When the family returned from vacation it was back to work. Olivia had a lot to do in a short amount of time, because she wanted to enjoy her pregnancy. She also wanted to have her schedule free so she could attend more of Sheldon's games. Sam also had some showings scheduled in the future that she wanted to attend.

Her first order of business was becoming more of a boss. She had hired great people, and now it was time to let them do their jobs. They would report back to her. That would free her up to take on the cases she wanted without her business or foundation suffering.

After talking it over with her husband they decided to purchase three more homes for "Livvie's House of Love". With Fitz's encouragement, she was branching out. She was purchasing two in Washington D.C., and one in Vermont. She also decided that she wanted to purchase a separate office to run the foundation out of. It was better that way since she was going to be taking on some of the women's cases pro-bono she wanted their privacy protected.

Tonya was doing such a great job at the firm that they decided to give her a promotion and raise. Fitz wanted to hire another lawyer and paralegal for the California office to allow him to have a more flexible schedule with the new baby on the way and the kids having different functions.

Olivia had traveled to Washington D.C. to check on the team there, and meet with the staff that was running the D.C. homes for the first time.

When she walked into the house she was happy with what she saw. Vanessa, Ayesha the house manager, and Courtney the assistant manager and in-house counsel had done an excellent job seeing her vision through. They already had one family staying, and from her report another was set to arrive within the next day or so at the first house they purchased.

Olivia greeted Ayesha and Courtney. This was the first time that she didn't participate in the hiring process. She wanted her team especially Vanessa to know that she trusted them. She didn't like to be micromanaged so she wasn't going to do that to her team. The changes had proved fruitful for her thus far.

The three of them enjoyed a working brunch, and Olivia loved the women. It was as if she was part of the process, because she knew she would have chosen them as well.

Ayesha was headed out for another meeting, but Courtney stayed behind.

"Mrs. Grant, I know that you didn't come here to work, but I received an email this morning about a woman and two children who are coming. The email stated that she wants to file for divorce, but her husband is an executive of a Fortune 500 company. She has not worked in ten years, and she doesn't have the power to fight him. She knows he will take the kids. Not because he loves them, but to break her. Vanessa explained the rules on requesting your involvement, and I know how it looks that we just opened this house and I am already calling you."

Olivia grabbed Courtney's hand. She was only 28 years old, but wise beyond her years.

Olivia said, "It looks like you are a smart intelligent woman. Don't ever doubt yourself. You were hired for a reason, and if you need me then I am here. Worst case scenario is that I don't handle it, but if your gut tells you then you need me then always go with that. I have learned that in most cases your gut is never wrong. I saw the applicant pool, and I know that some of the applicants were older and had more experience. If you were chosen then they saw something. Remember that the next time you doubt yourself."

"Yes, Mrs. Grant…"

"Oh, and it's Olivia. I might have high expectations, but I like to think of my staff as my extended family. Family is not formal."

Courtney smiled, "Thanks Olivia…"

"No problem. Let's look at the file."

Olivia agreed with Courtney. She felt like the only chance this woman had is if she handled the case. She got on the phone with Huck, and told him what she needed.

She had only planned to stay overnight, but she knew she would need to wait for the woman to arrive. Give her a moment to catch her breath, and then do an intake on her. She would also need her team to come up with a plan. She wouldn't immediately file for the divorce. She wanted the woman to have time to heal, and more than likely her husband would do some stupid things to find her that would help her cause that wouldn't be hearsay.

She called Fitz. She calmed when she heard his voice.

Fitz asked, "How is the Beltway?"

"Nothing changed."

He could hear the strain in her voice.

"What's wrong Liv?"

"We have a family coming in, and Courtney thinks that I should take the woman's case on personally?"

"Okay, what the problem honey?"

"I was only supposed to be here overnight."

"I know, but we know the nature of the job. Do I miss you? Hell yes, but you are Olivia Grant one of the best in the business. If you think that you should take the case then do it. Besides it is not like you must have everything done at once. Sheldon & I can slum it out together. Brina is with Kerry and her BFF Isabella."

Olivia smiled. She was still unsure of herself. Since everything that happened this would be her first case.

Fitz said, "Talk to me. Tell me all about the case."

After Olivia talked to Fitz about the case she knew she had to take it. She realized that Fitz knew she just needed him to listen.

Fitz said, "We are not going anywhere. If you need me call me."

"I love you so much Fitz."

"Love you more Livvie…"

That evening Melissa and her two children arrived. She was surprised to find Olivia there to greet her. Melissa was fortunate that one of her husband's best friends noticed her drastic weight loss that her husband said was her getting into shape. More importantly she noticed the change in her girls. As they got older they became more withdrawn. That was because he began to abuse the children too. He wanted submissive women.

