THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS GUYS. THERE ARE A FEW THINGS I'D LIKE TO MENTION
BEFORE YOU GUYS READ THIS.
FIRST, THIS IS A FOXAY FIC. I KNOW THAT THERE'S AN ORIGINAL CHARACTER, JASON CALLAWAY AND KAY LOVES HIM BUT KNOW THAT THEIR RELATIONSHIP ISN'T ROMANTIC.
SECOND, A LOT OF YOU HAS ASKED ABOUT THE BABY. WELL, THIS CHAPTER ACTUALLY MENTIONS THE CHILD, JUST NOT DIRECTLY. THERE WILL BE A CHAPTER OR TWO THAT WILL REVEAL WHAT HAPPENED.
THIRD, KAY WILL MEET THE REST OF HER FAMILY SOON. I'M JUST GIVING HER TIME TO RUIN A FEW LIVES.
AND BE WARNED THIS CHAPTER HAS SOME COURSE LANGUAGE AND IT'S NOT LIKE THE PREVIOUS ONES.
ENJOY.
~*~
"Jason, it's been over a month. Two months almost. When are coming back?" Kay asked miserably as she pouted on the phone.
Jason sighed on the other end and Kay could almost see him raking his fingers through his hair. "I know and I'm sorry. I promised to be there for you. But I have yet to close a deal. Father insists that I make sure to get this one right but the representative from the other company is so damn stubborn."
"Need any help?" She asked as she pulled out stack of folders from her desk.
"No, that's alright. You have enough to worry about there." Jason replied softly. "How is everything going, by the way?"
Kay smiled. "Smoothly, I suppose." She answered. "I finally finished the Milan Project. And I managed to fire three employees, promote two more and one of them cried."
"The ones promoted or the ones fired?" Jason asked curiously. He was not enjoying the idea that Kay was firing employees but he suspected that she had her reasons. And he hoped they were good ones.
"I can't remember." Kay said.
"And how are you holding up?" He asked and Kay could hear the hesitation in his voice.
"I'm fine. I really wish you were here."
"I'll be there as soon as I can. Do they know that you're in Harmony?"
She scoffed. "I doubt it. They're all so wrapped up in there lives, I doubt they notice anything else. But soon they will."
Jason frowned. "Why do I suddenly get this horrible feeling that you're up to something?"
"Let's just say I have a little surprise for these pathetic low lives." She said darkly as she opened the first folder.
"You're looking at the folders, aren't you?" He asked knowingly. Kay could already see him shaking his head.
She smiled as she looked at the picture on the file. "You know me too well, Jason. Don't worry; my side project will have no negative consequences on Callaway Industries."
Jason sighed sharply. "Don't do anything rash."
"What's your definition of rash?" She quipped happily.
"Kay." He warned.
"Jason, please don't be mad. These people deserve it." She insisted softly. "I've been through hell and back because of them. I want a little revenge."
"Fine. If whatever you're going to do makes you happy, then I support you." He conceded aversely.
She squealed. "It does make me happy and thank you. Did I tell you I love you?" Kay said happily.
"Yes, you have; many times. And likewise but just promise me one thing." Jason declared.
"Anything." Kay beamed happily.
"Don't do anything illegal and just know that you're in big trouble if there's blood spilled." He declared, trying to sound as serious as possible. "And I'm not talking about the police. I'm talking about you having to answer to me."
She chuckled softly, knowing full well that Jason would let her get away with anything. "I promise." She said truthfully.
"Good."
"I met an old friend of yours." Kay asserted, remembering what Fox had told her.
"Really who?" He asked, intrigued.
"Fox Crane. Remember him?" Kay stated as she looked through the next file in the folder.
"Kay, be careful of him." Jason warned dourly.
"I know." She said. "I know his reputation, Jason and I'm not stupid to become one of his conquests. We all know how Crane men are."
She could hear Jason sigh with worry on the other end. "Is he who you're spending time with now?" He asked hesitantly.
"Yes and Jason, don't do the whole protective and jealous friend act on me, okay. I know you care but he's the only one who's bothered to become my friend since you left." She said with a deep sigh. "Everyone here is either afraid of me, intimidated or someone I'd rather not be friends with."
"And Fox is someone you'd rather not be friends with." He insisted. "He's dangerous. I knew him, Kay. And since when did you care about making friends in Harmony? The last time we spoke, you didn't even want to be seen by anyone."
"In case you haven't noticed, you're there and I'm all alone here. I might go crazy if I have no one to talk to. Right now, he's all I've got here in Harmony." She said somewhat bitterly. "I'm not trying to make you feel bad because I do understand why you had to leave. Just trust me when I say that I know what I'm doing with Fox."
"If he hurts you, I will kill him." He said through gritted teeth.
Kay smiled wryly, knowing that Jason would probably go to any length to punish any man who hurt her. "Thank you but there's no need."
"Relay what I said to him. Let's just make sure that he's been warned."
She chuckled. "I'm sure Fox won't be the least bit intimidated but I'll humor you."
Kay heard him chuckle on the other end, and then clear his throat. "I went to St. Gabriel's yesterday." He declared; his voice low and tense and Kay shut her eyes as her other hand instantly went to the heart shaped diamond locket around her neck.
