DYNASTY

1/ no promises

"What are you doing?" says the woman in the red dress. She's alarmed by the view she sees.

"Why are you here? You weren't supposed to see this." says the other woman with a very scared look.

"Don't tell me you killed the man." she says very scaredly.

When there is no answer she understands.

EARLIER THAT WEEK

"Welcome home miss Winthrope." says Alfred. He has been the Wintrope family's butler for decades. He basically raised Mr. Winthrope's children. He takes care of everything for the family.

"Don't call me miss Alfy." Vanessa answers thinking how old Alfred got. She feels bad that he still takes care of everyone in the family. Wonders if he'll ever retire.

"Only if you call me Alfred."

"All right Alfred." says Vanessa. Then quickly adds "I'm very jet-lagged so I just want to get this over with and sleep. Is anyone else here yet?"

"Everyone is here. Your father is waiting for you both in his office." Vanessa raises her eyebrow and asks "both?"

"Did you forget me already sis?" Vanessa turns to her brother, surprised. They hug each other.

" I didn't knew you were coming too. It's so good to see you." Vanessa says very happily.

"It's good to see you too. Let's see what father wants." they turn their heads to their father's office and sigh. Wondering what is expecting them this time.

They enter the room but see an unexpected face. Vanessa tries to remember who that face belongs to.

"You both came. Thank you." Grant says with a big smile on his face. He feels happy that his family is together again. But he is still worried about the things he has to say.

"Of course father, you said it was very important." Charles says looking at the woman he doesn't know.

"Well, this is Anastasia-"

"Please, call me Ann. So nice to meet you both." Woman interrupts. She has a big smile on her face.

"Oh, I know you from my dad's company. You work there right?" Vanessa asks feeling relieved for finally figuring out how she knows her. But still curious why Ann's here with them.

"Yes, she does. But more importantly, she is my wife." As soon as Grant says that Vanessa and Charles turn to each other looking very surprised. They both ask each other if they knew and answer no at the same time. Then turn to their father.

"We haven't told anyone but Alfred. It happened very quickly." Grant says still worried.

"Why did it happen very quickly? What was the rush? Couldn't she wait to get all your money?" Vanessa asks very madly.

"Vanessa, don't talk to her like that!" Grant says.

"I understand your concern, Vanessa. But I love your father and I'm not after his money. He knows that." Anastasia breaks her silence. She tries to make herself feel better by thinking she was expecting this reaction. Nonetheless, she feels like she is about to throw up.

"Of course, he knows that, I'm sure you didn't get into his head." Vanessa answers. With a fake smile.

"I think dad's old enough to think for himself, Van." says Charles and continues "Congratulations dad but I wish you would've at least told us you were getting married." He feels like he has been disconnected from his family.

"We just didn't wanted a big wedding and we wanted to be married as soon as possible so we decided to just get married. And I'm sorry I didn't told you guys earlier." Grant says. Hoping everything will be okay and they will love Anastasia as much as he does.