Quietly they had been working on a plan for six months. The holdup had been finding her a safe location then they heard about Olivia opening a house in Washington D.C. soon. Her friend made some calls, and spoke with Vanessa. The team agreed that she should receive a spot. The woman was so grateful they were helping her friend she promised to make a generous donation in the future.

Now she was here, and Olivia could tell that the years of abuse had taken a toll. She knew from experience that if her friend hadn't of gotten her out soon she might not have made it.

After intake, they showed the girls to their room. Olivia took Melissa to her office. She handed her a glass of wine.

Melissa thanked her. She asked, "Did we put another family out?"

"No, we were in process of going through the applicants when my Executive Director got the call. We agreed that it was imperative to take you in. We have a waiting list, and we try to go in order, but if we get a case that we feel is more severe than someone ahead of them the directors and managers have the discretion to move them up."

"Thank you being honest with me, and not treating me with kid gloves."

Olivia nodded, "What was the final straw?"

"When he began abusing the girls. I was already putting them through enough, and now he was putting his hands on them. I realized that if I loved them as much as I said I did then I had to get out. One morning on the way to school I promised them I would get out they just had to be patient. They were my troopers and reason to fight."

"You want out..."

"More than anything, but I am no fool. I should have left fifteen years ago when he smothered me with a pillow. I left and went to my sister's house. He showed up a couple of days later, and I listened as he poured his heart out to her. I forgave him and went back, but he didn't have the power he has now. Now we are twenty years in with two children. I have nothing to really show for all that time. He does."

"That will change."

"How?"

"Because I am going to represent you."

She looked up at Olivia, "I can't afford you. He would give me money each month to get food, take care of the clothes, and things for the house. It wasn't enough especially considering what we own and what we were worth. The three of us sacrificed so we could put money aside, and my friend was kind enough to lend me some money. Still not enough to pay you."

"I understand, but the cases that I take on through my foundation are pro-bono. My team and I work for you like you are a paying client. Before you ask my in-house counsel came to me with your case, and I agree with her. My husband also believes that we should help you, but it won't happen overnight. Not because I can't make it happen, but because you need time to recover. I also need time to allow your husband to shoot himself in the foot. Right now, everything you and the girls say is hearsay. Once he realizes you are gone he is going to go through great lengths to find you, and he won't be smart about it."

Melissa looked nervous.

"Don't worry my team has eyes on him, and he will never get close to you. While they are gathering the evidence, I need to force his hand you and your girls will start to heal."

"Thank you. I don't want to sound ungrateful, but my girls love school. It is their oasis from all of this."

Olivia smiled, "We will home school them. We have another family coming in that has teenagers as well. They won't be alone. Although you are restricted to staying on the property we ensure that there is plenty to do. That is why I buy homes on the outskirts of town that have a lot of land. It allows movement."

"Thank you. They will be happy to hear they can continue with school."

"Not a problem. I will be here for a couple more days. I need to talk with you a little more, and speak with the girls. I will head back home, but my team will continue to work. Courtney will keep you updated. She lives on the property, and is the in-house counsel so she is my assistant on your case. We can do this in six months or a year. The more time the better, but you are the client."

Melissa nodded, "I know my husband. He won't make this easy, and I have no doubt you will be successful I know it will take time. I also need the time, and I am not sure I can do it in six months so the year sounds better. I also know you are pregnant, and I don't want you rushing. I think that we could both use the time."

"Don't factor me in."

"Thank you for caring enough, but I have to. The real Melissa would, but after twenty years I don't think I will be strong enough to face him in six months. I am not even sure the girls will. I know that you are representing me, but the next time I am in a room with him again I need him to know that he no longer has control over us."

Olivia nodded, "Okay we can do that. Right now, I want you to rest."

Melissa stood up, "Thank you for helping me."

"It is my pleasure…"

The next day Olivia stopped by OGA to speak with the team. They had a board up with Melissa, her husband, and children.

She sat down, "What do we have?"

Abby said, "Christopher Brown, Executive Vice President at General Electric. Married to Melissa for twenty years. We uncovered that despite Melissa believing that it was the first marriage for both he was married before. They were married less than a year. He was physically and mentally abusive. She didn't stick around. She never told him that she was the heir to a multi-million-dollar estate. She used it go get out of her marriage. She had plastic surgery, changed her name, and left the country for a while because she was afraid of him. It was only after he married Melissa did she return home. He is worth more than thirty million. The funny thing is that he wouldn't be where he is without Melissa."

Olivia asked, "What do you mean?"

"She is the smart one. He made he give up her career to stay at home, and raise their children. However, that was not the original deal. She was only supposed to take a year off, and then head back to work. The real reason he has gotten more agitated is that Melissa was not only getting tired of his abuse, but helping him climb the ladder. She was his secret weapon."

It clicked. Olivia stood up and grabbed some papers, and were looking through some of the projects that they were spearheading.

