I had this written before posting Ch 7. However, I was in another state and got stuck there for a few months due to covid. I didn't bring my laptop because I thought I was only staying for a few days. Jokes on me lol. So I'm really sorry for the wait, thank you so much the reviews! I hope it was worth the wait. Also Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review! It really means a lot, truly!

"Hello mother,"

"Barbra,"

Both Babcocks greeted the other Babcock. Niles, was unsure if he should say anything. The woman ignored him anyway, as she walked passed him and went straight to her daughter and ex-husband.

He was surprised she didn't look quite like her daughter, though they did have some similar features, her pale complexion and her face shape. Her hair was a darker blonde, which was in a low bun, darker blue eyes, and tall like CC, probably the same height. She had on, with no surprise, a business suit. Similar to what CC usually wears except from what he can see, the colors she chose were bland and very monochromatic. Dark brown pants with a matching blazer and a slightly lighter brown buttoned down shirt, also different from CC, was that it hid her curves, 'if she had any' Niles thought, it did nothing compared to CC who always wore her clothes like it was made for her. He knew without knowing the woman, that she would never wear bright colors. Unlike CC, who mixes it up, sometimes wearing bright colors like yellow and pink.

BB had a very snobby look on her face which was, he thought, permanent, her makeup was plain as well, up close he can tell she had a lot of cover up on her, a dark nude lipstick color on with little mascara. Her head was held up high, quite confident, as if she owned the room. Also different from CC, who would always greet everyone with a sweet, Hello hello, always aware of the people in the room. BB Babcock ignored everyone else who was irrelevant to her. In this case, it was him, the children and the nanny.

"I don't know what's worse. The fact that your child was taken from you without a fight, letting them raise her or the fact that there's a Babcock child who was bred with a domestic." She said staring at CC, then turned to Stuart, "And you, useless…letting this happen."

Oh he hated her already.

CC's face turned red with anger. Before she can talk, Stuart began to talk.

"It was her decision, Barbra. Please, why don't we have dinner first and then talk about it." Barbra nodded, he led her to the dining room, everyone except Niles and CC followed.

"I'm going to punch her if she won't shut up. I swear." CC said, shaking with anger. Niles walked to her and took her in a hug. CC wrapped her arms around his neck and took a deep breath and exhaled.

"It's alright calm down."

"You know I don't see you that way right? It's the game we play. You call me names, I call you names. You are good enough you know…more than enough. You're a pain in the ass, but Grace is proof that we make a good team."

Niles smiled. "I disagree. We make a great team. I also know well enough not to listen to her. But it's nice to hear you say that Babs."

"I still hate that bitch," She whispered, he chuckled.

"Me too. But we have to hide our anger Babcock." He broke the hug, and lifter her chin up so that she can face him, "We need to play nice. For Grace. Ok?" She nodded

"You know, you don't really look quite like her."

"Father says I'm the spitting image of my grandmother, mother hates it."

"Well that was very lucky of you,"

"Very."

He looked into her eyes, and then her lips before kissing her. She deepened the kiss and he accepted.

They heard someone clear their throat.

"Uh…I swear I'm not doin this on purpose, I had to come for you two because your mother is waiting for you. She's uh…quite somethin…" She said, faking a smile.

"She's an evil bitch, Fran." CC said, which surprised Fran

"Oi, ya know usually I would tell you how you should always respect ya mother because…well she's ya mother…but…in this case, I'd have to agree with you on that. Now come on, I don't want to leave them alone for too long, she might eat them."

They chuckled, "We'll be right there." Fran ran back to the dining room.

"She's getting better at this isn't she,"

"She'll be walking in on us during our 'I do's' too I bet."

"What?" She asked surprised, Niles eyes grew wide, shocked that he said that out loud. "Nothing Babcock, come on, dragon lady is waiting on you." He said grabbing her by the wrist, speed walking to the dining room. Hoping she'd drop it.

