…stupid son of a fucking bitch…" I cursed, as a wave of fury course through me. I was fucking over this day already.

"My, my...You are having a bad morning aren't you my little wildcat? May I be as cheeky as to ask what the bowl did earn your fierce but adorable wrath?" Edward gave me a dazzling smile and I scowled. His mood had greatly improved from when I'd left him fifteen minutes earlier and he chuckled when my face went into full on pout mode. "God Bella I can't decide which I find sexier angry bowl smashing Bella or stubborn unrepentant sulky Bella, it's a dead heat between them at the moment."

My pout became more pronounced as did my frown, "I'm glad you find it funny Edward!"

I bent down and started picking up the razor sharp shards, he weaved a path through the glass and pulled me up by my shoulders and gently took the glass from my hands.

"Bella I know you're upset that you lost your job and the independence it gave you, but it makes no sense for you to add to your already stressed state when it is so completely unnecessary. I want to provide for you and the kids it's what us men are supposed to do."

"For the love of God Caveward this isn't prehistoric times, you just set the woman's movement back about a millennia with that statement! You're actually lucky I'm not a neo feminist I might have ripped your balls off for saying that." I couldn't help but giggle, even though I was still seething.

He cringed involuntarily and I laughed louder and crushed my lips to his, He discarded the glass and wrapped his arms around me pulling me closer, in spite of myself my anger started to melt when he ran his tongue along my bottom lip. His kiss became more demanding, his lips moving roughly against mine as he leaned his body in closer. My heart stuttered and took off into a sprint as body moulded to his, I twined my fingers through his hair holding him against my mouth.

Both of us took a step back when we heard Esme clearing her throat from the doorway.

"Sorry to interrupt, I was just wondering if you needed some help with lunch?"

I could feel the blush rushing over my cheeks and my skin felt like it had erupted into flames when Edward's thumb followed the trail of pooling blood.

"You weren't interrupting Mum, and Bella and I have lunch under control, I'll just clean up this broken glass and we'll be good to go. Would you like to let Irina and Jake know?"

Edward kissed me again as soon as his mother turned her back on us but I quickly slithered out of his embrace, my former anger had returned in the time that Esme had been in the room, and went back to cleaning up the glass.

He let out a defeated sigh and bent down to help...

...I noticed during lunch that Edward seemed to be in unusually high spirits, he chatted happily to Jake and laughed more freely than I think I'd ever seen him do. I wondered why he was so happy, I didn't think that being able to pay off my mortgage would cause this kind of elation and with all the stuff going on with Carlisle I could no reason for it. My mood never improved much as the afternoon wore on and Edward's continuing sunshine and rainbows attitude was pissing me off, so I declined when he asked me to join him and Esme on their walk with the twins, opting to stay at home and stomp around the house.

Edward and Esme had only been gone about ten minutes when I got a call from Rose telling me that due to restructuring in the company she worked for she and Alice had been made redundant.

I knew I should have been shocked by the news but I wasn't, Carlisle had been perfectly clear that he intended to hurt my friends and family. And now that he had decided to act, he was swift and using a multipronged attack.

"Well you're not the only one Rose I got fired from my job today?" I said dejectedly.

"You what? Why?" I couldn't help but smile a little at the indignant tone of her voice.

"Someone or I should say Carlisle, complained to the school because Jake and I used to live together and I marked the exam papers for his courses. They think I helped him onto the honours roll by marking him higher and prepping him for the exams."

"Are they fucking crazy? As if you'd do that, and why would you think Carlisle was responsible for you losing your job?"

"And making sure you and Alice got made redundant." I muttered.

"Bella why would you think Carlisle had anything to do with Alice and I being made redundant?"

I quickly explained to her what Carlisle had threatened to do if I didn't leave Edward and how I was sure he had decided to act. Normally I wouldn't have burdened my sister's with my dramas but I felt I should warn them, since it involved them directly.

"Bella I think you're being paranoid, Carlisle was probably just trying to scare you into doing what he wanted. I don't think he'd actually carry it out though."

