Personal Assets
Bella POV
"Freedom to have money is only held by the rich."-Gustav Cilmmer
ALL THINGS TWILIGHT RELATED BELONG TO STEPHANIE MEYER
I sat in the beauty salon chair and checked the clock on the wall for the fiftieth time.
"If you don't stop turning your head, I'm never going to get all these pins out," the hairdresser, Pierre, scolded me yet again.
"I'm sorry. I should have been home half an hour ago." I bit my lip.
"You can't rush beauty. I had to color, cut, layer, and blow dry. That takes time. Your husband will understand."
"I'm not sure he will." I exhaled.
Edward was going to kill me. He had a very important meeting today at the house with a congressman. From what I understood, it was a lunch visit to discuss some rather significant business. I totally forgot until this morning when Edward brought it up over breakfast. He was agitated to say the least that I scheduled a hair appointment today, but I assured him I would be home in time. I guess I was wrong. Thankfully, Katy Nana had been texting me all afternoon and the congressman had yet to show up.
He would probably kill me when I walked in the door.
"Is there any way you could hurry this up?" I pleaded. "It looks fine."
"I won't have you walking out of my salon looking like a troll doll. Just sit still. I'm almost done."
Rosalie, the foremost authority on fashion in Chicago, had suggested I use Pierre when I brought up the fact that I needed my hair done. She nearly jumped in excitement that I was "finally doing something with my rat's nest." She thrust the phone in my hand and demanded I make an appointment.
I had been in this chair for hours, just praying that I would make it home. But I did have to admit that it felt nice to take a break and do nothing. Running a household the size of mine took up a lot of time, even with the extra help. This was nice.
"Okay, I'm through." Pierre fluffed out my newly darkened hair over my shoulders. "My best work yet."
"Thank you so much." I jumped up, barely having time to examine myself, and hugged him tightly.
I ran out of the salon like my ass was on fire. William was waiting at the curb with the door already opened.
"He's called twice in the past ten minutes."
"I know, I know," I groaned. "I'm so dead."
We made it to the house in record time. William took some very skeptical turns on the highway and didn't spare any time with slow drivers. He zipped through the traffic like I had never seen before.
"I'll get the door," he said when we parked in front of the house.
I beat him to it and stumbled up the front steps. As soon as I was inside, I went into the bedroom, ripping off clothes and searching through my newly organized closet for a dress.
I chose a snug sleeveless, casual, lunchtime white dress. It had a skinny black belt that I wrapped around my waist quickly, searching the floor for a pair of black pumps. They were high and boosted me up a couple of inches. I wobbled slightly before I caught myself.
"You're here!" Agata exclaimed, coming into the closet with a basket of laundry.
"Yes, I know I'm late." I spun around. "The congressman here yet?"
"No," she shook her head, "Mr. Edward is very upset about it."
"Problems?"
She blushed and didn't make eye contact with me. "I walked in on him in his office. He yelled at me for snooping."
"I'm so sorry." I sighed. "He's angry with me. Not you."
"I think he's having… un crollo mentale," she whispered.
"A breakdown?"
She nodded. "Katy Nana said we should leave him alone for the time being until you got here."
"I'll deal with it. Is lunch ready?"
"Oh, yes. It's all warming and ready to go."
"Thank you." I wrapped my arms around Agata. She went rigid, not knowing how to respond. I didn't know what I would do without all of them. They kept us sane. "I'll go see what's up with Edward."
I knocked lightly on the heavy wooden door of his office. I could hear his voice behind it, but he didn't give me permission to enter.
I opened and peeked inside.
Edward was at his desk, his head bowed over his keyboard, muttering to himself. He had a Q-tip in his hand, frantically and meticulously cleaning in between each key. Thunderous notes of Wagners Flight of the Valkyries was playing throughout the room. Roman and Sophia were in their bouncers in the corner, occupied by the colorful shapes that hovered above them.
"Edward," I whispered.
He didn't even acknowledge me and kept cleaning.
"Edward, you're going to break your computer," I said a little louder, turning off the music with the remote that controlled the stereo.
He stilled and sighed as he raised his head, "I'm going out of my mind."
"Yes, you are," I agreed, taking the Q-tip from his hand.
"And you're late." His face did not looked pleased.
"I'm so sorry about that. I didn't think it would take so long."
"At least your hair looks nice," he grunted.
"Do you like it?"
He nodded. "It's a lot darker, but still beautiful."
