Christmas day was spent at the office but luckily for Elsa - and the rest of the staff members and executives - everyone was too consumed with the holidays to pay much attention to work. So it was just her sister and herself. She felt bad for the few others who decided to roam around the office. They probably had no one to go to or no inclination to celebrate Christmas. And then she felt worse for herself because she did have someone to go to but she couldn't. She wondered if she'd been too harsh on herself or Anna by disallowing the redhead to come with. That was only a fleeting thought and she managed to convince herself that it had been a good idea.

"I've gone through all these stacks and everything seems normal." Ygrette placed her hand firmly atop a big pile of files.

"We still need these ones over here," Elsa threw a glance at a another stack next to her and she noticed Ygrette shrugging her shoulders from the corner of her eyes.

"My question is, how will we know if something's awry? For all we know, there probably is no trace of criminal activity in this documents."

"You're probably right." Elsa stopped herself from going any further. It sure seemed like all they were doing was waste time and she knew for a fact that if she was more forthcoming about what she knew about Hans, the process would speed up. But she still did not know how much Ygrette knew and what her part in all this was. Elsa would have to play her cards right, she'd have to read the cues to perfection... But maybe Ygrette needed some incentive in order to offer an appropriate reaction. "We can agree that this is in connection with a new or prospective partner, correct?"

"I suppose, yes." Ygrette nodded and focused her sight strictly on the floor, thinking.

Elsa, still unsure if Ygrette understood where she was going with that information, proceeded to lead her to a more specific path. "Well, were you aware of any recent activity?"

"There is and always will be recent activity, Elsa. That doesn't narrow our search." There was a hint of annoyance behind Ygrette's statement but Elsa knew that it was more because her sister was frustrated at the lack of development rather than anything Elsa said.

"What I mean is, were there any new people he was dealing with? Surely you know, you were much more involved in this than I was. What about... What about that deal with North Aim? I'm sure that connection was inexistent previously."

Ygrette analyzed the situation before offering a reply, making Elsa think there was something Ygrette new that she wasn't aware of. "That never happened."

"Oh? Care to elaborate?" Elsa insisted.

"There isn't much to say. You refused to participate and now father is dead, the deal is likely dead as well."

The way in which Ygrette was telling her all of that made Elsa believe that it wasn't the complete reason. Her curiosity on that particular subject had her begging for more answers. Her father never did make it clear to her why her presence was necessary, after all. "Can I ask you something and can you be completely honest?"

"Sure," Ygrette grabbed another blue carpet and turned towards the large window, trying to avoid eye contact for reasons still unknown to Elsa.

"Why was the existence of that partnership dependant on my involvement?"

The question took her sister by surprise because the brunette suddenly turned to look at her warily. Her narrow eyes sought to explain so much. She sighed, "there's a reason why father didn't tell you everything. He knew you well and he realized that if you were aware of-"

"The legality? Or rather the lack of it?" Elsa finished for her and Ygrette just nodded.

"Hans made a very tentative offer and father couldn't refuse. You know Hans," Ygrette pointed at Elsa. "You know how arrogant Hans can be and father wanted to put him in place. He wanted to play him, with your help of course."

"And now it turned out that it was Hans who played him." The words left her mouth faster than she had time to think them and the silence was impeding.

"You think... You think Hans is responsible?"

Elsa tried to keep her cool, disallowing her fingers to start fidgeting. Keeping her composure would hopefully let Ygrette think that what she knew about Hans was merely a theory. "Well, don't you?"

"It's the only logical explanation but... Let's not get ahead of ourselves. He is a candidate-"

"A very strong candidate."

"What makes you say that?" Ygrette stared at Elsa with suspicion.

The blonde opened her mouth and attempted to say anything that would sound reasonable, but she knew everything might sound like excuses. Until it hit her, "from what you've told me, if Hans was willing to conduct business, obviously not at arm's-length, then what's keeping him from going further? Clearly he respects no boundaries between legality and illegality."

