A/N: Hello, everyone! Thank you so much for the massive response to the last chapter. Honestly, I was very blown away with all of your thoughts and kind encouragements. I can't thank you enough. Without further ado, here is Bart's first chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 25: The Tell-Tale Bart

Like most successful businessmen, Bart was always willing to buy and sell at the right price.

Whether he was selling stocks, buildings, or even horses, Bart always got the best end of the deal. He knew how many times he needed to decline an offer so a buyer would raise a counter offer. He also knew when to accept the offer at the highest price before the buyer lost interest. Bart was a man with impeccable timing, and all any investor had to do was look at his real estate portfolio for proof of that.

Bart sat at the head of the Bass Industries boardroom table with a proposal in his hand. He looked through the agreement and crunched numbers in his head. There was a lot to consider. Tax, interest, projected growth, cost to renovate. These were unfathomable decisions to be made by the average person, but Bart made these decisions daily.

The proposal he was looking at considered expropriating a sizeable piece of land on the Upper West Side. The land would then be used to build a new high rise building. With the correct financing and renovations, the property value would skyrocket in the long run. Bart was willing to fund the cost to make it happen. It was a risk, but it was a risk that would pay off.

There was one problem though. The building he'd have to knock down before expropriate the land was a housing project that housed hundreds of low income and often homeless residents. If the public knew he tore down that building and replaced it with luxury condos, it would reflect badly on the Bass brand.

Bart had been weighing the pros and cons of buying for the past few months now, but he had come to a decision. There was no room for kindness and sympathy in business.

"It's now time for the board to take a vote on the new Upper West Side project. All those in favor of investing in the project, raise your hand."

Bart looked around the table. A couple hesitated; the older more conservative board members did, while Philip Montgomery raised his hand quickly. Bart counted all of raised hands in the air.

"Those in favor of not investing in the project."

Not one hand raised in the air.

"Okay. That's seven votes in favor and zero votes not in favor. The motion has been passed. That will mark the end of our meeting."

The board members closed their folders and packed their briefcases. Bart shook all of their hands on the way out. He thanked each and every one of them for their support while he mentally tallied another successful development in his portfolio.

Like most successful businessmen, Bart was always willing to buy or sell at the right price. And he was also willing to do so no matter what the cost.

The White Party was the first of many events to mourn the end of summer. It was one of the last opportunities where wearing a white bathing suit and heels was acceptable, as one walked across the sprawling green backyards of the Hamptons with a cocktail in hand. It was one of the last times where you can catch up with friends you won't get to see once you return to real life in the city.

Bart always enjoyed spending his summer days in a lush backyard. He was never particularly fond of sand, as it really found its way into the smallest pores of his skin. Lily always laughed when he had to wiggle his toes when his feet submerged in the sand. He much preferred to stand on the solid grass, or better yet a smooth rock.

The White Party was also the last party the Bass family would attend together before Chuck and Serena left for college. All of his friends would ask how he and Lily are feeling now that their eldest children were leaving for college. Bart didn't feel that same pang of loss that Lily described. Chuck was still in the city, and he had already moved out before. A little bit of space between the two of them was always good.

Bart introduced his children to the usual attendees of the party. What Bart was most impressed with was how Evelyn presented herself at the party. She was graceful, elegant, and kind. Just like her mother. Everyone was completely charmed by her.

Bart stood with an old acquaintance, Oliver Newt, who asked Chuck, "So Columbia, Charles? Are you almost ready?"

Chuck held his usual glass of scotch. "I'm all packed up."

"And Evelyn, it's a pleasure to meet you. Will you be in New York this fall?"

"I will be attending Constance Billard again this fall. I'm really looking forward to it." Her smile reached her eyes.

Oliver turned to Bart and patted his arm. "You've got two good ones, Bart. You should be very proud."

Bart looked at his daughter and said, "I am. Thank you, Oliver."

Oliver excused himself leaving Bart with his two children. "All packed up, huh?" Evelyn said to Chuck.

"Ina has already started," Chuck said. He took a swig of his drink. "It's not like your answer is any more original."

"At least it's honest."

Chuck's eyes found Blair who approached them. "Hello, Mr. Bass," She said. Chuck secured an arm around her waist.

"Blair, we've talked about this. Call me Bart."

Evelyn waved a hand in between the two who stared at each other. "Hello? I'm here too you know."

Blair said, "I know," without looking away from Chuck.

"Blair, you're going to have to learn to acknowledge me eventually," Evelyn said.

Blair turned to face her. "Fine. Hi." She turned back to Chuck. "Chuck, can I borrow you?"

"For another sexcapade? It been what? Three hours?" Evelyn huffed under her breath.

Fortunately for her, Chuck nor Blair heard her, and hurried off holding hands.

Evelyn's arms dropped to her sides. "Unbelievable. She hasn't acknowledged me all summer."

"It would be best not to worry about Blair," Bart said. "They're just in love. No one else matters to them right now."

"I guess, but it's not right either," Evelyn said.

They walked around and mingled with other guests. Chuck had disappeared with Blair the whole time, whereas Evelyn stayed by his side for most of the event. She was eager to learn who everyone was, meet new people, and forge new connections. She kind of reminded him of him. When they were alone, her eyes would scan the room, and she would try to identify who was who.

Evelyn brought another glass of scotch to him. "Your glass was empty," she said.

He thanked her, and Evelyn said, "Is that Tinsley Mortimer sitting on the chaise near the diving board?" This time, Evelyn didn't point to Tinsely when she asked him her question. Bart had mentioned to her that it was rude to point the first time she spotted who she thought was Paris Hilton. She didn't make the same mistake again.

"Yes it is. Lily is a good friend to Tinsley."

"Who isn't a friend to Lily?"

Bart's thin lips tightened into a smile. "Are you having a good time?"