"I should have visited." She whispered unhappily.
"You'll make up for it." Jason stated, hearing the grief in her voice. "I brought flowers."
Kay sniffled. "I miss her." She whispered brokenly as she fought the urge to cry.
"I know. I'm sorry you're so far away and so busy. When I visit Harmony, I'll take you back to New York and we can go." He promised.
"Okay." She said as she grabbed a tissue and dabbed it on he eyes. "I should go. I still have things to finish up. Come visit me soon okay."
"I will." He declared. "And Kay, get a personal assistant. I know what it's like to have to do everything in the office. And that's not a suggestion."
"I will." Kay replied with a sigh. "Bye, Jase."
"Bye."
Just as Kay put the phone down, Fox knocked and walked into her office, looking excited and happy. "What's the matter?" He asked when he saw her expression.
She shook her head at him as she rose from her seat and walked over to the bar. For a second, she wondered by Jason had the bar built into the office. It certainly was a strange feature. "Want some?" She asked as she poured herself a drink.
"No. It's early." He replied. "Now, tell me what's wrong." He asked as he walked over to her.
Kay sighed. "It's none of your business." She said curtly as she walked around him and back to her desk. "Who do you hate most in Harmony?"
Fox frowned, not liking her attitude one bit. "Theresa. Now, answer my question."
"What question?" Kay absently asked as she flipped through her files.
"I asked you what's wrong." He replied.
She sighed sharply, wishing that he wasn't there. "I'm not feeling well, Fox. It's not a very good day." She explained, hoping that it was enough of an explanation to him. She wasn't in any mood to tell him about more details about her personal life.
"But the day just started." He stated, glancing at his watch.
She nodded. "I know. Now, tell me which family the Cranes despise the most."
Fox pondered on the thought for a moment. "The Lopez-Fitzgeralds. It's been years and we can't seem to get rid of them."
She smiled as she beckoned him to come closer and look at the folders. "The Lopez-Fitzgerald family it is then."
"What are these?" He asked curiously as he looked at the folders and files on top of her desk.
"Files that I've had for years." Kay answered as she leaned on her chair.
"How convenient." Fox mumbled as he looked through the one that was labeled Bennett. "You've put a lot of effort in these." He smirked as he noticed that there was no file about her.
"Yes, I did. I spent at least a few thousand dollars of Callaway money just to get all this information. I was very motivated to destroy this little hick town and everyone in it back then." Kay replied casually as she crossed her legs.
"What happened?" He asked curiously as he set the folder back on the desk.
"Jason taught me to let go." She replied. Fox's expression darkened. He was beginning to dislike the other man because every conversation Fox had with Kay seemed to always have Jason's name mentioned in it.
"Lucky you that I came into your life." He smiled.
She rolled her eyes at him. "I think you mean unlucky for everyone else that two very cruel people have paired up with the intention to destroy their life." She said lightly.
He smirked. "So, are the Lopez-Fitzgeralds our first victims?" He asked, his excitement about their plan returning.
She nodded. "Since you hate Theresa, we're taking her down first. Think of it as a present."
Fox frowned slightly. "But I've basically destroyed her already. What else can we do to make her suffer?"
Kay beamed at him, her eyes gleaming with hatred. "I know about a number of ways to make her suffer but this one tops it all. So, I'll cut through the whole thing and just downright destroy her."
"You know, I like it when you're bad. It's very sexy." He grinned as he leaned in and kissed her.
"Just because I let you kiss me whenever you please, Fox, does not mean you have me." She pleasantly told him when she broke the kiss.
Fox chuckled. "We'll see." He piped.
Kay ignored the last comment. "Is she still receiving child support from Julian for little Ethan?" She asked.
Fox nodded. "It's more money than they deserve but she insists that Julian owes little Ethan that kind of lifestyle since he was able to provide his other children with that luxurious life. In my opinion, she's using that little boy as a bank account."
"How old is he now?" Kay asked curiously.
"Six, seven maybe. I wouldn't really know since Theresa wouldn't let little Ethan see Julian or visit the Crane mansion." He answered resentfully.
Kay pursed her lips. "Is your father willing to fight for custody?"
"He has but that was to spite Theresa. Well, it doesn't matter really because for some odd reason, he lost."
"Well, let's just say he's lucky then." She said as she began to put away the other folders, leaving Theresa's file out. "Let's go."
"Where to?" Fox asked curiously as he followed her out the room.
"Third floor." She replied as she stepped into the elevator, Fox in tow.
He leaned in and began kissing her. Kay did nothing to stop him. "What's there?" He asked in between kisses.
"An old friend. He owes me a favor." She replied as she broke away.
Fox raised a curious eyebrow. "Should I be jealous?" He teased and she rolled her eyes at him.
"You know, I really think you should really stop kissing me whenever we're a close proximity of each other. Someone's going to see us and it will not be good for me." She declared seriously. They were lucky no one was in the elevator.
He grinned although he didn't like the idea that she cared too much about what people would think if they were ever seen kissing. "And deprive you of the pleasure of my kisses?" He retorted amiably. "Kay, there is no need for sacrifices."
