Chapter Two

The Will: What's Left Behind

Philip was sitting on the corner of Gene Brisco's desk taking a long drag from his cigarette when the office door opened. In walked Bo and Hope, Shawn and Belle, and Brady and Chloe. He took one last drag watching as they filed in. Then stubbed out his cigarette and stood.

"Now I know why Belle is here with Shawn. But, why are you here Chloe? Because you certainly don't count as family."

"Yet, Philip. Chloe isn't family - yet. But, besides that, I asked her to be here with me. Do you have a problem with that?" Brady asked already annoyed by his uncle's presence in the room.

"As it happens, I do have a problem with that–––," Chloe interrupted Philip as he attempted to stalk toward Brady, she turned in front of Brady blocking Philip from him.

"Brady, it's alright. This is for family and I should leave." She replied touching his arm comfortingly not sparing a glance toward Philip when he made a snide comment under his breath. "I really don't mind." Truth be told, Chloe didn't want to be here anymore than Philip wanted her here. But, Brady had asked her to come, claiming that he needed her there with him, for comfort. Chloe had a sneaking suspicion though, that he really wanted her there to get at Philip but who knew.

"I believe I can solve this argument for you gentlemen. Miss Wesley must remain for the reading Philip, she has also been named in it." Gene Brisco said as he reentered his office. "Sorry, for my lateness I was stuck in court longer than I expected. As I was saying, Miss Wesley since the will includes you, I dare not allow you to leave." He moved around his desk and dropped his briefcase. Pulling out a blue folder he put on his glasses and settled into his chair. "Are we ready to go?" He asked looking up.

Everyone looked at one another as Philip answered from his chair in the back of the office. "Yes, lets get the show on the road, Gene. I'm sure everyone here is anxious to see what my father left them." He added snidely.

"If everyone will be seated we'll begin the reading." He waited then clearing his throat before he began. "I, Victor Kiriakis, being of sound mind and body …"

Philip sat off in the back silently observing his so-called family. He hadn't got a chance to observe them at Tuscany when he first arrived so now he decided was better than ever. Bo and Hope looked older with few wrinkles on their faces despite being well into their mid-fifties. Like his natural father, Bo still had a head full of hair, now a lighten brown with generous gray streaks. And despite not informing him of Victor's death, Philip had no doubt that Bo was still a goody-goody at heart much like his other half, Hope. She hadn't aged much either in fact she reminded him of Princess Gina in her later years because of the regalness of her silver mane.

Moving on his gaze went to the "perfect pair," his two-faced nephew and niece-in-law, Shawn and Belle. They were Barbie and Ken personified with not a hair out of place in their perfect little world. They made him sick by just being there with their self-righteous, indignant attitudes. Always making him think they were on his side, when really they couldn't wait to get him out of the picture so they could have their perfect little foursome, Belle and Shawn and Brady and Chloe. Always making him feel as if he could do nothing right, like he had something to prove.

Thinking of the perfect foursome, his gaze moved onto the deceitful woman he had once thought would be the only one for him and of course, his favorite antagonistic nephew, Chloe and Brady. Remarkably Brady hadn't changed at all, if anything he'd aged well - unfortunately. His hair was cut appropriately short for the business world he'd take by storm. He sported a clean-shaven look; drastically different from the way he looked 15 years earlier with absolutely no hint of a goatee or mustache in sight. And like the perfect duo, beside him his hands were entwined with Chloe's. Snorting softly to himself, Philip noted the large diamond rock glittering on Chloe's finger. She was the picture of complete elegance and grace that only a true diva could have. The up-swept brown hair, blazingly bright blue eyes with a somber, far off look in them, the perfectly painted crimson lips, and of course one couldn't forget the piece d'resistance – her gold diamond engagement ring.

Everyone single one of them fit into to this perfect picture little family. You have Bo and Shawn the tough policemen, Hope and Belle the stay-at-home wives and mothers (although, Philip knew that Belle worked at Basic Black as a fashion consultant before leaving to have her twins), Brady the elite businessman and vice president of Basic Black, and finally Chloe, the opera diva from New York with worldwide fame. Yes, they were the model of the perfect family, with the perfect little cookie cutter lives with no real problems or worries ––– Philip couldn't wait to destroy that.