"Yeah, I mean this party is straight out of The Great Gatsby."

"Welcome to West Egg," Bart said.

"Wouldn't you say we're more East Egg? You know, new money and all?"

Bart's fingertips turned white. "I suppose we were, but not anymore. Are you saying I'm Jay Gatsby?"

"Oh God no," Evelyn scoffed. "You're not that tragically tortured over a girl...are you?"

"Of course not."

Evelyn chuckled. "I'm just kidding. Two lovers divided from their two separate worlds? That's so 2007."

They stood in a comfortable silence for a moment. Chuck reappeared on the green lawn and was set to approach his father. He straightened his white suit jacket, fixed his hair, and marched to where his father and sister stood until suddenly he stopped when Bart said, "I just want you to know I'm very proud of you, Evelyn. I know it's not easy to navigate this rough climate, but you've done it perfectly over the past few months."

Bart meant it. He struggled to say the same thing to Chuck for the same reason the words were so easy to say to Evelyn. She knew right from wrong, how to conduct herself, try hard in school, and was happy. Chuck never showed any of those things, so he never found a reason to tell him those words. He didn't want to encourage bad behavior, and he knew he needed to tell Evelyn these things. He wanted to make things right this time.

"Thank you. That really means a lot." She looked into her drink. "I can't take all the credit though. I had lots of help."

Behind them, Chuck shook his head and drained his glass of scotch. He dropped the empty glass in the grass, and walked away.

The Bass family returned to the city a week later to brown boxes littered all over the penthouse. Bart thought Lily was going to lose it on Serena who tossed her clothes in any open suitcase wrinkled and all. Bart hadn't seen his son pack, but he figured he was too busy with Blair Waldorf to even think of packing. It's a good thing they're going to the same school. Bart didn't know how Chuck would cope with being away from his girlfriend for a week more or less a month. In the meantime, Bart saw Ina lug heavy suitcases to the front foyer. The suitcases were lined up neatly in rows across from the elevator.

When moving day arrived, it was a frantic day in the Bass household. Serena ran around for her last minute shopping while Chuck sat around the penthouse drinking a Turkish coffee like it was any other summer day. Their staff moved all the packed boxes and suitcases to the lobby coming in and out of the penthouse. The elevator door kept dinging. While Eric and Lily were going with Serena to settle into Brown, he and Evelyn would go with Chuck to Columbia.

Evelyn walked down the stairs carrying two boxes, her forehead gleaming. "Why am I carrying your stuff?" Evelyn said. The boxes thudded to the tile floor.

"Since you offered," Chuck drawled. He set his dainty coffee cup onto the coffee table, his ankle resting on his knee.

"That's because this stuff is important. Your delicates or prize possessions if you will," Evelyn said.

"With the way you dropped those boxes, it's a good thing the most delicate thing I own is always on me," he smirked.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I'm really going to miss your charm, brother."

"Alright," Lily sighed, as she walked to the sitting area. "Serena's things are all packed up in the limo downstairs. We're leaving now."

Serena and Eric emerged from the kitchen. "Let's just go," Serena said, her eyes on her high heels.

"With no goodbyes?" Evelyn walked up to her. "Nonsense." The stepsisters hugged, and Serena looked teary.

"No need for tears yet. You are going to have so much fun that your time away will go by so fast, it'll be Thanksgiving before you know it."

Serena smiled. "Thank you, Evelyn. Good luck at Constance this year."

"Thanks, Serena. And don't forget to text us that you're still alive every now and then," Evelyn said. Eric nodded in agreement.

"Of course. There will be no trouble from me, I promise. Just studying."

Eric and Evelyn exchanged a knowing look.

Meanwhile, Chuck stood and ambled to Serena. "How about that family goodbye kiss?"

"You're disgusting."

"And kidding. What happened to our witty banter, sis?"

Serena crossed her arms. "Good luck at Columbia, Chuck. If you hurt Blair, I'll come after you."

"And good luck in Providence. Blair also told me to remind you to not catch something you can't get rid of." He smirked.

"Funny you say that because if there was anything to catch, you would have caught it by now, Chuck."

He wrinkled his nose. "Actually, I wouldn't because those Rhode Islanders are too orange for my tastes."

"Are you guys going to hug or what?" Eric said. "Mom's waiting."

Serena sighed and took two steps forward. She opened her arms, and patted her hands on Chuck's upper back stiffly. She let go immediately.

Meanwhile, Bart stood by the elevator where Lily was typing a text. "I'll text you when we arrive. Eric and I will be staying the night at the Ocean House."

"I'll do the same. I'll text you as soon as Chuck's all moved in except our commute is much shorter."

Lily chuckled. "You got off easy with twenty minutes. I have six hours ahead of me."

Serena and Eric rounded the corner. "Ready?"

Serena nodded. Lily kissed Bart goodbye, and the Van der Woodsen's pilled into the elevator. Serena waved her goodbye to Bart and she looked away from the final closing of the elevator doors.

Once the Van der Woodsen's left, Bart moved to the sitting area. Chuck had returned to his place on the couch, and Evelyn sat beside him.

"So when does move-in start?" Bart asked. He rounded the bar area of the kitchen to the coffee machine where a freshly poured cup of coffee waited for him.

"Nine."

Bart took a sip of the coffee and winced when he realized it was cold. "When would you like to go? The traffic is going to be brutal right now."

"Why don't we aim for eleven? We could pack the car, and then go for breakfast," Evelyn suggested.

"That sounds like a great idea." He placed the cold coffee on the counter.

Chuck scoffed and didn't move from the couch.

"Come on." Evelyn dragged Chuck to his feet. "Let's get dressed and go!"