"You'd think he'd go as far as to kill?"

"Maybe he would, maybe he wouldn't but one thing's for sure, he wouldn't be willing to get his hands dirty. He clearly had someone else do it for him."

"Why do I have a feeling you know more about this Hans guy than you're leading me to believe?" That question definitely took Elsa by surprise.

"Because I do. I work with him, after all."

Well that was close.

Ygrette nodded and began to pace around the room. "So, let's say Hans is somehow involved in this, or well… let's say he's the one responsible, how do we deal with this?"

The older sister stared at Elsa, as if somehow the blonde would be able to solve all her problems. She was beginning to see her in a new light, despite the short amount of time they had actually treated each other like what they were, sisters. It was nice having Elsa around too. Not just because she needed help with the company but because somehow, some part of her needed her for support. Elsa was an expert at being strong and independent, she had been forced to be that way ever since she was not much older than a child. Her and Adgar's behavior contributed to that and now she was beginning to regret the way they had treated her. Yet here Elsa was, helping despite the way she was treated. That was admirable to say the least. Of course, she knew things didn't change in the course of days. They had a tendency to happen when they were supposed to happen; when it felt right. Perhaps the relationship they had fought so long to keep as anything but sisters was actually just a habit. Ygrette had to admit, part of her felt that she had to keep the act of being the sister that didn't care but part of her was finding it hard to do so nowadays.

"I can't believe you're actually asking for my opinion on this," Elsa laughed and was momentarily taken aback by the fact that she'd just joked with her sister.

"Why wouldn't I? You've been very helpful." Ygrette smiled, "and I'm grateful for that." The brunette approached Elsa in an attempt to hug her sister but just as she was about to, one of the assistants knocked and interrupted. "Can I help you, Beatrice?"

"Sorry for disturbing. You have visitors, well…" She stuttered and her eyes shifted around as if somehow that would help her find the exact words to please Ygrette.

"Today please," Ygrette demanded and Elsa shot her sister a threatening look in an attempt to calm her down.

"Uh… the board members are requesting your presence. I tried to tell them that they should set up a meeting but they insisted it was an urgent matter."

"Where are they?" Elsa spoke up.

"Meeting room, ma'am."

"We'll be there momentarily. Have someone bring drinks, please." Ygrette dismissed her.

"What do you think they want?" Elsa asked as soon as the door was closed.

"Could be anything. My guess is they're just as concerned as we are about my father's death. I guess we'll continue this later, or not now that we have a few leads."

"One very important lead," Elsa clarified.

"Indeed. Shall we?" With that, they both headed to the conference room.

Both girls entered the spacious, lit up room. Both wondering what the reason for the urgency was and both wondering why precisely two board members requested the meetings. Only two, strange.

"I apologize if I've kept you waiting long," came Ygrette's voice from the entrance.

The board members' faces displayed enthusiasm but that was suddenly replaced by distaste. "We weren't aware your sister would be joining us?" One of the men arched an eyebrow and threw a look towards Elsa who fought to maintain eye contact with him. She wasn't about to be intimidated. Clearly he didn't know her well.

"Why wouldn't she? We're all that's left." Ygrette took a seat at the head of the table. Elsa knew her sister was trying to impose authority, especially as it seemed that the board members came for something other than concern. "Now, may I ask what brings you here? Unexpectedly, that is."

The other man, who had yet to say anything, cleared his throat. "It's about the company."

"Logically," Elsa added.

"We are aware that your father would love nothing more than for you to be in charge." Both their eyes appeared to be fixed on the older sister. "But we've had time to analyze per our investment and we have reached the conclusion that perhaps it would be best to appoint someone else as CEO, someone with experience. Sure, you are familiar with the company and even if your sister," they finally acknowledged Elsa, "even if she hasn't been around much, you two seem to make a good team but we'd rather not risk it. We're talking about the future of millions of dollars here."

