ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 153

Friday September 26 , 2025

" So the governor of Virginia is going to force the sheriff to search for Nigel's father in law? ," Maxim asked as he and his family were gathered around the large table in the dining room for the breakfast served by dark dressed maids.

Nicholas looked up from his plate of smoked herring , scrambled eggs and crisp bacon to glance over at his middle born son who sat between his brother Alexi ( who was as per usual ignoring his own food for numerous cups of coffee and his laptop for business dealings ) and Natasha ( who was picking at a small plain green salad with a crystal glass of ice water on the side). The children of Max and Natasha were currently eating breakfast in their playroom because their governess Josephine did not consider them mature or prepared enough to dine with the rest of the family. Nicholas had already greeted them before he had came down for the meal; an occurrence that met with hugs from his grandsons and cool looks from the young thirty something plain faced governess who acted like he was an intruder.

Across from Natasha and beside Nicholas himself was Matilda who had moved herself and her young son into the house on bed rest. Race Jr. sat on the other side of his mother and seemed oddly on his best manners. To Nicholas the young boy seemed awed by the large mansion and servants although his own rented home a few streets away was not a shack in any sense.

" I would never say forced , Maxim ," he said briskly as he reached for his coffee for a long deep sip. " I just reminded him of my very generous donations to his political campaign in the past and offered my firm opinion that the current sheriff was not paying proper attention to this current matter. "

Natasha sniffed as she eyed Matilda and her eleven year old son with much disdain. " You intimidated him. It is what you do best, Father. But you do it with the air of a gentleman so nobody cares. I envy you that quality. Maxim should learn from you. "

Matilda glanced at the younger woman as she placed a long slim manicured hand on her still flat belly. " Nicholas doesn't intimidate anyone, young lady," she declared with the aura of being lady of the manor as she turned her pert nose up at the herrings. " He suggests. And I think his suggestion is quite correct. I spoke to my , our son , Nigel , and Richard is very upset over Andrew's disappearance. Rightfully so. We all are. It's very perplexing. And , that sheriff needs to do his job. Acting like Andrew is just some old falling down drunk ! I think not. "

Natasha smirked at her coolly. " Did you also speak to this son of yours and Father's about staying with him and the husband? During the alleged bed rest ? "

Maxim looked suddenly at his wife. " Natasha, that is quite rude. Matilda and her son are guests here at the house. Guests of Father's. "

Alexi murmured as he responded to an email where Scott was chortling over his performance on Rebel the other day," Yes. And we shall be expecting more guests when the decorator and her wheelchair bound son arrives. It is becoming a regular hostel. "

Nicholas thinned his lips. " I agree, Max. It is unbearably rude of your wife to make such comments in my home about my guests. And , Alexi as well. Matilda is welcome as long as she needs to be here resting. As is Race Jr. She is after all pregnant with my child. "

Max and Alexi exchanged glances with each other but held their tongues even as Alexi thought to himself that Matilda was pregnant with yet another of his father's children. And, so was her sister, the young man mused as he hit sent on his email to Scott. Just a family of gold diggers , Alexi thought.

" The governor," Nicholas continued on ," emailed me this morning saying that the sheriff and his department will be searching thoroughly the area there for Andrew Norland. I have also alerted the local news stations to focus special attention on his tragic disappearance. The man does have a family that care for him very much. I often envy him in that regard. "

Max looked at his father with surprise. "We care for you as well, Father. Very much so. I cannot imagine what poor Nigel and his husband are going through now. I must remember to make a call to them and offer any assistance to them in these trying times. "

Natasha looked over at her husband with great amusement. " I really doubt you could help anyone. I myself want to touch base with your.... brother. Project Raven would love to test the new scar free make up concealer on him. I am positive that it can transform his ugliness into beauty again. If so I can see him as a spokesman for it. I have run it by River Talbot , who is a odd little man really , and he seems interested as well. "

Matilda shot her a rude expression while Alexi just ignored his sister in law as usual.

Nicholas said coolly ," I think that would be very nice, son. I am sure your brother would greatly appreciate it. Alexi , it would be nice if you also called him and Richard. They are very much a part of our family. And , Natasha, I don't think Nigel's scars detract from his good looks at all. He looks exactly like his mother and that shines forth even with his imperfections. "

Matilda looked up from her plate and smiled at him quite charmingly. " How sweet ! You are such a charming and kind man, Nicholas. "