After a leisurely breakfast in the Palace restaurant, the Basses made their way to Columbia campus. The Bass limo pulled up to the front doors of Chuck's residence. Students wearing bright blue shirts with white letters spelling "COLUMBIA" stood at the front doors ready to help with move-in. Evelyn got out of the limo first, and gaped at the smooth stone archways. Black urns potted with bright magenta and purple flowers lined the front steps of the residence, while nineteenth century ironed light scones were mounted on both sides of the front doors. The words 'Hartley Hall' were carved above the black wooden double doors.

Arthur had already popped the trunk, and the two students at the double doors bounced down the steps. "Hi there!" One chirped at Evelyn.

"Welcome to Columbia!" The other said.

"Oh I'm not a new student. My brother is." Evelyn pointed to Chuck who straightened the cuffs of his blue pin stripe suit.

"Good afternoon," he drawled. "I'm in room 9C7."

"That's on the ninth floor. We'll use the elevator to transport your things," The first one said. The other whistled for more people to help.

Bart felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He looked at the urgent email from Stan who was the liaison with the international offices of Bass Industries. "It looks like you are in good hands, son," Bart said while reading his email. He paused, and continued to read the distressed email where an emergency board meeting was called.

"Are you going to help him move in?" Evelyn said.

Bart sighed. "I can't. I just had an emergency meeting called at Bass Industries. I have to go."

"You're leaving?" Chuck said.

"I'm sorry, son. But before I go, come here for a second."

Chuck followed him to stand underneath one of the giant London plant trees.

"I was going to wait until you were all settled in, but I guess I'll have to do this now," Bart said. "I just want to say good luck, Charles."

"Thanks," Chuck said flatly.

Bart held his hand out, and they shook. "Call if you need anything."

They stood in silence for a minute. Chuck opened his mouth and then closed it. Bart patted his shoulder and they walked back to the limo. "Oh, and don't forget to text me when you're all settled in." He opened the limo door. More frosh leaders had gathered and emptied the limo.

"Are you leaving?" Evelyn asked.

"Regretfully, I do have to go. I have an emergency board meeting."

Evelyn blinked back at him. "Okay. I'm going to stay with Chuck, and help move him in."

"Good. I'll see you at home. Goodbye, Charles."

Chuck's eyes and fingers were focused with typing on his phone. "Goodbye, father."

As the tires crunched against the gravel, Bart turned his attention to his phone, and wondered what was the emergency he was about to face.

"This better be important," Bart said when he sat down for his meeting with Stan.

"Trust me, you'll want to know this immediately," Stan said.

"So? Out with it. What is it?"

"Your brother, Jack Bass, has taken a leave of absence from his position at our Sydney Office."

Bart blinked. "What were his reasons?"

"He said he was taking his leave because of work induced stress. I know this isn't the first time it's happened, but I thought you'd like to know. The board can handle the operations for the moment, but they can't handle the Philippines deal too. That was Jack's job, and he just left it."

"I see." Bart looked through the statement of leave, and back to Stan. "Unless he returns to his post, I will fly out to Australia after my annual brunch to close the Philippines deal. In the meantime, I'll have my P.I. Andrew Tyler investigate where my brother went. Let's organize a board meeting in an hour."

They shook hands, and Bart immediately speed dialled Andrew. Although this wasn't the first time his brother had a leave of absence, Bart did think something was odd about it. The last time he spoke with Jack six months ago, things were going very well. Usually, his leaves of absence were to start new business ventures. He'd always run his ideas through Bart, and some of them had merit. He was surprised Jack just up and left like that. They were hardly close brothers, but the lack of a personal relationship between the two made them effective business partners.

"Hey Andrew. It's Bart. I need you to run a check on my brother Jack..."

One evening in September, Bart knocked on Evelyn's door. He heard her muffled voice through the door. Inside, he saw his daughter at her desk, one leg folded into her, the other planted on the floor. A textbook and notebook were open in front of her. Eraser shavings danced on her page, as she forcefully rubbed her eraser against the page. She looked up from her work and rubbed her eyes.

"Evelyn, could I talk to you for a minute?"

She dropped her pencil and pivoted her desk chair to face him. "Of course. What's up?"

He stepped further inside, and sat on his daughter's bed. "Recently I got a call from our head office in Australia. There seems to be an issue. The head of our Bass Industries Office in Australia has taken a leave of absence suddenly. We have a huge deal that's been completely unattended, and I'm going to have visit Australia to finish the deal."

Evelyn rubbed the back of her neck. "How long do you have to go for?"

"I think I'll be gone for a month."

Her eyes widened. "A month?"

"I know it's a long time, but I have to go fix this mess."

Evelyn looked at her feet. "No. I understand... It just sucks."

"Look, I really wouldn't want to go unless I had to."

Evelyn fanned the corner edges of her textbook. "You said you'd be here for the Ivy League Mixer though."

"I will be. I made sure I'd leave the day after. I already committed to you that I'd be there, and I wouldn't miss it. It's an important day, and I'll be there."

"Okay," Evelyn said.

Bart thought back to Misty always saying the same thing when he had to leave to close business deals abroad. He never had to leave her for this long, but she always had that same disappointed expression. She understood why he had to leave, but it didn't change the fact that she didn't want him to go.

"Thank you," Bart said. He stood up and brushed her hair away from her face. Sometimes he could see so much of Misty in his daughter, and in the same breath, he saw a bit of himself. He saw her caring nature, her tenacity, and quirky charm. He also saw his determination, drive, and hard work.

"I'm really looking forward to the Ivy League Mixer," Bart said.

"You are?" Evelyn said. "To be honest, I'm a little nervous about it actually."

"Don't be. You have nothing to worry about. They'll love you. Everyone does."

Evelyn bowed her head slightly. "I'm not so sure about that."

"Well I do, and I know you'll accomplish whatever it is you put your mind to."

She looked up. "Really?"

"Of course. I'm very proud of you already, Evelyn."