She laughed. "You really think you're God's greatest gift to women, don't you?"
He wrapped an arm around her waist. "If the shoe fits." He said as he leaned to kiss her again but this time she moved away and luckily, the elevator dinged and they stepped out.
"You really are unbelievable." She told him as they walked through the halls.
Fox glanced around them as they were suddenly caught in the hustle and bustle of a crowd of people.
"What is this place?" He asked curiously.
She smiled. "It's a newspaper company." Kay replied casually.
"What's it doing here?" Fox queried.
"It's planning to take over the Harmony Herald. In fact, it already owns the Herald. We let them rent this floor while they get their settled." She explained. She pushed the door to the editor's office opened and stepped inside.
"Kay!" The man behind the counter, said cheerfully. He looked about Julian's age, maybe a few years older.
"Hello, Mason." She smiled as she moved to hug him.
Mason hugged her tightly. "I didn't know you were in town, kiddo." He said cheerfully as he offered her and Fox a seat.
"That was the plan." Kay replied. "This is Fox Crane. Fox, this is Mason Hunter. He's an old family friend of the Callaways." She beamed.
The two men shook hands. "Not that old." Mason piped up cheerfully. "So, kid, what can I do for you?"
"I want you to print this." Kay cast a quick glance at Fox before handing the file on Theresa to Mason. He read it and then frowned.
"We're not a tabloid, Kay. I can't print this." He said as he put in back down on the table and pushed it towards her.
"No, you're not but you will print this." Kay said firmly and Fox suddenly realized that she had transformed into her business persona. "Everything on that file is true."
Mason shook his head. "I can smell a legal battle coming up if I print this, Kay. This isn't good for business and you know that."
"Mason, you owe me." She said as she folded her hands in front her. Fox noticed an understanding pass between the two of them. He wondered what exactly it was that Kay did for Mason Hunter to owe her. "And there will be no legal battle. I guarantee it."
The other man shook his head in dismay. "And if there is?"
Kay's gaze hardened. "There won't be." She said steely.
"Fine but that's it, kid. No more favors. We're even." He said with a heavy sigh.
Kay nodded. "I expect total discretion on your part."
"Very well."
She rose from her seat and walked out. Fox followed. "So, what was that all about?" He asked curiously as the walked back to the elevator.
Kay frowned. "Like I told you, he owed me a favor. He understood."
"And what exactly did you do for Mr. Hunter?" Fox pressed as Kay pushed the button to her floor.
"It's old history, Fox. I haven't breathed a word of it and I won't now." She replied furtively as she leaned against the side of the elevator, putting some space between them.
"Was it something bad?" He asked, growing somewhat concerned.
Kay glowered at him. "Stop snooping into my business and no, it wasn't bad." She answered tersely.
"Then why won't you tell me?"
"Because it's not my secret to tell!" She exclaimed furiously. "Look, let's get something straight here. Just because we're working together to destroy people in Harmony does not give you any right to pry on my personal life or the lives of the people I'm associated with."
Fox glared at her. "You're one ungrateful bitch." He retorted icily.
"Excuse me?"
"That's right. You heard me." His voice was harsh and he looked furious. Kay refused to be intimidated. "I was asking because I was concerned. I thought that he took advantage of you in the past and you were using that as a reminder that he owes you."
She smirked. "Well, you thought wrong, Fox. Mason Hunter is one of the best men in the world. He would not lay a finger on me and if he did, he would not live to tell about it." She declared heatedly.
"Well, I apologize for caring."
"You know what? Let's stay out of each other's way while I finish what I promised your father and grandfather I would do." She declared angrily and finally the elevator reached her floor. "Show yourself out."
And with that said, Kay walked towards her office without as much as looking back at him.
Fox groaned angrily as he jabbed his finger that button to the main floor. He was grateful that no one was in the elevator when their rather heated argument occurred or he would have surely hated Kay for it or punched the bystander for just being there and witnessing the whole thing.
She's exasperating, he thought irritably.
Kay was driving him mad. No one had ever resisted his advances for so long. Even Whitney who claimed to be madly in love with Chad hadn't been difficult to conquer. Granted it took him about four months to get Whitney in bed but she had been nice to Fox throughout the whole time.
Kay on the other hand seemed to find pleasure in arguing with him. For everything he did, she found a reason to be mad at him. And Kay made resisting Fox so easy. That irked him.
Finally reaching his floor, he stepped out, only to glare at the first person to come in his path.
"Women." Fox grumbled as he walked towards the nearest exit.
************************************************************************
Theresa screamed the minute she saw the morning paper, scaring her son in the process. Little Ethan stared at her in fright, gripping his blue plastic Mickey Mouse spoon tightly as he stopped eating his cereal.
He hated it when his mother had her dramatic outbursts.
His stepfather and namesake, Ethan, came rushing into the room, looking alarmed, his chin covered in saving cream. From the blood on his cheek, he looked like he cut himself when Theresa screamed.
"What's the matter?" He asked as he walked over to Theresa.
Her large eyes filled with tears as she brought her hand up to her lips and handed the paper to Ethan. "Look at this!" She screeched.