"You're trying to butter me up so I'll sit through your lunch without complaining."
"I'm so glad you're here." He pulled me towards him until I fell into his lap. "I need you to keep me under control. If I say anything remotely inappropriate, please tell me to shut up before I ruin myself."
"What exactly is he coming over here for?"
"We have some business to discuss and he's only in town from New York for this weekend."
"He's not from Chicago?"
Edward shook his head. "He's hard pressed to keep me out of his city, but I have other ideas."
"Don't fight a congressman, Edward. You're already in enough trouble."
"I can't help it." He shrugged innocently. "I want what I want."
I fixed his light purple tie. "This is a new combination."
Edward looked down at his grey suit. "I thought I'd mix it up a little."
"Adventurous."
"Mixing it up" to Edward was wearing a different colored shit with his favorite tie. He didn't usually like to mess with his wardrobe.
"Did you really yell at Agata?" I got off his lap and went to the corner where Sophia was smiling brightly at me. I picked her up, holding her to my chest. At seven months old, they were getting kind of heavy. I hated to think that one of these days, I wouldn't be able to pick them up at all.
"She told you about that?"
"Yes, she did, and I don't like it. You should apologize."
"I'm not apologizing to her. She walked into my office without knocking like she has some kind of authority. I almost shot her head off," Edward argued loudly. "She knows better."
"You still can't yell like that. You'll scare her."
He grumbled to himself.
Katy Nana came into the office, smoothing out her uniform. "The congressman is downstairs."
"Oh, thank God. Only an hour late." Edward ran a hand through his hair.
I kissed Sophia's forehead and set her down in her carrier. "You be good and Mommy will be back shortly."
Edward and I walked down the stairs. He held my hand tightly, more for me than him. If I fell right now, that would officially be the most embarrassing thing I had ever done. I was being as composed as possible.
"What's his name?" I whispered to Edward as we walked down the hallway towards the living room.
"Michael Johnson, from New York. Don't forget."
I nodded.
An older, tall man stood in front of the fireplace, closely looking at the pictures on the mantel. He had graying hair and a thin frame, dressed in a nicely pressed navy suit. He turned when he heard us approaching and I noticed he had a glass of brandy, the ice clinking against the sides.
"Edward." He set the glass down on the end table. Edward cringed next to me. A glass set down without a coaster? Unheard of in this house.
"Michael, it's good to see you again." They shook hands, "This is my wife, Bella."
"So nice to finally meet you," the congressman said, holding my hand in his. "My wife decided not to make the trip out to Chicago this time. I assured her she would be missing quite the lunch."
"It's nice to meet you, as well. I'm sure you can persuade her to come next time." I smiled.
"We're going to have lunch outside since it's so nice." Edward patted Micheal's shoulder, ushering him to the glass French doors.
I stayed behind for a quick second, and when they had their backs turned, took the glass of brandy from the table. Katy Nana appeared out of nowhere with a towel. She took it from me and wiped the surface down.
"Thank you," I whispered. "Serve lunch slowly so they won't be rushed with their meeting. Start with the salad and then the soup."
"I'll make sure Carmela and Agata know." She pushed me outside.
My heels clicked on the marble porch as I walked towards the pristine white square table. It was adorned with sparking silverware and a beautiful centerpiece with fresh flowers. Edward pulled out my chair, and I sat down on one side of the table while he sat across from me. The congressman sat at the head.
The backyard was lush and green, coming back alive after the harsh winter. The bodyguards were absent from view. We didn't think Michael would have liked to eat lunch with guns pointed in his face. Francis was sleeping in the corner of the porch, soaking up some sun. Bosco was upstairs in another room. He was getting better with his training, but Edward didn't want to take any chances.
A light salad was served first, while we talked about more normal topics such as our families and the weather. No one cared about any of it, but I know it wasn't wise to just jump into heavy topics. I barely knew what this meeting was about, although I'm sure it wasn't anything extremely serious or I wouldn't be here.
"And how are the little ones?" the congressman asked me.
"Good. Growing up too fast for my liking."
"They'll be walking and talking soon. I remember when mine were that young. Now they're all out of the house with their own families."
"I can't wait," Edward joked. I think.
With each course, the subject of conversation got a little more serious.
Over gazpacho, we talked about the rising cost of college tuition. Over salmon, we discussed Micheal's choice to run for the Senate. Over chocolate cake Edward argued over Chicago's current lack of strong leadership in the government. And finally, over coffee, the real root of the lunch was unearthed.