She looked at him surprised that he said it. She looked back at her notebook, where she had began a chemistry equation again. "But what if I fail at the mixer?"

Bart thought back to all the times in his life he failed. There were more than many. He had completely lost count. "There's no such thing as failure when you try. The mixer is an introduction to the Ivy Leagues, not a death sentence that Constance wants you to believe."

Evelyn smiled. "Thanks, dad. I needed to hear that."

He patted her upper back and said, "I'll let you get back to studying."

As he closed the door behind, Evelyn opened her desk drawer, and picked up a blue sticky note pad. She picked up her favorite pen and scribbled a note to herself. When she was done, she posted it on her bulletin board beside her calendar, so whenever she looked up, it would remind her why she was trying so hard.

It read: "There's no failure in trying".

After his month long trip to Australia, Bart arrived on Columbia's Morningside campus for Parent's weekend during the second last weekend in October. Chuck mentioned it briefly in passing, but Bart remembered to put it on his schedule. Although he hadn't spoken to Chuck much since he started school, he knew his son was busy acclimating to college life and having a girlfriend. Bart closed the Philippines deal a couple days early, so he flew home just in time for Parent's weekend to begin.

He waited by the University Hall, and checked his emails when Chuck bounced down the steps.

"Father. I didn't think you'd show. I was surprised when you called me this morning."

"When you told me about parent's week a month ago, I knew I couldn't miss it. I closed the Philippines deal early, so I came back," He said. "So? Where do we start?"

"We could start with a tour of campus? There's one scheduled at ten, but I could give you an unofficial tour."

"And what would your tour entail?"

"I'd take you to all the places that I frequent. Don't worry, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with my choices."

"Then, lead the way, son," Bart said.

Chuck led this father from the University Hall to the tall Columbia Business School building. "This is where I have my 'Introduction to International Business' class. My Professor worked for Cadbury in London for five years."

They walked through the quad where students lounged on the green. A chapel was situated on their left, the department of mathematics and general studies buildings on the right. Chuck led Bart through the courtyard pointing out different areas he and Nate would hang out between classes. Chuck stopped in front of the Alma Mater building. It was a pavilion style building with thick pillars guarding the front doors. They stopped at the foot of the massive staircase where a statue of Athena was carved in black marble. She sat on her throne, her arms raised to the sky, a book open in her lap. The Pavilion building read "The Library of Columbia University".

"Before you ask, yes, I have been inside this building. I studied for my finance midterm here until it closed one night."

"I have to say, I'm surprised, son," Bart said. He couldn't quite imagine Chuck sitting in a study carrel in the library.

They walked around the pavilion to reach West 116th street. After they passed the intersection of Amsterdam Ave, Chuck pointed to Columbia's Law school building. It was a nineteen seventies styled building with long slits for windows.

"This is Columbia's law school building. I haven't been inside, but I have been considering law lately," Chuck said.

"You have?"

"I've been taking an 'Introduction to American Law' class, and it's interesting. I'm just thinking about my options. I'm not set on it by any means," Chuck said.

Bart could barely hear the words that came from Chuck's mouth. Who was this boy and what had he done to his son? Considering his options? Studying? How on Earth did all of this change happen? Whatever it was, Bart could not be more pleasantly surprised. It could have something to do Blair Waldorf; he had to do something to thank her. Never in a million years did he think his son would ever care about anything other than drugs, sex, and partying.

They crossed Morningside Drive, and entered Morningside Park. In many ways it mimicked Central Park with the lush green trees, trails, and park benches. Flowers were planted along the trails, and the trees blocked out the cars that whizzed by. It was it's own oasis. Bart had never visited before despite living in New York for decades. He had no reason to, but he discovered that he liked the tranquillity. They continued to walk through the park, as Chuck pointed out little details of park he discovered from the times he'd been on walks with Blair. He took Bart to the little pond where he'd go with Blair to feed the ducks.

He couldn't believe it. His son was finally maturing.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Chuck said.

"I haven't. I'm just...so surprised. You're doing extremely well, son."

Chuck looked down at his feet. "You didn't think it was possible did you?"

"Not exactly. I didn't think you'd ever want to try. But this...it's incredible."

Chuck shoved his hands in his suit pockets. "Well, I can't take all the credit."

Bart grinned. "Then we must thank Ms. Waldorf. She's a very good girl, Chuck."

"I know. I'm very lucky to have her. Too lucky."

Once they finished walking through the park, they went to Chuck's favourite restaurant near campus called Bistro Ten 18. It occupied a corner unit of a building with an L-shaped patio. Inside, it was a warm space with an old bar, wall sized wine rack, and a nineteen fifties checkered linoleum floor. The menu consisted of all foods made with locally sourced meats and fresh produce. Since it was the weekend, Bart and Chuck ordered from the brunch menu. Bart ordered the Eggs Benedict, while Chuck ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes.

"So now that you actually study at school, are there any other things I should be aware of?"

"Yes actually. I've taken up mixology. I've learned quite a bit from it, and I've come up with some ideas that I think can improve the bars in our hotels. Mixology has an element of performance, and that can draw people in. It's an art really."

"It seems like your partying days are behind you," Bart said.

"I wouldn't say behind me, exactly. It's college, so I still have my fun. I'm just trying new things."

Bart sipped his coffee. "Finding balance?"

"Perhaps," Chuck shrugged.

"I'm very pleased, son."

"Well, so am I," Chuck said.

"The college life suits you," Bart said. "Enjoy it while you can."

They ate and talked about small things. Chuck had been paying more and more attention to the stock market, so they talked about how the Dow Jones and S&P were up. They debated whether Apple's stock price was going to deflate since it was trading at $95.96/share. Bart heavily monitored Chuck's investment portfolio, so he was surprised that Chuck was making sound suggestions. He wanted to make sure his son was set for his future, and so far they were on the path for that.