I immediately wished I hadn't said anything, I should have followed my instincts and kept quiet. It seemed no one wanted to believe Carlisle was responsible even though it was obvious he was.

But like I said I owed my sisters a warning especially since I was the reason they no longer had jobs.

"Yes he would Rose, the man's totally ruthless and a control freak; you know that." I said a little exasperatedly.

"Yeah Bells he is, but I can't see how he could have a hand in it. Carlisle has no authority in Stanley & Co, they are completely separate companies."

"Carlisle has huge influence in this country and even more in this city. You'd be amazed who has influence over. Rose just out of curiosity, were you or Alice asked to reapply for jobs under the new structure?"

"No we weren't, but I don't know if anyone else was either. These things happen Bells people get made redundant all the time, and sweetie I'd be careful of accusing Carlisle of anything, especially without concrete proof. Even though people know what a huge prick he is they still bow down to him."

"I know." I said automatically.

Rose chatted for a few more minutes, but I had totally checked out of the conversation. I was lost in thoughts of Jake and Rosalie and how they refused to believe that Carlisle had a hand in what was happening. These were the people I knew as well as I knew myself, my family. I thought they knew me too, knew me well enough to take my concerns seriously.

Obviously I was wrong.

"Um...sorry Rose I need to go, the twins are getting into mischief. Look I'll talk to you later ok. I'm sorry about your job. Gotta go...Bye"

I hung up on Rose before she had time to say anything; I closed my eyes as I slid down the wall. I hugged my knees to my chest trying to stop myself being engulfed by the wave of loneliness that crashed over me. I had never felt more isolated in my life. If no one was going to take my concerns about Carlisle seriously then I had no-one to turn to.

Of course there was Edward but he was more interested in soothing my fears, which I appreciated more than anything, but he was intent to keep me in the dark about his plans and I didn't appreciate that. I stayed on the floor lost in the vortex of my thoughts until I heard Esme and Edward's voices from the entryway; I scrambled to my feet and put on a smile on my face as they came into the room.

I avoided Edward's gaze; I knew if he looked into my eyes he would see how low I was and he'd start stressing out which would stress me out further.

It was a vicious cycle neither one of us could break free from.

I took more time than was strictly necessary putting the kids down for their afternoon sleep, I gave each of my children an extra big cuddle told them I loved them a hundred more times than I normally dai and, breathed in their gorgeous scents, holding them in my lungs as long as I could.

Their smell made me feel a little less lonely...

~~~~~XXXX~~~~~

I waited until we were in bed before I broached the subject of Rose and Alice.

"Edward,"

"Hmm,"

He carried on kissing a trail across my shoulder waiting for me to speak.

"Rose rang today; she and Alice got made redundant from their jobs. I rung another friend that works at Stanley and she told me the Company had rehired everyone but Rose and Alice." Edward's breath fanned out across my shoulder blade when he sighed deeply. I felt horrible that I was adding to his stress but I needed to say something in order to alleviate some of my own. "Edward, Carlisle is definitely behind this. He is hurting everyone I love. Rose, Alice, Jake, just like he said he would…I don't know what to do, I can't lose you but I can't let him hurt them."

He turned me to face him, his eyes turned hypnotic as he met my gaze. "Bella I want you to promise me now, that you will not leave me and the kids to protect the rest of your family. Promise me Bella…"

I silently apologized to the people I loved for being so selfish and prayed they'd one day forgive me before whispering, "I promise."

Guilt ate away at my insides but as much as I loved my sister's and Jake I loved Edward and our children more and I wasn't going to destroy their lives for anything or anyone.

"Thank you Bella, now sweetheart I want you to stop stressing, you're going to make yourself sick and leave Carlisle to me…" Edward's voice was full of venom; it was frightening sound; a sound that turned my blood to ice and chilled my soul. And a sound I hoped I was never on the receiving end of.

I was getting frustrated, "Edward, please…promise me you're not going to attack your Father again, you'll break Mothers heart and completely destroy your family...Promise me." I pleaded.

"Oh I promise you Bella I won't lay a finger on him but I will be having a chat with him…But let's not talk about that sick son of bitch anymore, he's affecting my mojo."

He brought his lips to mine, kissing me with uncontained enthusiasm as his hand slid down my side. I didn't want to drop the subject I wanted Edward to tell me what he was going to say to his Dad. He must have felt my hint of resistance because his fingers fisted into my hair holding my mouth to his.

"There's nothing wrong with your mojo…" I murmured as he rolled on top of me.

He kissed me harder effectively ending all further conversation...

