First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you who have been following this story and to all your lovely reviews! :) I'm happy that you enjoyed the first chapter, and I do hope you enjoy this one just as much. Be prepared to see Emma taking charge, also there are other small Regina and Daniel moments, so feel to skip those if you don't care to read them. I can promise you, you will be surprised by the end of this chapter, and I hear wedding bells for chapter 3! ;) A LOT of SQ angst is will also start in chapter 3. Enjoy!

Early morning Henry found himself in his office - like every morning while breakfast was being prepared. Regina gracefully stepped inside, greeting her father with a pearly white smile as the man instantly smiled right back.

Daniel stood her up that night at the beach. She waited for him after Emma had said her goodbye to her, which Regina felt sad that he didn't show. But, she knew the man well. She knew he must have a good reason.

"Good morning, daddy."

"Good morning, my darling. Come on in, sit down." said Henry as Regina quickly took a seat, scooting the chair next to her father.

Henry took notice to Regina's chipper smile, "You certainly have been very happy these past few days. What's going on?"

The brunette took her father's hands into her own as she sighed, ready to confess her long kept secret to him, "Daddy, if I was to tell you that I am in love with someone who doesn't have a lot of money, but he's a good man. Would I have your blessing to marry him?"

This took Henry by surprise, "Are you in love, Regina?" he asked calmly.

The brunette smiled widely, "Yes."

The older man could see her happiness, "He's good to you?"

Regina's smile kept beaming, "He is. His name is Daniel. He works with horses, but he has big plans, father. He wants to go into law enforcement."

The man's hands then gave Regina's a light squeeze as he spoke frankly, "Well. You know that I would want someone who can provide for you. But, you are not a little girl anymore. Who am I to deny you happiness with whom you love and chose?"

"Thank you, daddy!"

Regina couldn't help but lunge herself towards her father in a tight hug as she was happy about having his support. She knew she would never have Cora's, but with her father's support right now that was enough.

A chuckle escaped the man's chest as he wrapped his arms around his daughter. He lived to see her happy, that's all he ever wanted for her. The man soon broke their hug as he looked his daughter straight in the eyes, "But I do expect him to come and present himself. So we can talk and get to know him."

"Of course! I will talk to him later today about coming to talk to you. But, I would really like for him to just talk with you first. Knowing my mother, she will never approve of him." the brunette said that last part with an eye roll.

It was then the older man shook his head, "Don't worry about your mother. But, if it makes you feel better, I'd be more than happy to meet him first."

"Who are we meeting?" their smiles faded as Jefferson soon walked into the room, awaiting an answer to his question.

His father however was quick on changing the subject, "It's about time you grace us with your presence."

Jefferson then gave his father a fake and quick smile, "I've been very busy."

The older man chuckled, "Busy. I'm glad you're here, because there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about."

"Let's hear it."

"I talked to John today. It took some work, but I convinced him for you to see him tomorrow morning, and start working for him in his office. Obviously, you will start from the bottom, but-"

The man was soon interrupted by a chuckle from his son, "The bottom? I don't think that's right, father. You've been friends for years, I'm your son. I should get a more fitting position."

"You will work your way up just like anybody else." Henry replied firmly.

Regina kept her eyes on Jefferson who's head was ready to explode.

"This is absurd!"

"It's time for you to learn what it's like to break your back for once. Maybe then you will start taking more responsibility."

Regina placed a hand on her father's shoulder, knowing well he shouldn't be getting upset, "Daddy."

"Why don't you tell your daughter that?" Jefferson asked him, still furious.

"Leave me out of this." Regina quickly jumped in.

"What on earth is going on here?" Cora then entered the room, looking at everyone as if they were all crazy.

Jefferson soon walked over to Cora, "He wants me to start from the very bottom in John's company. Can you believe this?"

Cora's eyes immediately went to her husband, "Henry, you can't be serious."

"I am serious. The boy needs to grow up, Cora."

"Why can't you just stop interfering in my life?!" Jefferson shouted.