"You do realize that anything we talk about here is confidential?" Edward said to the congressman with a stern face.
"Of course. I wouldn't dare speak a word of this meeting to anyone. I'm here to listen."
"Michael, as you know, I'm having a little trouble moving some of my shipments out of Chicago. It's getting harder and harder for me to make deals without someone breathing down my throat."
"Now, Edward, I can't help you with that. This isn't my state nor do I have any jurisdiction." Michael wiped his mouth with the napkin on his lap.
"I understand completely, but that's why I called you here. I need to move through your city."
"New York? What for?"
"It's easier to ship, less authority to watch and less questions."
"But your father has set up an extensive system out here for all that."
"Carlisle set up a system for him. I'm very different and I need a better tactic. You can say no if you'd like and I'll find someone else, but I can assure you that it will be in your favor to side with me on this."
"Is that a bribe, because as you know, I can't have this type of thing hanging over my head if I want to run for the senate next year."
"I wouldn't call it that, but it will be extremely beneficial to you. I just need you to simply look the other way for the next couple of months."
"Edward, I can't help you if you're dealing in any form of drug trade. I can't get on board with that."
"This has nothing to do with drugs," Edward replied confidently.
The congressman looked to me quickly. I took a sip of my coffee, pretending like I wasn't listening. It was hard to imagine a United States governmental official sitting at my table talking about illegal activity. Did these types of meetings occur often? Was this how men in power got things done?
"How about we talk about this in a more private place," Michael suggested.
"Of course." Edward pushed his chair out, buttoning up his jacket when he stood. "Bella, will you be all right?"
"Sure. I'm just going to stay out here for a little bit."
He kissed me before leaving. Agata cleared the table and made sure to get every scrap or crumb.
"Would you like some more coffee, Mrs.?" Carmela asked.
"No, I'm fine. Thank you, though."
I don't know how long I sat outside, but it must have been at least an hour because when I looked up again, Edward was holding his hand for me to take.
"Is your meeting done?" I asked when he pulled me from my seat.
"Yes, and all is taken care of."
"Good."
"Would you like to take a walk?" Edward asked me.
"Okay, sure," I said.
A "walk" these days was a big time production. Edward and I both changed into more appropriate clothes, and then had to get the babies ready. They were snug in their onsies, ready for the day, and I strapped them into the double stroller. Then there were the dogs, who were both collared and leashed.
Half and hour later, we were finally ready.
Edward held the dogs, and I pushed the stroller down the driveway. The gates opened and we began around the neighborhood. Roman and Sophia were waving their little arms around as we walked, spreading out in their stroller.
"Michael has agreed to let me ship some things out of New York airports without legal implications," Edward said.
"Guns, you mean?"
"Yes, Bella. Guns." He chuckled. "It takes a lot of work to send unmarked weapons overseas. The government is cracking down on large explosives, especially. It's understandable, but a hassle for a man in my business."
"And what are you giving the good congressman in return?"
"Two million dollars in cash, up front and a confirmed win in the senate race next year."
"You can guarantee that?"
"If I call in a few favors, yes."
"Is nothing sacred anymore? What happened to good old-fashioned democracy? Why even vote if it doesn't matter?"
"It matters to keep up appearances. People need to think that their opinion matters, but in reality it's only a select few who actually decide things. It's a tangled web; although, it works well for me most of the time."
"And you're not concerned about this at all? He could turn you in or be exposed in one of those dirty CIA operations."
"You worry far too much, Isabella Cullen." He wrapped a few arm around my waist, holding both dogs' leashes impressively with one hand. "If he for any reason mentions me in public, he'll be dead before he can blink."
"You'd kill a government official?"
"I'd kill any man who welches on a deal. I don't care if he's the fucking Pope."
I shuddered. Edward was very good at running his empire. He was smart and incredibly gifted at leading people to do as he pleased. I had no need to worry, although, I always did. It was inherent and I couldn't get rid of the nagging feelings that crept up whenever he spoke this way. Esme said it would always be like this. I knew that when I married him, and I was prepared to deal with it.
"Speaking of the Pope, Roman and Sophia's christening is soon," I said, changing the subject.
"Yes, next month. It's on my calendar, and invitations to the entire family have gone out. Cici is preparing to make her glorious re-debut, as well."
"Really? It's been so long since I've seen her."
"Since the wedding, I think."
"At least that long. She can finally see her great-grandkids."
"I'm prepared to go through with this silly Catholic ritual." Edward shook his head.
