A/N: Thank you to arcoiris0502 and trini12180 for the reviews and to everyone for the favorites/follows. I appreciate it. Yesterday was a busy day. I apologize for not updating. Hope you enjoy today's update.

Chapter 4

***The Next Day***

(Ned goes to Jason's penthouse and knocks on the door. Jason answers it)

Jason: "Ned, hi. This is a surprise. What can I do for you?"

Ned: "Can I come in? What I must tell you, I do not want prying ears."

Jason: (nods) "Yeah, no problem."

(Jason and Ned sit down on the couch where Jason gives Ned his full attention)

Jason: "So, what is going on, Ned? What you have to say…it sounds major."

Ned: "I'll let the recorder speak for itself."

Jason: (confused) "Recording? Who is it about?"

Ned: "Hear it for yourself and all will be revealed."

(Ned takes out his cell phone and presses play)

***Tape Recorder***

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

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

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

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 be asking mommy and daddy for money."

AJ: (scoffs) "Gee, whatever gave you that clue?" (sighs) "I have no other choice but to go through the company to get the funds. Thanks a lot for coming to my workplace. You DO know that I can get caught doing this or you can be seen, right? That is the last thing I need."

Man: "As soon as I get my money, I will be gone. You know that."

(Door closes)

AJ: "If anyone knew what I was doing, ho, ho, ho, would I ever lose my golden boy lifestyle. I like that life, too." (sighs deeply) "I know what I am doing is wrong. Good God, is it wrong. But I just cannot give up my addiction."

***Tape Recording Stops***

(Ned stares at Jason, who just has a shocked face! Wow! Jason clears his throat as he spoke)

Jason: "So, all of this time, AJ has been stealing company funds for his addiction?" (scoffs) "I cannot believe it as AJ always put himself on a pedestal. Not to mention Alan and Monica put him there, too."

Ned: "Jason, AJ does not deserve to be the 'Golden Boy.' Nor does he deserve to be CEO of ELQ. AJ is going down. My question is, do you want in on it?"

(Jason looks away as he ponders his thoughts before coming to a decision)

Jason: "I think I am going to stay out of this one. But, thank you."

Ned: "While I understand that, Jason, remember…AJ and the rest of the Quartermaine's, minus Lila, always put you down. That is not right."

Jason: (shrugs) "What about you? I know that you are not the happiest with my lifestyle."

Ned: "That may be true, but it is your life and your decision. I am not Monica."

(Jason nods and smiles in response)

Jason: "Thank you. As for AJ, you are right. He needs to be knocked down."

(Ned and Jason shake hands before Jason leaves)

***Later***

(At Elizabeth's studio, Jason updates his girl on what is going on with AJ and Ned's involvement regarding the recording)

Liz: (gasps) "Are you freaking serious? So, AJ is not the innocent bystander he claims to be?"

Jason: (smiles) "Nope. I wonder how Alan and Monica are going to react when they hear it?"

Liz: (smirks) "I want front row seats to that party, Morgan. Monica, Alan, and Edward will be in for a shock."

***The Next Day***

(While at Jason's penthouse, Ned, Jason, and Elizabeth discuss AJ and the Quartermaine's)

Jason: "So, you will be playing the recording at the party the Quartermaine's are throwing?"

Ned: (nods) "Yes." (rolls his eyes) "Monica insisted on throwing a party to celebrate how AJ is doing at ELQ."

Liz: (scoffs) "Great, my ass! That asshole needs to be knocked down a few pegs. As for Monica, after hearing the recording, she will know what her son is truly like."

Jason: "AJ will be outed finally and all will be out in the open."

Ned: "I can't wait for the secret to come out…at long last."

Liz: (curiously) "I can't help but wonder how long he's been stealing from the company?"

Ned: "I am going to have Curtis investigate it. For as long as I can remember, AJ has been the CEO. I would not be surprised, with his addiction, he has been stealing all along."