Ygrette had a stern look on her face. Sure, she had expected some bad news, but this...this was all she had left that reminded her of her family - for lack of a better word- and she was not about to let it go. "I see. And I'm assuming your "perhaps" is most likely a definitely?"

The man pursed his lips, afraid to confirm but definitely not denying.

"Well," Elsa started, aware that Ygrette was at a loss for words. "It seems that you have thought of this thoroughly." Both men nodded. "So it's safe to assume that you've got a candidate for the job?"

"Weselton, ma'am." The name came out of their mouths. Quickly, silently and agonizingly suspicious, for Elsa at least.

"Well, I don't know much about the man. Only that we've had strong ties with him for years. What do the rest of the board members think?" Ygrette spoke as if she'd already lost the battle.

"They're not aware of anything yet, as far as we know they wouldn't oppose a new candidate and they definitely wouldn't oppose to his election if you stepped down as CEO."

"Hmm. I see, surely they have other candidates in mind as well?" Ygrette continued, finding their attempt to try and have Weselton in charge rather suspicious.

"Wait a second," Elsa interrupted. "Why is it necessary for her to step down? If the board agrees on that decision she wouldn't have to do so voluntarily, correct?"

Both men swallowed, unsure on how to continue. Clearly, they did not expect Elsa so join them and clearly they did not expect her to put up a fight. "Well... We- uh-" One of them started.

"We were hoping that would just quicken the process, of course. A board members' decision could take weeks and we don't have time for that. You stepping down is the quicker option." The other man tried to convince them but his argument still sounded like an excuse.

Ygrette remained silent. She had to think about that decision, it was an important one and she'd never had to make such a decision before. It had always been her father who made those, but now he wasn't around, not even to advice her. Luckily for her, Elsa seemed to have some expertise in the matter.

"We have plenty of time, sirs. A few weeks isn't a long time. We'll call a board meeting and discuss it then. Now if you don't mind, my sister and I have some talking to do."

The men stood up, clearly disappointed, more than they were initially. They said their goodbyes and left the room, leaving the two sisters alone.

"You'd think they'd be more respectful, considering." Ygrette spoke, although she wasn't fully paying attention to her surroundings as she was too busy processing what had just happened.

"I think that's the least of our- your problems." Elsa walked to the door to make sure they had actually left.

"Our problems." Ygrette clarified. "But, what do you mean? I think this is the biggest problem yet."

"You may not know much about Weselton and neither do I but there's something you need to know."

That definitely caught her sister's attention. "Go on..."

"I haven't been entirely forthcoming with you." Elsa admitted and felt a bit guilty for keeping everything she knew about Hans to herself, but was relieved when Ygrette encouraged her to keep going. "There's a lot about Hans that you don't know, and I'm sorry for not telling you but you have to admit that I had my reasons for not trusting you at the time." Ygrette nodded. "He is the one responsible for father's death."

"You're sure?"

"Now that I know Weselton is trying to climb up the ranks, I'm sure. They both have a plan, I know I have no evidence but Anna overheard them the other night-"

"Anna?" The older sister interrupted her, obviously curious as to what part Anna had to play in all this.

"Anna's the one who warned me about them but I wasn't sure about any of it until all of this happen and she wouldn't have a reason to lie to me." Ygrette noticed a hint of threat under Elsa's voice. She was clearly overprotective of the redhead.

"I'll take your word for it, and hers. Now we just have to figure out what we're going to do about it all."

"That'll be difficult considering we don't know what they have planned, but one thing's for sure, we do need to arrange a board meeting. There's no way you're stepping down without a fight, and with no reason to. I'm sure father would want you to be in charge, not Weselton."

"It's barely been two days and four hours and I already miss you more than I should." Anna put on a sad face and it took a lot from Elsa to refuse her girlfriend a smile.

The blonde made it to her apartment later than usual, quickly made herself comfortable and grabbed the phone as fast as she could. Of course, after much insistence from Anna, they both ended up on a Skype call. "I've missed you too and I can't believe you're counting the hours."

