xoxo
X
He can't stop thinking about her. Although they've broken up and gone their separate ways, he still cares about her wellbeing. After simmering with Ryan's words and coming to an understanding within himself, Fitz decides to visit Olivia.
They haven't spoken for some time, but he aches for her. He wants to see her, to hear her voice even if she doesn't feel the same way. With his motorcade traveling down the street towards her apartment, he mentally prepares himself for everything, inhaling and exhaling heavily.
The car stops, and the driver walks around to his door; however, when he opens the door, Fitz doesn't move. He can't. He's paralyzed, heart beating out of his chest, afraid to be in the vicinity of Olivia in a place where they made beautiful moments.
Lightheadedness ensues, mouth like sandpaper, hands trembling with trepidation as his foot taps a cadence on the matted car floor. He's taking too long but seeing her is a necessity. Heaving a deep sigh, he calms himself, making his way out of the car and into her building.
Danny walks ahead to check the open elevator to ensure there isn't anything detrimental inside. Once the coast is clear, he waves the president over, and steps over to the rear right corner as Fitz walks inside, followed by three other members of his security detail.
He reaches over and presses the button to her floor, and the doors close. He glances back at Danny, who gives him a firm nod signifying that he has this under control and that it'll be okay no matter the outcome. He reverts his attention to the opening doors with an imperceptible nod and a nervous smile, reaching her floor.
Fitz walks off the elevator, his security detail following suit. He reaches her door, knocking as his security detail gets in position, two by the elevator and two by the apartment door. He tucks his hands into his pocket as he waits, although he feels she won't answer.
He casts his gaze on the décor, feeling the hope he had coming here gradually diminishing. He turns to make his way back to the elevator, disappointed in himself for thinking that she'd answer, but the sound of her door unlocking and opening attracts his attention.
"Liv. Hi." His ceruleans meet her browns.
"What are you doing here, Fitz?" She asks, folding her arms across her chest and telling herself not to falter under his sudden appearance. "You're a long way from the White House."
"I know." And he does. "I wanted to see how you were doing since we haven't communicated."
"We don't need to communicate." A lie she tells herself. "We're broken up."
"I know that too."
She's curious, a bit irritated. "So why are you here? What do we have to talk about?"
"I'm here as a friend. I'm here because I miss you." He's honest, stepping closer to her. The magnetic pull between them is apparent.
"You seem to be doing just fine without me." Overwhelmed, she takes a step back. "You're in such a good place; let everyone else tell it."
"Just because I'm in a good place doesn't mean I don't care about you, Liv."
His words hit her like a ton of bricks. She casts her gaze on his with quivering lips, hairs on her arm standing up. There it is. It's a small sign of hope. It is a small sign that he still sees her for everything he once did when they were together. She wants to give in, let go, and release her worries onto him, but she's not right.
"You shouldn't care about me, Fitz. Haven't you heard? I'm the bad guy now." She laughs. "I ruined everyone's life, and now I'm paying the price."
"You didn't ruin my life." He admits. "You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm man enough to tell you that, although you probably don't want to hear it."
"You're right. I don't want to hear it." She sneers, feeling her walls cracking. "If I'm the best thing that ever happened to you, why is it so easy for you to move on? To ostracize me?"
Confusion. "Move on? Ostracize? We broke up, but I never told you to stop coming around. I never told you that I never wanted to see you again, nor did I lock you out from seeing me. That was you. You did this to yourself."
"And you let me!" She exclaims, stepping into his personal space.
"Because it's what you wanted!" He retorts, his voice coursing through the quiet hallway.
"You wanted out; I gave you an out. You want the White House; I'm not preventing you from claiming it. I wanted us to rule the world together, but you didn't want that. You wanted to make your path, and I understand. I want that for you too, but I was never stopping you from doing anything, so don't blame me."
She scoffs. "If it weren't for you suffocating me, maybe we wouldn't be here now." She attempts to hurt him with her words, unable to counter his.
"And maybe if you knew how to communicate properly, we could've solved our issues instead of doing what we always do." He retorts. "You aren't the victim in this situation, Liv. No one is. You're just as guilty as I am. The only difference is that I grew from my mistakes, and you can't seem to stop making them."