Jason: "Yeah, but what is his addiction? Just so we can say with concrete proof."

Ned: "I had Curtis go back a few weeks, so I was able to hear what kind of addiction. It is not a drinking problem. As he is usually sober." (nods) "Jason, your brother has a gambling addiction."

Liz: "Do we know how much he's stolen so far from the company?"

Ned: "I did not think I needed to look at the books as AJ was supposed to be this 'great' CEO. But, after I heard the recording, I was able to sneak into ELQ after hours and get the books. I will go through them more tonight in better detail. However, it looks like, around $50,000."

Liz: (wide-eyed) "How can anyone not see what AJ is doing?"

(Ned purses his lips together and shrugs)

Ned: "Simple. They trust him."

(Jason scoffs as he shakes his head)

Jason: "Not for long. After the way he has acted towards me for years, I would love to wipe that smile off his face."

Ned: (smiles) "You will, Jason."

Liz: "When is the party?"

Ned: "Two nights from now. Which gives me perfect time to dig into the company books and see just how much our buddy AJ has taken."

(Jason slowly nods as he spoke)

Jason: "When you confront the son of a bitch at the party, I'm doing the same."

Ned: "I would expect nothing less. He has treated you like shit for years."

Liz: "After you two confront the jackass, I'm confronting mama Quartermaine about how she treats people."

Jason: (smirks) "You want a front row seat to my showdown. I want a front row seat to yours."

(Ned cannot help the laugh from escaping his mouth before he says his goodbyes and leaves. Jason and Elizabeth embrace)

***The Next Night***

(Jason goes to the Quartermaine mansion. Alice answers and greets Jason)

Alice: "Hello, Mr. Morgan. What brings you by?"

Jason: "Is my grandmother, Lila, around?"

Alice: "Yes, she is. She is in the garden admiring all the beautiful flowers."

Jason: (grins) "That sounds like Lila."

(Jason goes past the living room and the porch to see his grandmother in her wheelchair admiring her garden)

Jason: "You do love your garden, don't you, grandmother?"

Lila: "Jason! Hello, dear. Yes, I do."

(Jason kisses Lila's cheek before bending down to her level)

Lila: "How are you doing, my sweet grandson?"

Jason: "I'm okay."

(He briefly looks down and sighs)

Jason: "I'd be better if Monica and Alan accepted me and my life."

Lila: "Jason, dear, it does not matter whether Monica and Alan accept your working for Sonny. Do YOU like it? Does it make YOU happy?"

Jason: (nods) "Yes, grandmother, it does. I have never wanted to be a doctor. It sounds boring as hell. I respect their career choice. It would be nice if they could respect mine."

Lila: "Parents will not always support their children's career choices. Just remember, though." (smiles) "You know I support you 100% and love you."

Jason: (chuckles) "I always knew I could count on you to truly be on my side."

Lila: "And Elizabeth? How is she?"

Jason: (laughs) "She is still a firecracker and I love that about her."

Lila: "I know you two have been best friends for years. I think you recently mentioned you just started a relationship, correct?"

Jason: (nods) "Yeah, we did. I do not know what I would do without her."

Lila: "I am so happy for you, dear. I have always loved Elizabeth and the fact that she does not take crap from anyone."

Jason: "Yeah, I love that about her." (sighs) "I'm still working on that myself."

Lila: "You will get there, sweetie. You have been treated horribly for years by your own family. When the time is right, you will do what is right."

Jason: (sighs) "I know Alan is neutral and grandfather is with Monica when it comes to my life."

Lila: "Jason, honey, you stay true to who you are. Do not take crap from anyone. The next time will come when you put those people in their place. And I, for one, cannot wait to see it."

Jason: (to himself) "It'll happen sooner than you think, grandmother." (normal tone) "Thank you. I love you."

Lila: "I love you, too, Jason."

(Jason kisses Lila's forehead and hugs her before making his exit)

Chapter 4 Done