Disclaimer: All characters are owned by ABC and AMC.
Chapter 2
"Well Zach your son has unquestionably done it this time and might I add this is one hell of a lawsuit." Livia stated.
Seated in Livia's office both Kendall and Zach exchanged worried looks. "Exactly what is Ethan doing Livia?" asks Kendall. "Well for starters Kendall Ethan is not taking away Cambias away from Miranda as we originally thought".
"Well that's some good news" interrupted Kendall. "Instead, Livia continues, Ethan is trying to claim back full power of Cambias. He states since his grandfather's will declared that only his heirs, meaning his children, grandchildren, or blood relatives will control his fortune then Bianca has no business making any sort of decisions regarding the Cambias corporation even if it is in Miranda's name."
"That's ridiculous Bianca gave birth to a Cambias Ethan's cousin why should she not have any say to what happens to Miranda's trust" exclaimed Kendall.
"I'm sorry to say this Kendall but Ethan's lawsuit could prove to be very serious. Let's go over the facts here Kendall; Bianca has no Cambias blood in her she only gave birth to a Cambias." Livia explained. "Furthermore Ethan is petitioning that all of Miranda's shares of Cambias go into a trust fund with him named as the sole trustee since he is the only known heir to Cambias of age with the capacity to make executive decisions. In addition Miranda's shares will dispensed back to her when she turns 25 of course with the condition that she graduate college and proves that she is capable of taking control of her shares with Cambias. I can honestly tell you that his lawsuit will definitely be a pain in the ass forgive my language.
Seeing Kendall's face fill with worry and anxiety Livia says "Let's not panic ok guys first things first I need you to contact Bianca and have her fly back to Pine Valley as soon as possible. I have already discussed this with Jackson privately and off the record just between friends and we both feel that I am the best one suited to represent Bianca and Miranda.
"Wait why can't Jackson represent Bianca and Miranda no offense to you Livia but I would feel better with Jackson" says Kendall. "Well Kendall it's not easy as that, Livia says, Ethan is one step ahead of the game and I quote "Jackson Montgomery cannot represent Bianca Montgomery nor Miranda Kane Montgomery in these or any future proceedings since he is the sole legal advisor to the Board of Trustees for Cambias Inc. end quote. Ethan has made it abundantly clear that if Jackson helps in any way shape of form he will make sure that Jackson is disbarred for breach of contract and client confidentiality.
"What!" screamed Kendall "how could he do that Jackson is our stepfather isn't that some sort of conflict of interest."
"Actually it is but since Jackson signed a contract with Cambias Corporation he is obliged to stay in their employment until that contract has been completed which is roughly 10 years. That is unless Ethan fires him which I don't see him doing anytime soon. Ethan is using Jackson as his ace in the hole keeping him in check to ensure that nothing goes awry. Besides even if he does fire him the clause in Jackson's contract states that he cannot use his legal expertise to aid in any suit filed for or against the Cambias Corporation." Livia states.
"I can't believe that Ethan will sink so low to get back at his father" Kendall exclaims. "Actually Kendall, Livia interrupts, it seems to me that his target is you and not Zach."
Zach who has been sitting quietly listening looks up sharply and says" Why would you think that Ethan is targeting my wife. It looks like he's just using them to get to me."
"Let me finish Zach, anything that Ethan had done to hurt you in the past he has always done directly he has never hid behind closed doors. He closed your casinos by taking away your licenses and he accused you of killing Edmund in front of the whole town for God's sakes! No secrets and only straight forward strategic attacks. He is being very upfront about the lawsuit. Ethan is doing this all to hurt Kendall and her family because of her marriage to you. Kendall betrayed him by marrying his worst enemy. Ethan knows how much Bianca and Miranda mean to Kendall and how much hell they have gone through with the Cambias family to get to where they are now. They are all just pawns in his game to hurt her not you. Your involvement in this all is just a happy coincidence to Ethan" Livia explains. "If you will excuse me I need to go file this deposition before end of business today. Remember I need Bianca and Miranda here in Pine Valley as soon as humanly possible. We need to start working fast. Ok"
Kendall looks blankly up at Livia not really hearing her anymore. Livia goes around her desk to hug her and says "Don't worry Kendall I will fight like a bat out of hell to stop Ethan at any cost but I need you to be strong. Zach keep a look out if you come across any information that could be helpful to the case please contact me as soon as possible."
Zach and Kendall leave the office in silence and start walking to the car. Kendall stops and grabs Zach's arm and screams "I don't know how the hell you could be so quiet at a time like this. What are we going to do? What are Bianca and Miranda going to do? How could Ethan do this to Miranda? Kendall begins to pace back and forth saying " I don't understand how he could so callously…my God she's just a baby." She throws her purse down on the floor and just screams. She screams so loud and hard trying to voice her pain and anguish. Kendall collapses to the floor and Zach takes her into his arms and holds her close to him. She fights him at first but then collapses into his arms and starts to cry. Kendall is lost in the sea of her emotions, drowning in hurt and sorrow. She doesn't know how she is going to get back. Kendall realizes that the fight in her is almost gone only to be replaced with sadness, distress, and anguish. She feels a black hole forming in her chest draining her of any hope. Kendall becomes scared and holds on to Zach for dear life. Zach once her enemy now her friend and confidant she clings to him tightly. Kendall looks up at Zach with tears in her eyes but can't find the words to express her pain and just buries her face into his shoulder. Zach is surprised to feel Kendall hold on tightly to him and stunned to see Kendall a formidable woman who has stood up to her enemies and anyone who stood in her way of getting what she wants, crying and losing her will to fight.
They just sit there on the ground two people damaged and scarred so much by love grasping on to the only thing that has felt real to both of them in a long time. Zach strokes his hand down Kendall's back feeling the smoothness of her skin for the first time and breathes in her fragrance. His hand gently travels back up to caress her hair to feel the softness of her curls. Zach holds his breath as he feels her shudder against him.
Kendall shudders at his touch. With Zach's powerful arms around her she feels safe. He has become her savior against the sea of her own inner turmoil. Zach is the only other person who has mirrored her suffering. Kendall can feel his breath on the back of her neck warm and inviting. She breathes in his musky cologne pulls his well-built body closer to her. Kendall places her head on his chest and feels his heart beat. Thump-thump-thump thump-thump-thump. Her own heart begins to beat with his, frightened with these intense feelings she pulls away. See wipes her face with her hands and says "I'm sorry Zach I didn't mean to fall apart like that". Zach looks a little hurt by how quickly she pulls away from him but swiftly masks his emotions picks up her purse from the floor and hands it back to her. "I don't know Kendall I kind of like it when you have outburst like that" Zach says smiling at her. "It gives me an excuse to show off my manly muscles." He helps her up and Kendall smiles through her tears and says "Well don't get used to my patented breakdowns because I use them to blow off some steam," she responded.
Ethan walks up behind Kendall and says "If you need to blow of some steam Kendall I will be more than happy to help."