Olivia swallows hard, trembling with anger and yearning for him. Heated moments usually lead to a night filled with fire and passion, but this is different. He's standing tall in his demeanor, not backing down. No matter how hard she tries, Olivia can't push him away if she tries because he'll always come back, but she doesn't need him. Not when she's like this.
"You can judge me all you want, but it doesn't change that we're over." She steps back from him, releasing the pent-up breath trapped inside her throat. "You have Ryan now. You're better off without me."
"Ryan?" She can't be serious. "Ryan has nothing to do with you and me, Olivia."
"He has everything to do with us because he's . . ." She pauses for a moment, gazing into his eyes, knowing that what she's bound to say will only dig her grave deeper, but she doesn't care. She's already six feet under.
"He's doing everything I'm meant to do with the man I love and the friends I once had."
He can't believe her. "Ryan . . . my friend, is not at fault for any of your shortcomings, Olivia." His brows furrow. "You could be in the Oval Office with us, but you chose power over integrity."
She stares a hole through him. Although she deserves it for her recent actions, she didn't expect him to be so callous. Usually, Fitz cracks, but it's clear he changed, as everyone says.
"Who needs integrity when you have power?"
"Someone who doesn't understand that repercussions exist, and they come when you least expect it."
She chuckles arrogantly. "I am power, and I am repercussions." She spews. "So, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do, Mr. President."
She disappears into her apartment before he can utter a word, leaving him more confused about who she is. However, at least one thing is clear to him.
She still loves him.
X
Making his way to Abby's office, Ryan stuns in a gray Dolce & Gabbana Tulip-appliqué cape, paired with black Saint Laurent distressed skinny jeans and gray Dolce & Gabbana Grosgrain-bow velvet loafers. He carries a navy Bottega Veneta Intrecciato leather tote to match.
His phone rings, so with haste, he reaches into his bag and answers it when he sees it's his mother calling.
"Hi, mom. How are you?" He asks, stopping in the office doorway and signaling Abby's assistant with a nod. "I hope things are good in Paris."
"I'm good, baby. Paris is treating your mother right. How are you? I've heard many good things about you out here."
"You have?" He questions, moving to sit in the chair outside Abby's office door, crossing his legs. "And I'm good. It's been challenging, but nothing I can't handle."
"Of course, I have." She chuckles. "You're doing the damn thing, and I'm proud of you. When I had you, I knew that greatness would follow."
He smiles. "Thank you, and you did. That was your favorite thing to say when I was growing up; that greatness would follow, and I can honestly say that it helped shape the person I am today."
"I wanted you to know that the world was your oyster." She's sincere. "I didn't want you to grow up chained up and kept in a box. I wanted my baby to be free to make mistakes, have fun, and live the best life he's ever dreamed of, and you are. You're experiencing the beauties that life has to offer."
"I am, and it's all thanks to you." He chuckles. "You kept me close, but you still allowed me to venture off. You allowed me to fail. You never chastised me, but instead, you commended me for showing courage." He smiles.
"You're an amazing mother, and I'm grateful for the love and life lessons you've bestowed upon me."
"You're welcome, baby. I just wanted you to have a mother you can look up to." She chuckles. "A mother you can be proud of."
"I am proud. Very proud."
"Thank you." She chuckles. "So, when am I going to see you again? I miss you."
"I can come today." Rising to his feet. "We can do dinner. Me, you, and dad. I have some business to handle first."
"Perfect." She's excited. "I'll see you soon, baby. I love you."
"I love you, too, mom. See you soon."
Ending the call, he knocks on Abby's office door before entering, making his way over to her desk with a smile. He sets his bag on the desk and helps himself to a seat.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
"You're good." She's happy to see him. "Before I get into the agenda today, how are you?"
"I'm good." A nod. "Ready to see what task we have to complete today. How are you?"
"How are you not bothered by Eli practically stalking you?" She inquires, chuckling. "And I'm good. I talked with David."
"He's alone in a world that devours the lonely. There's nothing to fear." He laughs. "And you did?" He raises a brow, leaning over the desk. "How'd it go?"