" … Now to my family," Gene paused for a moment to look at them. "To my eldest son, Bo Brady, I leave the deeds to all my lands and properties in Ireland to do with as he sees fit." Gene glanced up a Bo briefly before continuing onto the next person. "To my youngest son, Philip Robert, I leave the controlling interest of fifty-five percent in Titan Industries, as well as the all the deeds to the properties held in my name with the exception of the aforementioned property willed to Bo. I also leave a trust to be opened by your hand for any future grandchildren you may have. And finally, to my son, I leave this letter with the stipulation that you read it after this reading alone." At the mention of a letter Philip perked up slightly, what on earth his father could have left him in that letter.

"To my grandsons, Brady Victor Black, Shawn Douglas Brady, and Zachary Theo Beauregard Brady, I leave the remaining stock in Titan Industries to do with as you see fit, trust funds set up at the time of your birth to opened to you no earlier than their 25th birthdays. To my great-grandchildren, Corey and Corisa Brady, I leave 10 million dollars to be used for their educations and with the remainder to placed in an account for which they can access upon their 25th birthday." Belle and Shawn had been surprised by Victor's gift for the twins. As far as they knew Victor had never even known their names. But, Philip wasn't shocked because he knew that of all Victor's faults he always made sure that his family would be taken care of.

He sat back waiting for Gene to finish reading the provisions for the will, he was waiting to see what his father had left Chloe. It was the only inheritance that concerned him outside his own. "… Finally, we have one last provision for the estate of Victor Kiriakis, toChloe Lane Wesley. To Ms. Wesley, I leave the knowledge of a jewel of which we share and a letter to be read under the aforementioned stipulations of my son Philip." Gene finished taking off his glasses and taking a sip of the glass of water before him.

Chloe thought over what Victor said he'd left her. Searching the far reaches of her mind, she couldn't for the life of her think of what he was referring to. She and Victor rarely, if ever, talked to one another and furthermore he certainly never shared any jewel with her. Chloe had been so busy trying to think of what Victor could have possibly left her that she almost missed Brady's inquisitive smile. "What?"

"What was Grandpa Vic talking about? What jewel do you share?"

"I have no idea Brady. I was just thinking the same thing myself. It doesn't make much sense to me." She replied standing up with Brady thinking over everything that Victor could possibly be talking about and coming up with nothing.

"Well, considering how generous he's been with everyone else, he's probably talking about some diamond or something." Belle added as she and Shawn came up next to them.

"Miss Wesley, Philip you two don't want to forget your letters," Gene said as he held out two envelopes for both of them to take. Chloe, who had forgotten about the letter turned and walked back over to Gene, as did Philip. They both reached out and took their letters pausing briefly as their hands touched. A shock went through both of them as both Chloe and Philip's eyes raised to each other. Then, without one word Philip took his letter and turned away from Chloe. Chloe stared after him for a second.

"Chloe," Brady called from the doorway expectantly. She turned and left the office with Brady in the opposite direction of Philip.

Philip walked into his office alone and shut the door. He had driven straight from Gene's office, after the will reading, to ensure everything was ready for Stefano's arrival back in Salem. Then, Gene suggested that Philip go home and read the letter Victor had left him. It would put his mind to ease about everything, or so Gene had informed him. So curiosity got the better of him and he did. Now he sat in his private office, on the Kiriakis estate, he pulled out the letter his father had left him. Flipping over the envelope he opened it and pulled the letter out. Placing his cigarette in the ashtray he read the last letter his father would ever send him.

Dear Philip,

If you are reading this letter than I have died sooner than I would have liked. I was unable to tell you two very important things that I hope and know will change your life forever. The first thing that I want you to know is that I love you Philip and I always have no matter what you did or if you made me angry. My love for you, my son, is unconditional.

Now onto the second more pressing issue. I have kept a secret from you that has racked my mind for years. But, when it came down to it, I knew this secret had to be kept until you were ready to heard it. And when you returned to Salem I would have revealed all to you. As you know, one of my vices is to never forget or forgive anyone for harming my family and because of my unwillingness to do what needed to be done ages ago you were hurt deeply. By now you have to be curious as to what I am talking about so I will tell you … because of my neglect, you had your heart broken by one Chloe Lane Wesley and in the process lost all those you held dear to your heart including your family and friends.