Once they were finished brunch, Bart asked, "where to next?"

Chuck pulled out his phone and read the Homecoming itinerary. "There is a homecoming carnival this afternoon," Chuck said wrinkling his nose. "There's also a session called 'Beyond the Gates: Academics Abroad'".

"That's actually a great idea. One of my client's son's is studying in Japan right now. You should look into that. There could be lots of unique opportunities."

"All the opportunities I need are right here," Chuck said. He looked at his phone. "It's Blair. She's been touring the campus with her father Harold and wants us all to meet for coffee."

"Sounds like a great idea."

They paid the bill, and left the bistro. Bart watched as his son called Blair to let them know they were on their way. He smiled more, his walked with a greater purpose, and now he was making decisions about his future. One of his professors at Columbia said that people changed people. Bart didn't believe his professor until he met Misty, and everything changed for him. In that moment, Bart knew that Blair had irrevocably changed Chuck, and he couldn't have been more proud.

Once Bart returned home from his trip to Australia, Evelyn demanded that they spend time together. Bart didn't put up any sort of fight with her request. He found that he missed his daughter, and although he called a few times a week during his morning, and her evening, it was entirely different to be in her company face to face. They went to a cafe on 82nd street, and decided to take their drinks to go. Then, they went for a walk through Central Park instead.

Through the beginning of their walk, Evelyn wasn't her usual chatty self. She drifted off sometimes, staring into the distance, and said "uh huh" instead of having a smart comeback. She was distant, reclusive, and quiet.

"Is everything okay?" He asked her when they took a break from walking and sat at a bench.

"Yeah. Why?" She took a sip of her hot chocolate.

Hm. Clearly this was going to need a bit more probing. The direct approach wasn't going to get him anywhere. "Last time we talked on the phone, you were getting ready for the masked ball. How'd that go?"

Evelyn watched a jogger run past them. "It was fine. Kind of boring actually."

"That's unfortunate," Bart said.

Evelyn kept her gaze into the distance, and Bart decided it was best to sit in silence.

"Dad? Can you tell me a story about mom?"

"What story would you like to know?"

"I want to know how you fell in love with her," she said. She took another sip of her hot chocolate.

Bart chuckled. "That's a long story."

"Could you at least start it? I only know that you met at an AIDS charity benefit in the eighties."

Bart adjusted his overcoat. "That's how we met. It was during the summer. Your mother was going through a very difficult time because her best friend and high school boyfriend died from AIDs."

"That's awful."

Bart nodded. "It was."

"If she was his girlfriend, she wasn't affected by it or anything..."

"No, definitely not. He learned of it a couple years after they stopped dating and remained friends. He had moved on to have multiple partners in those two years."

"So what happened when you met?"

"Well she didn't think much of me to be honest. I was only invited to that charity event because of my friend Philip Montgomery. No one knew who I was, and I had no idea what I was doing there."

"So what happened?"

"We exchanged a few words, nothing important really, and that was it. She was working as a model that summer while she was off from school, and I just graduated with my MBA. I was just starting out. Stocks and trading. I had to build up my investment portfolio before I had the cash and capital to make my first real estate purchase."

"Reaganomics then?"

"Precisely. By the end of that summer, I bought my first building. The next year, I incorporated Bass Industries. In the meantime, I kept seeing your mother at these events."

"How did mom get into these events? Aunt Kim says they didn't come from money. Grandpa Paul was a school bus driver."

"She didn't. And neither did I. That's how we found common ground. She was featured in many modelling catalogues from the designers that would frequent these kinds of events. She would always have to wear their designs to these events, kind of like a show horse. They paid her well, and she was able to pay for school with it."

"So you got to know each other over the summer. Then what?"

"She went back to continue with her junior year of study, and when she wasn't studying, she'd be working."

Evelyn plucked a piece of wool from her coat. "What did she study?"

"Philosophy."

Evelyn's eyebrows touched her hairline. "That's intense."

"She was very good at it. She could see things in a way most others couldn't. It wasn't always a matter of right and wrong, but she was more concerned with the truth, and how we let certain ideals dictate how we live our lives. Why things we are the way they are. Lots of existential questions."

"Those are over my head," Evelyn said.

"Don't be so sure. Once you see things the way she saw them, nothing was ever the same."

"So what happened next?"

"I asked her if she'd like to go for a drink after one of the next benefits. She declined."

"Oh."

"That's not where it ends though. She declined over and over. But I wasn't going to give up. I knew there was something holding her back. She didn't know what to make of me. She thought I was one of them."

"And you weren't."

"No. So I had to prove it to her. I had to see her outside one of those events. It was all chance really. I saw her at coffee shop reading Bentham."

"Who's Bentham?"

"He was an English philosopher. Anyway, she was surprised to see me, and I studied Jeremy Bentham for one of my business ethics classes, so I started talking to her about it. Well, I should say we debated over it. I think we spent two hours debating over it. I was late for work, and she was late for class. Then I asked her if she wanted to go for dinner, and she said yes."

"What changed?"

"You're mother was a person who wasn't drawn to a person's appearance. She had to really know someone first before she'd even consider seeing them."

Evelyn stared at the bridge. "So then what?"

"We began to see each other quite regularly. The rest was history," Bart said.

"Interesting," Evelyn said. "Thanks for telling me."

"You're welcome. There's plenty more, but I think that's enough for today."

Bart stood from the bench, while Evelyn still sat with her legs crossed. Her brows furrowed as she played with the rim of her coffee cup.

"Dad, I have a question."

"By all means," he said.

"You and mom loved each other after getting to know each other, but there's something I don't understand. What does love mean to you?"

Bart took a deep breath. "It means a lot of things, Evelyn. It's the most complicated thing we'll ever experience. Love..." He paused thinking back to the words Misty used when she first told him she loved him. "Love means you see an imperfect person perfectly."