She laughs at his remark. It's true. "It went well. We will take it slow and see where it takes us."
"Good." He smiles. "So, what's on the to-do list?"
"You have to go on The Pryce is Right and speak about the Grant Foundation, president's orders."
He folds his arms across his chest. "Why me?"
"Because you were the one to open his eyes regarding the inequalities and inconsistencies we're facing as a nation." She informs. "If you hadn't spoken up about the corruption, racism, and flawed judicial system, we'd still be far behind. It's only right that you do it."
He takes a moment to think about it, gaze wandering around the office. Abby's right, it makes perfect sense, and if this can help push equality and fairness forward, he's all in. Scoffing in amusement, he focuses on her, interlacing his fingers together.
"Of course, I'll do it. It gives me a chance to ruffle some conservative feathers."
X
Olivia gazes out her apartment window, dressed in a yellow Sara Battaglia Single-breasted cape-back wool blazer with navy blue Prada pants and red Prada pumps. She turns her attention to her white Prada bag sitting on the table with her arms folded, wondering where Jake is and why he hasn't called.
After her conversation with Fitz, Olivia needs a fix, not for some company but work. She's come this far, and there's no turning back now, not for her. With so many difficult decisions piling up daily, her father pressuring her about Ryan, and Mellie's campaign becoming a laughing stock, she's overwhelmed in the worst way possible.
Command isn't as easy as she had hoped.
She takes a moment to think about the possibilities of her working alongside Fitz in the oval again. It's magical, unstoppable even, but this pleasant daydream is only a momentary weakness that she compartmentalizes when she hears a knock at her door. Finally.
She sighs and walks over to the door and opens it, allowing Jake inside before closing the door behind him. He approaches her, thinking what she wants is a good time, but she holds a hand up to stop him.
"How can I be Command?"
"What do you mean?" He asks, stepping back.
"The job. It requires too many animalistic qualities, and I'm overwhelmed." She admits. "This isn't what I expected it to be."
"You had to expect something if you were so adamant on being command in the first place, Liv."
"I know."
"So, what's the issue here? You do want to be command? You do want the power that comes with it, right?"
"Yes." She answers without hesitation.
"Then be command." He tucks his hands into his coat pockets. "Stop thinking with emotions and start thinking with your monster. It's the only way you'll be successful."
Her brows furrow. "How can I do that?"
"Stop giving a shit about what people think of you and what decisions you made to get here and instead think about how you're going to change the world."
She nods, exhaling softly. "I have to be smart prey."
"You have to be smart prey."
"Okay." She walks to the window. "I need a way to prop Mellie to the forefront of her competition, but we need it to look natural. She doesn't know about B613, and I would love to keep it that way." She turns to face him. "Find me everything you can about Senator Goldman. Everyone has a weakness. Let's exploit that."
"Right away, boss."
X
After the heartwarming conversation with his mom, Ryan finally arrives in Paris courtesy of President Grant allowing him to use the presidential jet after briefly catching up with Abby. He spent the entire flight reviewing his notes for his interview with Curtis Pryce, host of The Pryce of Power regarding the Grant Foundation, but now that he's away from D.C., work is no longer a priority.
Without having time to change, his chauffeur drives him directly to the Le vent d'Armor: his mom and dad's favorite restaurant. He's thrilled to see them. He hasn't seen his mother since he left for D.C., and he hasn't seen his father for almost a year due to him being away for work, but they're finally able to spend time together, which warms his heart.
Arriving at the restaurant, the chauffeur brings the car to a stop before getting out and making his way over to the passenger side door, opening it for Ryan, who grabs his bag off the floor and gets out of the car.
"Thanks, Jim." He smiles, reaching into his back pocket, pulling out one thousand dollars, and tucking it into Jim's lapel. "I'll be about two hours. So, go and enjoy yourself until then."
"Right away, sir." He smiles. "Thank you, sir." As Ryan enters the restaurant, he closes the car door and proceeds to the driver's side.
With a smile, he walks with a purpose toward his parent's table, noticing them upon entry. To see them smiling back at him is rewarding. He missed them dearly. And although they can't spend as much time as they would like with one another due to work, it will still be worthwhile.