You saved the life of the girl you loved and she repaid you by betraying you with your nephew. And everyone, including myself, seemed to made you feel as if you were all alone in the world with no one to depend on or talk to. I blame myself for the cold man you became when you left Salem years ago because I wasn't there for you when you needed me the most. But, more importantly I blame Chloe Wesley for breaking your heart and taken away the son, who did everything, he could to please her even sacrificing his own life for hers. On the day you left I vowed that I would get my revenge on her if it was the last thing I did. So that very day I started my investigation taking over where Craig's left off in the search for Chloe's birth father, thinking I could get his help in seeking my revenge.

It took me nearly two years but I finally tracked down a link to Chloe's father … her Grandfather, Stefano Dimera. Chloe was the biological child of Dr. Frederick Sykes otherwise known as Tony Dimera. And as you know Stefano never died like the people of Salem suspected; no he hid out on an island outside of Crete waiting for the perfect time for the Phoenix to resurface. When I tracked him down we made a deal, a pack if you will, I would help him ease his way back into Salem and in return he would allow me to seek my revenge on Chloe without any repercussions. Now, I know you what you are going to say Philip, but you work with Dimera, you know that the plans to bring him back to Salem are perfectly legit and no one is none the wiser.

I should fill you in on how Stefano's plan originally shaped out. He and Andre had made this story up so Andre could return to Salem as Tony (who did die years before of course) to ensure Lexie's safety from the law. According to Stefano, Lexie was never to know the truth about his "death" until the time was right. I have no idea when Stefano decided the time would be "right," but by that time it wasn't important. That was the day the partnership between the most powerful men in Salem was struck, and as you know Philip, the plan is underway.

However, Stefano and I discovered a slight problem with the plans two years ago that could not be ignored. You were working in Venice on special project for Titan at the time when the problem presented itself because Chloe came back to Salem. Although, we had planned for her presence we never suspected she wouldn't come alone. What I am about to tell you is the key not only to my provision for Chloe in the will but also to Stefano's arrival in Salem. I can't tell you who this person is or how they are related to Chloe but when you find the person with the initials LJW you will find the answer. Philip, it is up to you to unlock the truth that had been denied to you for years and decide if vengeance shall be served.

Your loving father,

Victor

Philip picked up his cigarette and thought about Victor's letter. It would seem that Chloe had a secret and Victor knew about it. Whatever it was it made Victor stop his plans of vengeance completely. And that was very much unlike him. "Well Dad, it doesn't matter what she has on you. Vengeance will be mine." Philip said smashing his cigarette before he stormed out the room.

Brady had dropped Chloe off before he headed back to work at Basic Black. So she decided that since she was at home by herself now was the best time to read Victor's letter. She pulled the letter out of her purse as she drank a glass of water in the kitchen. But, once out she stared at it on counter, debating with herself on whether to open it or not.

"God, Chloe just do it. Open the damn letter and then you can move on with the rest of your life and not worry one more day about Victor Kiriakis." Tapping her fingers on the counter top, she just stared at the letter. "Oh what the hell – what can he do to me now," she said as her curiosity got the better of her and she picked up the letter. Tearing open the envelope she pulled out the letter and read:

Chloe,

Did you think you could fool me? Did you think I wouldn't know, my dear? I know your secret about the "jewel"–– LJW and now so does my son.

Victor

Chloe dropped the letter as her hands started to shake. "How could he know?" Was all she got out before Chloe started toward her bedroom. She was throwing things into a suitcase when Nancy arrived home.

"Chloe," Nancy called out from the living room after she placed her purse down. Upon hearing no response she went to Chloe's bedroom figuring she may be there. When she arrived in her daughter's bedroom she was surprised to see Chloe packing a suitcase. "What on earth are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing Mother, I'm packing." Chloe replied pulling out some more clothes from her closet and folding them haphazardly into the suitcase.

"Yes, but why are you packing? Has something happened – I thought you didn't have another show until October." Nancy said watching her daughter hurriedly stuff things into the suitcase.

