Author's Note: Last update for a couple of days. Thanks again for the amazing reviews and please keep them coming. This "neverending" story STILL has a ways to go, so I hope you guys can stick it out with me. If I'm going to tell the story, then I must do it right and stick it out until the end.

Also to answer a few lingering questions referencing quotes...Benson was a TV show back in the day about this butler and I happened to love it so that's what "Gordon" was talking about. And Oliver Stone is a famous writer/producer/director and he caught a lot of heat back in the day for the movie "JFK" that floated conspiracy theories surrounding President Kennedy's assassination.

Gosh, I feel old!!! I told Jess that her, me, Carys and Ann (founding members of the Senior Fans of One Tree Hill) are going to go to the next OTH event, yet we can't stand in line to meet Chad or James...we'll be in the "other" line for Whitey and the actors that play Dan and Keith, lol. Love you guys...

Lucas stepped out onto the balcony and stared at the beautiful white beach and crystal blue waters. There was just something to be said about the beauty and warmth of Hawaii in the dead of winter. He had visited there quite a few times before as it was one of his favorite vacation spots. He and Brooke had had many a romantic long weekend on the island. It all seemed like long ago. Back when life was simple…

Now life was anything but simple. On a short break from the NBA, he found himself utilizing his rare and precious off time to attend the 10th Annual Best in Business Awards. It was the Oscars of the business world and Dan Scott had been selected to receive the Mark Gregory Emers Lifetime Achievement trophy. He relaxed alone, only his thoughts for company. The hours wound down and the sun began to set over the waves. Lucas slipped on his new suit jacket and took one last sip of the Manhattan he had been nursing all day. He checked the clock again. The minutes were winding down. It was time.

The building was packed with some of the country's finest proprietors. At a large table especially reserved for the Scott family, sat Royal, Mae, Nathan, Haley, Keith and Deb, and of course Dan, huge grin in place, loving all the attention. Taking a deep breath, Lucas took his seat among them.

"Son, so nice of you to come. Please…have a seat", Dan said politely as he hugged his oldest.

After a light dinner and a round of drinks, the lights dimmed and the ceremony began. It was three hours before the highlight, when the final and most important award would be distributed. Dan settled in his seat, delighting and basking in the glory. The first part of the presentation was delivered by the vice president of the association, Kurt Mattei.

"…It is my pleasure to stand here before you tonight and say things about a man we all admire and respect. He is a vital principle and animating force. From his humble beginnings that started with a dream and a love of cars and people. Dan hand built his dealership from scratch and watched as it turned into a multi million dollar empire. Dan Scott Enterprise…wildly successful, honored by an incredible and hard working team of employees, all headed by the man himself, Mr. Dan Scott."

There was applause as a camera cut to Dan putting on his best "humble" face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Lucas Scott, oldest son of our recipient this evening, who would like to come up and say a few words about his Old Man."

The faces at the Scott table all exchanged somewhat confused glances. Dan seemed particularly puzzled. Lucas had not been scheduled to speak.

"What are you doing, man?" Nathan whispered.

Lucas just winked at him, stood and gave his father a loving pat on the shoulder.

"Thank you. Thank you very much. Ladies, gentlemen, distinguished guests…Dad…what an honor it is to stand before you tonight and say a few words about a man that has greatly impacted and influenced my life and all those around him. Someone tough but loving, wise and endearing. He is the American Dream, the epitome of success and the fairytale ending of what happens when you work your tail off and dreams really do come true."

The large screen behind Lucas began to show various photos of Dan as a child, as a teenager, as an adult, at different stages with his sons. Finally the last picture was the larger than life one of a perfectly tanned Dan Scott outside his Tree Hill dealership, giving the thumbs up sign. Soft, sappy music had played the entire time in the background and Dan grabbed a napkin and dabbed at fake tears every time a camera shot cut to him.

"There is someone else who would like to say a few quick words. Please give a round of applause to my step mother, Deborah Scott."

Deb kissed Dan's lips before joining Lucas front and center.