~~~~XXXX~~~~

Tanya's POV

Well things were just getting better and better, Carlisle was definitely behind the trouble Bella and co's troubles and I was sure this was just the beginning of what he had planned to get rid of her. She was already starting to shows signs that she was not strong enough to withstand a prolonged attack from Carlisle and I was sure no matter what she promised Edward she would succumb to Carlisle demands.

I turned down the volume and switched off the monitor, I didn't want to ruin my good mood by watching those two fucking again. I picked up my cell phone and scrolled down to Carlisle's number.

I smiled widely when I heard his smooth voice on the line.

"Carlisle its Tanya."

"Tanya, what a lovely surprise how are you?"

"I'm good thanks how are you?"

"I'm very well thank you Tanya. I've had a very good day today actually I'd go as far as to say I've had a great day... Your father tells me you're in Egypt?"

"Yes working on a few Business concepts; I'll have to meet up with you when I'm in New Zealand next and I can fill you in on them. How's Edward?" I asked casually.

"He's been completely out of control. I'm extremely worried about him since he let that gold digger into his life. She has completely conned him, but I don't envision them being together for much longer. I've never met a more flighty person than Bella."

"Hmm... she's definitely not Edward's type, no class… I miss him Carlisle even though he left me I still love him and I would have him back in a heartbeat."

"I'm happy to hear that Tanya because he's going to need you when she leaves." My heart glowed and a wide gleeful smile spread over my face. Carlisle was going to help me make sure I was back in Edward's life, where I belonged. He like me knew what was best for Edward. And that was of course was him coming back to me so we could be a family, the right type of family, the family his father approved of.

I chatted to Carlisle for a few more minutes promising I would keep in touch before I bade him goodnight. I filled my pipe, poured a drink and headed for bed; I fingered the collar of Edward's shirt and rubbed it against my cheek.

I had been wearing it since I took it from his closet, I couldn't smell him on it anymore but it was still his and all I had for now….

EPOV

"There will be no going back Edward. You need to realise that." Irina said suddenly and I looked up from my computer screen. I gave her a firm stare. I knew exactly what I was doing. I was doing what he would have done in my position. I was crushing the opposition in the severest way possible.

"I'm fully aware." I answered, a little irritated. I knew Irina's concern was coming from the right place, but I also hated to be doubted or second guessed.

Irina could see that and she shook her head with a sad smile, "I hope so honey. I really, really hope so. For your sake:"

I closed my eyes and sighed. I could tell from her tone that this wasn't over. Irina never pushed her opinion on me unless she really felt I was doing something stupid.

Like when I had been unable to forgive Bella for her secrets and transgressions. It had been Irina who had made me see sense then and it was why I would always listen to her no matter how much her words bothered me. I opened my eyes to find her looking at me in amusement. She knew me better than anyone, except maybe Bella and she knew what I was thinking.

"Go on then. Get it off your fucking chest before you hurt yourself." I muttered. She turned to face me and launched straight into the heart of the matter.

"You won't only hurt your father Edward, your mother is going to be devastated when she finds out you lied to her."

I winced. She was definitely getting straight to the point and I couldn't entirely disagree with her predictions. My mother was going to be hurt by all this. She would feel betrayed and used and she would be well within her rights to feel that way. I swallowed a lump in my throat, "You may be able to convince your brother's that this is the best thing, but they aren't going to like it when they find out what you did in order to get your mother's support."

"I don't plan on telling them until after the deal is done." I muttered and she stared at me with wide eyes.