On cue, Ryan's parents stand to greet their son. Maya stuns in a black Versace draped leather mini dress and black Christian Louboutin Raynibo crystal-embellished suede stiletto sandals. And to complement the look is her Tiffany and Co. bracelet and ring with her hair draped perfectly over her right shoulder.
Donovan is tall, dark, and handsome. Alluring brown eyes, golden-brown skin, captivating smile, short and tailored dark hair. He's everything Maya looks for in a man. He's dressed in a grey and white pinstriped Paul Smith Soho wool, mohair-blend suit, and black Gucci Vernice patent-leather derby shoes complimenting his soon-to-be wife.
He walks around the table and pulls Ryan into a fatherly hug.
"I missed you so much, son." He's sincere.
"I missed you too, dad." He reciprocates the hug. "It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too." He smiles, releasing the hug but keeping his hands on Ryan's shoulders. "I'm glad you could make it."
Ryan chuckles. "I wouldn't miss it." He casts his gaze on Maya. "Hi, mom." He moves to give her a comforting hug which she reciprocates. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you, baby." She smiles. "I'm just trying to keep up with you."
"Nonsense." He chuckles, taking his seat at the table, Maya and Donovan following suit. "If it weren't for the both of you, my style would be less than stellar."
Both Maya and Donovan laugh. "So, how's D.C. been treating you, son?" Donovan asks. "And I hope you don't mind us ordering for you. We didn't think you'd make it on time."
"It's okay. I would've done the same." He smiles, emitting a sigh. "D.C. has been wonderful. Going back was the best decision, so thank you, Mom, for giving me that push."
"Of course, baby." She smiles, taking a sip of her wine. "Have you had any run-ins with Eli and his spawn yet?"
"I did." He nods. "Eli wants me gone. He attempted to bribe Abby, which failed. And I did have my run-ins with Olivia. She wants me gone too, but only because of Eli."
Donovan takes a sip of his whiskey. "Using his daughter to make you disappear is insane. That's hatred."
"He doesn't hate Ryan. He hates me." Maya informs. "It's simple. I ran off with you and had Ryan while still being married to him."
"Why not get a divorce?" Ryan inquires.
"Because he doesn't want one." She sets her glass down. "Eli Pope ain't nothing but a lonely old man, clinging onto his daughter in hopes of filling a void inside of him that I created when I left."
He raises a brow. "Why did you leave?"
"Because he wanted me to." She leans over the table.
"With Eli and I still being married legally, it gives him hope that there's still a chance for us when baby, there ain't no chance in hell. His ideologies are twisted and corrupt, and he has no idea what love is. So, why would I stick around to see him ruin himself and our daughter?"
"Makes sense, but with Olivia being family, why not save her from him?"
"Because she doesn't need saving, according to her." She answers truthfully. "To her, I'm the bad guy, courtesy of Eli manipulating her to think so. So it makes sense that she's gunning for you." She leans back in her chair, grabbing her glass of wine.
"Does she know you're related?"
"Not yet."
"Why not?" Donovan asks, his brows raised.
"My existence bothers them, so they're bound to play every card in their arsenal to remove me." A sigh. "Once they're all out of cards, that's when I'll make it known. Eli knows this. I told him that he should tell Olivia before I do; otherwise, it won't end well for him."
"It sure won't." Maya shakes her head. "Not with that woman having that much power at her disposal."
"How does Olivia not know that you're related?" Donovan asks. "That's the only thing I'm unclear about."
"That's simple." He answers. "My file is empty. The only public information is my work and the extent of my influence. This aspect allows me to remain untethered. There's no information on my residence, family, nothing. I don't exist outside of those two things."
"On top of that." Maya continues. "Eli has Olivia trapped in his web, ostracizing her from society, the truth, and herself. Not to mention our son is exceedingly good at what he does."
He smiles, grabbing his wine glass and raising it. "I learned from the best."
Donovan hums. "I get it. If Olivia finds out you're Olivia's half-brother, Eli loses his saving grace."