"Alright, enough! Can we please just spend one morning without an argument?" Cora voiced louder as everyone fell quiet.

"I have things to do." replied Jefferson as he then took his leave, slamming the door on his way out. But not before throwing another hard glare directly at his father.

Regina then pressed on a sweet kiss right on her father's cheek, "Don't let him upset you. I have to get going."

"Where do you think you're going?" Cora asked.

"To visit Kathryn. I promised I'd visit her today, she wants to show me her new place. I think she may be dating someone, she promised to tell me all about it." said the brunette.

It wasn't a lie, she was going to visit Kathryn, she was just leaving the part out that Daniel would be there to see her.

"You would do well to follow her example. Find yourself a good man to marry."

Regina instantly grew annoyed at her mother's words, "The day I marry, I want it to be for love. Not because a person has a lot of money, mother."

Henry jumped right in, before another argument would arise, "Say hi to Kathryn for us, darling."

Regina simply smiled at the man, "I will." and soon after she was out the door as the older man was left shaking his head at his own wife.

Emma was just pulling up with her yellow bug to the huge house and land she now owned. It felt strange to her still, but she was ready. She had Graham by her side for support. He was right, like it or not, the blonde now had to dive right into what would become her new life.

"Wow." was all Graham could say as he looked over the land along with the giant house, taking it all in. "I knew he liked his solitude, but I never imagined he had all this."

As Emma turned off the engine to her car, she looked over at Graham.

"Are you ready?" he asked the blonde.

As Emma nodded she and Graham soon made their way out of the car and began walking towards the house. Right then, Robert was walking towards Emma with an angry expression on his face.

"Where the hell have you been? James may no longer be here, but you can't just up and leave whenever you feel like it." said the man as he got up all on Emma's face.

Emma looked over her shoulder to Graham as her friend only had this smirk on his lips, obviously anxious to see Emma take charge of things. The blonde then turned her gaze back at Robert as he still stood more closer to her than she would like.

"I had to clear my head after my father's death. I'm sure you can understand that." said the blonde.

The man chuckled at her response, not caring whatever reason she had to give, "Cute. Now get back to work."

"James was my father." the blonde voiced as the man stopped dead in his tracks; only to turn around and laugh in her face. Not believing her for a second.

"You read too much books, Swan. I never took you for making up wild stories."

"Graham." the blonde simply said as her eyes never left Robert.

"It's true. He made sure to put it in his last will before he passed, leaving Emma with everything. As James's financial adviser, I am now going to be helping Emma - your new boss."

The smirk on Graham's lips was noticeable. He was enjoying this. Being good friends with Emma, he knew about how unfairly she had been treated by both James and Robert. He was more than happy Emma's life was now taking a turn for the better. It was about damn time.

Robert's eyes nearly bulged out. This was the first time ever, Emma saw the man speechless.

"Things are going to change around here. I realize James had his way of running things, but I'm in charge now. I know how you work - or should I say… how you don't work-"

The blonde's words were cut short by Robert's voice, sounding tamed now as his face was still trying to regain back it's normal pink color, "Well, Emma-"

Emma was the one to interrupt the man's words now, "I'm not finished. From now on, you will see to it that all gets done. But, I want you working harder than anyone else around here. And I will see to it that you do."

Robert's color soon returned back to its normal state as a smile crept it's way up his lips, "So I can stay your right hand man? As I was for your father. You more than anyone knows that James trusted me with everything around here; as should you."

Emma's lips went up into a sarcastic smile now towards the man standing before her. Who would have thought he would seem so tamed around her? Of course, it didn't surprise Emma that because she was the one with all the authority now, the man would even dare to kiss the very ground she walked on if she asked him to.

"James trusted you because you would never dare to betray that trust. But, I'm not him." a chuckle then escaped the blonde's lips as the man's hopeful look disappeared before her, "And I certainly don't trust you."

Robert spoke quietly now, "Well… with all due respect, Emma, but, I can assure you, you have no reason to not trust me. I can prove myself to you. You just tell me what to do. I'll do it. No question."