Ethan gasped when he saw the paper. "Holy shi-" He stopped himself before he could finish. He had never sworn in his life until now.
Sprawled in the Local News section of the Harmony Herald, were three pictures. Theresa's, Ethan's and Little Ethan's. On the top, it wrote, "Woman Fakes Son's Paternity to Gain Crane Fortune."
The article continued to go into detail as to who the said woman was and what she had done within the last ten years of her life. Ethan was also mentioned, although not to a great extent.
But the point was it named him as little Ethan's biological father.
"Gwen did this!" Theresa declared in complete fury.
Ethan frowned, his emotions mixed. "Gwen's out of town for business, Theresa." He pointed out calmly. "Is this true?" His voice softened.
She ignored him. "She's doing this to ruin me and get you back!" Theresa insisted.
"It's been years. I'm sure Gwen has learned to let go." He replied, wishing that they didn't have to do this in front of little Ethan.
"No, she hasn't. She's always wanted to steal you from me!" She sobbed.
"Theresa, calm down."
"No, I will not calm down!" She yelled as she pushed past him and into their room.
Ethan glanced apologetically at his son.
You're my son, he thought with pride as placed his hand on the little boy's shoulder reassuringly. "Mommy's upset. Why don't you and I go to the park and shoot some hoops after you're done breakfast?" He said softly and little Ethan beamed.
"Why is mom upset?" He asked curiously.
"She read some mean stuff in the newspaper." Ethan replied although he couldn't help but be grateful that it was written. He was glad; in fact ecstatic that little Ethan was his son.
It didn't really matter where the information came from, as long as it was true.
Meanwhile, Theresa was ranting the bedroom as she hurriedly changed into nicer clothes. She was fuming. It had taken her years to be with Ethan and finally she had him and they were happy but someone had to interfere and she was going to find out who.
She was going to make them pay.
She left the house without saying goodbye to her son or telling her husband where she was going, although Ethan had a vague idea.
Sometimes, it was better to let Theresa do what she pleased. It avoided more confrontations between them.
Theresa was still fuming by the time she reached the Harmony Herald building.
"I want to talk to the editor!" She yelled at the woman named Lisa in the front desk.
Lisa, who wasn't the least but afraid of Theresa glared at her. "The editor is not here." She replied.
"Then where the hell is he?"
She knew that Mr. Hunter, their new editor, was at Callaway Towers but she decided not to tell Theresa that. "We don't know. Would you like to leave a message?" Lisa asked politely.
Theresa heaved in fury. "When he gets back, tell him that he had no right to print lies about me in the newspaper. I'm going to sue him and everyone in this company!"
The woman raised an eyebrow, finally realizing who Theresa was. "If I were you, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald-Winthrop, I wouldn't waste my time suing the Harmony Herald. A word of advice, if what's written is true and I think they are because you care so much, you should get a damn good lawyer because the Cranes are going to be after you."
Theresa looked startled, for the rather bold comeback. She opened her mouth to say something but no words came and burst into hysterical sobs.
Lisa looked unconvinced. "You know the way out." She said in clipped tone.
************************************************************************
The phone rang just as Kay entered her office in the morning. She hoped it wasn't Fox calling about their argument the day before because she was not ready for an early morning confrontation.
"Hello, Kay Callaway speaking." She said.
"Miss Callaway, I'm very pleased with you work." Alistair declared and Kay could hear the newspaper rustling on Alistair's end of the line.
Kay smiled as she sat down. "I'm glad, Mr. Crane."
"You're a fine woman, Ms. Callaway and I look forward to what you have in store for everyone else." He declared.
"Thank you." Kay replied cheerfully as she wondered if Antonio received her little present for him
~*~
A/N: A FEW THINGS TO EXPLAIN IN CASE YOU'RE A LITTLE CONFUSED.
FIRST, KAY HAD A DAUGHTER. THAT'S ALL IM SAYING FOR NOW.
SECOND, MASON HUNTER IS AN ORIGINAL CHARACTER. AND HIS SECRET IS THAT HE CHEATED ON HIS WIFE AND KAY CAUGHT HIM BUT NEVER TOLD ANYONE. NOT EVEN JASON. I DIDN'T FEEL LIKE WRITING IT INTO THE STORY. AND NO, MASON NEVER TOOK ADVANTAGE OF KAY LIKE FOX THOUGHT.
THIRD, ETHAN AND THERESA ARE TOGETHER AND IF YOU'RE WONDERING HOW THEY SURVIVE EVEN WHEN FOX SUED THERESA FOR A LOT OF MONEY AND MADE SURE SHE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO FIND A JOB ANYWHERE, THERESA TAKES A LOT OF LITTLE ETHAN'S CHILD SUPPORT MONEY. AND BIG ETHAN HAS A JOB.
AND THE LISA CHARACTER IS NOT IMPORTANT. I JUST ADDED HER BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF WRITING THE WORD WOMAN IN EACH SENTENCE.
SORRY IF FOX AND KAY AREN'T ALL HAPPY AND FLIRTY IN THIS CHAPTER. I HAD TO WRITE SOME CONFLICT INTO THE STORY.
SO, WHO CAN GUESS WHAT KAY SENT TO ANTONIO?