Fran had the idea of being the little waitress, so that Mother Babcock wouldn't see Niles as just the butler. Though they all agreed that she would eat with them, no matter what the beast says about it. Stuart decided to make it easier by asking Fran to sit with them. Fran smiled, and nodded. Stuart glared at BB before she can say anything. After they had finished their dinner, and Fran had taken all the dishes away to the kitchen, BB started on the topic.

"Tell me the truth. I want to hear it from you both. Maxwell and CC."

After explaining to her what 'really' happened, she gave no signs of whether she believed it or not. In fact she had no emotion. Her face was plain, no smile, no frown. Just a cold glare as they spoke.

"You exchanged the child for half of his business?" She spoke as if Grace was an object. Which had made the room feel uncomfortable. Grace ignored it, paying more attention to the food than the woman.

"Yes mother. And more control of the decisions we make during production."

"I see. Maxwell, I hope you see why your company is doing much better now. My daughter has done so much already." She said, now facing Maxwell.

The children looked away wishing they weren't in the room, even though they were sitting at the end of the table. Fran just continued to eat the food in front of her, too afraid to say or do anything else, Niles and CC held their hands under the table, mostly to keep CC from killing her mother, and Stuart looking very apologetic at Maxwell, while BB ignored their reactions.

Maxwell forced a smiled, "Of course. I don't know what I would've done without her." Although he wasn't lying, he wished she hadn't said it in the way that she did.

"And it took you this long to make the exchange why?" She continued, now speaking to CC.

"Mother I told you, Sara got sick after…then she died. I didn't really know what I wanted then either, so I asked for a rain check."

"Did you know?" She turned to Stuart,

"I did. She called you, but you didn't answer. We both know how well you answer your calls when it comes to personal ones."

She raised a brow, "And I heard there was a letter. Where is it?"

"That was a misunderstanding. If you met the source you'd understand why."

"Then why is the child legally yours then? And the butler's?"

"Because she was always in our lives anyway. Sara thought it was only right to give her to us once she was gone. Maxwell promised I'd still be his partner even after. Besides, there was no contract."

BB looked unconvinced. "You gave away your first born for business? I don't know why I find that hard to believe, daughter. And making a deal with no contract? Have you learned nothing from me?"

"They're my friends. Sara was my closest friend, I trusted her enough to make a deal without a contract."

BB stared at her daughter, still unconvinced.

"There's also this." She took out an enveloped that was taped under the table, a trick she learned from a dear old friend of hers.

"What is that?" The woman asked unafraid of what her daughter had in her hand.

"Your gardener, mother." She gave a wicked smile.

"I'm scared," Brighton whispered to Maggie and Gracie.

Her mother went pale. Then cleared her throat. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Sam Walker. An old secretary of yours told me the whole thing. And then some. And I have pictures to prove it."

It was BB's turn to turn red. "You wouldn't."

Everyone stood quiet, even more uncomfortable, except for Stuart who looked at his daughter amazed at how she was taking on her mother. Smiling proudly at her.

CC smiled. "You were wrong when you said I've learned nothing from you mother. I learned a lot. Blackmail is your specialty is it not? This is just proof that I have it. A copy will be sent straight to the press with just one call." She took out her phone waving it at her. "If you take this any further, everyone will know. If you say or do anything to my daughter, if you disrespect, hurt or touch anyone in this room, MY family, you will see your little secret spread faster than any virus. Do you understand?"

Everyone smiled as CC Babcock defended all of them, looking less afraid.

BB stood up. "I do. You win, daughter." She turned to the children. "Whichever one you are, don't expect to be in the will." She turned back to her daughter, "I would take you out of it, but you've proved to be a true Babcock." She said as she took another look at the envelope, afraid to challenge her daughter.

"I'm guessing your leaving?" Stuart asked, as he stood up as well, leading her to the exit. They all followed as they watched her leave, saying nothing until they couldn't see her shadow. When they couldn't they all looked at each other and cheered.