What a kiss ass. Emma thought, it was almost sad to see him behave this way when around her. The blonde knew what kind of guy he was, she grew up around him. She knew well who she could trust and who she couldn't. Robert wasn't trustworthy.

"Then, I want you to do what I just ordered you to do. In the meantime…" Emma's hand then patted Graham's shoulder, "Graham here, is going to find me someone who I can trust. And, when he does, you will show him all he needs to know and be under their orders. Am I being clear?"

Robert's stomach was in knots. If he hated Emma before, he sure as hell hated her even more now. He had worked for David for years, way before Emma was born. He knew it all - he should be the one in charge. Not her.

The man was seething, it was noticeable even when Robert tried not to make it so obvious in front of Emma. So he just lowered his head and nodded in agreement as he spoke in almost a whisper, "Yes. Of course. Excuse me."

As Robert walked away, Graham just bursted into laughter, undoubtedly he had been holding it in. The blonde finally relaxing, she noticed she had stopped breathing. This was such a big change for her, but to be honest with herself; she liked it. She then thought that maybe she was a little unfair with the man, but he did treat her like shit all her life. He had it coming..

"Wow! That was fantastic, Em! How do you feel?" Graham asked, still amazed at Emma's sudden change.

The blonde simply shook her head as she exhaled another held in breath, "I could use a drink. Come on, let's get inside the house."

As soon as Emma stepped inside with Graham, Lily came out running towards Emma, "Emma. Is it true that James was your father?"

Emma hated to have that man referred to as her father, which was also why she always referred to him by his name.

"Yeah. But, please, don't start seeing yourself any less than myself. I'm still the same person, alright? And nothing is going to change between you and me."

This brought a smile to Lily's face as her eyes shined with happiness, "Whatever you say, Em."

Emma returned a smile of her own, "Good. I need to ask you for a small favor."

"Name it." Lily was more than willing to do what Emma asked.

"Could you please make sure and get rid of all of James's photographs that are around the house?" asked the blonde.

"Of course, as you wish." Lily was off to do what was asked before Emma could even blink.

As Emma walked into James's office space - well, now hers, closing the door as Graham was the last one to step inside, she noticed the silly grin her friend had been spotting ever since they walked into the house.

"What?" asked the blonde as she quirked a brow.

"She likes you, you know."

As they both took a seat on each side of the desk, Emma immediately relaxing into the chair, she nodded, "Yeah, but she knows I only see her as a friend. That's all I can offer her." Soon after, she changed the subject on Graham, "Let's take a look at all those finances, shall we?"

Graham was quick to work, as he placed his briefcase on top of the desk, prepared to show Emma all of the paperwork that James had been dealing with before he fell ill. Emma knew what she was doing and this still surprised her. She grew up around this place, she knows every field like the back of her head. Possibly way more than James ever did.

Back in Chicago, Jefferson was hoping to get another loan of money from a sleazy pawn broker. One thing for sure, he was determined. Even if he was throwing away money on gambling on late night poker sessions.

"I'll get you what I owe you tomorrow. There has to be something you can loan me." Jefferson pleaded.

"If you can't get me the first part of what you already owe me, how am I supposed to believe that you will pay me what I loan you now?" the man shook his head, "I'm sorry, my dear Jefferson. I can't help you. You know how I work. I have to have some type of guarantee, or you get nothing. Besides, you already owe too much."

"Which will be good for you, you will get more money back."

The man suddenly grew annoyed, "Here's how it's going to happen. I am not loaning you anymore money. You will pay me back what you owe, or I will have to pay a visit to your father."

Jefferson's eyes grew wide then and there, "Don't do that!" he inhaled once as he spoke calmly, "Alright, look. How about I pay you another way? As a guarantee that I will get you everything I owe."

The man's brow raised as he looked at Jefferson from underneath his glasses, "I'm listening."

After a moment of utter silence, Jefferson spoke, "The deed to my house."

