Rory walked back into the cafe and approached the table with all five watching her carefully.
"Ok. So I just talked to my mom. Apparently my dad's family also tried this on her and dad. She walked away and lost her trust fund. They transferred it to my name. This, oddly enough, is normal. I had no idea." She announced.
The boys exchanged glances, and Odette rolled her eyes at them. She pulled the chair that Rory had vacated earlier out and gestured for her to sit back down. "Yeah, its barbaric and misogynistic and medieval and a hundred other things that are mind boggling. Now we need to figure out how to get out of it, hopefully without having to forfeit our inheritances."
Rory nodded once and sat down next to Odette. She looked at the woman thoughtfully. "Ya know, oddly enough, I think you and I are going to be good friends. Since Steph married Elliot, this group has been sorely lacking in estrogen."
Finn began to laugh hysterically. "I always said that you two would be thick as thieves if you ever met."
Colin chuckled and nodded as Robert began to speak. "You both share a pragmatism that I think is what attracted Logan to you both."
Logan watched as his fiancée and the mother of his child grinned at each other. He shook his head ruefully. "This is so bizarre."
Robert cleared his throat and eventually the group sobered and turned to him expectantly.
"Ok, so I've reviewed the contract. Louis is very good. It's not a betrothal agreement at all, it's a merger of two companies. Basically, Odette's inheritance was placed as collateral for one, Logan's shares as collateral for the other. They are the only assets of either. Upon the marriage of Logan and Odette, the two companies merge and the assets of both become available for liquidation."
Colin whistles softly. "And I assume that both companies assets are locked pending the merger?"
"Yes." Robert agreed.
"This doesn't effect Odette's jewelry design company, does it?" Rory asked.
"Not directly, but in order to get financing, I had put my inheritance up as collateral. I have a balloon payment due in June." Odette explained.
Rory nodded. "You know, we need to consult an expert. Has anyone reached out to Ayres to get his opinion yet?"
"We did. It's a completely different beast from his trust fund. He really didn't have the expertise to help. He suggested that we hire someone who specializes in international investment. Odette's shell company is French, mine is American. Unraveling the contract will be complex." Logan said.
Rory grinned and pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. "I have just the guy."
"Hold on, we need to be very careful who we tell about what we are trying to do." Robert cautioned.
"Don't worry, it's my dad." Rory replied.
Logan looked up in surprise. "Chris? How can he help?"
"He took over the family business after Strom died. He's a venture capitalist." Rory shrugged.
Robert nodded slowly. "He might have a perspective on this that can help. Call him."
Rory hit speed dial on her phone and put it on speaker while she waited for it to connect. Chris picked up on the second ring.
"Rory! This is a surprise- I haven't heard from you this much in a while. What's up kid?" Chris asked.
"Dad, can I come by and see you? I've got a merger problem that I need help with." Rory asked.
"Merger problem? What are you up to, Rory?" Chris puzzled.
"Honest to god, it's too complicated to explain over the phone." Rory responded.
"I'm in New York." Chris replied. "Where are you?"
Rory glanced at the boys and noticed Colin nodding enthusiastically. He made a motion with his hand of an airplane taking off. "I'm in Hartford. We can be there in couple of hours. Can I meet you at your condo?"
"Sure. Who's we?" Chris asked.
"Not to be cryptic, but I'll explain everything when I get there." Rory avoided the question.
"Ok. I'll be home. But I expect explanations to your recent odd behaviour! Calling me and coming to see me twice in a month? That's a new record" Chris chided jokingly.
"Funny, dad. I'll see you soon." Rory responded before hanging up.
Finn rubbed his hands together. "Ok, off to New York!" he said excitedly.
Colin pulled out his cell and started to dial.
"Calm down, boys. Firstly, Finn,you are enjoying this whole mess a little too much." Rory complained. Finn tried to look contrite, failing miserably due to the huge grin on his face. "And secondly, Colin, flying to New York isn't necessary. We can drive it in about the same amount of time."
Colin shook his head. "Maybe, but it's November- the roads can get dicey. And what if we need to go somewhere else after this? It's easier to have the plane in New York with us! Besides, flying is more comfortable and fun!" he argued. Just as Rory was opening her mouth to continue the debate, Colin connected with the pilot and told him to ready the jet to go to New York.
"Let him do it, Ace." Logan said gently.
"What about my car? I can't just leave it in Hartford?" Rory asked.
"Well, we have to get to the airfield somehow." Finn offered as he stood up to go settle the bill.
Rory sighed in resignation and pulled her cell out of her pocket.
<I'm going to New York to see Dad. I'm going to tell him about the baby and the contract. Just wanted to let you know>
<Careful on the highway, Kid. Thanks for the update.> Lorelai responded