"Huh," Evelyn said.

"Not satisfied with that answer?" Bart said.

"No, it's just... I've never thought of it like that before." Her blue eyes flashed at him. "What if the person you love does something you can't forgive?"

Bart shrugged. "Loving someone means you accept their flaws. We're all imperfect and make mistakes. If you can't identify why a person does what they do, then you haven't stepped into their shoes. That's what your mother would tell me. I'm not very good at it, but she was. You can't love someone without seeing them perfectly as they are."

Evelyn mulled it over. "So Chuck and Blair see each other perfectly for who they are?"

"In their own way, they do."

Evelyn was silent for a moment. "Okay," she said quietly.

"Okay." Bart checked his phone and saw it was half past six. "Let's get back to the Penthouse before Lily starts to worry."

For the first time since the end of summer, the Bass household was full again. All the beds were full, and you could hear voices waft through different rooms like music. Chuck returned home after his last midterm a few days ago, while Serena returned late last night.

Today they planned to have a quiet thanksgiving dinner on the Upper East Side. The Waldorf's, Archibald's and Montgomery's were invited. It was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and family again.

Bart sat at the head of the table, and the dinner went along. The table chattered away, and Bart learned about the progress about Ruby and Philip's wedding, which was less than a month away. The thanksgiving dinner continued until he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He checked the number and the name ANDREW TYLER flashed on his screen.

"Excuse me," Bart said while pushing his chair back. "I have to take this call. It's from China."

Once Bart excused himself from the table, he went into Evelyn's room down the hall and picked up his phone.

"Hello?"

"Hi Bart, it's me."

"Andrew. It's been awhile."

"I'm sorry to be bothering you on Thanksgiving, but I just confirmed something important for your case. I didn't think you'd want me to wait."

Bart tucked his hand in his pant pocket. "What do you have for me?"

"I know it's taken longer than usual, but it's just been much more difficult to find information than it usually is."

"Really? How so?"

"Well, I started tracking Jack Bass's passport and it led me to Monaco, but when I investigated further, and I found that he was staying at the Empire Hotel. When I checked the security footage, it wasn't him. It was someone else."

"So you still don't know where he is?"

"I do know. I started from scratch, and I found evidence that he is in America."

"If his passport is in Monaco, how's he here?"

"He's been posing under the name Douglas Hunter."

Bart's blood went cold. "That's good. That's some good work you did Andrew. Do you know where he is in America?"

"Not yet. Jack, who I assume is still posing under the name Hunter, hasn't appeared anywhere, so I'm going to have to search for a needle in a haystack to find him if he's still using that name. He flew into Los Angeles, so I'm going to start looking there. I'll report back if I find anything."

"Good. Thanks, Andrew."

Bart stepped away from the window, and set on the edge of his daughter's bed. He took a deep breath. It must be a coincidence that Jack's using that name. He doesn't know anything about Douglas Hunter. How could he? Why didn't Jack tell him he was coming? The more he thought about it, the more Bart figured it was all too unusual to be a coincidence. He was going to need to make a few more calls.

Evelyn stormed through the door and slammed it behind her. "Oh. Sorry for the melodramatic entrance," she said.

"No need to apologize. Is everything okay?"

Evelyn sighed and collapsed on her bed face first. "No. Stupid Baizens just have to ruin everything."

"What do you mean?"

Evelyn hugged her pillow. "It's stupid. I don't want to talk about it. What have you been doing?"

"Oh just took a business call."

"On thanksgiving?"

"Thanksgiving only happens in America. It's a regular day in the rest of the world." He patted her leg and stood. "I'll let you stew a bit more before you come back to the table?"

She groaned. "Only if the Baizens' took the massive hint I gave them and left already."

If only it were that easy to get ride of unwanted visitors.

"You have so many meetings," Evelyn said when she looked at his daily schedule. "How is it possible that you attend all of them everyday?"

Bart closed the file folder in his hands. "I don't. I have my assistant attend and take notes for some of the meetings that I'm not required to be a part of. I only attend high priority meetings."

"Still, that's so many," Evelyn said. "How do you find time to breathe?"

Evelyn took the day off school to observe Bart in his everyday business capacity. It was something Constance and St. Jude's created a few years ago for the junior class. Students could choose to job shadow any professional, whether that is their parent, a mutual friend, or a mentor for the day. It reminded Bart of something similar to the bring your child to work day that kids do in elementary school except it was advantageous for students to shadow someone in a field they'd like to pursue. Evelyn considered going to Lennox Hospital, but she said she'd rather intern for the entire summer. She wanted to turn her attention to understanding how to run a business, and asked if she could shadow him for the day.

She said, "As much as we don't want to admit it, health care is a business. I want to help people and all, but I need to have a firm understanding of how to operate a business too. Who better to learn from then you, dad?"

He couldn't argue with her, so he agreed. Here they were, Evelyn walking through his office poking her head through different files and touching different gifts from clients around the world. Bart never liked people looking through his things, but with Evelyn looking around he didn't mind as much. Any confidential numbers in the folders were just numbers to her; he didn't have anything to hide.

"So we'll start off with our first meeting? It's a finance meeting isn't it," she said while she attempted to open a wooden Moroccan trick box.

Bart looked at his schedule. "Yes. This kind of meeting is a weekly touch base. It shouldn't take too long."

A few floors down, they entered the boardroom to see Philip Montgomery already in the room. Evelyn stopped walking when she saw a teen her age sitting beside him. "Bring your kid to work day?" Philip smiled.

"You could say that," Bart said. "I didn't realize Bass Industries was so popular this year. Where's Dashiell?"

Philip sighed. "Finance was never his strength unfortunately. He opted to try Tyler's law office instead. My soon to be step-son Oscar here has a real gift with numbers though, so he asked to come instead."