The man chuckled at his desperate offer, "You mean your father's house." he corrected him.

This made Jefferson roll his eyes at the man as he continued, "I can still get it. I know the combination to his safe. I bring you that, as guarantee that I will pay you what I owe."

It was a dumb move, but the man didn't care. He knew Jefferson wouldn't pay up in the end so he would get a free house. He soon smirked at his offer, extending his hand towards him, "We have a deal."

Jefferson immediately shook the man's hand, a sly smile playing on his lips, "Deal."

After a few hours, Emma and Graham were looking at the last set of books which kept the records of how James ran his finances and distributed his money. Emma's eyes fell on a familiar last name in one of the last books.

"David helped out the Mills family a lot from what I see."

Graham moved behind Emma, leaning in to have a better view of the statement, "Yeah. They were barely able to pay it off, but they managed. Sadly, they didn't produce as much as they hoped with what James lent them. But, that wasn't his problem anymore. He got their money."

This made Emma chuckle, "James was always a piece of work. He didn't care how he got his money, as long as he got it."

"Their son, Jefferson. Real piece of work. He gambles a lot, so you can imagine why they can hardly manage." Graham filled her in.

Emma's eyes moved across the page as her index finger dropped on a large amount of money that was still due, "They still owe this amount here."

Graham smiled teasingly at Emma, "We might just have to pay them a visit, then." he nudged her arm with his fist teasingly, "You might even get to see Regina."

This instantly brought a smile to Emma's face.

"Before we go visit them though, I should tell you that James liked to keep some of his money at a pawn shop in Chicago."

The blonde leaned back on her chair, "Let me guess. Numbers don't add up?"

"Exactly." Graham confirmed.

James had very little friends, and those he did have like such pawn broker would steal from him any chance he'd get. With the amounts of money that James kept earning with his produce, he wasn't one to care where it went in the end. He could be reckless with his money. Trust the wrong people. Luckily Emma was smarter.

"We'll drive back to Chicago tomorrow morning. I'd like to get this done early." said Emma.

Graham only nodding in agreement.

"You can stay here tonight. I'll have them prepare a room for you."

"I appreciate that, Em."

In that same moment, back in Chicago, Regina and Daniel were meeting up in Kathryn's new home. As Kathryn went inside to give them some privacy, feeling pretty happy for being able to help her friend, Daniel was even happier to have Regina in his arms again.

"I'm so sorry I didn't show up that night. Work held me back." he explained as his hands cupped the brunette's face.

Regina shook her head, feeling happy just to be with him, "That doesn't matter. I have the most exciting news. I told my father about you and he wants to meet you. Officially. He doesn't care what you do for a living, he just wants to know that you love me, and that you're serious about being with me."

Daniel's face beamed with happiness, but soon fell upon a frown as he took a step away from Regina, "But your mother will never approve. She aims too high for you, Regina"

"My mother has no say in this. As long as we have my father's support, that's all we need."

Then it was Regina's smile that soon disappeared as Daniel turned to face her with sad eyes. He gently took her by the hands as he spoke, "All I want in this world is to be with you, have a life with you, a home of our own. A family. But all this sounds too good to be true. It can't be that easy."

Regina couldn't believe that he was actually backing out of this. They had talked about it for so long, it was only a matter of time. She wasn't giving up now.

"This is our chance to do it, Daniel. This is our chance to be together. You won't have another chance like this." the brunette stated firmly and boy did he love that about her.

He loved this woman to death and seeing how courageous she felt in that moment about everything simply made him smile and feel a sense of security. His hand gently cupped her cheek as his thumb caressed across her cheekbone as he smiled down at her.

"Who am I to say no to you?" he told her, as Regina's smile only grew and she happily brought their lips together in a sealing kiss.

Early morning, as Jefferson was handing over the deed to Henry's home, Emma soon walked in with Graham by her side, causing both their heads to turn towards the blonde woman.

"Are you Jones?" Emma asked the brunette man behind the counter.