ANYWAY, THANKS FOR READING.
DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW.
FIRST, THIS IS A FOXAY FIC. I KNOW THAT THERE'S AN ORIGINAL CHARACTER, JASON CALLAWAY AND KAY LOVES HIM BUT KNOW THAT THEIR RELATIONSHIP ISN'T ROMANTIC.
SECOND, A LOT OF YOU HAS ASKED ABOUT THE BABY. WELL, THIS CHAPTER ACTUALLY MENTIONS THE CHILD, JUST NOT DIRECTLY. THERE WILL BE A CHAPTER OR TWO THAT WILL REVEAL WHAT HAPPENED.
THIRD, KAY WILL MEET THE REST OF HER FAMILY SOON. I'M JUST GIVING HER TIME TO RUIN A FEW LIVES.
AND BE WARNED THIS CHAPTER HAS SOME COURSE LANGUAGE AND IT'S NOT LIKE THE PREVIOUS ONES.
ENJOY.
~*~
"Jason, it's been over a month. Two months almost. When are coming back?" Kay asked miserably as she pouted on the phone.
Jason sighed on the other end and Kay could almost see him raking his fingers through his hair. "I know and I'm sorry. I promised to be there for you. But I have yet to close a deal. Father insists that I make sure to get this one right but the representative from the other company is so damn stubborn."
"Need any help?" She asked as she pulled out stack of folders from her desk.
"No, that's alright. You have enough to worry about there." Jason replied softly. "How is everything going, by the way?"
Kay smiled. "Smoothly, I suppose." She answered. "I finally finished the Milan Project. And I managed to fire three employees, promote two more and one of them cried."
"The ones promoted or the ones fired?" Jason asked curiously. He was not enjoying the idea that Kay was firing employees but he suspected that she had her reasons. And he hoped they were good ones.
"I can't remember." Kay said.
"And how are you holding up?" He asked and Kay could hear the hesitation in his voice.
"I'm fine. I really wish you were here."
"I'll be there as soon as I can. Do they know that you're in Harmony?"
She scoffed. "I doubt it. They're all so wrapped up in there lives, I doubt they notice anything else. But soon they will."
Jason frowned. "Why do I suddenly get this horrible feeling that you're up to something?"
"Let's just say I have a little surprise for these pathetic low lives." She said darkly as she opened the first folder.
"You're looking at the folders, aren't you?" He asked knowingly. Kay could already see him shaking his head.
She smiled as she looked at the picture on the file. "You know me too well, Jason. Don't worry; my side project will have no negative consequences on Callaway Industries."
Jason sighed sharply. "Don't do anything rash."
"What's your definition of rash?" She quipped happily.
"Kay." He warned.
"Jason, please don't be mad. These people deserve it." She insisted softly. "I've been through hell and back because of them. I want a little revenge."
"Fine. If whatever you're going to do makes you happy, then I support you." He conceded aversely.
She squealed. "It does make me happy and thank you. Did I tell you I love you?" Kay said happily.
"Yes, you have; many times. And likewise but just promise me one thing." Jason declared.
"Anything." Kay beamed happily.
"Don't do anything illegal and just know that you're in big trouble if there's blood spilled." He declared, trying to sound as serious as possible. "And I'm not talking about the police. I'm talking about you having to answer to me."
She chuckled softly, knowing full well that Jason would let her get away with anything. "I promise." She said truthfully.
"Good."
"I met an old friend of yours." Kay asserted, remembering what Fox had told her.
"Really who?" He asked, intrigued.
"Fox Crane. Remember him?" Kay stated as she looked through the next file in the folder.
"Kay, be careful of him." Jason warned dourly.
"I know." She said. "I know his reputation, Jason and I'm not stupid to become one of his conquests. We all know how Crane men are."
She could hear Jason sigh with worry on the other end. "Is he who you're spending time with now?" He asked hesitantly.
"Yes and Jason, don't do the whole protective and jealous friend act on me, okay. I know you care but he's the only one who's bothered to become my friend since you left." She said with a deep sigh. "Everyone here is either afraid of me, intimidated or someone I'd rather not be friends with."
"And Fox is someone you'd rather not be friends with." He insisted. "He's dangerous. I knew him, Kay. And since when did you care about making friends in Harmony? The last time we spoke, you didn't even want to be seen by anyone."
"In case you haven't noticed, you're there and I'm all alone here. I might go crazy if I have no one to talk to. Right now, he's all I've got here in Harmony." She said somewhat bitterly. "I'm not trying to make you feel bad because I do understand why you had to leave. Just trust me when I say that I know what I'm doing with Fox."
"If he hurts you, I will kill him." He said through gritted teeth.
Kay smiled wryly, knowing that Jason would probably go to any length to punish any man who hurt her. "Thank you but there's no need."
"Relay what I said to him. Let's just make sure that he's been warned."
She chuckled. "I'm sure Fox won't be the least bit intimidated but I'll humor you."
Kay heard him chuckle on the other end, and then clear his throat. "I went to St. Gabriel's yesterday." He declared; his voice low and tense and Kay shut her eyes as her other hand instantly went to the heart shaped diamond locket around her neck.