"OH MY GOD! I have never feared for my own life until today," Fran said, and they all laughed,

"Ms. Babcock, you called us your family. Is that true? Even us?" Maggie said, as she pointed at herself and Brighton.

"Of course…I…I care about all of you." She said, Maggie and Brighton ran to hug her.

"That was so awesome! You weren't even afraid of her!" Brighton said as they pulled away from their hug.

"Babcock, what was in the envelope?" Niles asked, they all turned to CC,

CC laughed as she opened the envelope and had nothing but blank papers, "It was a bluff."

"My daughter…my kitten, I am so proud of you!" Stuart said as he gave her hug. "You stood up to your mother to protect your family."

"What if she opened it?" asked Grace,

"Well then we would have all had to run for our lives," They laughed again.

"That was genius, a bold move! But genius nonetheless." Niles said. "Anybody want ice cream? We got everyone's favorites,"

Everyone cheered for ice cream as they walked back to the dining room.

As they all took their sits, eating their ice cream, Stuart spoke, "I do have to apologize for her actions, by the way. And Gracie darling, you'll be in my will soon."

"She wouldn't want anything from that Dragon anyway," CC said, and Gracie smiled.

"Thank you, Grandpa…I…I'm just glad you're on our side. I hope you'll come and visit often,"

"Yes, Stu. Please, whenevah you want to visit, you don't even have to call, just come ovah."

"I would so very much love that thank you Fran, and thank you Grace, little kitten." He winked at her.

"Did you see how scared she was when CC waved the phone at her? She couldn't even take her out of her will!" Brighton said, they all laughed,

"I never thought she could even be frightened. My child you have done the impossible." He sighed, "But I think I must call it a night. I have a meeting in the morning, so I have to fly the night." He smiled sadly

"Daddy, thank you for everything. And…thank you for giving Grace the welcome…it really means a lot to me." She said.

"Thank you for letting me."

When he left, they all sat in the living room. Not really knowing what else to say. The children decided to go to their rooms while the adults stayed.

Gracie was alone in her room, laying down on her bed, staring at the ceiling, until there was a knock.

"Come in," she said. It was Maggie and Brighton.

"We just wanted to check if you were ok." Maggie said, as they both made themselves comfortable on her bed, laying down on each side.

"I'm ok. I did what CC said. I tuned her out. Even if I did let her get to me, I know I have a mob behind me to protect me."

"You're not wrong. Especially with Ms. Babcock on our side." Brighton said,

"Yeah," Maggie agreed. "How come you called Mr. Babcock grandpa does that mean you're going to call Ms. Babcock…m-mom?" She asked.

"I…well how many times have we met our father's dad? None…I guess it was easier because our grandparents are never really around. One day I'll be ready to call her that, and when I do I'll be calling Niles, dad too. I'm just not ready quite yet. Maybe not today maybe not tomorrow, but soon. After all, after what we've learned about CC… I never knew she and mom were close."

"Yeah, no one knew that. I think that was the biggest plot twist." Brighton said,

"Uh…yeah right after the fact that Gracie's parents are Niles and CC!"

"Ohhhhh. I forgot about that."

"I don't really think they hate each other. They're both stubborn, and probably won't admit they have feelings for each other."

"Niles couldn't stand Ms. Babcock, and she would always make fun of him too," Maggie said disagreeing.

"Yeah, it's always fun to watch," Brighton said, chuckling.

"I think he thought he hated her. Realizing the hate came from the fact that he actually likes her, I mean come on, the way she acted around us, how she would treat Fran…."

"I guess you could be right." Maggie said

"Let's make a bet. How long do you think they'll take to end up together?" Brighton said,

"Brighton! That's wrong on so many levels," Grace said,

"So?" Brighton said shrugging.

"I'd say a month," Maggie said,

"You both sicken me…I'd say two weeks."