The man's eyes looked Emma over, she didn't seem to have any money, or so he thought. Truth is, Emma wasn't even dressed in expensive clothing. She liked to keep pretty casual, and she loved her red leather jacket. She couldn't replace it.

"I am, but you'll have to come back later, as you can see, I'm attending to him, at the moment." Jones motioned towards Jefferson, who obviously wasn't impressed by Emma at all.

"I'll wait. I'm in no rush." the blonde simply stated, her eyes never leaving their sight.

Jefferson grew annoyed by her presence alone, poor him didn't realize whom he was speaking to, "Are you deaf? We're busy."

Emma didn't care to waste her time with whoever this guy was, she was here for one reason only and that was to speak to this guy Jones, "I'm here for all the money you ever stole from my father. James Nolan."

Jones's face grew pale at the name. You could practically see him swallowing the lump in his throat.

Emma took a few steps towards the man behind the counter, "I'm Emma Swan. As of now I'm handling all of my father's businesses, and my business partner, Graham, has noticed that you have taken it upon yourself to keep an extremely amount of money that is now mine."

If the man could make a run for it right now, he would have. He was shitting bricks where he stood. Emma looked pretty intimidating at the moment and he surely didn't want to be on her bad side.

"Jefferson, we're done here." he ordered him away as his eyes never lost sight of Emma.

Jefferson had never seen him so scared before, if there was going to be trouble he didn't want any part of it. So he immediately took his leave.

As soon as the door sounded shut, Killian's face changed into the most kiss ass smile one has ever seen, "Miss Swan. I apologize for that small incident. I wasn't aware that Mr. Nolan had any children."

Emma's features remained unimpressed, "He liked to keep me hidden."

"Frankly, I don't see why, you are very beautiful." he smirked at his own words.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Jones." and just like that the man's smile disappeared. "I'm just here for my money."

"Well, I would gladly give you every scent of that money, but I'm afraid I no longer have it in my possession, love." he flashed a nervous smile.

"Which brings me to my point. My father trusted you to keep this money, I don't care about the reason. But, what I do care about is that you stole it." Emma spoke directly.

This made Killian chuckle, sounding even more nervous, "You can't possibly believe that I would steal-"

His words were cut short as the blonde then stepped forward, leaning against the other side of the counter, "Oh, I'm sure of it. Frankly, I can't say I trust you with any amount of my money, as I've been proven right, just now, when you stated that you no longer have it in your possession."

Crap! That's what went through the man's head as he mentally smacked himself again and again for letting his nerves get the best of him. Truth is, Jones talked a big game, but when it was time to step up and bat, he coward out under anyone's deathly glare.

This was so unbelievably amusing, that Graham had to turn away to keep in a laughter that wanted to burst out of him in that very moment just by seeing the guy's face grow pale once again. He definitely loved this side of Emma.

"You like a man who likes to make deals, so let's make a deal." Emma offered the pale man in front of her.

"A deal?" he echoed.

"Yes. You obviously don't have my money, so I ask you. What are you willing to give me as guarantee until you give me back all the money you stole?"

Was he truly being played at his own game here? Who was this woman?

"I honestly don't have anything here that could interest you. Look around you, it's all just junk, really." Killian stated.

It was then that Emma's eyes fell on the deed in front of the man as she read the last name Mills, she had him cornered one way or another with what she said next, "Tell me something, am I wrong to assume that possibly some of money was maybe loaned to the guy that just walked out of here a few minutes ago?"

Killian couldn't deny it anymore. He simply nodded, "It's possible." he murmured.

"Then, I'll tell you what. You give me that deed as payment, and I call the whole thing even."

And just when Killian didn't think he could be anymore shocked, he was proven wrong.

"What could you possibly want with a deed to a house?" he asked.

"That doesn't concern you. And given that you have no better offer, I say you don't have much of choice."

A chuckle bursted through the man's chest in that moment, "I can't just give you the deed to someone's house. It's not mine to give."

