"What the heck was that about?" Michaelson growled at Ryan, as he walked up to them. "Hey don't put that on me," Ryan defended. "There was nothing I could do. Her mind was made up." Michaelson sighed, "You messed up with the signing Rico, this is Hollywood. You don't give a newbie that much power, they start getting ideas." Rico sighed, "Truthfully, I didn't see this coming. When she said it, I was thinking of things like employer-employee relations. Like how we'd treat her. I knew these were not a problem. Besides, with the two of them looking like Romeo and Juliet, who'd have expected this?" "Go get rid of the press," Michaelson said dismissively, "I need another Cognac," he added, walking away. "It's gonna be a long day guys," he waved over his shoulder. "This press conference is over. No more questions," Rico said into one of the mics on the table. "Mr. Suarez? Mr. Suarez?" Different reporters called on him, trying to get him to answer their questions. But he remained mut

Back in LA, Bel Air, James was sitting down to dinner at home. His mansion looked ultramodern and utilitarian. Still, there was the subtle touch of extravagance.His butler stood next to him, the remote control in hand. He kept switching channels on a smart TV suspended by a retractable arm that extended from the ceiling.It was a normal routine of theirs. He would keep changing the channel until James found something suitable to watch.He got to E-NEWS and was about to change but James held up his arm to stop him.It was the news on Sofia at the orphanage.He dropped his fork and focused on the screen. Then he spotted the kid. He shot to his feet immediately, his face suddenly darkened and his brows knotted together at a steep angle."No fucking way," he muttered, clenching his jaw. There was no way. Of all the orphanages in the world, of all the ones in the U.S. even. She picked him? Out of all the other kids?"Fuck!" He screamed, slamming a clenched fist onto the table like a gave

"Hey," Alicia smiled, walking into the kitchen. She was wearing a beige off-shoulder corset top over a tank top and dark pants.Fred looked up at her, "It's a surprise to see you without Josh around, nowadays," he spoke drily, returning his attention to the nachos."It's not like that, Fred. You know it." She neared him as she spoke, but he flinched from her."But I don't, Alicia. I don't. You're always together. I understand that you're in college, but if you're beginning to rethink this, then tell me. So I know what to expect.""I told you, Fred." She took his face in her hands, coming in for a kiss. *I choose you, alwa-"The cafe door slamming shut cut her short."Alicia!"They glanced at each other, and she led the way out.There was a blonde girl in a pink halter crop top over white shorts the size of a postcard. She scowled immediately Alicia came into view.She walked over and sized her up."What's up, Casey?" Alicia crossed her arms.Casey glanced at Fred, "And what? You're her

*What will you do, when you find her?* James thought within himself, manoeuvring his steering wheel as he turned past the curve. The streetlights illuminated the road in a soft amber sheen.And James was just now realizing that he didn't think this through. He was so lost in thought he almost didn't see the familiar Aventador parked along the curb. *Wasn't that Ryan?* He looked at the house on the other side of the road, and noticed there was a party going on.It had to be Sofia's.He parked along the curb, careful to avoid double parking, and got down, buttoning his jacket.As he approached the house, the driver's door on the Aventador swung open, and Ryan jumped out.Meanwhile, the housewarming party was in full swing as Sofia celebrated her new home with friends and loved ones. Laughter and chatter filled the air, and the excitement was through the roof as they engaged in some in-house games. Unbeknownst to Sofia, tensions were simmering just outside her new home.Their gazes locke

Sofia awoke around 4 AM and used the bathroom. She could hear low sounds like the TV was on downstairs. She slipped her robe on, over her nightgown, and left the room, careful not to wake Jessi. She went down quietly and peeped into the living room from the staircase.Tyler and James were on the sofa, playing a video game."What's going on?" She asked, frowning at both of them as she approached."Uh-oh, busted," Tyler muttered, dropping his pad."He should be in bed, James, you know that," Sofia sighed disappointedly. "You too," she added."Mom, please don't be mad with him, I woke him up while fiddling with the system, and then he helped me set it up, and taught me how to play.""You woke him to help you, right?" Sofia asked, knowing her son."Yes, Mom," he conceded with a sigh. "Ted wasn't budging, and I couldn't really sleep well because it was my first night away from the orphanage. Plus Ted snores loudly."Sofia didn't even know that she was smiling at him."I'll leave later this