"Exactly," Ryan nods. "And without his saving grace . . ."
"He's just a lonely soul searching for a fix," Donovan states, folding his arms.
He takes a sip of wine. "Precisely."
"So, once all this blows over and the explosion comes, what do you plan to do, son?"
"I plan on continuing my work in D.C." He answers. "I also plan on being there for Olivia when she falls because that time is approaching."
"And you're okay with that, sweetheart?" Donovan asks Maya, reaching over and taking her hand in his.
"Of course, I am. I don't hate Olivia. I hate that she's become this replica of the man she despises the most." She's truthful.
"My poor girl never had a chance to live the life she deserves, and with Ryan there, it's pulling on that insecurity. And the thing about it is he's the bridge to help her piece everything back together. Imagine them two on the same side. Those turncoats in D.C. wouldn't stand a damn chance."
Ryan chuckles. "Exactly. It's why Eli wants us apart."
"Too damn bad his clock is ticking." Maya laughs, causing Donovan to laugh as well.
Ryan takes a sip of wine, smiling.
"Tick. Tock."
X
The Oval Office is buzzing with positivity as Fitz and Cyrus discuss the Grant Foundation. They're both excited for this upcoming journey and ready to depart from the White House. It's toxic, and although they're doing their best to wade through the hindrances, it's time to move on for good.
Sitting across from one another, Fitz and Cyrus go over their notes thus far while also thinking ahead.
"Have you found a location, sir?" Cyrus asks, glancing up at him from his to-do list.
"We need a solid location for the foundation so that you can get straight to work on the off-chance you don't want to take a break when you leave here."
"A break isn't needed," Fitz assures. "I do, however, have a few in mind located in the downtown area."
"Remaining close to the White House is a smart move."
"A convenient one, too." He chuckles. "I'll have my decision made once Ryan handles Curtis Pryce because that's the next step in our push for equality."
"Do you think he'll be able to handle himself if things go left?" Cyrus inquires, setting his folder onto the coffee table. "Because you know just as much as I do that national television is a nightmare if you don't know the political game."
"I do." He confirms. "I think he's the only one of us that could handle the situation seeing as he is a black man. It would sound forced and disingenuous coming from one of us. Although we hear about these issues and can understand them from a listening perspective, we haven't lived a life of discrimination. It was still easy for us, even with our hard work."
Cyrus nods in agreement. He's proud of Fitz. After all the trials and tribulations throughout his presidency, Fitz shows his dedication and desire to want what's right. This push for equality was the final act of his duties as a president, and he wasn't going to let anyone stand in the way of that, no matter how challenging it may be.
"I couldn't agree more, sir." A nod. "Moving on from the foundation talk, have you-?"
Charlotte enters the office, cutting his question short.
"Mr. President, Mellie Grant is here to see you." She informs.
"Send her in." He reverts his attention to Cyrus. "Get me Curtis Pryce's file. I would like to see what this man is about. There have also been whispers regarding one of our senators gunning for the Oval Office employing illegal tampering with the voting system. Find out all you can."
"Right away, sir." He nods, grabbing his folder from the coffee table and exiting the office as Mellie enters. The two don't acknowledge one another.
"Mellie." Fitz rises to his feet to greet her. "What brings you here?"
"I needed a friend, and I felt it would be impersonal if I just called." She admits, extending a hand out to him.
He chuckles, shaking her hand, motioning her to take a seat on the couch which she does. He moves over to the crystal decanter, twisting off the lid.
"Scotch?"
She smiles. "If you don't mind."
"Okay. So, tell me what's wrong." He grabs the decanter and pours them a glass.
"It must be serious if you came all this way." He sets the decanter down, handing her a glass while joining her on the couch.
"Thank you." She takes a sip, coughing as the burn fills her throat before fading into a rich smoothness. "I hate how you still drink this."
He chuckles, taking a small sip. "I'm not surprised. You never really had any taste."
"I had to have taste in something if I was married to you, right?" She asks, casting her gaze on him with a smile.
He laughs. "Good point. So, what's wrong?" He's here to listen, and she doesn't beat around the bush.