Emma turned to face Graham in shock at the man's words, as she quickly looked back at Killian, "Just as my money wasn't yours to give. But, you did anyway, right? Now, you either give me what I ask for, and I can forget this whole thing. I will never set foot in here again. Or, you don't and my good friend here, will gladly alert the police and will turn you in with a very long file of proof of all your… guarantees."

Cornered again. The man didn't have a choice, so he handed over the deed to the Mills manor, gaining a smile from the blonde.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Jones. Have a good day." was the last thing he heard as Emma walked out the door, followed by Graham who bursted into laughter as soon as their feet touched the outdoor pavement.

"What the hell was that? You continue to surprise me, Em! This is a whole new side to you."

Sadly Emma didn't make it to the Mills manor that day as she had planned as she had other things to take care of back at the ranch. And poor Regina got stood up, yet again by Daniel with another no show. She grew impatient, but finally realized he was not coming as he promised.

But, if he had shown, Cora would have seen him for she walked through the door in that moment with a grin on her face and a new dress for Regina to wear for tonight's dinner.

Cora was the most excited for her daughter to look her best for when Robin Locksley arrived to dinner, along with thousands of other guests. Henry insisted she'd stop spending money that they didn't have, only for the woman to shrug it off.

It wasn't until he filled her in about some of their animals being sick and people turning his company down more and more. Things were not getting better financially. And for the first time ever, she could see a deep worry in the man's face as he suggested that they might have to sell the house.

All this was discussed as soon as Cora had convinced Regina to head upstairs to try on her new dress. But, Jefferson had heard the whole thing and instantly panicked as he had just given the deed to the house to Killian. Later on, he had no choice but to tell his mother of what he had done. Cora grew furious at him of course, but like always, she went along with him to fix his problems at the pawn shop. Only to be disappointed, yet again…

"What do you mean you no longer have it? You will get your damn money, just give us the damn deed back!" Jefferson shouted.

"That deed has a new owner, I'm afraid." he informed them.

"Who?" asked Jefferson.

"Emma Swan."

"Emma Swan? James Nolan's daughter?" asked Cora with a surprised tone.

"She's a worker! One of his employees - a nobody!" shouted Jefferson.

"Yes, well that nobody is smarter than you think. She made a far more better deal." said Killian.

Cora scoffed, "What on earth could this woman want with a deed that isn't hers?"

"She wouldn't say."

"Let's go, Jefferson." was all Cora said as she made her way out of the building with Jefferson not far behind.

"We have to talk to her, mother. We have to find out where she lives." he said almost in a plea.

Cora turned to look at her son, "This is what happens when you do stupid things, Jefferson. You drive, I will do all the talking with this Emma Swan. I want you quiet while we are in her house. Understood?"

A nod was all he gave as he soon got into the vehicle, as Cora instructed him where to go so she could have a talk with James Nolan's daughter.

As Cora and Jefferson made their trip to see Emma, Regina was furious and needed to see why Daniel didn't show up again to meet her father. So she surprised him at the stables where he worked by showing up; taking him by surprise.

"Regina, please. I'll explain later, but you have to go. Someone could see you and tell your mother." the man pleaded.

"I don't care who sees anymore, Daniel! You stood me up. My father was expecting you." the vein in her forehead was about ready to pop as she grew angrier and angrier.

"I got held back again, that's all."

"Do you even want to be with me?" she asked bluntly.

Daniel couldn't believe what he was hearing, "How can you ask that? Of course I do."

It was then, Regina thought of something crazy, "Then, let's go. Right now, let's leave."

"Leave? Regina, you can't leave your family."

"All I want is to be with you. Please, Daniel, let's just take whatever money we have and get out of here. We could finally get married like we talked about."

It killed him to see her this tormented by them not being able to be together. He really wanted to be with her more than anything, so why not just leave? They could.

It was then that he pressed his lips onto her very own as confirmation that he was more than willing. But, all that was cut short at the sound of Robin's voice calling for Regina's name. Who knew his family owned those stables Daniel was working in. What were the odds, really?