"I should have visited." She whispered unhappily.
"You'll make up for it." Jason stated, hearing the grief in her voice. "I brought flowers."
Kay sniffled. "I miss her." She whispered brokenly as she fought the urge to cry.
"I know. I'm sorry you're so far away and so busy. When I visit Harmony, I'll take you back to New York and we can go." He promised.
"Okay." She said as she grabbed a tissue and dabbed it on he eyes. "I should go. I still have things to finish up. Come visit me soon okay."
"I will." He declared. "And Kay, get a personal assistant. I know what it's like to have to do everything in the office. And that's not a suggestion."
"I will." Kay replied with a sigh. "Bye, Jase."
"Bye."
Just as Kay put the phone down, Fox knocked and walked into her office, looking excited and happy. "What's the matter?" He asked when he saw her expression.
She shook her head at him as she rose from her seat and walked over to the bar. For a second, she wondered by Jason had the bar built into the office. It certainly was a strange feature. "Want some?" She asked as she poured herself a drink.
"No. It's early." He replied. "Now, tell me what's wrong." He asked as he walked over to her.
Kay sighed. "It's none of your business." She said curtly as she walked around him and back to her desk. "Who do you hate most in Harmony?"
Fox frowned, not liking her attitude one bit. "Theresa. Now, answer my question."
"What question?" Kay absently asked as she flipped through her files.
"I asked you what's wrong." He replied.
She sighed sharply, wishing that he wasn't there. "I'm not feeling well, Fox. It's not a very good day." She explained, hoping that it was enough of an explanation to him. She wasn't in any mood to tell him about more details about her personal life.
"But the day just started." He stated, glancing at his watch.
She nodded. "I know. Now, tell me which family the Cranes despise the most."
Fox pondered on the thought for a moment. "The Lopez-Fitzgeralds. It's been years and we can't seem to get rid of them."
She smiled as she beckoned him to come closer and look at the folders. "The Lopez-Fitzgerald family it is then."
"What are these?" He asked curiously as he looked at the folders and files on top of her desk.
"Files that I've had for years." Kay answered as she leaned on her chair.
"How convenient." Fox mumbled as he looked through the one that was labeled Bennett. "You've put a lot of effort in these." He smirked as he noticed that there was no file about her.
"Yes, I did. I spent at least a few thousand dollars of Callaway money just to get all this information. I was very motivated to destroy this little hick town and everyone in it back then." Kay replied casually as she crossed her legs.
"What happened?" He asked curiously as he set the folder back on the desk.
"Jason taught me to let go." She replied. Fox's expression darkened. He was beginning to dislike the other man because every conversation Fox had with Kay seemed to always have Jason's name mentioned in it.
"Lucky you that I came into your life." He smiled.
She rolled her eyes at him. "I think you mean unlucky for everyone else that two very cruel people have paired up with the intention to destroy their life." She said lightly.
He smirked. "So, are the Lopez-Fitzgeralds our first victims?" He asked, his excitement about their plan returning.
She nodded. "Since you hate Theresa, we're taking her down first. Think of it as a present."
Fox frowned slightly. "But I've basically destroyed her already. What else can we do to make her suffer?"
Kay beamed at him, her eyes gleaming with hatred. "I know about a number of ways to make her suffer but this one tops it all. So, I'll cut through the whole thing and just downright destroy her."
"You know, I like it when you're bad. It's very sexy." He grinned as he leaned in and kissed her.
"Just because I let you kiss me whenever you please, Fox, does not mean you have me." She pleasantly told him when she broke the kiss.
Fox chuckled. "We'll see." He piped.
Kay ignored the last comment. "Is she still receiving child support from Julian for little Ethan?" She asked.
Fox nodded. "It's more money than they deserve but she insists that Julian owes little Ethan that kind of lifestyle since he was able to provide his other children with that luxurious life. In my opinion, she's using that little boy as a bank account."
"How old is he now?" Kay asked curiously.
"Six, seven maybe. I wouldn't really know since Theresa wouldn't let little Ethan see Julian or visit the Crane mansion." He answered resentfully.
Kay pursed her lips. "Is your father willing to fight for custody?"
"He has but that was to spite Theresa. Well, it doesn't matter really because for some odd reason, he lost."
"Well, let's just say he's lucky then." She said as she began to put away the other folders, leaving Theresa's file out. "Let's go."
"Where to?" Fox asked curiously as he followed her out the room.
"Third floor." She replied as she stepped into the elevator, Fox in tow.
He leaned in and began kissing her. Kay did nothing to stop him. "What's there?" He asked in between kisses.
"An old friend. He owes me a favor." She replied as she broke away.
Fox raised a curious eyebrow. "Should I be jealous?" He teased and she rolled her eyes at him.
"You know, I really think you should really stop kissing me whenever we're a close proximity of each other. Someone's going to see us and it will not be good for me." She declared seriously. They were lucky no one was in the elevator.
He grinned although he didn't like the idea that she cared too much about what people would think if they were ever seen kissing. "And deprive you of the pleasure of my kisses?" He retorted amiably. "Kay, there is no need for sacrifices."
She laughed. "You really think you're God's greatest gift to women, don't you?"
