Empire State of mind

Chapter Forty-Three: Phase Three

Shelby's POV

I walk in with my father as I glare hard at everyone but Rhonda and Cookie, I come in silently and sit down next to Jamal

"Jamal's actually right...I mean I don't think Shelby is here to reconnect but....I am...I want you guys to eat, drink and be marry...for tomorrow...we war" My father says and I look at Andre and smile as I see the hickey that Tay left

Subtle jab huh Tay...good girl

"Are you at war with your father too Shelby" Cookie asks and I look at her

"Yes...I was dragged into a war that didn't involve me....I'll end it" I say and she sips her wine after tipping her glass to me

Dinner continues and I eat my food like it's my last meal, I look around the table as we all sit in a tense silence

"Why aren't you eating...you poison us or something" Cookie asks and I hesitantly look at my plate but I feel a hand on my shoulder, I look up at my father and he shakes his head causing me to nod

I was about to say, warn a Nigga first before doin something like that

"Nah that be too easy...I know we was gone for a few months but it gave me a whole lot of time to think about a whole lot of things...like my wonderful family....my beautiful baby mother...and how y'all all banded together to try and destroy me and my daughter" My father says and I sigh as I lean back

"Dad...I told you I'm sorry" Andre pleads causing me to smirk

"Andre....don't apologize...I'm not sorry...well I am for dragging Shelby into it but...I have no remorse dragging yo daddy to the ground" Cookie says and I look at her and chuckle slightly

"Not yet but you will be....unless-

"Unless what" Cookie interrupts

"You dismantle this little Lyon dynasty you got...and everything will be forgiven...from the leaked album to the hostile take over..to ya pillow" My father says

"But what about Shelby" Hakeem says and i scoff

"Getting forgiveness from me ain't gon be that easy....I like to play with my enemies" I say causing Andre to look at me strangely as well as Jamal and my father

"So...you gon forget everything" Cookie asks skeptically

"You know you and me been through a whole lot...but at the end of the day we are family...and I want my family together and if I can have that I'll let go of everything else" My father says and I just continue to eat my food

My plan ain't got nothin to do with what he got goin on but I sure as hell know that he ain't gon let that shit go

"Hmm...no Luscious..I doubt Jesus Christ himself could save you without burning his hands...but I'm gonna save my sons...I'm gonna build something very nice for them..so I really don't care what you or Shelby got goin on with empire" Cookie says and I nod

Ima let my father..handle her

"The three of y'all are here because y'all failed miserably...my ex wife and CFO, my ex son who wants to be a rap star workin with my ex wanna be grown with some of my ex artists" Luscious says and I sigh before getting up as well

"Ain't no body scared of you tho...ain't no body scared of Shelby punk ass either...we working on a new project right....and losing Tiana gon tank Empire" Hakeem says and I laugh

"What's so funny man" Hakeem says as I try to catch my breath

"You really think Tiana gon leave Empire.... for y'alls start up record label...that's funny I mean my girl Tay told me Tiana ain't gon leave Empire...her home" I say and I see Andre look at me like a deer in headlights