Regina's face fell in shame and fear as she knew Robin would be informing Cora of what he had just witnessed.

Robin had a disgusted look on his face towards the brunette, "So this is why you are never interested in anyone. You settle for so little." he scoffed.

"Robin, please." Regina pleaded as Daniel stood practically frozen.

"And to think I was going to ask you to marry me tonight at your party. Now I'm glad I didn't." his eyes then fell on Daniel, "Keep her. I can get better."

Regina felt all her color being drained from her body as Robin walked away. She had to get home, she had to figure out what she was going to say to her mother. There was no way she could hide her relationship with Daniel anymore.

Emma and Graham were going through more paper work as a knock sounded at the door, which swung open to the sound of Emma's voice.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Em, but there's some people here to see you. Says her name is Cora Mills." Lily informed her friend, as Emma's eyes shifted towards Graham at the sound of their last name.

"I'll be right there. Have them wait for me in the living room, please." said the blonde.

"As you wish." was all Lily said as she closed the door to the office space.

"You think they're here for the deed?" Graham asked curiously.

"Without question."

Emma shot up from her seat as she walked her way into the living room, Graham following close behind.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting." Emma said as Cora and Jefferson's heads turned towards her, as they stood up to greet her.

Cora smiled, "Emma Swan, I presume?"

The blonde nodded, "That would be correct."

Emma could practically smell this woman's greed. She knew people well enough to know that Cora and Jefferson were cut by the same threat. She couldn't begin to understand how someone as beautiful as Regina could possibly be related.

"This is my son Jefferson. But, I also want to say how sorry I am to hear about your father's passing. He was a wonderful man."

This took the blonde by surprise, her eyebrows shot up to her hairline, "Wonderful? I'm sorry to argue with you on that one, Mrs. Mills, but I saw a whole nother side to him." Emma shot back, which Cora took notice as she cleared her throat before speaking again.

"Well… his passing was still a shame."

"If you say so." was all Emma could say about the woman's words. She kicked herself mentally for this sort of behavior, but she could clearly see how fake this woman was and people like her just made her sick to her stomach.

Cora showed some discomfort, but in no way showed fear towards the blonde's behavior, "Well, I won't take up much of your time, Ms. Swan. We are really here because I personally wanted to meet you and it seems my charming son, here, gave up a deed to our home, which you now own."

Emma's eyes looked directly into Cora's in that very moment, "And you want it back?"

The woman raised an eyebrow, "Well, it is ours-"

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but it was yours."

Emma could see that this woman wanted a challenge of a sort, which Emma was prepared to give with flying colors.

"Forgive me for being persistent, but what could you possibly want with a deed to our home?" asked the older woman.

Emma let out a chuckle, "Well, I can assure you, I don't want money."

Cora scoffed at the blonde's sudden attitude, no doubt she knew about their financial issues - everyone knew after all.

"Well, what exactly is it that you want, Ms. Swan?" she asked, fully prepared to make a deal if need be.

It was then, that the unexpected happened. Something completely took over Emma as her eyes grew more intense right before Cora's very eyes and the blonde only spoke one word.

"Regina."

The room grew quiet. Jefferson was dumbfounded, Graham's mouth literally dropped opened as Cora's skin went cold where she stood. She sure as hell wasn't prepared for this offer. And it really wasn't like Emma to make such an offer. But this woman had been getting under Emma's skin ever since she walked through that door, wanting to make the blonde feel like she was still a nobody just by her look alone. If there was one thing the blonde hated was snobby rich people who didn't know when to quit. That was who Cora was to her, someone who would manipulate you and throw you away afterwards. This angered Emma something fierce - she had to do better.

"Excuse me?" Cora's voice actually sounded surprised. Clear sign that Emma had won this round.

"Your daughter. I had the pleasure of meeting her once while I was in Chicago. She's very beautiful." the blonde voiced bluntly.

Graham's mouth remained opened in pure shock.