"It's not silly; it's tradition."
"And unnecessary. It in no way assures a happy or healthy life for our children. It's our job to provide it for them."
I had never been a religious person. Neither Charlie nor Renee had followed anything strictly, so they didn't force it on me; although, I did believe in a higher power – whatever that may be. But this baptism was important to me for some reason. I wanted my children protected in any way possible, and if that included them being apart of some "silly ritual" as Edward put it, then I was okay with that.
"Everyone's very excited. Katy Nana is knitting them new hats," I said.
"Do they really need a hat for every day of the week and every fucking occasion?" Edward rolled his eyes. "It's getting excessive."
"I like them." I fixed the blue and white stripped cap on Roman's head. "They're cute."
"If you say so, Bella."
I heard a car approaching us from behind. I turned my head and spotted Emmett's large black Hummer barreling down the road at a steady pace. I could see him bopping his head to some music behind the tinted windshield.
He pulled up beside us and rolled down the window, continuing to drive at a steady pace. "Hey, losers."
Edward groaned, "What the hell do you want?"
"I came by to visit with my family. Is that a crime?" he joked. "Gioni said you two took a walk."
"Hi, Emmett." I waved.
"Hi, Bella. I like your new hair. Very fashionable."
"Thank you. I can't believe you noticed."
"I have a keen eye for that sort of thing." He grinned. "Rose would kill me if I didn't recognize every time she got a new shirt."
"Vain bitch," Edward muttered under his breath. I nudged him slightly.
"Hello, babies. Tio Emmett is here," he said to them. They reacted, as if they knew who he was. "How long is this going to take?" Emmett asked us, motioning to the stroller we were pushing.
"A while. We're having family time. Is there something I can help you with?" Edward snapped back.
"Just needed a meeting. I can't believe I have to schedule a time to see my own brother." He shook his head.
"I'll have Mario put you on the list."
"See you then." Emmett punched the gas and went flying down the road.
"He's such a jackass," Edward sighed.
"But he's your brother."
"Even worse."
"What about this one, Bella?" Alice asked, pointing to a bright green cough in the corner of the overly priced furniture store.
"I don't think so. That might be a little too much. Edward hates that color." I rejected yet another one of her suggestions.
We had been shopping for an hour. The house needed a new couch for Edward's office. He claimed that he was tired of his current sofa and had an unexpected tantrum. Sometimes he was worse than Sophia and Roman. Poor Carmela went scurrying out of the office when she delivered him his morning coffee and immediately came to get me. I convinced him to calm down with a promise to bring home a brand new couch. I went all the way into the city, just for a new piece of furniture. Of course, shopping meant that Alice was involved.
"I think this black leather is nice." I sat down and felt the supple fabric. "He would like this."
"Alright, we'll put that one on the 'maybe' list." Alice sighed. "This is really getting to be tedious."
"Are you tired of shopping?" I feigned shock. "I never thought I'd see the day."
"Ha. Ha." She rolled her eyes. "Edward is hard to buy for. I never know how the man will react to anything. Remember that time I got him that red tie for his birthday and he threw it out the window when he thought I wasn't looking?"
"He's sorry about that, by the way," I apologized on his behalf.
"No, it's fine with me if he didn't like it, but I just don't know how to please him."
"Welcome to my life." I got off of the couch and tested out another one.
"Please. You could get that man the same tie I did and he would wear it every day. Bella, he's so in love with you, it's bordering on disgusting."
"It is not." I laughed. "We have a healthy respect for each other."
"Whatever you call it, it's strong and overly emotional." Alice sat in a chair. "Would he like this?"
"No, Alice. No green or red or blue," I reminded her.
"Are you sure there isn't anything I can help you with, Mrs. Cullen?" one of the sale's associates asked me for the tenth time in an hour.
"Actually, yes. How much is this couch here?" I pointed to the black leather one I knew Edward would approve of.
"Would you like the whole set or just the sofa?"
"The whole set, including the chairs."
"I believe it's just over ten thousand."
"That's not too bad," I said to myself. "I'll take the set then."
"Great." She smiled, no doubt happy about her commission. "I'll ring you up over at the register."
She excitedly chatted to me while we finished up our transactions and I handed over my credit card, which she quickly swiped.
"All your furniture will be delivered tomorrow and I hope Mr. Cullen is happy with the purchase."
"I'm sure he will be." I smiled, signing my name on the dotted line. "Thank you for putting up with me today."