He wrapped an arm around her waist. "If the shoe fits." He said as he leaned to kiss her again but this time she moved away and luckily, the elevator dinged and they stepped out.
"You really are unbelievable." She told him as they walked through the halls.
Fox glanced around them as they were suddenly caught in the hustle and bustle of a crowd of people.
"What is this place?" He asked curiously.
She smiled. "It's a newspaper company." Kay replied casually.
"What's it doing here?" Fox queried.
"It's planning to take over the Harmony Herald. In fact, it already owns the Herald. We let them rent this floor while they get their settled." She explained. She pushed the door to the editor's office opened and stepped inside.
"Kay!" The man behind the counter, said cheerfully. He looked about Julian's age, maybe a few years older.
"Hello, Mason." She smiled as she moved to hug him.
Mason hugged her tightly. "I didn't know you were in town, kiddo." He said cheerfully as he offered her and Fox a seat.
"That was the plan." Kay replied. "This is Fox Crane. Fox, this is Mason Hunter. He's an old family friend of the Callaways." She beamed.
The two men shook hands. "Not that old." Mason piped up cheerfully. "So, kid, what can I do for you?"
"I want you to print this." Kay cast a quick glance at Fox before handing the file on Theresa to Mason. He read it and then frowned.
"We're not a tabloid, Kay. I can't print this." He said as he put in back down on the table and pushed it towards her.
"No, you're not but you will print this." Kay said firmly and Fox suddenly realized that she had transformed into her business persona. "Everything on that file is true."
Mason shook his head. "I can smell a legal battle coming up if I print this, Kay. This isn't good for business and you know that."
"Mason, you owe me." She said as she folded her hands in front her. Fox noticed an understanding pass between the two of them. He wondered what exactly it was that Kay did for Mason Hunter to owe her. "And there will be no legal battle. I guarantee it."
The other man shook his head in dismay. "And if there is?"
Kay's gaze hardened. "There won't be." She said steely.
"Fine but that's it, kid. No more favors. We're even." He said with a heavy sigh.
Kay nodded. "I expect total discretion on your part."
"Very well."
She rose from her seat and walked out. Fox followed. "So, what was that all about?" He asked curiously as the walked back to the elevator.
Kay frowned. "Like I told you, he owed me a favor. He understood."
"And what exactly did you do for Mr. Hunter?" Fox pressed as Kay pushed the button to her floor.
"It's old history, Fox. I haven't breathed a word of it and I won't now." She replied furtively as she leaned against the side of the elevator, putting some space between them.
"Was it something bad?" He asked, growing somewhat concerned.
Kay glowered at him. "Stop snooping into my business and no, it wasn't bad." She answered tersely.
"Then why won't you tell me?"
"Because it's not my secret to tell!" She exclaimed furiously. "Look, let's get something straight here. Just because we're working together to destroy people in Harmony does not give you any right to pry on my personal life or the lives of the people I'm associated with."
Fox glared at her. "You're one ungrateful bitch." He retorted icily.
"Excuse me?"
"That's right. You heard me." His voice was harsh and he looked furious. Kay refused to be intimidated. "I was asking because I was concerned. I thought that he took advantage of you in the past and you were using that as a reminder that he owes you."
She smirked. "Well, you thought wrong, Fox. Mason Hunter is one of the best men in the world. He would not lay a finger on me and if he did, he would not live to tell about it." She declared heatedly.
"Well, I apologize for caring."
"You know what? Let's stay out of each other's way while I finish what I promised your father and grandfather I would do." She declared angrily and finally the elevator reached her floor. "Show yourself out."
And with that said, Kay walked towards her office without as much as looking back at him.
Fox groaned angrily as he jabbed his finger that button to the main floor. He was grateful that no one was in the elevator when their rather heated argument occurred or he would have surely hated Kay for it or punched the bystander for just being there and witnessing the whole thing.
She's exasperating, he thought irritably.
Kay was driving him mad. No one had ever resisted his advances for so long. Even Whitney who claimed to be madly in love with Chad hadn't been difficult to conquer. Granted it took him about four months to get Whitney in bed but she had been nice to Fox throughout the whole time.
Kay on the other hand seemed to find pleasure in arguing with him. For everything he did, she found a reason to be mad at him. And Kay made resisting Fox so easy. That irked him.
Finally reaching his floor, he stepped out, only to glare at the first person to come in his path.
"Women." Fox grumbled as he walked towards the nearest exit.
************************************************************************
Theresa screamed the minute she saw the morning paper, scaring her son in the process. Little Ethan stared at her in fright, gripping his blue plastic Mickey Mouse spoon tightly as he stopped eating his cereal.
He hated it when his mother had her dramatic outbursts.
His stepfather and namesake, Ethan, came rushing into the room, looking alarmed, his chin covered in saving cream. From the blood on his cheek, he looked like he cut himself when Theresa screamed.
"What's the matter?" He asked as he walked over to Theresa.
Her large eyes filled with tears as she brought her hand up to her lips and handed the paper to Ethan. "Look at this!" She screeched.
Ethan gasped when he saw the paper. "Holy shi-" He stopped himself before he could finish. He had never sworn in his life until now.