"Thank you but that warm and loving reception should remain reserved for my wonderful and deserving husband. Dan Scott…so wonderful after all these years. 26 to be exact. It has been quite the ride, I tell you. Not only did I have the chance to see the professional man before you today, I was blessed to see the other side, a side a lot of you never get to see…the personal side of Dan Scott. You see, I met Dan when I was very young. We were college freshman going through orientation and love just bloomed from there. It was a whirlwind romance and before I knew it, I was a bride and a mother. It happened very fast for me but through it all, there was Dan, always at my side. Someone once said to me that we build great character as we suffer. If that's the case, then I think my step son, Lucas, and my son, Nathan, and I have possibly the strongest character in the world. And for that, we have to thank our father, and husband, Dan Scott. Dan Scott…still the same menacing, selfish, manipulative, scheming, evil son of a bitch he has always been."

"Deb!" Dan tersely yelled out.

There was a collective gasp throughout the crowd. Nathan and Haley exchanged amused yet shocked glances while Dan looked on the verge of another heart attack. Deb took a deep breath and looked at Lucas for confidence. He nodded at her and she continued.

"But please. You don't have to listen to Lucas go on and on about the way Dan abandoned his mother, Karen, then in fact abandoned him. Or how he taunted and humiliated his own son during the teen years and how after finally establishing a relationship, he pressured and bullied and rode him. And as many interesting tales as I could share about Dan's shady business dealings, his multiple affairs, and all the emotional and mental and verbal abuse he has bombarded us all with over the years, there is another person here who would like to take the stage and give some insight as she presents Dan his award. Please welcome my daughter in law, Brooke Scott."

"What in the hell is going on?" Haley whispered, wide eyed to Nathan.

"I don't know but I have a feeling it's about to get good."

Brooke looked amazing in all black as she addressed an already stunned audience. The pretty homecoming queen smile never left her place as she cradled Dan's award close to her chest.

"I hold in my hand the coveted Mark Gregory Emers award. This is usually given as a lifetime achievement award and how appropriate because tonight's recipient has achieved quite a lot in his lifetime. He is a legend…at least in his own mind. If I were going to write a book, a biography about this man and his journey immortalization, I would begin with Chapter 1…How To Abandon My Girlfriend and Son."

The screen showed a smiling Dan and Karen at the Tree Hill homecoming as well as photos of Karen pregnant and with a baby Lucas.

"…Chapter 2 is…How To Lie About A Supposed Career Ending Knee Injury Because I Can't Hack It In The Big Leagues."

It was a collage of various clippings on the "injury" that kept Dan Scott out of the pros.

"…Chapter 3 would be titled…How To Marry My Other Pregnant Girlfriend With The Hopes of Using Her Parent's Money To Finance My Future."

There was a young Dan with Deb's father presenting him a check at the site that was to be the first Dan Scott Motors.

"…Chapter 4 would be…How To Ruin My Older Brother's Life as He Takes On The Responsibility I Am Not Man Enough To Handle."

A photo at the Tree Hill Park with Keith, Karen, and one year old Lucas.

"…Chapter 5…How To Pressure and Bully My Son, Make Him Feel Inferior And Ruin Him To The Point Of A Breakdown."

A picture of Dan as coach yelling at Little Leaguer Nathan on the kiddie baseball diamond. Photos of Dan pushing Nathan in the Tree Hill High Annual Father Son game. A shot of Nathan collapsed on the court next to an article divulging the pressure induced drug use that had caused him to pass out at the Cove City game.

"This is enough!" Dan yelled.

"…Chapter 6", Brooke bravely continued. "How To Cheat On My Wife."

A compilation of photos of Dan and various mistresses over the years that had come from the private investigator Deb had hired.

"And my personal favorite, Chapter 7…How To Manipulate My Son and Ruin My Daughter's Life And Hire Felix Colwell To Do It As Well As Kate McDonald Playing The Sitter From Hell And The Set Up That Almost Cost Brooke Everything."

Pictures of all the contents of Anna's secret envelope were displayed for all to see.