"It was my pleasure."
I walked over to Alice who was waiting at the door. I tied my cream colored pea coat at my waist. It was raining like hell outside.
Before we could open the door to leave, it swung forward and Amun appeared. He was stone-faced and agitated.
"Where did you come from?" I asked, surprised. Sometimes I wouldn't see him for days at a time, and then he would just pop out of nowhere, like today.
"I need to get you two out of here." He grabbed Alice and me by the arms. "There's a situation."
"A situation?" Alice questioned. "What happened?"
"Do you have a back door?" he asked the sales associate.
"Um, yes. In the alleyway," she squeaked, leading the way.
We went through the back of the furniture store, weaving through the maze of offices and showrooms.
"What do you think you're doing?" a gruff man asked the lady. I assumed he was her boss. "You know costumers aren't supposed to be back here."
"Sir, step aside. We need to use your emergency exit," Amun said, in his no-nonsense tone.
"And who the hell are you?"
Amun didn't bother answering him. He shoved the back door open that lead to an alley. William was there with an umbrella, holding it over Alice and me. "I'm sorry about this, Mrs. Bella. I suggest you wear your sunglasses."
I pulled them out of my purse and put them on. The car was parked at the end, and we walked briskly towards it.
I heard the snapping of cameras before I saw the throng of reporters. They were shouting questions and shoving each other, trying to get answers. Amun and William covered Alice and me, pushing their way through the crowd to get to the car.
"Mrs. Cullen, do you have a statement about the articles in today's paper?"
"Mrs. Cullen, is there any truth to the rumors about Mr. Cullen?"
"Mrs. Cullen…"
"Mrs. Cullen…"
"Mrs. Cullen…"
The endless barrage of questions went on and on. I didn't know what the hell they were talking about, so I kept my head down. The sudden bombardment made my heart crash against my chest, and I tried to keep my emotions inside. Whatever was going on was a big deal and I didn't need my face splashed across the papers looking shocked or surprised.
I was pushed into the waiting car and Alice quickly followed. Once the door was shut, William was in the driver's seat, ready to take off. He didn't spend any time getting on the road.
"Wow. What was that all about?" she asked.
"I don't know, but I'm going to find out," I ground out through my teeth.
I pushed a button on the side panel of the door. It beeped and chimed before Lydia's voice throughout the car. She was so advanced that it was connected to all the vehicles we owned; a convenient feature that Edward made sure to include in the computer system.
"Good morning, Mrs. Cullen," she said sweetly. "How can I assist you today?"
"If you could read me the headlines from this morning's paper, please." I took off my gloves roughly. I was pissed and needed to get some answers.
"I'll have that for you in one second."
"Is something wrong with Edward?" Alice asked, concerned and confused.
"I'm sure everything is fine," I replied hopefully.
"Thank God you didn't have the babies with you or that public massacre would have been dangerous."
"I know."
Lydia came back online. "I'm sorry Mrs. Cullen, but your husband has just instructed me to not reveal any information at this time. He would prefer to explain things himself when you get to the house. Will that be all?"
"No, that won't be all! Tell me what the hell is going on. Is he in trouble? Is it the kids?"
"I assure you that everyone is physically safe, but that is all I'm allowed to tell you." The computer clicked off before I had the chance shout any longer.
"William, please tell me something," I pleaded.
He looked at me in the rearview mirror and simply shrugged.
"Edward does this on purpose. He keeps me in the dark until I go crazy." I started to agitatedly pull at my hair.
"It's going to be okay, Bella." Alice took my hand.
The drive to the house was pure torture. So many bad thoughts went through my head, and I didn't know how to stop them. I tried to calm myself down by being as logical as possible. If something really bad had happened, I would have been told by Alec.
There were more reporters at the gate of the house, waiting in the rain for a picture or soundbite. They crowded the car when we pulled up, but the guards kept them at bay, keeping the gates opened until we went through.
Gioni held an umbrella over my head until I went inside the house. He took my jacket and purse.
"What is going on?" I asked him.
"Mr. Cullen is in his study," Gioni answered, walking out of the foyer with a nod of his head.
I walked up the stairs and was surprised to see that Cullen Inc. seemed to be transported into our house. I noticed several of Edward's employees running through the halls with stacks of papers and phones were ringing off the hook. My house had turned into a chaotic mess.
I ran into Carlisle outside of Edward's office. He was dressed in a casual pair of khakis and light green Polo shirt. It was the most laid back I had ever seen the man. I was used to him being in pristine ensembles, much like Edward. But since his return, he has been keeping a very low profile. He was different these days and it suited him well.