Olivia looked at Abby, "She is the brain behind these projects. She was a brilliant scientist."

Abby nodded.

Olivia smiled, "Good…"

Georgia was confused, "Why is that good?"

"If he only wanted her back home to beat her and the kids then he would be reckless, but he would have more patience, but he really needs her. When I looked at the intake and spoke with Melissa she was concerned about the girls going to school."

Olivia handed her a folder. When Georgia looked at it she smiled now understanding where Olivia was going with this.

Georgia said, "The reason he started beating the girls is because they are smart like their mom. He was using all three of them to help him with his latest project. Without them the project will never fly. He will be doomed, because he can't do it on his own."

Olivia nodded, "It also explains why she insisted we take our time with the investigation. I do believe she needs the time to heal, but I could tell that Melissa is strong. She would have been able to face him in six months, but she kept saying that it would allow them more time to heal so she could face him when we sat down. It would also allow me time to enjoy my pregnancy and give birth. All of that may be true, but she is exacting revenge. The project might not fall through in one year, but it will be on its last breath, and when we sit down with him she will be killing it."

They all sat there for a moment in shock, but now even more excited to take on this case.

Stephen said, "When it is all said and done General Electric should hire her."

Olivia stopped and looked at the wall for a moment before turning around.

She looked at Abby, "That is going to be the icing on the cake. I need you to prove it. I don't want to confront her yet. She needs this victory, and if I go back and tell her we figured it out it may crush her spirits some. For right now go through everything, and determine which ones you think she was a part of. In time, I will sit down and confirm with her. Right before we call for the sit down I will meet with the CEO, and bring him up to speed. I have no doubt that Stephen is right. They are going to fire him. More than likely they are going to want representation to keep his actions out of the press. If they don't voluntarily offer her a position I think they could be persuaded."

The team laughed. They were glad to have Olivia back, and they loved when she was in fixer mode. It was amazing how her brain could work so quickly, and efficiently. Now that they had a game plan they put work aside, and just enjoyed each other for a moment.

Olivia stayed in Washington for another two days to make sure that everything was coming together for Melissa's case. She also wanted to meet the staff who would be managing the houses.

Before she left she wanted to check in with Melissa. She was in good spirits.

Olivia asked, "How are you holding up?"

"Pretty good. I expected this to be worse."

"What the house?"

She nodded, "Although it was hell we did live in a large home. I was expecting to be cramped with the girls in a small room. We are in our large separate bedrooms, but we have a lot of space. I also think that the girls appreciate being in a wing with the other teens. It feels more like a sleepover for them. They are smiling again."

"So, are you?"

"Because for the first time I am protecting my girls. I am being a parent."

"You are. Luckily, I didn't have any children when I was involved with Jake, but I hurt my husband so bad. My mother had cancer, and I wasn't there for her. Although it doesn't eat at me like it used to it still gets to me at times. You will never completely heal. The same way when someone dies you never get over it. You just learn how to move forward."

"Thank you, Olivia."

"You don't have to thank me."

"I do. I know you story. I have read everything I could about you, and watched every interview that you gave. I never thought I would end up in one of your homes, but when I almost gave up you came to me in a dream. I remember you saying that when you were ready to give up you thought about your family and friends back at home. It made me think about my girls."

"The good news is that you have started the process, and if you stay committed then I will be there for you every step of the way. I just need you to trust me, and be honest with me."

Melissa nodded, "I understand Olivia. All I can say is that I am no dummy. My children are not dummies, but my husband would like to believe that."

"I understand that more than you know."

Melissa had a feeling that Olivia knew more that she was telling, but she wasn't going to show her cards. It was clear that they had an understanding, and they were going to let it go at that.

Melissa asked, "I don't know if it is possible, but is there a way that I could take some online classes. I am going to have to go back to work and I would like to be prepared to enter the working world when this is over. I am sure that I will receive some money, but I don't want to be at home."

"I figured you might ask considering your educational background. Most of the women here don't have the level of education you do so the classes we offer wouldn't help you. I did speak to a member of my team at the firm that we started here in Washington. She is going to make some calls, and get you set up to take classes online. She will stop by within the week to talk to you. I am headed back to California. More than likely I won't return until after the birth, but you can contact me. None of the other clients have my personal information."

"I understand Olivia. I am so appreciative of everything you are doing. You don't have to take me under your wing."

"You are right. I don't, but I want to. I didn't start my foundation for kicks; or to throw a whole bunch of money into houses to help victims. While I can't help each client individually or even meet each one I have always been hands on. It is the reason I stepped away from my firm full-time so I could focus even more time and resources to the foundation. Fortunately, I have a wonderful husband, family, and team who have made it easy on me. I don't do pity parties. I don't take pity of you Melissa. Once upon a time I was sitting down at a table with a woman who is now my best friend. I was embarrassed and didn't want her to take pity on me. I learned that day that people being there for you, and supporting you is different from them having pity on you. At any time, you can ask me to step back and I will respect your wishes."

