Chapter Two Hundred and Fifty One - Father and Son

I could kiss the ground Mr. Knox walks on but I settled with writing him a six figured cheque, which had his eyes almost popping out of his head.

I know this won't do much to appease Adian and his father but securing their assets and keeping it out of Amelia's dirty, greedy paws, is enough.

Mr. Knox warned me about her trying to get back with my father upon his release and advised me against signing anything over to him, because she's already lost Adian's support. She had hoped after marriage, her bad boy son, will take me to the edge and topple me, when in fact the opposite happened.

Adian signed over everything at Sullaknights to me and I want to believe it's also for safe keeping, since on one brought it up before, I'll keep that between us and out of my father's hands, should he fall into Amelia's trap once again.

When Adian didn't answer his phone after two attempts, I dialed Basil, worried that their board meeting ran overtime because of problems.

All we have to do, is present a united front to the board and allow me to recommend Adian for the position he's been working towards, in order to continue elevating Knights Foundation.

"Hailey," Basil answers with a low grunt.

"What are you doing?" I couldn't help being suspicious at his grunting sounding.

Hearing him snicker, "what do you think, I'm doing?" He responds mockingly.

Huffing, "you really want me to answer that with your girlfriend giving me a funny look?" I couldn't help jibing at him.

After a short pause, "okay, so what I'm doing is dragging your drunk husband's ass to the car," he chuckles at my gasp.

"I'll meet you home then," I responded quickly, already packing up my desk.

"No, no," Basils stops me, "Ryan's on his way," he added but it won't make a difference because my mind would be on Adian. "Just stay put and help Ryan out with something he's coming with and we'll spin back for you." he adds before hanging up, without hearing me say, take care of Adian.

At least I trust Basil to take care of Adian so I shouldn't worry but I can't help it and I will worry until I actually see him.

Mel who had been listening to my side of the conversation came to sit in front my desk, "what's going on?" She frowns.

Shrugging, "other than your boyfriend is dragging my drunk husband to his vehicle and Ryan's coming over to give me more work, I have no idea what to think and for the first time since..." I paused, lowering my eyes on the desk, unable to finish my sentence.

"Come," Mel touched my shoulder gently, "I think it's time I shared something with you," she says gently.

Since I didn't have a choice, I followed Mel to the sitting area of my office where Gerard and Basil would normally sit and observe, without actually looking. As unnerving as it is, I've gotten accustomed to them being around and when, they're not, I miss them.

Seated opposite Mel, I wait for her to share whatever she feels the need to share with me.

"When Bas and I got together it was after I was beaten badly by Gary in front of Kristen because of my pregnancy. She didn't want me having a child for Gary." Mel says softly with her eyes downcast.

Gasping at her soft confession, "what?" I asked, getting out of my seat and moving to sit on the armrest of the sofa she sat on. "I'm sorry... I.. ah... I.." I stammered in shock at her admission and couldn't help the tears that flowed, not because of my pain but because of someone who lost a child she wanted, just as I secretly wanted mines but was afraid to show it.

Reaching out, she pats my hand that's resting on her shoulder, "don't worry, you don't have to say it, I understand you care." She whispers. "But I don't want to forget him or her and I have no one to talk to and it's not as if it's Bas." She continued and yes, I do understand because Adian and I haven't discussed it, even though we both experience the loss.

Pulling her head against the side of my chest, "we can talk to each other," I offered.

Nodding against my chest, "yeah we should, over some beers," she chuckles when we hear a knock against my door.

Leaving Mel on the sofa, I wiped my eyes rapidly before opening my door, giving Ryan a small smile.

With a grim expression, he walks in a bit unsteadily giving me a slight nod.

Is he drunk? Was the meeting that bad?

I grew nervous wondering what the hell Amelia did now.

Mel was already walking out, her eyes red and puffy from crying, "I'll be outside if you need me," she informs me, heading to the open door.

"Bring your notepad and join us," Ryan instructs her.

Mel, makes a hasty exit to retrieve her notepad.

Ryan dictated letters for us to email his different companies advising them of immediate changes in authority and to whom all heads will be strictly answerable to.

I wanted to ask but I am afraid to, so I decided to wait before discussing my meeting with Mr. Knox.

Taking the list from Ryan, Mel and I started sending out letters to companies that were solely owned by Ryan and not the Foundation.

While we worked at the desk, he went into the kitchen where lunches were stacked for the guys since Mel and I had our lunch already.

Poking his head out the door, "do you have a lunch here for me?" Ryan slurs a bit.

Getting to my feet, "yes, let me warm it for you," I offered but Ryan waved off my help.

"I got it but I can't believe Adian didn't stock up on whiskey,"