He smiled when I approached. "There you are. Edward has been pacing his floor until you arrived. No one can calm him down."
"What happened? There were so many reporters and they were asking all these questions that I had no idea about."
"It's nothing really. There was an article in this morning's paper, accusing Edward of embezzling money from crime syndicates."
"What? That sounds pretty serious." I bit my lip.
"It's not, but the SEC has to investigate it since the accusations were brought up. Some crackpot journalist with a fake source just wants his fifteen seconds of fame."
"So what needs to be done?"
There was a loud crash on the other side of door and the sound of shards of glass hitting the hardwood floor.
"I better go get him before he kills someone."
"I've tried all I can but he won't listen to me. I'm sure you'll have better luck." Carlisle hugged me. "I'm going upstairs to see the babies. Call if you need me."
I opened the door to Edward's office and found him pacing, just like Carlisle had said. Mario and Jane were both on their phones, talking rapidly.
Without noticing me, Edward picked up a vase by his desk and threw it in my direction. It shattered on the wall near my head. I wasn't fazed in the slightest. I expected worse, actually.
"That was a wedding present from my mother," I said calmly.
"I'll buy a new one." Edward collapsed into his chair.
Bosco and Francis were both in the room. They went right up to Edward and started to nudge their way underneath his desk, trying to comfort him. Those dogs loved that man more than anything, even though he treated them like shit most of the time. I would never understand it.
"By now I assume you've heard the news?" Edward squeezed a stress ball in his hands. It squeaked from the force he exerted.
"Something about you being accused of embezzling?" I started to help Mario pick up the broken pieces of glass on the floor.
"I can do it, Mrs. Cullen," he assured me.
"Some jackass from The Tribune thought it would be funny to charge me with stealing. Me!"
"We're suing for libel," Mario informed me.
"You're damned right we are! I'm going to wage a war that this city has never seen."
"Well, if you're not guilty than it shouldn't be an issue, right?" I walked up to his the desk, hesitantly gauging his mood.
"The ramifications of this article are severe." He slammed his fist on the paper on his desk. "If people think it's true, they won't want to do business with me. I'm going to be losing money out of my ass."
"Who exactly have you been embezzling from?" I picked up the paper, trying to scan the front page quickly.
"The company, Carlisle, the government, taxpayers; anyone in a million mile radius. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of. I make my money the hard way; blood, sweat, and tears! It's an insult to my moral character!"
"Edward, you're going to have an aneurysm," Jane whispered, still on the phone.
"Here, take your blood pressure medicine." I opened the top drawer of his desk.
"I already did and my mood stabilizers and my fucking heart pills and seven shots of tequila,"he spat angrily.
What?
"Edward, you can't drink like that." My voice was vibrating in anger, "You'll kill yourself."
He didn't reply.
I knew that this was going to get a lot worse before it got better. In my experience, it was best to just let Edward stay mad for a few days before trying to calm him again.
"Well, what can we do about this to make it go away?" I asked.
"Nothing. The SEC has to check in on it and I have to sit by while they rip apart my finances. This has now become a government investigation." Edward rubbed his forehead, squeezing his stress ball again.
"We have to turn over the company's tax files and recites for the past year," Mario said, standing next to me in front of Edward's desk.
"We've hired four new fulltime accountants, as well," Jane added.
"And that's just for the company, not to mention all my personal assets. The government might take everything they feel is pertinent to their investigation."
"Everything?" I shuddered. "Would they do that?"
"No, thankfully. I thought ahead." Edward sighed.
Mario began pulling out papers from his leather bound folder. I don't think I had ever seen him without it. "All of the property possessions are in your name. The houses, the cars, the two islands, and the bank accounts. Roughly four billion dollars in total."
I read over pages and pages of numbers. I had been briefed a long time ago about a situation like this, and I was glad that Edward thought into the future.
"Four billion dollars," I said slowly. "What do you want me to do with it?"
"Keep it under your name. Don't let anybody tell you to sign any papers and always come to me if the police corner you," Edward said seriously, suddenly very close to my face. "I'm sorry about all of this, by the way."
"Are you okay, honestly?" I ran my hands through his hair. His eyes closed and he leaned close to me.
"I'll be okay in a couple of days," he told me.
"This whole thing kind of sucks."
"Yeah, it really does." He chuckled.