"Oh, Edward." Her eyes took on a glassy look and I was worried she would begin to cry "Bella wouldn't want this. She wouldn't want you do to this, to become the kind of person who would manipulate his entire family to get what he wants."

She was right. I knew Bella would be appalled. She would never allow me to sacrifice anything for her, even though she had already sacrificed so much for me. She would take my father's anger and hostility forever before she allowed me to create such a rift in my family. It was exactly why she wasn't going to know until it was too late. I wasn't prepared for her to suffer any more at my expense. I would prove to her that she and our children were the most important things in my world and there was nothing I would not do for them.

Or it's what I kept telling myself over and over again anyway.

I took a deep breath before levelling my gaze on Irina, "Irina, I know you are worried about me..."

"I am Edward. I am worried about you. You've had a rough time over the past few years and I don't want to see my best friend hurt anymore. I want to see him happy with the woman he loves and his beautiful children..."

"I can't do this without you Irina." I interrupted "You're my best friend too and you are the only one who can help me with this. I need you." I finished.

She stared at me for a solid minute before speaking, her tears finally spilling over, "You know I'm behind you no matter what Edward. You fought for my happiness with Demetri; of course I'm going to help you fight for yours."

She got up and came around to me and I stood up, pulling her into my arms and kissing the top of her head. "Thank you Irina." I murmured just as she delivered a punch to my kidneys.

I slumped theatrically and she hiccupped a laugh and pushed me back, "Ok then you clown, let's get to work. There's a lot to do."

I nodded and was about to go back to my computer when the door pushed open and Apple and Louis stumbled sleepily into the room.

"Where Mummy?" Louis asked rubbing his eyes and I smiled at my son.

"Mummy had to go into work little man, but she will be back soon." Louis nodded solemnly and moved to the couch. I closed my laptop and went to pick up a still immobile and dazed Apple in the doorway. "Hey sleepyhead. You look like you might still be in dreamland." I teased kissing her nose.

She blinked at me owlishly, "Apple had sleep." She mumbled, her eyelids closing a little.

"Apple looks like she might still be asleep." I murmured moving us both to the couch.

I sat down and Louis snuggled into my side automatically, looking up at me hopefully. "Daddy read book, Louis?"

I ruffled his hair "Course. For you guys, anything."

"And then some." Irina muttered. I ignored her and picked up a book from the coffee table and began reading quietly.

"Apple not sleepy now." Came an exceptionally alert voice from beside me and I looked down to see Apple's previously heavy eyes now bright and alert. I chuckled and began reading the story to them, making all the appropriate voices at the appropriate times and even earning a laugh or two from Irina.

I had been reading for about half an hour when the door opened and Bella walked in with Jacob following closely behind her.

I looked back at the same time as I heard Irina mention that Bella looked as though she had been crying. I got up quickly off the couch, depositing the twins safely behind me in one fluid motion as I moved to her side. She had definitely been crying. Her eyes were red and swollen and I didn't need a fucking crystal ball to know why she was crying. The specifics I didn't know, but the cause behind it all... There was only one thing that caused her pain these days.

My. Fucking. Father.

I took her gently by the shoulders and looked into her beautiful, but sad brown eyes. She was obviously fighting back her tears and the specifics became just that much more important to me. "What happened at the meeting Bella; why have you been crying?"

she didn't answer, instead burying her head into my neck and holding onto me tighter. I wrapped my arms around her as she began to shake in my embrace. I pulled her into me, trying to reassure her through my touch that she was safe and I would protect her. No matter what my father had done, and I was under no illusions that he was behind whatever had upset her so, I would find a way to undo it. Every attack he made I would counter.

He would not win. Not this time.

An anonymous complaint. Or more likely, Carlisle Cullen called his good friend and sailing buddy who just also happened to be the chairman of the university board. I felt a rush of warm air against my neck as Bella spoke. I asked her to repeat herself, but all I got was low moan.

