Pg10

The silence within their lab was damn near deafening, but she refuses to give an inch. They had a deal and she has more than fulfilled her end of the bargain, even going as far as to accept revisions when emergencies arose. All of which were based solely on the end date, their children reaching adulthood, after which he fulfills his obligations to her. If he thinks she's just going to fold because of some perceived threat against their second child, he has another thing coming.

"Any update on the samples we brought back yesterday?" Jeff questions her, his tone plain and dry as desert sand. "I need the results to complete my report."

"And you'll have your results once the tests are complete," she answers back, a bite in her tone. "Until then, you can go and retrieve the next batch of samples from the area south of this testing site."

"I already sent the surveyors to retrieve them."

"Then find something else to do with your time," she states through gritted teeth. "I have much to do and your current state of being is interfering with my efficiency."

"My current state of being wouldn't be what it is if you'd just compromise..."

"I've compromised plenty for your sake," she snaps, cutting him off from his usual line of thought, rising out of her feet to stand toe-to-toe with him. "I gave you the family you wanted. I even added a third for the sake of your second. I'm. Done. Compromising. Now leave before one of us says something that can't be taken back."

Jeff stands staring her directly in the eyes before letting out a huff and spinning on his heels to leave the lab. He wants to be angry with her, but he knows that she's right. They made a deal and she's done exactly what he wanted of her. The agreement was that he controlled the first twenty years of their marriage, planning everything down to a tee. Once their children stepped into adulthood, she was no longer obligated to do anything she deemed unnecessary.

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It's too early for all of this crap to be coming at her, Elizabeth thought as she stands in front of a smug Carly, wanting nothing more than a good cup of coffee to keep her going. How she was supposed to know that the owner of the diner was related to her in any way is beyond her as Carly pretty much bans her from ever stepping foot in the establishment again.

Fair enough, it's not the only place in town to grab a cup of coffee, but then Carly pushes further to say that Luke's was also off-limits to her. Her uncle owns the place. Go figure. Not wanting to get into it with the blonde from hell, Elizabeth turns on her heels to seek coffee elsewhere when, to her surprise, Tammy comes walking up from the parking lot and places herself between them.

"You have no right telling Elizabeth where she can and can't be," Tammy states firmly. "Neither Ruby nor Luke is the type to turn away good money. For you to speak on their behalf is downright obnoxious of you."

"You may be a decent employee, Tammy, but you are not special," Carly counters angrily. "Both the diner and the club are owned by my family! I can and will deny service to anyone I damn well please."

"Tammy, it's fine," Elizabeth assures, placing a gentle hand on the woman's arm. "She's truly not worth the breath it takes to argue with her."

"It's not fine," Tammy replies seriously. "Her family may own those businesses, but she does not. She has no authority to deny you service on either business's behalf."

"Thank you for jumping to my defense, but it's really okay," Elizabeth explains. "I'm just gonna head out."

"You sure, darling?" Tammy questions. "You really don't have to leave on her account."

"I'm sure," Elizabeth smiles softly. "I'll catch up with you another time."

Turning to avoid getting into it further with Carly, she makes her way back to her guys, who she had stand down because it really wasn't worth getting into it. Of course, just because Elizabeth turned away from the argument that Carly clearly wanted out of her, Tammy did no such thing.

Standing toe-to-toe with the woman, Tammy gave her a piece of her mind, telling the other woman exactly what she thought about what she did. Not that Carly cared, she did what she set out to do and that was keep Elizabeth out of the places she deemed to be hers. Of course, not wanting to be scolded by an employee, Carly threatened Tammy's job if she kept at it. To which Tammy called her bluff and outright quit on the spot. Not at all the response Carly was expecting.

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Taping up the umpteenth box, Sarah lets out a heavy sigh, she really didn't think this would be the way she was going to pack up this room. She had assumed that she'd be staying with her grandmother until she was no longer with the living, at which time she would pack up her room and move into the master bedroom, maintaining ownership of her home. She couldn't believe that this would no longer be her home.

"I know it must be hard, but this could be a good thing," Emily says as hands her another empty box. "You can finally fix up your place how you want and you don't have to answer to anyone. Trust me, moving out of my family's estate had been hard, but it was one of the best decisions of my life."

"The difference being that you moved in with your husband," Sarah reminds her. "I'm moving into a place where I'll be living alone. I've never lived alone before, Em, I don't know the first thing about running a household."

"Well, if there's ever anything you need help with or questions you need answering, you know you've got me," Emily points out. "I know it's gotta be scary to set out on your own, but you're never truly alone. I hope you know that."

"I know, I just never thought this would be my life," Sarah groans, moving to sit on the edge of her bed. "I really thought that I'd be with Jason by now and that we'd be working toward starting our lives together like you and Nik."

"Sarah..." Emily starts but is cut off by her husband walking into the room.

"How are things going in here?" Nikolas questions, followed by his brother. "Any more boxes ready to be taken down?"

"Three more packed and ready," Emily gestures to the boxes by the closet. "Should be another three more before we're done."

"Good," Lucky chimes in. "The sooner this is done the sooner I can get to the club."