For the first time since she left home she just broke down. Olivia held her as she cried for the next hour, and Olivia never said a word. She allowed her the time she needed to get it out. She was a victim, but she didn't want to be a victim. She wanted to be a survivor. It felt good to have a friend. She couldn't contact her friend since they were friends with her husband until everything was settled. It felt good to gain a friend in Olivia. Here was this powerful woman who could make grown men fall to their knees in one moment, and care for an infant the next. For the first time, she looked at Olivia as a friend not someone who was taking pity on her.

Melissa looked at her, "Thank you. I needed that."

"I know. Use the therapist. Your husband did a lot of damage, and while you are strong you need to create a new foundation. You already started it. I am going to finish it, but I need you be strong. If you need to come and visit then tell me. I will arrange for you to stay in one of the house in California or with me."

Melissa agreed.

Olivia practically ran into Fitz's arms when she returned to California. The next day they went to the doctor. Mom and baby were in perfect health. They were given the option to find out the sex of the baby.

Fitz looked at his wife, "It is okay if you changed your mind…"

"I didn't change my mind. The baby and I are perfectly fine, and that is all I needed to know. I would like to stop by, and look at some neutral gender theme nurseries."

"We can do that."

After looking at some nursery themes the couple decided to think about it more before deciding. Olivia was ready to get home, and see the kids.

After dinner, the couple were laying bed when Fitz decided to tell her something he had been holding onto for the last 36 hours.

She turned and looked at him, "At first I thought it was because you missed me, but then I realized it is something bigger."

Fitz nodded, "Melissa's husband reached out to our office. Well specifically he made some calls, and got my personal cell phone. He wants us to represent him. He wouldn't say why so I don't know what angle he is going with."

He was expecting his wife to be angry. He was surprised with how calm she was.

"Well he is not as dumb as I thought. He contacted you."

"Liv, I can't take the case. I won't be partial, and I don't want to mess up things for Melissa. He could go into court, and say I colluded with you."

"True which is why you are not going to take the case, but you are going to take the meeting. I need to know what angle he is going to take."

Fitz smiled. "You are brilliant. He can't prove when Melissa hired you, and if I never take the case he can't use that against her although I doubt he ever lets this get in front of a judge, but just in case he is that stupid."

"Absolutely my husband…"

She climbed on top of him and kissed him, "I have enjoyed this talk, but can we table it for a much more important discussion…"

Fitz grinned, "Sure, Mrs. Grant, what else would you like to talk about?"

She slid down on his cock. Fitz threw his head back. She caught him off guard.

Olivia leaned over and whispered, "I need to talk about how my pregnancy hormones are raging, and I never want to go days without you being inside me at least once a day."

Olivia wasn't sure what took over her for she began to ride her husband. She would try to blame it on the pregnancy, but she just missed her husband. Gone are the days where she can go periods without him.

He sees that he has lost her for a moment.

He gently flips them over, and she turns her head to hide her emotions.

He whispers, "Don't do that…"

"Sorry…"

"Don't apologize for how you are feeling…I am right here Liv…I am not going anywhere babe…"

He slid back into her. Slow, deep thrust, hitting her g-spot hitting her spot every time.

Olivia moaned in pleasure. "Don't stop baby. Please don't ever stop."

"Never baby."

Olivia wasn't sure how long they had been making love. Fitz had taken her to new heights. He had coaxed multiple orgasms out of her before finally coming himself.

It took them several minutes to get their bearings together.

Fitz pulled Olivia closer to him. He debated whether to say anything, and decided to go for it.

"I understand why this case is personal. She is you without the children. You were smarter than Jake, and although you worked it was your brains that allowed him to flourish. You were beat mentally, physically, and emotionally. I was your reason to leave, and the kids were hers. I could tell you to that you need to separate the two, but I won't. Just don't let it take you backwards. Use it as fuel. This case will eventually go public. Show the world who you are, but more importantly show the world that domestic violence doesn't win."

She looked at her husband and smiled. He was her biggest cheerleader, and the source of her strength at times. It had been an emotional couple of days. She didn't realize how much until she saw her husband. He put things in perspective. Now she knew what she needed to do. It would get done, but for right now she would enjoy the man beside her and their wonderful children.

A/N-I know this chapter is shorter than usual, but I wanted to lay the ground for the case. The next couple of chapter will center around Melissa amongst other things. The situation Melissa is coming out of is based on an article I read in Good Housekeeping Magazine as well as a book I read about a domestic violence victim. I am using my creative juices to fill in the middle, but I love forward to this ride.

I hope to continue to post several updates every couple of weeks, but I do live in North Carolina. We don't yet know if Irma is going to spare us. If we are hit then it may be longer before you see me come back to my stories.