Bella was worried about money? She thought my father was deliberately trying to destroy her life and she was worried about her next pay check? I couldn't help but feel mildly insulted. Did she not think I would take care of her? "Bella," I said, bristling at little. "Are you honestly worried about money?"

Bella, who had been glaring at Jacob, did not answer me straight away and I was about to ask her again when she finally spoke up.

"Of course I'm worried about the loss of my income, I've got financial obligations I have to meet," She said through her teeth and my hackles went up that much more.

She didn't have fucking financial obligations, she had me and I had more fucking money than I knew what to do with. It hurt that she refused to accept my help and gifts, I felt like she was rejecting a part of me somehow. "Bella go and get your bank account details now." I said in a tone that left no room for argument. I fucking loved her, I worshipped the ground she walked on; there was no way I was allowing her to stress over something as small as money.

"No I will not Edward, we've been through this; my mortgage is my responsibility. Please don't start this argument again."

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. Why would she never see sense? My own bruised ego aside, it was simply a matter of good economics to pay off her interest bearing mortgage. "Irina would you please access the human resources files at Cullen and retrieve Bella's bank account details, then transfer funds from my account to pay the balance of her mortgage." I said, too fucking tired, confused and frankly, hurt to continue arguing with her.

"Edward," Bella said her voice was low and menacing "we talked about this, why won't you just…God..." She stopped suddenly and rubbed at her face, looking as tired as I felt.

I refused to let her stress mount any more than it already had. "Bella if you think I'm going to sit back and watch you stress yourself even more than you are now over how you are going to pay off your mortgage when you have access to millions of dollars you refuse to touch, it's not going to happen."

"It's done Edward," Irina spoke up quietly.

"Thank you Irina," I smiled, happy that I had successfully thwarted at least one attempt of my father's to hurt Bella. Had that really been his best attempt to make good on his threat? I almost pitied him, he could use his money and influence to get Bella fired, I would use mine to crush him.

I looked down at Bella, hoping to see an appreciative Bella for once, but also knowing the likely hood of such an event was quite slim. "See how easy that was love, don't you feel better knowing that you have one less thing to worry about?" I asked, knowing better but still hoping for at least a 'thank you' as a consolation prize.

Instead she ignored me and snapped her fierce glare to Jake. He was seemingly unaffected, as he sat with the twins and began to finish the story. I was beginning to like Jacob more and more every day. After a moment Bella stormed from the room leaving the three of us there in silence.

"Mummy pissed." Apple said breaking the silence and I turned to her in shock.

"Where did you hear a word like that princess?" I asked in horror. She smiled at me angelically.

"Unc... Unc... Emmy. Emmy say Daddy Trucktard too!" She beamed at me, quite proud of herself and her newly expanded vocabulary.

"Emmett." Irina growled and I had to say, I echoed her sentiments.

I knelt down in front of Apple, "Those aren't very nice words and it was very naughty of Uncle Emmett to teach them to you. Promise Daddy you won't say them again, ok?" I asked and she nodded at me solemnly.

"Apple promise." I kissed her tiny nose before standing up and moving back to my desk.

I sat down and opened my laptop. The document detailing everything I had been working so hard at popped up on my screen and my good mood vanished as the door opened and my beaming mother came into the room. My eyes went straight to the envelope in her hands. Everything rested on the documents inside and even though I knew what they said (I should have, since I had written them up myself with Irina and our lawyer Paul.)

I still felt a surge of adrenalin rush through me.

"Esme; How lovely to see you." Irina said shaking me out of my thoughts and I realised I had been staring quite openly at the brown envelope in my mother's hand.

I made a mental note to thank Irina for the cover later and then readied myself for the acting part of all times. "Mum, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I said as if I weren't painfully fucking aware of why she was here.

She turned from Irina only after promising to pass along a certain recipe and I began to wonder how long I had been lost in my own little world.

My mother stepped towards me and wrapped her arms around me, the envelope pressing against the small of my back. I could feel it burning through my shirt and an unexpected wave of shame hit me. The giving, innocent woman before me, my own mother, I was using in a game of wits against my father. Even he had not sunk so low.