"Well, aside from not having any faith in winning this race to the White House, I'm worried about her, Fitz." She takes another sip of scotch, this time relishing the subtle burn.
"She doesn't think I notice, but she's different and not in a normal way for Liv. She's cold, distant. I'm not sure if she's sleeping or eating because it doesn't seem like it." She sighs faintly.
"I think this whole race is her entire life now. It's supposed to be fun, hardworking, but fun. There's no joy. Not for me anyway." She downs the rest of her scotch.
He raises a brow. "And you wanted me to talk to Olivia about this?"
"No. That's not your job." She huffs. "I just needed to vent and ask for advice on what to do."
"Talk to her and express how you feel. Regardless of whether it changes anything, at least she'll know, and if she decides to act accordingly, things can move forward because she is doing good work, right?"
"She's doing amazing work. I wouldn't be this far if it weren't for her." She's honest, emitting a soft sigh. "She's always right."
"Just because she's always right doesn't mean you have to sit on the sidelines like an ornament. This campaign is yours, and if you feel a certain way about anything, speak up. That includes your worrying."
"I guess you're right; otherwise, what did we get this far for?" She chuckles, slightly embarrassed. "Is this how it was when she was with you?"
"Yeah." A nod. "She's bossy. Always has been, always will be."
She smiles. "Do you still love her?"
"I do." He answers truthfully. "There's not one person I love more than her."
"Good." She smiles. "She needs that."
X
Arriving at the United States Capitol building, Olivia walks down a crowded hallway towards the elevator with determination, heels tapping quickly over the marble floors carrying her Prada bag in one hand and a black folder in the other. After her brief conversation with Jake, he did the job and delivered what she needed. A way in.
Pressing the button to the elevator, she waits a few moments until it arrives on her floor. A small ding fills the large lobby, and she walks on after letting everyone off, pressing the button to the fifth floor. Her adrenaline is pumping with excitement. Work is what she needs, especially when her mind is on Fitz.
The elevator reaches her desired floor. As soon as the doors open, she proceeds down the hallway to Senator Goldman's office: Mellie's most robust competition in the race to be president. Her lips hold a faint smile and her eyes are darker than usual. She's not here to play. He walks out as she approaches his office door, noticing her immediately.
"Ah, Ms. Pope." He extends a hand. "I believe this is our first-time meeting in person."
"Senator Goldman." She shakes his hand. "Can I have a word, please?"
"I was on my way to lunch, but I can see you for a few moments." He flashes a smile, opening the door to his office.
With a nod, she enters the office, and he follows suit, closing the door behind him.
"So, how may I help you today?" He asks, tucking his hands into his pockets.
She wastes no time. "I need you to drop out of the race."
He bursts into laughter. "I get it now. Your candidate will lose, so you came here to convince me to drop out, am I right?"
"Yes." She laughs along with him, "but I won't have to do much convincing, seeing as you have a plethora of skeletons in your closet. All of these will come out if you disobey my orders."
"Ms. Pope. As beautiful as you are intelligent, your soul is so dark. To come in here threatening me as if you-"
She raises a hand to stop him. "Let's not do all of that." Holding up the folder. "You see this folder in my hand, correct?"
"Correct."
"Good, you're paying attention." A sly smile. "The entire time I've had this folder in plain sight, you have yet to ask me what's inside it. How about you ask what's inside of it."
His gaze drifts to the folder and then to her hungry eyes.
"What's inside the folder, Ms. Pope? Probably nothing." He quips.
"Inside this folder lies very disturbing and explicit pictures and videos of you doing inexplicable things to children below the legal age limit." She holds the folder out to him. "Take a look."
He snatches the folder from her, making her chuckle, looking inside it. She can see his heart drop and his expression change within seconds. He's not so confident now.
"How did you - what do you want?" He hastily closes the folder, gazing at her. "I worked hard to get where I am, and I-"
"I don't care how hard you worked." She steps closer to him. "You're a pedophile. Some would call you a child pornographer or a child rapist. Either way, you're a disgusting human being and don't deserve to be in this position of power. So, I'm going to give you a choice. Choice one, you drop out of the race, or everyone around the globe will know of your crimes. Choice two, refer to choice one."