Sprawled in the Local News section of the Harmony Herald, were three pictures. Theresa's, Ethan's and Little Ethan's. On the top, it wrote, "Woman Fakes Son's Paternity to Gain Crane Fortune."
The article continued to go into detail as to who the said woman was and what she had done within the last ten years of her life. Ethan was also mentioned, although not to a great extent.
But the point was it named him as little Ethan's biological father.
"Gwen did this!" Theresa declared in complete fury.
Ethan frowned, his emotions mixed. "Gwen's out of town for business, Theresa." He pointed out calmly. "Is this true?" His voice softened.
She ignored him. "She's doing this to ruin me and get you back!" Theresa insisted.
"It's been years. I'm sure Gwen has learned to let go." He replied, wishing that they didn't have to do this in front of little Ethan.
"No, she hasn't. She's always wanted to steal you from me!" She sobbed.
"Theresa, calm down."
"No, I will not calm down!" She yelled as she pushed past him and into their room.
Ethan glanced apologetically at his son.
You're my son, he thought with pride as placed his hand on the little boy's shoulder reassuringly. "Mommy's upset. Why don't you and I go to the park and shoot some hoops after you're done breakfast?" He said softly and little Ethan beamed.
"Why is mom upset?" He asked curiously.
"She read some mean stuff in the newspaper." Ethan replied although he couldn't help but be grateful that it was written. He was glad; in fact ecstatic that little Ethan was his son.
It didn't really matter where the information came from, as long as it was true.
Meanwhile, Theresa was ranting the bedroom as she hurriedly changed into nicer clothes. She was fuming. It had taken her years to be with Ethan and finally she had him and they were happy but someone had to interfere and she was going to find out who.
She was going to make them pay.
She left the house without saying goodbye to her son or telling her husband where she was going, although Ethan had a vague idea.
Sometimes, it was better to let Theresa do what she pleased. It avoided more confrontations between them.
Theresa was still fuming by the time she reached the Harmony Herald building.
"I want to talk to the editor!" She yelled at the woman named Lisa in the front desk.
Lisa, who wasn't the least but afraid of Theresa glared at her. "The editor is not here." She replied.
"Then where the hell is he?"
She knew that Mr. Hunter, their new editor, was at Callaway Towers but she decided not to tell Theresa that. "We don't know. Would you like to leave a message?" Lisa asked politely.
Theresa heaved in fury. "When he gets back, tell him that he had no right to print lies about me in the newspaper. I'm going to sue him and everyone in this company!"
The woman raised an eyebrow, finally realizing who Theresa was. "If I were you, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald-Winthrop, I wouldn't waste my time suing the Harmony Herald. A word of advice, if what's written is true and I think they are because you care so much, you should get a damn good lawyer because the Cranes are going to be after you."
Theresa looked startled, for the rather bold comeback. She opened her mouth to say something but no words came and burst into hysterical sobs.
Lisa looked unconvinced. "You know the way out." She said in clipped tone.
************************************************************************
The phone rang just as Kay entered her office in the morning. She hoped it wasn't Fox calling about their argument the day before because she was not ready for an early morning confrontation.
"Hello, Kay Callaway speaking." She said.
"Miss Callaway, I'm very pleased with you work." Alistair declared and Kay could hear the newspaper rustling on Alistair's end of the line.
Kay smiled as she sat down. "I'm glad, Mr. Crane."
"You're a fine woman, Ms. Callaway and I look forward to what you have in store for everyone else." He declared.
"Thank you." Kay replied cheerfully as she wondered if Antonio received her little present for him
~*~
A/N: A FEW THINGS TO EXPLAIN IN CASE YOU'RE A LITTLE CONFUSED.
FIRST, KAY HAD A DAUGHTER. THAT'S ALL IM SAYING FOR NOW.
SECOND, MASON HUNTER IS AN ORIGINAL CHARACTER. AND HIS SECRET IS THAT HE CHEATED ON HIS WIFE AND KAY CAUGHT HIM BUT NEVER TOLD ANYONE. NOT EVEN JASON. I DIDN'T FEEL LIKE WRITING IT INTO THE STORY. AND NO, MASON NEVER TOOK ADVANTAGE OF KAY LIKE FOX THOUGHT.
THIRD, ETHAN AND THERESA ARE TOGETHER AND IF YOU'RE WONDERING HOW THEY SURVIVE EVEN WHEN FOX SUED THERESA FOR A LOT OF MONEY AND MADE SURE SHE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO FIND A JOB ANYWHERE, THERESA TAKES A LOT OF LITTLE ETHAN'S CHILD SUPPORT MONEY. AND BIG ETHAN HAS A JOB.
AND THE LISA CHARACTER IS NOT IMPORTANT. I JUST ADDED HER BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF WRITING THE WORD WOMAN IN EACH SENTENCE.
SORRY IF FOX AND KAY AREN'T ALL HAPPY AND FLIRTY IN THIS CHAPTER. I HAD TO WRITE SOME CONFLICT INTO THE STORY.
SO, WHO CAN GUESS WHAT KAY SENT TO ANTONIO?
ANYWAY, THANKS FOR READING.
DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW.