"Do I need a reason to visit you silly boy? I'm still trying to make up for all the time I missed out on when you were in France." She shook her head at me, still not letting me go "I missed my charming, debonair son. Plus, your brothers and father refuse to swing dance with me. I've been hoping a certain person would ask, but so far..."

Jake snorted from across the room and looked between me and my mother.

"Edward can swing dance?" He asked obviously restraining his laughter. I narrowed my eyes at him, but my mother continued on ignorant that she was only fuelling his little joke.

"Oh yes. He's really very, very good. Do you remember that time you and I danced while in France sweetheart? You were a little 'in your cups' I recall, but even then you still dance like Fred himself."

"Flintstone?" Jake chortled and I shook my head.

"Hint received Mum; I'll have my people call your people." I felt like such a fake and fraud joking with her. I was a terrible son and a terrible person, but it wasn't stopping me.

Nothing would.

My mother held the envelope out and my hands nearly shook as I took it from her. It was done. It was in my possession. I now had the means to protect my family.

"It's what we discussed the other day, darling. Everything is all there, I'm so glad you opened up to me about this Edward and that I could be part of it. Little Apple and Louis... Our family legacy." Her eyes welled up with tears "I'm so proud of you Edward. No mother could ask for a better son."

Words could not describe the guilt I felt, for lying to her, for failing to be the son she praised so highly, but mostly I felt guilty because there was another, greater feeling overriding the guilt.

I was beyond fucking happy. I had the silver bullet needed to take down Carlisle Cullen.

My mother hugged me once more before moving over to say hello to the twins.

I felt rather than saw Irina come up and stand behind me. "Stanley and Co has announced their restructuring layoffs to the board. Apparently, they only felt two positions needed to be cut."

I hissed, my mood changing rapidly once more. I was almost fucking dizzy from the plethora of emotions I was experiencing. I knew who had been issued their letters of redundancy today. Rosalie and Alice Swan.

"Your father signed off on everything Edward." She murmured quietly, though my mother was in the middle of trying to convert Jake to take up Swing dancing and couldn't hear us anyway.

"Then he signed his own execution. Emmett and Jasper will both be on board once they find out. Email them the minutes from the Stanley and Co meeting and my proposal." My voice was icy and cold, though I smiled a million-mega-watt smile at my mother when she glanced over.

"I'll do it now." Irina said and went back to her computer.

I excused myself from the room and went to find Bella, thinking that she had had enough time to cool off from earlier.

I was wrong.

Even after I had taken the twins on a walk with mother, Bella still only looked at me long enough to shoot an angry glare here or there. It wasn't until after the twins had both been put down for their sleep that she began to thaw out a little towards me and it wasn't until we were in bed that she actually spoke to me again.

I almost missed the silent treatment when I heard what she had to say.

"Rose rang today; she and Alice got made redundant from their jobs. I rung another friend that works at Stanley and she told me the Company had rehired everyone but Rose and Alice." I sighed. She knew. Of course she knew; Alice and Rose were her sisters. Of course they would call Bella when they got their notices. I was still kicking myself for my lack of forethought when she continued. "Edward, Carlisle is definitely behind this. He is hurting everyone I love. Rose, Alice, Jake, just like he said he would…I don't know what to do, I can't lose you but I can't let him hurt them."

I forced her to look at me, "Bella I want you to promise me now, that you will not leave me and the kids to protect the rest of your family. Promise me Bella…"

Promise me Bella, because everything I am doing, everything I have already done, I have done it all for you and our family. Please don't make it have been for nothing.

I held my breath only releasing it when she spoke the two words that put all my fears to rest.

"I promise."

"Thank you Bella, now sweetheart I want you to stop stressing, you're going to make yourself sick and leave Carlisle to me…" at the mere mention of his name, I felt the anger begin to engulf me. So many people hurt and for what?

His games?

Well, not anymore. Not any fucking more...

A/N: Feel free to let us know what you thought...It's our favourite way to start the day, coffee for me, Tea for Greenaway and an inbox full of your thoughts :)