"Who's the sicko now. I'd give it two months." Brighton said, with a wicked smile. "Who ever is the closest wins $20,"

"Deal," both girls said

CCNCCNCCNCCNCCN

"I hope they're alright up there." Fran said, talking about the children.

"They are because they have each other. The perks of having siblings." CC said,

"Which reminds me. What about your siblings?" Niles said, raising an eyebrow.

"DD took herself out of the picture. Moved to Rome and hasn't spoken to any of us in years. Over 20 years now. I spoke to Noel, he's busy but he knows. He wants to meet Grace, I don't think he remembers her,"

"Well, when he decides to visit CC, this is your house too, if you want it to be. You can have him over any time." Maxwell said, they all looked at him confused. "Wouldn't it be easier if you'd just move in? That way you would see your daughter more often. I-It's only right."

CC was shocked. "I uh…I'd have to think about it. I never really thought about it to be honest. I'd have to ask Gracie if she'd be comfortable with the idea."

"Very well then, I'm off to bed. It's been a long day." Maxwell said, he stopped in front of the stairs and turned to them, "Thank you both for today. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't done what you did. And Ms. Fine, thank you for scaring off the reporters." He smiled and then took the stairs.

"You two need to work out whatevah is happening between the both of yas." Then left to her room.

"Why do you have to think about moving in?"

"Niles."

"If you say 'it's complicated' I swear will slap you silly,"

"Well I wasn't! Anymore. It is Niles, what do you want me to say. Not just because of Gracie, but because…we don't even know what we are. We haven't even talked about what happened in the office. And the kiss we had before dinner. And what you said before dragging me to my doom!"

"I'm sorry about that by the way. I just…Babcock, I want you to move in. I…I have feelings for you. And you were right, if there was no alcohol involved, it would've happened anyway. And it is because of Gracie. Not because I feel like we have to be together for her but because…you weren't looking at him the way you would before the letter, I know you said you never had feelings, but damn it woman you made me believe you did all these years. Because you showed how much you actually cared for those children…because I finally found the courage to stand up to Maxwell, thus finding the courage to kiss the woman I have loved since the first insult she threw at me."

CC was speechless, her eyes were watery, she took a few steps away from him, afraid. Afraid of what? She didn't know. "Y-you love me?"

"I do. And I know you're not there yet…hell maybe you won't be, but that's ok, I can wait for you till you figure it out. I just want you to know, that I love you Babcock."

CC stood there, frozen. Niles waited for a reaction. Nothing. Until she turned around and ran towards the kitchen since he was blocking the front door.

"Run after her!" Gracie said, standing by the stairs, he was about to question why she was there but Gracie pointed to where CC ran "Go!" and decided to do what she told him to do.

He caught her just before she can leave through the back door, gently taking her arm,

"CC please,"

CC turned around to face him, tears in her eyes, and let him take her in his arms. And then he kissed her. This time it was slow as he deepened the kiss, pressing her against the door wrapping his arms around her waist while her arms were wrapped around his neck just they did in the foyer. When they pulled away for air, their noses were touching not willing to pull away, just so they can catch their breath before pulling into another kiss.

"OY! Didn't I leave you two in the living room!"

"FRAN!" they shouted

"I'm goin! Jeez!" Fran said as she walked away.

"Niles…I love you too."

"Then why did you run?"

"I was training for a marathon?" She said, he laughed. "I don't know. I just…I'm not very good at this."

He smiled, "We can take this slow, we don't have to get married now. I would like to one day. All I want, is you in my arms, to kiss you," he said, as he kissed her, "And to hold you close to me," he said, as he held her tighter.

CC kissed him again, and then placed her forehead on his, their noses touching.

"I would love that Niles." He kissed her again,

"Would you like to see my room?" Niles raised a brow, CC gave her wicked smile, and laughed mischievously. Her laugh gave him goosebumps. He took her hand leading the way to his bedroom.

"Lock the door this time," and he did. Happily.