It was then, Cora let out a light laugh, not at Emma's proposition, but to the fact that someone like her would even dare to be interested in someone as classy as her daughter, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Ms. Swan, but I frankly don't think that Regina would be interested."

A brow quirked up from the blonde at the woman's words.

"Besides, she has a suiter. And he's exactly the kind of man I want for my daughter."

Emma's jaw practically tightened. But two could play that game.

A smirk formed on the blonde's lips, "And you're hoping he will save your family from misery."

Once again Cora's face lost its color. Another point for Emma.

"Your husband made trades with James, for years. You forget. I'm now on top of those trades. So now, you owe me money. Now, in order for him to help you; this suiter, you'd have to fill him in on everything. What do you think he will do once he finds out? I on the other hand, really want to get to know Regina."

This was definitely a very different Emma. The blonde knew she needed to play hard ball with this woman. Within the few minutes she has been talking to her, she knew that her only way to ever have a chance in getting to know Regina was to beat this woman. Even if she had to throw in some low blows. If Cora Mills only wanted the best for her daughter, she would get it. Emma was truly interested and she knew the only way Cora wouldn't opposed to Emma courting her was a money offer.

Cora spoke once she found her voice, "Let me see if I'm hearing this correctly. You want to buy my daughter's affection?"

"I'm trying to buy a chance. Let me be blunt, Mrs. Mills. I know what kind of woman you are, you only care about money, and I am very interested in your daughter. Better with me, who can help you, and make her happy, than with the first guy that you find charming for her."

The blonde was quick on her feet, Cora had to give her that. She was intrigued.

"And how exactly do you plan on helping us?" she asked.

"You allow me a chance with Regina, let me romance her, make her fall in love with me, and you can have your house back. And, why not? I'll pay off Jefferson's debts with Jones."

Emma was getting in too deep now, she knew that of course. But, for the first time ever Emma felt in control of something. She knew Cora couldn't turn her down. It was a rather tempting offer - even if it was the wrong way to do things.

Graham and Jefferson watched in awe as everything still took place.

"You would do all this just for my daughter?" asked Cora, fully surprised by Emma's offer.

"I warn you. If I know of anymore gambling debts from your son after these are payed off, he's on his own." Emma's eyes then shifted to Jefferson who just stood there quietly.

"I can assure you I will keep him in line." Cora assured the blonde.

"We have a deal, then?" Emma extended her hand before Cora, as Cora was quick to seal their deal with a handshake.

"You have yourself a deal. But, surely you don't expect me to just leave with a handshake, do you?"

Emma chuckled, practically hearing the woman's greed spill out of her voice. She walked back into her office quietly as she soon returned with a check with a more than generous amount already on it.

The woman's eyes were clear dollar signs as she held the check in her hands.

"Since, you are so interested in my daughter. I should tell you that I will be having a dinner party later tonight. At seven. I would be delighted if you could join us. Regina will be there, of course."

"I'll be there." Emma nodded.

"Splendid! We'll see you tonight." she glanced at her son, "Let's go Jefferson." soon she was out the door, but not before flashing a bright smile directly at Emma.

As the door sounded shut, Graham finally spoke, not at all happy by what he just witnessed, "What the hell was that? You just made a deal with the devil. That woman. Em, you don't know her like I do."

"That woman thought she had me all figured out, but I beat her to it. People like her have been stepping all over me my entire life. I had to show her who was better."

Graham scoffed, "Better? You have to wonder what kind of woman would sale her daughter for money. And, what does that make you for buying her? This isn't those times where you can just buy a person, Emma."

Realization finally hit her then and there. But, it was too late.

The blonde released a sigh, "It's not in my intention to buy anyone, Graham. I just want to get to know her. I am merely helping her, so she wouldn't say no to me meeting her and hopefully getting somewhere with her. That's all."

He could practically see the hope in Emma's eyes at seeing Regina again. She was head over heels, and it scared him that somewhere along the line she would get hurt because of it. But he wasn't about to leave her alone in all of this either.

"Well, if you are going to that party we have to get you a nice dress."