"Mr. Cullen…" a voice said from the door.
"What?" Edward swiftly pulled out a gun and shot a hole in the ceiling. "What the fuck could you possibly want?"
Mario, Jane, and I were all on the floor, avoiding stray bullets. Pieces of plaster fell on our heads, and it sounded like a cannon had gone off in the room.
"I was just informing you that you have a call." Agata's voice trembled in fear. She was hidden behind the door, peaking out to make sure it was safe.
"No calls!" Mario said loudly. "We'll be making statements later in the day through the press."
"It's from your accountant. He says it's important," she replied strongly.
Edward actually crawled onto the desk, trying to reach the phone urgently. "Hello!"
"Get those photographers off of the property," Mario said to Agata.
"Why don't you take the rest of the day off," I told her.
"No, I can't. The babies…"
"I can handle the babies. You need a break. " I pushed her out of the room, closing the door behind her.
I sat down on the couch that Edward named a "fashionable abomination", and stretched my legs out, waiting for him to get off of the phone. He spoke so quickly that it was hard to catch his conversation, but he was clearly talking about money.
There was another knock at the door. Mario went to get it. He spoke softly to whoever was on the other side.
"Who is it?" I asked.
Mario sighed and then handed me a cellphone. "Your father is calling."
"Oh, perfect," I replied sarcastically. "Dad?"
"Bella, what the hell is going on? I wake up and see that my son-in-law in being indicted on fraud charges or something like that."
"I know. It's getting kind of crazy over here. It's not true, Dad. Don't believe what you read in the papers."
"Anna is teaching me how to use this damned computer and I get alerts whenever Edward's or your name pops up. The Chicago gossip magazines are ferocious. Did you know you're pregnant again?"
"Pregnant? Who says' I'm pregnant?" I asked.
Edward spun around and dropped the phone in his own hand, his eyes wide and his mouth open. I waved him off.
"Is everything alright? If Edward really is doing something illegal, I think he should consult with the proper people. I have a couple of friends…"
"Dad, Edward knows what he's doing. Nothing is true and he's taking this really seriously. His reputation means everything to him so these accusations aren't going unheeded."
"Well, good. He shouldn't put up with this nonsense." Charlie took a breath. "And how are you?"
"Fine. Overwhelmed, a little."
"I've printed out all the pictures you sent of Roman and Sophia. Everyone in Forks is obsessed with them."
Knowing Charlie, he was probably posting flyers of the babies all over the town. I'm sure he shoved the pictures into anyone's face who entered the house.
"You're learning how to use a computer and printer now? What kind of man are you?" I joked.
"I know. It's the strangest thing."
"I miss you, Dad."
"I miss you too, Bella."
"You should come and visit," I suggested.
"I have all the free time in the world."
"The kids have spring break soon. You should come then, bring everyone."
"That would be good."
"Okay, I'll talk to Edward about it. We can send the jet for you."
"Great," he said, clearly uncomfortable with that thought. "Well, I have to go. I was just calling to see how you were doing. Call your mother. She's annoying me again."
"I will." I laughed. "Love you."
"Love you too, sweetheart."
I hung up the phone and handed it back to Mario.
"Should I schedule the jet to pick them up?" he asked.
"Yes, probably next week."
He wrote quickly and nodded his head. "I'll make sure they get here safely. Will they be staying at the house or should I book a hotel?"
"Here will be fine. It'll probably be easier that way."
"Okay. Don't worry about anything." Mario pulled out a sheet of paper. "Can you read over this press release? It needs to go out before the six o'clock news."
The paper was hardy stock and bright white with the company's heading big for all eyes to see. I took it from him along with a pen and began to read.
EDWARD CULLEN
CULLEN INC.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As you may have heard, malicious allegations were made against me in this morning's Tribune. The author's "sources" claim such harmful things as embezzlement, misappropriation of Cullen Inc. funds, misuse of government grants, and several other inappropriate statements. I am distraught to think that someone could think so little of me in an area where I pride myself at having the utmost integrity. I take these libelous statements to heart and will most definitely be perusing legal action. To my investors, rest assured that I have in no way cheated or deceived you. To the writer of the article, we will certainly be speaking soon and I hope you bring your sources. I have a few things to say that I would prefer to do in person. If you know me at all, you must have realized that I wouldn't take this lightly. Be prepared for a fight.
Thank you for your understanding and patience while I sort out the mess that has dropped in my lap. I would prefer to not take time away from my wife and family, but I refuse to sit by while my name is dragged through the mud.