"And the best for last, Chapter 8…How to Embezzle Money, Rip Businesses Off And Still Cover My Ass."

In her hand Brooke triumphantly held up hundreds of pages of legal documents that could implicate Dan's business wrongdoings.

"So there you are folks. Now Dan Scott, please come and accept the award you so graciously deserve."

The room sat in stunned silence. Dan, furious, ran up front past Brooke, Lucas and Deb.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for this interruption and intrusion and the fact that my wife, son and daughter in law are all on crack. Thank you and have a good night."

No one dared move and finally a smiling Keith slowly and loudly began to put his hands together. The confused audience had no choice but to follow suit.

"Oh my God, oh my God", Haley kept repeating. "What in the world just happened here?"

"I don't know but we're sure as hell about to find out", Nathan smirked, as he grabbed her hand and dragged her backstage.

Behind the scenes was a madhouse. Dan was seething as Haley, Nathan, Royal, Mae, and Keith joined him.

"What the hell was that little episode just about?" he screamed. "Were you all in on that? Someone has major explaining to do!"

"No Dan, I think you're the one who needs to explain", Lucas said, walking up followed by Brooke and Deb.

"I don't know what you're talking about son. Don't let these pathetic women we made the wretched mistake of marrying ruin our lives."

"Seems like you are the one hellbent on ruining lives. Why'd you do this, man?"

"Lucas, it is not as bad as it seems or as these two are trying to make it sound. I was trying to protect you and protect Harmony."

"How? Lies and manipulation? Having my wife kidnapped and drugged? Leaving my six month old alone for hours? Sending us a nanny with a criminal record? Do you want me to go on, man?"

"Whatever Brooke and that Felix character told you…"

"No. It was Anna who spilled the beans."

Dan looked like he had just seen a ghost as Lucas relayed the entire story to everyone. When he was done, it was Brooke who stepped up.

"You are an evil, vile, sorry excuse for a human being. The only thing keeping me from hating you is the fact that I feel sorry for you. You are a bully and a tyrant and you're so detached from reality that it isn't funny. You have a brilliant mind and no conscious to guide it. You don't know how to love…not Nathan or Deb or Lucas or even your grandchildren. And you're going to end up a sad, cold, broken, lonely man."

Dan only smirked at her as Deb sadly shook her head.

"When we get back to North Carolina, I want you out of my house, Dan. I am filing for divorce."

"It's my house, Deb", he reminded her.

"Oh is it? My father signed for that house. I saw a lawyer Dan and you might want to check the deed before you start making assumptions. Like I said, I want you out."

"Deb, don't do this…"

"Out or so help me God I will stab you in your sleep."

Down but not defeated, Dan straightened his jacket.

"Nate…Hales, surely you don't believe these ridiculous lies?" he asked.

He was met by Haley's silence.

"Stay away from me and my family, Dad. Today you got exactly what you've deserved for a long time now."

"Mom, Dad…"

Royal shook his head and tears of disappointment clouded Mae's eyes.

"Oh Danny. Where did I go wrong with you?" she asked.

"And what about you, Boozy? I guess you're just loving this", Dan spat at Keith who did not respond.

He grabbed his award and headed for the door, turning around one last time.

"Lucas, son…"

"I will never forgive you for hurting my wife and daughter", he said.

The smirk reappeared on Dan's face.

"And I will never forgive your mother for giving birth to you", he sneered. "As far as your stupid legal briefs? They'll never hold up in court. A prosecutor couldn't even get an indictment because I have people, loyal people who will never let me go down, even if it means sacrificing themselves. And if Kate and Felix are smart, then they're long gone by now. Oh and you might want to tell your little girlfriend, Anna, to keep laying low in whatever hole she is in. Now she gets to spend the rest of her miserable, pathetic life wandering when I am going to decide to get her back."

And with that he was gone. The tension was thick and the mood emotional but there was also an enormous sense of relief felt by everyone, especially Lucas and Brooke. At least another crazy chapter had been closed.