Christian's Yearning

CH19

~ Comes with the territory ~

Ross and Christian talk through the options they have available. At this point, there are limited and finally decide to go to Taiwan. There are things that cannot be handled by a phone call; especially if sensitive issues and different cultures can derail a deal jeopardizing thousands of jobs. The consensus, then, is to hold meetings Monday and Tuesday at the very least.

Ana walks toward the kitchen with wanting tea before going to sleep as pretext. In reality she wants to find Christian. She finally finds him, on the phone, gone is the relaxed Christian that took her on the best date she ever had. Right there, standing in his office, is Christian Master of his Universe, Mr. CEO in control.

She is done preparing her tea when Christian finds her.

"I thought you would be asleep" he states.

"Just some tea; want some?" he nods so she prods "is everything ok?"

"I need to go to Taiwan; for the next couple of days; should be back by Wednesday" she sits his tea next to him on the breakfast nook.

"Ok, when are you leaving" she sips her tea.

"Around noon, I think. It is a 16 hr. flight and we have an early Monday meeting."

"When will you be back?"

"Sometime Wednesday Afternoon."

They head towards the bedroom when his phone rings once again. "Sir, I got something to show you. Are you close to a computer?" Welsh disembodied voice asks.

"Give me a minute" he tells Welch, nodes to Ana and goes his office. Ana heads to bed wondering how Christian can handle such a busy life.

Opening his laptop Christian says "ready."

"Here, do you see the feed?"

"Yes, what am I looking at?" there is an empty black seat on the screen.

"Hold on Sir; here it comes. Mrs. Lincoln, talking to the paparazzo; Sir" and there she is, a man seats on the chair and she puts a black apron on. She rubs his shoulders and cuts his hair. She is smiling and talking; he is recording and taking notes.

"Ok, I have seen enough! Good Welch, I'll keep in touch."

Christian is steaming; it takes all of his control not to call Elena and demand an explanation. Instead, he places another call.

"Dad, I need a favor."

"Of course son."

"Can you take care of a restraining order against Elena? She is not to come near Ana or any of us."

"Absolutely… is-is there a specific reason, son?"

"She is talking to the paparazzi."

"Do you have proof?"

Christian sends him a shorter version of the videos.

"All right, it will be served Monday first thing" After talking about his mother; they end the call.

Christian walks over his bar, opens the liquor cabinet, grabs a scotch and drinks it in one swallow; he repeats that several more times. Then, he places the last call of the night.

"Mr. Grey, what a pleasure" – Mr. Perris answers immediately.

"Mark, liquidate."

"Yes, Sir… and … and deliver everything?"

"No. Just liquidate."

"Yes, Sir."

"When will everything happen?"