A/N: Thank you to arcoiris0502, trini12180, and guest for the reviews. I appreciate them. Thank you for the follows and favorites as well. Here is the next update.

Chapter 3

***Later That Day***

(Jason and Elizabeth have a heart-to-heart talk at Jake's while having a beer and eating supper)

Liz: "Thank you for suggesting this. I definitely needed it."

Jason: "Uh-oh. That bad at work?"

Liz: "Your mom was trying to show her authority around on a topic that doesn't concern her."

Jason: "Let me guess…me."

Liz: "Unfortunately, yes. I told her what she can do with her opinions. If she has anything to say, say it in private." (chuckles dryly) "She drew a small audience about how I can do better than you. That she thinks you can do better than Sonny."

Jason: "What am I going to do with her?"

(Elizabeth waves her hands)

Liz: "Screw her. Only what you think matters, Jayse. If you enjoy working for Sonny, stick with it. It sounds like he treats you well, too."

Jason: (nods) "He does, babe."

Liz: "Alan does not say much. I have spoken to him in the past."

Jason: "I have talked to dad. He does not come right out and say it, but he is neutral. He does not lecture me, but he also does not support me, either."

Liz: "And Lila? What is her point of view?"

Jason: "She loves me unconditionally. She feels bad that Monica treats me the way she does."

Liz: "Last but not least, Ned?"

Jason: "He is kind of like Alan. He does not really support me, but he is not going to give me a hard time on it, either."

Liz: "So, it's mostly Monica you have to put up with."

Jason: "Yes. I have been working for Sonny as long as I can remember." (sighs) "Bella, it is all I know. To be honest, I do not want to learn another profession. If it makes any sense, I get a thrill on catching the bad guys. Or the guy's Sonny and I feel are bad. Not only does Sonny pay me well, but he treats me like family." (chuckles dryly) "Better than the Quartermaine's do."

Liz: "You need to do what's right for you, babe. If working for Sonny pleases you and it thrills you, then stick with it. I have already told you how I feel on the subject." (smiles) "In my opinion, I say forget the Quartermaine's."

Jason: "I agree. Let us just concentrate on what is important. Which is us…and those that support our relationship and my career choice."

(Elizabeth smiles as they embrace and share a quick kiss on the lips)

***The Next Day***

(At ELQ, AJ is currently at his desk going through some paperwork when a tall, dark haired guy in jeans and black boots comes in)

Man: "We need to have a private word."

(AJ looks up to see the guy and rests his hands to his sides in defeat)

AJ: "Can't you see I am busy here? Can you come back later?"

Man: "You know that is not going to happen. You owe me money and its high time to pay up. You are way behind on your debts…" (serious tone) "…I'm not waiting any longer either, AJ."

(AJ sighs deeply as he tries to think before facing the guy in front of him)

AJ: I can only pay so much at a time. I do not have the money yet. I will in a few days, though, without the family knowing about it."

Man: "I cannot help but wonder how you are going to get the money. I know you are not going to ask mommy and daddy for a handout."

AJ: (scoffs) "Gee, whatever gave you that clue?" (sighs) "I have no other choice, but to go through the company to get the funds."

(AJ angrily points at the man in front of him)

AJ: "Thanks a lot for coming to my workplace. You DO know that I can get caught doing this or you could be seen, right? That is the last thing I need."

Man: "Not my problem. As soon as I get my money, I will be gone. You know that."

(After the man departs, AJ speaks aloud)

AJ: "If anyone knew what I was doing, ho ho ho, would I ever lose my golden boy lifestyle. I like that life, too."

(AJ sighs deeply under the palm of his connected hands and briefly closes his eyes)

AJ: "I know what I'm doing is wrong." (scoffs lightly) "Good God, is it wrong. But I just cannot give up my addiction."

(What AJ does not know is that Ned secretly installed a listening device in the office as he had his doubts that AJ was on the up and up…)

***Hours Later***

(While Ned is at his desk sitting down in his room, he is listening to what AJ said in the CEO office at ELQ. After hearing everything AJ admit to, Ned smirks)

Ned: "Got you, you asshole."

(Ned had hired Curtis Ashford, who is a PI, a while ago to investigate what AJ has been doing at ELQ. Ned hoped that he was wrong in his findings. He would find out shortly. Curtis arrives moments later and is directed up to Ned's bedroom. Curtis and Ned lie that they are just talking business so no one suspects anything. Once in Ned's bedroom, he shuts the door and they sit down by his desk)

Ned: "Please tell me I am wrong in what I heard AJ said, Curtis. I do not give a shit about AJ, but I know Alan and Monica will be devastated if what I think happened turns out to be the truth."

Curtis: (shakes his head) "Sorry, man, you are not wrong. AJ is stealing company funds to pay for his gambling addiction."

Ned: "Alright. Thanks, Curtis."

Curtis: "Anytime, Ned. Is there anything else that you need?"

Ned: "No, I am good. Thank you, though. I appreciate it."

(They shake hands and Curtis makes his exit)

Ned: (nods) "Now, it's time for the next step."

Chapter 3 Done

Thank you to those are kind in reviewing. Until next time.