"What can I say? It's agony." Anna raised both her arms and shrugged. "But anyway, you're home late."

Elsa leaned into the webcam flirtatiously, "checking up on me, are we?"

"Of course, I have to. I only know about you till late at night. Speaking of, when do you think you're coming back?" Anna couldn't help but feel like she was in no position to ask such questions.

Elsa sighed, not because she was bothered by the question but because she didn't know her response. "Honestly, I have no clue. I wish I had an answer for you but believe me when I say that we're doing everything we can to finish all of this."

"Seems to me like you and your sister are getting along well, then?"

"Strange, isn't it?"

Anna couldn't lie, it was a bit strange thinking about Elsa and Ygrette working together but it was what it was. "Well, it makes some sense. It's only you and her now, you've only have each other and well you have me too."

"I'll always have you," Elsa blurted out. "Or at least I hope I'll always have you."

Anna smiled at her and confirmed it, "you'll always have me."

The smitten glances they were throwing at each other through Skype were interrupted by a sudden thought. "You won't believe what happened today."

Elsa began to tell her about the board members incident and their theories on the matter. Again, she was a bit surprised to find Anna fully indulged in the topic. Either the redhead cared too much about Elsa or she really hated Hans, Elsa was sure it was the former. She couldn't complain though, Anna had theories of her own which she had to admit, seemed quite plausible.

Part of her hated talking about the whole situation. She felt as if somehow all they talked about was her father, the company and Hans. But the more she dwelled into it, the more she realized that it was becoming a big part of her life. She wasn't sure about how she felt about that, or about the future because she knew her life would change somehow. She was sure of it. Elsa would much rather have Anna in front of her and talk to her about it, have her support but then she remembered that the whole situation was the reason why they were apart. At first, it seemed like an innocent idea; having Anna stay at her parents. She would enjoy herself much more that way rather than be at the office with Elsa all day. Now that they were beginning to see the tip of the problem, however, Elsa was glad Anna stayed back home for safety purposes. She wouldn't dare involve Anna in anything that could risk her life and unfortunately for her, Hans already knew that Anna meant something to her. She cursed herself for it and wished she could go back in time. But oh, if it were only that simple.

Hans was a dangerous man, there was no denying that anymore. Ygrette had mentioned taking safety precautions by having body guards around at all times only to have Elsa convince her otherwise. Her argument was that the security detail would be of no use if it had been the cause of her father's death. Also, adding bodyguards would only let Hans know that they were now aware of his plan. Since their biggest advantage was being half a step ahead so far, they couldn't risk that.

"It all sounds like a big mess. What bothers me is the fact that Hans can come after you. Isn't there something you can do about it? I don't know, talk to someone?"

Elsa hated herself for worrying Anna, it was the last thing she wanted. "We have no proof of anything but let's talk about something else, shall we?"

"Yeah, sorry. I just- I just feel like this is stressful for you and I'm trying to help you out." There was a look of sincerity on Anna's behalf.

"No, no. Don't worry, I appreciate it but it'll all get handled eventually. I'd much rather talk about you, that was the initial reason for my call."

"We can go back to talking about how much I miss you then." Anna threw a mischievous smile towards Elsa. There was something about the blonde, something in her eyes that made her look tired and like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. Anna knew that but she didn't say anything. The last thing she wanted was to let Elsa know she needed to change something about herself, they both knew Elsa was already very busy as it was. Part of Anna couldn't help but wonder if it was painful for Elsa. Painful to have to go through all she was going through and knowing that she would not be able to change the relationship with her father. In that moment Anna also wanted to go back in time and encourage Elsa to talk to her father and do everything in her power to change Adgar's mind. But that was in the past. She did nothing, Adgar was dead and there was no such thing as time travel, as far as she knew.

"You can tell me all about it when we on va- I mean," she cleared her throat, catching herself before revealing her surprise for Anna. "Before we see each other again."

Anna looked at her with wary eyes, "what were you going to say?"

"About what?" She shifted her eyes, hoping that something would pop in her mind so she could change the topic.