"The club's not open for another three hours," Sarah points out. "Why the rush?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm meeting with my dad before the club opens," Lucky says plainly before grabbing a box and walking out.

"Seriously, it's like we're not even friends anymore," Sarah throws her hands up in frustration. "I can't even begin to think of a reason why he treats me the way he does."

Glancing at each other for a brief moment, Nikolas shakes his head before grabbing the other two boxes, leaving the room as his wife changes the topic of conversation to Sarah's plans once she's all moved out. The last thing he hears is mention of a housewarming party, something that's sure to get Sarah's spirit up, the woman always happy when a party is involved, especially if that party results in presents.

"I know it's probably a lot to ask, but can you please try to be civil with her?" Nikolas asks his brother as Lucky takes one of the boxes from him.

"This is me being civil," Lucky counters simply. "The only reason I deal with that woman is because of you and Emily."

"I know," Nikolas sighs. "And we appreciate it, you know that..."

"If it means that much to you, how about I just don't engage?" Lucky offers. "It's the best I can give ya."

"That would actually be preferable, yes," Nikolas accepts. "Thanks."

"Sure," Lucky shrugs. "Look, I have to get to the club and talk about that deal with my dad. You good to handle the last of the boxes?"

"I'll manage," Nikolas smiles slightly. "So, you thinking about taking Sarah's sister up on her offer?"

"I'm considering it," Lucky confirms. "Hence the meeting with my dad."

"Right," Nikolas shakes his head. "If you want, I could always put in the funding to get you up and running."

"You're my brother, I love you," Lucky says, putting his hands on his brother's shoulders, meeting his eyes. "So, hear me when I say, that'll never happen."

Laughing because he knows exactly where he's coming from with that, Nikolas hugs his brother goodbye before letting him take off, making his way back upstairs once he has the boxes secured in the SUV. One of the many reasons that their relationship has been able to get to the point it is now is due in large part to keeping finances out of the equation. Though made from different fathers, both hold a high sense of pride, and doing things this way takes away any chance of landing at odds with each other.

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Cradling a nice cup of coffee in her hands, Elizabeth can barely contain herself as Jake goes off on the fact that Carly had the audacity to deny her entry anywhere. It wasn't until Jake came to a realization that Elizabeth realized she was seriously taking Carly's audacity to heart. Before she could stop her, Jake dials up Sonny to give him a piece of her mind, something Elizabeth's certain the man wasn't prepared for.

"Now, you listen here, Corinthos," Jake says seriously, silently ordering Elizabeth not to move as she walks into the kitchen with the phone, leaving Elizabeth wishing the woman would stay put for the conversation.

Shaking her head, knowing that it would do no good to stop Jake from doing what she feels is necessary, Elizabeth turns her attention back to the reason she left the penthouse this morning, her coffee. According to the front desk, Jason's monthly grocery delivery should be delivered sometime today, saving her from having to leave the penthouse for a cup of coffee again.

"Nuh-uh," Jake says, holding up her finger to stop Elizabeth from saying anything after she placed a plate of food down in front of her. "No arguments. Eat."

Before Elizabeth could say anything at all, Jake walks back into the kitchen, dialing another number before holding the phone to her ear. Deciding it was best to just oblige her, Elizabeth sets her cup of coffee down and pulls the plate toward her, taking a deep breath in to appreciate the aroma. The food sure does smell good. Though she doesn't typically eat a heavy meal in the morning, this is one instance she'll make an exception.

"Ugh, I swear that old bat has only gotten more stubborn with age," Jake grumbles as she makes her way back over to Elizabeth. "Sorry, kid, but it looks like the diner's still off-limits to ya."

"That's fine," Elizabeth assures. "I appreciate you going to bat for me."

"Ruby, that old bat, though she's not too fond of Carly, herself, she refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing ever," Jake shakes her head. "Especially now that her head waitress quit on the spot."

"Tammy quit?"

"Looks to be that way," Jake confirms. "If that's true, it could work in my favor, but I hate that the old hag won't reconsider things where you're concerned."

"It's not a big deal, trust me," Elizabeth insists. "The club, on the other hand, that's a different story."

"Money's money to Luke," Jake replies simply. "Carly holds no weight there."

"Good to know," she says thankfully, pulling out money to pay for the meal, stopping just shy of putting the money down when Jake eyes her pointedly. "What?"

"You best put that money away if you intend to keep that hand," Jake counters firmly, smiling slightly when Elizabeth withdraws her hand. "Smart woman. Now go on, I've got work to do."

"Thanks, Jake," Elizabeth says as she slides her money back into her pocket.

"Sure, sure."

Grabbing her jacket, Elizabeth makes her way out of the bar, meeting up with her guys before they head off to the art supply store. She was running low on some supplies and this was as good a time as any to restock. Though she felt that engaging with Carly wasn't necessary, she finds herself thankful for people willing to stand up for her, making a mental note to touch base with Tammy when she gets the chance.

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Listening intently to his son go into detail about what he has planned, Luke had to admit that he liked seeing a fire lit behind his son's eyes. Though he hasn't met this woman in person, he's heard plenty over the years from Sonny. If the woman could do half of what Sonny claims her capable of, she could be a worthy business partner for his son.