"I don't but … things change. I'm going back to New York tonight. I need to get out of here before," Chloe paused in her packing and looked up at Nancy. "Where's LJ?"

Nancy frowned, "She's outside with Brownie why?" Nancy asked but Chloe got a worried look on her face and stormed out of the room. Nancy had no choice but to follow her if she wanted any answers.

The Wesley household outside by the porch…

Philip had parked his black Mercedes Benz on the curb and was walking up to the porch when he saw a small child; no more than five or six come from the side of the house with a miniature black toy poodle trailing after her. She was dressed in a pretty blue dress with dogs on it, now smudged slightly with dirt. Her hair was the most interesting shade of brown with auburn glints in it, in pigtails. She had the face of a cherub. Clearly, she was Nancy and Craig's daughter.

"Come on Brownie, we gotta get back 'fore Momma catches us." She was saying as she and the small dog trudged up the stairs on the porch. As she rounded the porch she turned and saw Philip watching her. "You know it's not very polite to stare, it's rude." She told him boldly returning his gaze clearly with light hazel eyes that reminded him of someone.

Philip was surprised by her response usually children seemed to shy away from him, but not this child she was different. "I didn't mean to stare," was all he said.

"Well … I guess that's alright." Tilting her head to the side she questioned, "So, who are you mister and what's ya' doing here?"

Philip came onto the porch and kneeled before the child holding out his hand, "I'm Philip Kiriakis. What's your name?" She shook his hand.

"You're Uncle Brady's uncle aren't you? Grandpa's son, right?" She questioned softly. Philip nodded not understanding how she knew him. "This is my dog Brownie and I'm Lily. I'm sorry about your father. You're not sad about him anymore are you?" She asked with her childlike innocence yet strangely direct like an adult.

Philip was somewhat taken back by the child's odd manner. One minute she was questioning him like he was a criminal casing the house. In the next, she was offering him sympathy, checking to make sure his was alright. "I'm doing better now, but I wasn't at first. Thank you for asking," the girl nodded understandably. Frankly, the child was beginning to make him uncomfortable. It was like she had some insights in his feelings. "Well, I was wondering if your sister or mother was home. I need to talk to one of them."

"I don't have a sister. Only my Mommy, Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa." She answered then frowned. "At least I don't think I have any sisters or brothers."

Philip was confused to say the least. "You don't know?" He asked incredulously. "How can you not know?"

Lily got upset; putting her hands on her hips she glared at him. Oddly, enough it reminded him of Victor whenever he got annoyed. "I don't know because my Daddy doesn't live with me and he might have kids that my Grandpa didn't know about. Do you have any kids?" She asked tartly.

"No but what does that have to do with anything?" He replied not believing he was in an argument with a six year old.

"Well, then no, I don't have any sisters!" She yelled at him just as the door opened.

"Liliana Jade Wesley who are you yelling at?" Chloe said rushing out the house to see who her daughter had gotten into an argument with. She couldn't see who it was because Lily was blocking their face. But coming out onto the porch she was taken by surprise as the person Lily was yelling at stood up to his full height – it was Philip and he was shocked. His eyes were wide with disbelief.

"With my Daddy because he was acting like an idiot asking stupid questions." She replied glaring accusingly at her father and looking at her mother, this time though, her dimples were in full affect. Both Chloe and Philip gazes clashed onto their daughter.

"What did you say, Lily? Your father, why do you think he is your Daddy?" Nancy asked shocked herself as she came onto the porch.

"Because Grandpa told me so." Lily replied.

"LJW – Lily Jade Wesley, I should have figured it out." Philip said to himself, raising his gaze to glare at Chloe, his jaw clenching.

"But sweetie why would Craig tell you something like that?" Nancy asked kneeling before the little girl.

"Not Momma's Daddy. My other Grandpa, you know his Daddy." She said pointing to Philip. "He told me my Daddy was coming to Salem and that it was a surprise and no one else knew. And he told me a secret about Mommy, too."

Philip looked back down at his daughter wondering what his father had said to her. So he kneeled down beside her and asked, "And what secret is that Lily?"

She looked at her grandmother and father kneeling beside her and then at her mother. "Mommy's Daddy's Daddy is coming home too."

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