"That's excellent. We're happy to have you here," Bart said. Evelyn shot him a look.

Ozzy stood and shook his hand. "Thank you Mr. Bass. It's an honour, really."

Ozzy turned to Evelyn who folded her arms across her chest. "Hi," she huffed. Then, she sat down and opened her notebook. Bart looked at both Philip and Ozzy apologetically.

Bart cleared his throat. "Let's get started, then."

The meeting ran smoothly with Philip reporting positive profits and surpluses. Evelyn and Ozzy listened in on the meeting, while Philip and Bart debated different decisions they had to make with repurposing their assets and liquid cash into the Upper West Side condo project. Bart was so intently focused on running numbers in his head that he missed the death glares Evelyn gave Ozzy every so often. Ozzy took notes, and completed some basic arithmetic calculations when Philip asked.

When the meeting was over, the four of them moved to another meeting and then another. Bart noticed Evelyn acting particularly cold to Ozzy. Not that he prodded too much in his daughter's high school affairs, but he got the sense that she held some sort of anger against him. Whenever Bart was looking, she refused to even look at him the whole afternoon like he didn't exist.

Bart treated Evelyn to lunch after the third meeting that morning in which he tried to ask why she was so cold to Ozzy. All he said was, "So do you know Oscar from school?"

She scoffed. "Barely."

"I have to say this, but you weren't very professional when we were greeting him today."

Evelyn scowled. "So? He's a terrible person. I don't need to be nice to him."

Bart chuckled. "As much as I feel that way with people sometimes, business doesn't quite work that way. You have to be cordial at all times even when you really dislike your client or business partner."

She picked up her fork and bounced it against her napkin. "Whatever. I'm only here for a day anyway. Besides, I have a question for you."

"Only one?"

"Very funny." She set her fork down and leaned forward on the table. "I thought about this during the meeting today. You've never really told me much about Bass Industries and how it came to be. Did you start this company on your own?"

Bart looked out the window. "Not exactly."

"I thought so because I looked into the history of Bass Industries, and it says you started the company with your brother. Why didn't you tell me I have an uncle?"

Bart straightened his tie. "We don't speak much. I technically started the company, and your uncle helped."

"Doesn't he live in Australia or something?"

Bart met her gaze. "You really did your research. Yes he does. He lives his life; I live mine. We aren't close."

Evelyn rested her chin in her hand. "Really? That's all the Bass family that exists?"

"Well him and your grandparents. They died before you were born unfortunately."

"Interesting," Evelyn said.

"How is that interesting?"

She shrugged. "You just never talked about family before. Bass family. Nor business. I wondered if those two were connected somehow. I mean, the family of one of my friends from Connecticut, Allie, had a family business. A pizza joint. Her father and his two brothers ran it until they got into a huge fight and split up. At least that never happened with our family right?

He felt his throat tighten. "Right."

"That's good. I mean, I know the Ainsley family pretty well since I pretty much grew up with them, but the Bass side not so much."

"We've always been few in numbers," Bart said.

"So tell me about our family."

"I already did. I have a brother, and your grandparents are dead. We grew apart from our extended family. That's it."

"That's it? Where are the details in that? I mean, you haven't even told me what my Uncle's name is."

Bart sighed. "Your Uncle Jack is younger than me by about four years. He lives a completely different lifestyle than we do. That's it."

The waiter set their lunch on the table. Evelyn studied him sceptically. "Will I get to meet him someday?"

"Probably not. He's quite content living in Australia. It's better this way, Evelyn. Trust me."

Evelyn used her fork to pick up a fry. "Okay," she said. "I trust you."

It was almost December when Bart finally received a call back from Andrew.

"Andrew. Please tell me you have good news."

"I have news. I'm not sure if it's good."

"Jack Bass was spotted visiting Connecticut."

"Where in Connecticut."

"He was seen at the Hilton Hotel in Hartford. That's all I have."

"That's all I need to know for now. Keep looking, and let me know if you find anything else."

Bart hung up and stared out the window and beneath to all the cars that roamed the streets below. He thought back to the last words Kim told him, and he had no doubt that a storm was brewing. There's no way Jack would go visit Misty's sister. They barely knew each other as Bart recalled. That's the only reason Bart could think of why Jack would be there. It could only mean one thing.

His brother was coming after him.

The night of the Snowflake Ball was quite different than last year. This year, Bart wasn't leaving for Connecticut, or fielding calls from Andrew Tyler about Lily's distraction with Rufus Humphrey. This year, he was home with his entire family. Serena and Chuck had finished their first semester of college and returned to the penthouse for Christmas break. Since they were home, the entire Bass family attended the Ball. Evelyn and Eric were occupied with their friends and dates, while Serena and Chuck arrived as alums and solo. It was a pleasant sight for Bart. He watched his family getting along, with everyone having a good time, and as far as he could tell, without drama.

He watched Eric walk around the dance floor with his boyfriend Jonathan. Serena was pouring herself a glass of punch with Chuck. Evelyn was on the dance floor.

Bart approached Lily who was watched over the teens on the dance floor. He rested a hand around her waist. "Lily. Care for a dance?"

"Of course." She set down her champagne flute.

The frantic bass beats dissipated, and a slower and mellower song replaced it. He led the way on the dance floor, and they swayed to the music. Bart reminisced about the time when they had their first dance as man and wife at their wedding. Chuck gave his best man speech, Lily looked beautiful, and all of their close family and friends surrounded them. It was a perfect evening even though Lily had a regrettable tryst with old love Rufus Humphrey the night before. He had almost forgot about that. Almost.

"It feels so good to have the children back in the house," Lily sighed.

"Serena is doing better it seems. She was having a bit of difficulty transitioning at Brown," Bart said.