Lord knows he's been trying to get Lucky to take some kind of initiative where the club's concerned. Seeing the look in his son's eyes, Luke can see that he's just about ready to take over the club, freeing Luke up to pursue his next business endeavor, a floating club. He can't do that, however, until he's certain Lucky's ready to take over the blue's club.

"Luke, Lucky, good, you're both here," the screeching sound of the one and only Carly Corinthos sounds off as she makes her way into the club. "There's someone I need you to ban from the club..."

"Looks like cousin Carly's finally lost it, pops," Lucky comments. "She thinks we answer to her."

"Easy, cowboy, she's still..." Luke eyes her for a moment before turning back to his son. "...family. Least we could do is hear her out."

"Are you two done?" Carly counters with an eye-roll. "Ruby's already agreed to ban her and I need you to do the same."

"She handing out counterfeit money?" Lucky questions as Luke pours them a drink, something they both need in order to deal with her.

"No," Carly states. "But that's beside the point..."

"That's the only point we care about here," Lucky counters. "Ruby may be in the business of turning away good money, but we aren't. As long as the money's good, anyone's welcome here."

"You're not hearing me, Lucky, I want you to ban her!" Carly snaps. "If the money matters that much, I'll pay you to do it, not that it should be necessary seeing as you're my family."

"For curiosity's sake, just who is it that you want us to ban?" Lucky questions, accepting the drink and downing it, more than ready to be done with her.

"Elizabeth Webber," Carly states with venom in her words. "She's not worth any kind of business she could bring in here, trust me."

"Ah, now I get it," Lucky chuckles, swearing he should have seen that coming. "Feeling threatened, are you, Carly?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Carly counters. "What do I have to feel threatened about?"

"Spill, cowboy," Luke chimes in, finding interest in the conversation from the look on his son's face. "What don't I know?"

"Elizabeth's Jason's girlfriend," Lucky explains. "And cousin Carly's clearly not happy with that fact."

"I-I...I'm not threatened in the slightest!" Carly snaps. "I just don't want her anywhere near my family's businesses, that's all."

"Yeah, well, tough luck," Lucky says simply. "Not only is she welcome here, she's also my future business partner. So, you can take your insecurities elsewhere because she's not getting banned from the club as long as I'm around."

"You can't be serious," Carly looks at him in disbelief before turning to Luke. "Would you talk some sense into your son? You guys are supposed to be my family or have you forgotten that?"

"Family's family, business is business." Luke shrugs. "I don't mix the two. You want to ban her from somewhere, open a business of your own, till then, we've got business to handle. Feel free to show yourself out."

"Do I really have to remind you who my husband is?" Carly throws out as a last-ditch effort. "Do you really think Sonny will appreciate you dismissing me like this?"

"You really wanna play that card?" Lucky counters before his father could say anything. "If Sonny has a problem with us not banning Jason's girlfriend, have him call us because we'd love to be a fly on the wall when Jason finds out."

"You have our answer," Luke cuts Carly off before she can continue her rant. "Now leave before you make an even bigger fool of yourself."

Glaring at the two men who simply go back to their conversation, Carly lets out a frustrated huff before making her way out of the club, calling up her mother as she does. If Luke won't listen to her about banning Elizabeth, he'll have to answer to her mother, swearing that Luke will ban Elizabeth one way or another, Carly will make sure of it.

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"Will you not reconsider?" Jeff asks his wife as she prepares for bed, letting out a sigh when she simply eyes him plainly. "I truly do not wish to travel back to that town without you."

"Then don't," she counters. "If you keep coddling that child, she'll never learn to stand on her own. She's a grown woman, Jeffery, she needs to learn how to deal with things not going her way."

"I understand that, but she's still my daughter," Jeff reminds her. "I need to at least try..."

"Need I remind you that despite it at all, the other one is just as much your daughter," she points out. "And from where I stand, Sarah needs to grow up and learn that she can't control the world. I mean, honestly, what do you truly think you can do to give her what she wants?"

"I can meet with Elizabeth and see if there's anything I can offer her to leave the town," Jeff says with a toss of his hands. "It's worth a shot."

"Right," she scoffs. "I don't know who's more delusional in this situation, Sarah for thinking that you have the power to control anything Elizabeth does or you for thinking she'd pay you any mind given the way she was raised."

"What do you suppose I do?" Jeff questions in frustration. "Sarah needs me to step in. I'm making this trip and I'd appreciate it if you'd at least accompany me."

"Fine," she groans, knowing that he would simply continue on until she agreed to go. "But don't think for even one second that I'll have any part in whatever you have planned. I'm only going for the opportunity to say I told you so. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, dear," Jeff smiles slightly. "Thank you."

"Sure," she says simply as she turns to start packing her things. "Let the record show that I think this is a colossal waste of time. The woman is not going to care one way or the other about what you or that daughter of yours wants."

"Dully noted."


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Author's Note: I'm really happy that you're all enjoying this story. I can't wait to hear what you thought of this update. Thanks.