"When we go on vacation? Is that what you were going to say?"

Damnit, Elsa

"No I wasn't…"

"Elsa, I'm pretty sure that's what you were going to say. Which reminds me, you have to tell me about the surprise!" Just like Elsa expected, Anna began to jump excitedly in her seat.

"Oh yeah? Just like you told me about your skydiving surprise? Which almost killed me, by the way."

"Oh shut up, you loved it." Anna replied.

"I did. And I hope you love your surprise when you find out because it won't be today." She tried to contain her laughter but couldn't. Talking to and seeing Anna, even the grainy and often blurry version of her like it was the case, made whatever was currently going on in her mind disappear. Her problems evaded with the simple thought of her girlfriend.

"You know? It's fine to see you try and keep something from me. We both know I'll find a way to get it out of you." Anna didn't have the slightest clue as to how to get it out of Elsa but she hoped the threat would help her out somehow.

"Hmm. We'll see about that." Elsa replied and Anna noticed that the blonde seemed to not be paying much attention, or maybe she was distracted by something else… a distant thought.

Worry got the best of her when Elsa's expression changed from confusion to shock, or maybe even fear, Anna wasn't sure. "Elsa? Is something wrong?"

The other girl stared down at something on her lap and Anna was finally able to determine, by the glare on Elsa's face that she was staring down at her phone. "I just got a text from Hans," Elsa's voice was barely audible, as if forgetting Anna was on the other end.

"Hans?! What? Why?" Anna couldn't believe it either. She was as surprised as Elsa, if not more.

"Don't worry, it's nothing bad. I hope." Elsa finally looked up at her again.

"What does he want?" There was a hint of annoyance behind Anna's tone.

"There's this thing he wants… uh… he wants me to go to." Elsa seemed to stutter with her words.

"Which of course you're not going to?" Elsa didn't say anything, "Right?"

The blonde stared at her girlfriend for a while before actually responding. "I think I have to," she said, although apologetically.

"Why's that?" There was a part of Anna that was angry at the situation and despite how hard she tried to hide it, it was inevitable and Elsa could tell.

"That's the only way to find out what he's really up to."

"Elsa, I don't…. I don't think you should go." Anna insisted.

"I know but I hav-"

"No Elsa, you really shouldn't go. We know Hans is dangerous, I mean look at what happened to your dad. He's dead. Hans is capable of killing, why can't you see that?" Now the redhead was starting to become furious.

"I know it worries you and maybe I shouldn't have told you anything to avoid it but I really must."

"What? You're willing to keep things from me just so that you can get away with it? You're willing to lie and put yourself in danger? Elsa listen to yourself, that's nonsense. I won't let you."

Elsa took a deep breath in, Anna was clearly upset and she couldn't allow to become upset as well; she needed to be reasonable about the situation. "You're clearly angry-"

"Of course I'm angry, Elsa! What our positions were reversed?"

"Ugh. Can we please talk about this like reasonable adults? I'm not asking for permission, Anna. I'm merely telling you what's going to happen whether you like it or not." She didn't expect Anna become calm all of the sudden, but she also didn't expect her to end the call without saying a word. In fact, that was the last thing on her mind and the redhead's actions took her by surprise.

The rest of the night was spent debating on whether she should contact Anna and try to explain things to her again, eventually she figured that wouldn't work because it obviously didn't work the first time. The clock kept ticking and she was unable to get herself to sleep. She couldn't help but wonder that that was the first fight they had and she also couldn't help a bit guilty for that. Around three in the morning, she tried calling Anna to apologize but her calls, as well as her texts, remained unanswered.

It was indeed a very long night.

AN: This chapter might seem a little off because I wrote snippets of it here and there. I had originally planned to finish this fic back in September but my busy schedule hasn't allowed me to. Needless to say, we're on the home stretch now. Only a few more chapter to go, I see we've reached 300 followers or more. Thank you, guys!

I hope you like this chapter.