Okay. Theodore understood nothing. Blackmail- especially to this degree- was harsh. Though what did it have to do with the Grey's? What hadn't Christian informed them of?

Apparently it had everything to do with them. Ana almost had her own attack, keeling over painfully. Never had she been accused of being remotely unattractive but now... God. Her features twisted violently.

This affected Mr. Grey immensely.

"Your presence is bothering my wife. Get on with it."

Elena Sr. nodded as the band strummed some original jazz tune. It was then several waiters approached, offering D'oeuveres. Once they left, the blonde continued:

"Hyde believes blackmailing me into some sort of... job advancement... would guarantee his immediate release."

Christian gritted his teeth, hanging on every word.

"Is that so? Well, you can tell Jack the slip-up we had together and that detrimental mistake involving Anastasia... He can rot in there forever. As far as I'm concerned, you should do the same."

Elena Sr. gasped, utterly affronted.

"Why would you say something so cruel? I've known you since you were fifteen."

"Yes. Something I'd like to forget; Acting as a viable mother hen won't take back what you costed our estate."

A moment of silence commenced, though he went on:

"How did that conjugal visit even happen? Hyde was part of my buisness affairs, not yours."

Elena cleared her throat.

"Fate, I suppose. Shortly after we... Um... Met for the last time about Ana's first pregnancy... He'd reached out to some of my colleagues thinking it linked you and I together."

"How? We'd put him behind bars by then."

"Despite being 'Royally Fucked' as he stated, there were prisoners that were willing to professionally case each and every collected call, in trade for future benefits."

Hmm. Even from Teddy's side he could surmise things were strange. Both parents had been somewhat close with Hyde and Lincoln. Then this shit with imprisonment-

Idly, he became aware of Elena Jr's exposed thigh through the gowns slit rubbing against his clothed limb. Good God. What was this electrifying sensation he felt now? Barely managing to pull out of said reverie again, Theodore heard:

"So, what you're saying is you want to join forces essentially?"

Elena Lincoln nodded, boring dark eyes on Christian once more.

"Indeed. Know I nearly costed your family everything, though I'd be more reliable as a business partner... I do have connections, after all. Could aid in hiring more associates."

At this, Teddy eyed his sister who also looked quite interested. Was that the surprise she talked about earlier?