"You're bluffing. You don't have the guts!" He sneers, throwing the folder to the floor.
"Who am I?"
"What?"
"Who. Am. I?"
He answers. "Olivia Pope."
"And what do I do, Senator Goldman?"
"I'm sorry?"
"What. Do. I. Do?" She asks, picking the folder off the floor. "Easy question. Three seconds."
"I-"
"Times up. I make presidents. I also ruin men and women like you who abuse their power to reach a plateau they would've never reached. You are corrupt, as are your morals; therefore, you must face the music as a disgusting menace to society. So, I'll count to three. One, two,"
"Okay, okay! I'll step down if you assure me this doesn't come up. Please, I'll do anything." He pleads.
"Of course, you will." She smiles, pulling out her phone and dialing up Jake. It rings twice before he answers.
"What's the plan?"
"Release the information to the press. The world needs to know about Senator Goldman's sick and twisted behavior."
"Consider it done." He ends the call.
"What did you do?!" Goldman exclaims, eyes filled with fear.
"I made sure everyone knows the kind of monster you are." She chuckles.
"That was the only option. I would never allow someone as disgusting as you to reap the benefits of being in this position that now belongs to my candidate and me. So, thank you. You made this easy for me. You put up a good fight."
Olivia departs from the office before Goldman can speak, dropping the envelope in the hallway as his colleagues approach. His dirty deeds are swarming every news station known to man, and she's proud. Mellie will be sworn in within no time, thanks to her, Olivia Pope, the smart prey with nine lives.
She wins.
X
Back in D.C., after spending some much-needed quality time with his parents, Ryan arrives at his apartment building courtesy of his chauffeur. Bringing the car to a stop, Tim gets out and makes his way over to the passenger side door, opening it for Ryan, who gets out of the vehicle. Tim retrieves Ryan's luggage from the trunk while he relishes being back home.
He's refreshed and ready to be back at work, more prepared than ever for his interview with Curtis Pryce. A lot is riding on this, and if he fails, it can lead to the demise of the Grant Foundation, so he didn't have time to waste or games to play.
"Here you are, Ryan," Tim announces, rolling over his luggage with a smile.
"Thanks, Tim." He smiles, grabbing the luggage handle. "I left a nice tip for you in the glove compartment. I appreciate you for driving me around."
"Not a problem." He nods, closing the passenger side door. "You have my number if you ever need a lift anywhere." He smiles.
"I do. Have a good one." He waves him off, entering the building to the elevators, pressing the button to call it.
It takes a short while, but it finally arrives at the lobby. When the doors open, Ryan allows the few people to walk off before he walks on, pressing the button to his floor. His phone rings. The ringtone lets him know it's Danny calling, so he answers it with a smile.
"Something tells me you knew I was back." He chuckles.
"Not at all." He laughs. "Just a coincidence. How are you? How was the trip?"
"I'm good." He smiles. "And the trip was lovely. It was nice seeing my parents. How are you?"
"That's good. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I'm good – happy you're back."
He raises a brow, a soft blush forming on his cheeks. "Aw, you missed me?"
"I did."
"I missed you, too." He departs from the elevator when the doors open, walking toward his apartment, his cheeks flushed with blush. "I missed you a lot."
"Yeah? We should do dinner soon." He suggests. "Because I know you got me something from Paris."
Ryan bursts into laughter. "I would like that. How's-?"
"Hello, Ryan," Jake greets him, standing in front of his apartment, pointing a gun at him with a shaky hand.
Ryan stops in his tracks, emitting a sigh.
"Ryan? Is everything okay?" Danny asks.
"Everything is fine." He assures. "If you're free after my interview on The Pryce of Power, we can do lunch instead."
"Perfect. I'll see you then."
Ryan smiles. "Okay, talk soon." He ends the call, folding his arms across his chest and tilting his head slightly to the left.
Jake approaches Ryan, aiming the gun at him. "Olivia can't find out I was the one that tipped off Mellie. So, consider this me cutting all loose ends."
"If you're going to shoot me, Mr. Ballard. Please make sure you shoot to kill."