Behind the Mask

Chapter 67

Silas's POV

With only a few days left before the New Year and our flight to Texas, the house was active. Gabe had left for Paris the day after Christmas with Luke and Victor for an art show at his gallery. Most of the Toma men were making trips back and forth, moving in their stuff. North and I had finished the downstairs rooms mostly. Now all that was left were the fine details like paint and furniture. We had cleared space in the underground garage to store their stuff before leaving for Texas. Owen and Kota had left early this morning on business and weren't expecting to return before New Year's Eve.

"Hey Ris, how are you feeling this morning?" North asked as Marissa walked into the kitchen. She looked like she was still half asleep, her hair in a messy bun and her bare bottom peeking out from below Nate's t-shirt.

"Sleepy and in need of tea," she mumbled and rubbed her stomach. "A certain little coffee bean decided to be very active last night and I was peeing every five minutes." I placed a cup of hot tea in front of her as she sat on the bar stool, her toes dangling down. "Baby gets to be a coffee bean, but no, I can't have coffee," she muttered under her breath. Yep, she's grouchy. North slid a plate of scrambled eggs and cinnamon toast in front of her and she gave him a weak smile. "Thank you. Sorry, I'm just a bit off today."

I gave her a kiss on her head, "It's okay, agápi. You're allowed to have off days, we all are. She smiled and nodded. We continued to eat our breakfast in silence until her phone rang from the nearby countertop. I reached over and unplugged it, not recognizing the number. "Would you like me to answer it?" I asked her. She nodded. "Good morning, Marissa Ryland's phone, Silas Korba speaking," I said formally. I listened as the man on the other end spoke hurriedly, then asked him to hold. "It's a Mr. Sterling. He's having a legal issue and needs to speak with you." She held her hand out and took the phone.

"Good morning, Mr. Sterling. What seems to be the trouble?" she asked, then listened intently, responding with a series of "I see" and "of course" before saying, "Could you meet me in the office in an hour? I'd like to see the documents myself and determine what the best course of action is." She paused for his response. "Very well, I'll see you then, Mr. Sterling. Thank you for reaching out." She let out a frustrated sigh as she ended the call.

"What's wrong?" North asked.

Marissa growled, "Jackson has filed a breach of contract suit against Sterling Industries for leaving G&R. He's claiming that I am still a part of the company and Sterling has no grounds to terminate." She stood and headed to the stairs, "Would either of you be willing to drive me to Victor's offices? I need to look over the papers and see what the hell Jackson is trying to pull."

"Sure, agápi, we'll both come," I answered, casting a glance between North and me. Neither of us were going to let her go anywhere alone, and as a family, we'd also agreed to stay in pairs or more when possible. She grinned and headed up to change. I turned to North, "I'm going to text Corey and have him keep an eye on the cameras. I don't trust Jackson for a minute."

"I agree," North said, quickly cleaning up the kitchen. "I'll send out a group text. Even if they're not here, they'll want to know."

I thought for a moment then said, "Put Dominic in the chat." North gave me an annoyed look. "Listen, I know you aren't fond of the guy, but he would kill for her. It might not hurt to have him aware and even in the area just in case."

"Fine," he grumbled and took out his phone.

Group text: North: Hey, just wanted all of you to know that we are heading into Victor's offices with Marissa. Seems Jackson is trying to sue one of her larger clients for breach of contract over leaving G&R. Silas and I are both going with her.