Again, thank you.
I added a few commas and took out a couple of words, but all-in-all, it was good. Edward could have a tendency to get carried away with his words and on more than one occasion, had caused riots in the media with his previous press releases. I usually tempered them somewhat, but Edward's voice was loud and clear.
"How was it?" Edward asked, drinking from a glass of vodka.
"Bold and powerful, just like you wanted." I handed it back to Mario. "Edward go take a nap. You look like hell."
"No, I can't. I have to stay on the phones." He leaned against his desk. "Did I hear correctly, you're pregnant again?"
I laughed, "Absolutely not."
"Thank God." He exhaled. "I can't take another baby."
"Neither can I." I got up and went towards him, taking his glass. "You need at least an hour to yourself."
"Okay, I'll make a deal. We take a nap together," he said suggestively.
"I don't think so." I put my hands on his chest, pushing him away slightly. "You don't have the energy."
"Italian men always the energy." He dipped his head, kissing my neck. "Mario and Jane, get out!"
There was a flurry of feet and the door shut a second later.
"Edward, you need your rest."
"I don't like the idea of sleeping during the daytime. It's a waste of perfectly good sunlight."
I took off his glasses, and weaved my fingers through his, pulling him towards the door. "Just indulge me."
He whined and pouted all the way down the hall, but we got to our room. I pushed him down on the bed and began to unbutton his shirt, placing kisses along the way.
As I suspected, Edward was knocked out before I pulled off his pants. I don't think he had been sleeping well lately, and today was only going to further push his limits.
I took off his shoes and socks, twisting his body as much as I could until it was on the bed. He was snoring softly when I covered him up with the comforter.
Two hours went by and I decided that it was probably time to disturb Edward's nap. I carried Roman and Sophia in each arm, walking from their nursery to our room. I nudged the door open, and Bosco bounded his way through, opening it further.
"Everyone on the bed to wake up Daddy." I set the babies down on the blankets and their little knees carried them forward, crawling up to a still sleeping Edward.
They giggled and patted his face with their hands. He shifted and wiggled his nose but didn't wake up until Francis started to bounce.
"What the hell is going on?" Edward rolled over, groggy and heavy-lidded.
"The babies wanted to welcome you back to the world, Sleeping Beauty." I climbed on the bed with them.
"Well in that case, I won't complain." He lifted up Sophia, holding her high above his head. She squealed in delight, her green eyes shining down on her father. They both looked so much like him, it was scary.
"How was your nap?" I asked him, holding Roman in my lap. He was getting quite rowdy, and I was afraid he might fall over the edge.
"The best one I've had in years." He really did look refreshed.
"Any good dreams?"
"Sex dreams, yes."
"Edward," I whispered, "not in front of the babies."
"They can't understand me." He chuckled.
"They're very impressionable."
"I won't have to watch my mouth for at least another six months or so." He kissed Sophia's head and laid her on his chest. Her small hands opened and closed, trying to grab at him.
"I can only hope that they have a far less colorful vocabulary than you."
I really hated to bring back reality, but there were things that needed to be taken care of quickly. Edward's downtime was over, and he knew it.
"What has happened in the past hour or so?" he sighed.
"The Tribune is standing by their story and their reporter, but won't give anything up."
"Because they don't have anything."
"That's what Carlisle thinks. Are you sure you're not guilty? I'm not doubting you, but I would hate to think that they have something on you. Could one of your employees have gone to the paper?"
"With what?" Edward sat up against the headboard, cradling Sophia. "I swear to you, I haven't embezzled any money and I guarantee you they don't have anything on me that would say otherwise. They've become worse than the gossip magazines and I won't let them get away with it. I'm not going to let them get ahold of my money."
"Okay, then. I'll stand by you," I said.
HOLY MONEY TROUBLES BATMAN
I KNOW IT'S BEEN FOREVER SINCE I UPDATED BUT EVERYONE KNOWS HOW BUSY IT CAN GET OVER THE HOLIDAYS. I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A WONDERFUL ONE, BY THE WAY.
POOR EDWARD AND HIS MONEY, HUH? IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING.
AS OF NOW, THERE ARE THREE OR FOUR MORE REGULAR CHAPTERS AND THEN EPILOGUES. HOPE EVERYONE IS READY FOR THE END.
AS ALWAYS,THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR READING AND JENNY FOR BETA'ING
UNTIL NEXT TIME ADIOS AND CIAO