Lily looked at him, "Yes, well Serena does have a tendency to fall off the wagon so to speak when she's surrounded with a bad influence. It seems like Charles has been doing marvellous this term. I am so proud of him."

"Me too," Bart agreed. He looked over Lily's shoulder and couldn't find his daughter on the dance floor anymore. "I'm a little concerned about Evelyn though. I received a couple phone calls from Headmistress Queller for skipping school a couple times last month."

"I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Evelyn has a good head on her shoulders, and it's all right that she wanted to rebel a bit. It looks like she's over that little phase already."

"We'll see. Anyway, it's good to have them all home for Christmas this year."

"Didn't Evelyn say she was going to Connecticut this year?"

"She'll be spending Boxing day and New Years there. It's all worked out."

"Ah. That'll be nice for Kim I'm sure. It sounds like we're in for a quiet, relaxing holiday."

"I couldn't agree more," He said.

"And to think this time last year I almost gave up on you," Lily said. "I'm glad I didn't. You've really changed, Bart."

"Well, change is a strong word. I think I learned from my mistakes."

"You did," Lily smiled. "There's nothing that can hold us back now."

Bart smiled, however strained it was, and kissed Lily gently. For once, he let go of his doubts and suspicions about anything and everything and believed her even though the knowledge that Jack was somewhere in America loomed over him.

But just for tonight he let go of that suspicion, and believed—pretended—that nobody could take everything away from him. He believed that he and his family were united and impenetrable. Bart was a betting man, and just tonight he would bet that Jack or any other opponent would never dare challenge him.

And like always, he believed he would win.

Much like his wedding to Lily a year and a half ago, Philip and Ruby's wedding was the talk of the town. Two old money families uniting were always talked about, but it was talked about even more because of Ruby. Bart never paid much attention to the society pages, but Lily did mention that she had a spectacular fall from grace sixteen years ago when she was supposed to marry a Van der Built. None of that mattered to Bart because he supported one of his closest friends getting married. If he found happiness with Ruby like Bart did with Lily, who was he to judge?

When the wedding day finally arrived, the eve before Christmas Eve, the Bass family arrived at the chapel early. Bart wanted to make sure they were on time for the ceremony, and when they sat in the third row, Bart walked up to Philip who stood beside Dash in the front pew.

Bart approached them, while Philip whispered intently to Dash. His son nodded. "Hello, Mr. Bass," Dash said. "If you'll excuse me."

"Philip," Bart shook his hand. "Are you ready?"

Philip wiped his glistening brow. "Yes. And apparently I'm sweating just as much as my first time."

Bart chuckled. "There's nothing to worry about. It's your day. Enjoy it."

"Once the ceremony is over, I will. You know how I get," Philip said. He picked at his suit; positive there was a piece of fuzz stuck on the sleeve.

"It's a good thing you're taking the family to St. Kitts tomorrow."

"Yes. A little break would do us all a lot of good. Ruby has been very stressed with the wedding planning."

"Lily was the same way when we got married. Don't worry, the most stressful part is almost over."

"I can't help but feel a sense of déjà vu," Philip said. "Did you think about your first wedding on the day of your second?"

Bart thought back to his wedding with Misty. It was by no means grand. They got married at the courthouse and held a reception with their closest family and friends at a Japenese restaurant. The differences between his wedding with Misty and Lily were paramount. When his wedding day came with Lily he did think about Misty. It was unavoidable, but he knew she'd want him to move on. If that meant marriage, then he knew she'd support it. "In a sense."

"I shouldn't even be thinking of such things," Philip said. "I love Ruby of course. It just feels final now."

"That's because it is. No turning back now. Especially if you don't have a pre nup," Bart said. "I trust you would of all people."

Philip chuckled. "Of course."

Bart looked on, as the pews were almost full with guests. Dash walked down the aisle with purpose. "Father, I have that thing you wanted."

Bart patted Philip's arm. "I'll go sit down. Let me know if you need anything."

"Thanks, Bart."

After the ceremony, the wedding guests were instructed to go for cocktails at the St. Regis Hotel. Bart and Lily mingled with the other guests. They worked the room like usual. The Bass family took up an entire table that bordered the dance floor.

In between the speeches, Bart excused himself from the table. He walked along the perimeter of the dance floor to the long aisle that led him outside the ballroom. Once outside, he found the men's restroom near the front entrance of the building. As he ambled toward the restroom, he heard a voice call his name. It was a peculiar sound; a rusted sound like a door that hadn't been opened in years.

"Hello, brother."

Bart whipped around to see a man underdressed for a wedding smile. "What? You always knew I liked the sneak attack. No hello? No welcome home hug? I'm hurt."

The soles of Bart's shoes were glued to the marble floors. His spine was as rigid as one of the icicles that formed on a wall scone outside. His pupils dilated slightly, lips slightly agape.

He should have known this was coming; he shouldn't have been so ignorant. He should have trusted his instincts and taken action sooner. For the first time he didn't. He swallowed and stared into the eyes of the stranger in front of him.

It was Jack.

A/N: And there you have it! What did you think? Let me know in a review!

Let's see where we're at. The next chapter will be Chuck's chapter. What will be happening in the next chapter you ask? Since I've already stated that the next chapter will be called "The Unbearable Lightness of Being Chuck and Blair", I have a different spoiler regarding the next chapter. The next chapter will not only feature Chuck's point of view...but Blair's! You heard me. We'll get to hear from Blair for the first time in the next chapter. I hope you're all as excited about it as I am!

Also, for the anonymous reviewers who asked, I realized that the poll I posted on my profile can only be seen by registered users. The question was: Who would you like to see Evelyn date? If you can't vote on the poll; then, let me know what you think in a review!

I'm beginning a new semester of university this month, so please be patient with my next update.

Till next time,

XOXO EZ11