Chapter 46


The Private meeting room at The Port Charles Grille

With the exception of Lila, Tracy, and Ned, the Quartermaines with voting rights have convened around the large meeting table in the center of the room. A tense Monica and Alan sip water quietly while a sulking AJ stares off into space with his body turned away from the conversation. Edward fiddles with his water glass while he complains. "That thug Corinthos has a lot of nerve calling an emergency board meeting like this! You would think he ran the company. And after all the bad publicity he caused by being arrested, he has the audacity to pull this stunt and then be unavailable for phone calls? I have a bad feeling about this. Corinthos has something planned, I just know it. To be summoned like this is insulting, I tell you..."

Edward's tirade peters out as Ned, Alexis and Jax enter the meeting room. In contrast to the grimness of the other Quartermaines, Ned is jovial. "Hello Grandfather, Monica, Alan, Junior. I can see by the looks on your faces we're off to a fine start." Jax takes a seat and leans back, content to watch the show.

Alan rolls his eyes in annoyance. "And why are you so smug, Ned? Do you think having Michael ripped away from the family is something to celebrate?"

"It's so like you, Alan, to yell at me and blame me when your son is to blame for losing Michael."

"Would you two stop?" AJ cuts in. "For your information, I haven't lost Michael. He's visiting Carly for the weekend, that's all."

"You mean you haven't lost him YET," Ned retorts brutally. "We all know it's just a matter of time. You couldn't hold on to a guppy in a goldfish bowl."

"Stop it, Ned!" Monica jumps to the defense of her son. "Do you really think hammering AJ is going to help?"

"Will you all stop your bickering!" Edward blusters. "We aren't here about little Michael. As much as I am upset about the recent turn of events, ELQ is my main concern tonight. Ned, what do you know about this meeting? I can tell by the look in your eye that you know something."

Ned pulls out a chair for his wife before taking his own seat. "Why would I know anything, Grandfather? I've been busy with L&B for the last couple months. I'm just your run-of-the-mill ELQ board member. Eddie Maine's career takes all my free time these days."

Alexis snuggles up to her husband, tangling her fingers with his and putting her face close enough to his to rub noses. "And you look so fine in those leather pants, Ned. I'd follow you anywhere. Maybe we should consider officially changing your name to Eddie Maine..."

With a groan of disgust, AJ gets up. "Oh Lord, if I have to watch you two lovebirds coo at each other all night, I think I'm going to be sick."

While AJ stalks off to a corner to remove himself from the conversation, Edward lowers his voice so AJ can't hear what he says. "What a waste, Ned. Cavorting around in leather pants while leaving ELQ to the wolves!"

"You're the one that fired him, Edward." Alexis retorts coolly. "What was he supposed to do? Wait around for whatever crumbs were left after you handed his job to AJ? Ned poured his blood, sweat and tears into ELQ and protecting this family. What's more, ELQ prospered under his leadership. You deserve whatever happens ELQ now."

"You don't understand this family, Alexis," Edward growls. "If you did, you'd encourage Ned to take part in the family business. ELQ is his heritage, his future!"

"Which is precisely why, if I have anything to say about it, Ned's participation in ELQ will never be at the whim of this family's mood again."

"Well.. ahh... well..." Edward goes pink as he blusters, then looks at his watch. "Where in tarnation is Corinthos?! He has a lot of gall being late for his own meeting!"

"Corinthos will not be coming," Stefan says from the doorway, Carly at his side. "In truth, he did not call this meeting. I did, through him." Alan and Monica sit with their mouths hanging open. AJ pales. Ned and Alexis share a smile of satisfaction, while Jax has a bemused look on his face. Edward's mouth works, but no words intelligible words come out.

After meeting each Quartermaine with a steady businesslike gaze, Carly's eyes settle on Edward. "Cat got your tongue, Eddie?"

Edward quickly regains his footing and moves forward as if to shoo them out. "You have no business calling this meeting.. This is an ELQ board meeting and you have no right to be here. You have to leave."

In one smooth move and not even a tremor in her hand, a poised Carly presents Edward with legal documents "I think these will say different." She looks up again to address the group. "They will prove without a doubt that we are voting members of the ELQ board, with as much right to be here as any of you.."

Edward glances at the first document, then rifles through the others. "This can't be! I would have been notified if these stocks had changed hands!" Edward eyes raise to glare angrily at Stefan. "I don't know what kind of shenanigans you two are up to, but I won't stand for it! You hear? Get out!"

Stefan's stance doesn't waver under Edward's intimidation. "I suppose you could have us bodily removed from the meeting, even from the Grille..." He shrugs slightly. "Of course, that would leave us with no other recourse .... " Stefan steps back as if to leave, turning to Carly. "Shall we visit the Port Charles Police Department tonight or tomorrow morning? I believe time is of essence." AJ goes from pale to white, grabbing the nearest chair to sit down. Carly takes note and directs a cold calculating smile towards him. AJ looks away.

Edward advances, fear causing his voice to rise. "We won't be threatened, I won't stand for it! You tell me right now what you mean or so help me, I'll ... I'll..."

Ned steps forward and puts a calming hand on Edward's shoulder. "I believe it would be best for all concerned if we kept cool heads. Let's sit down and hear what Stefan and Carly have to say."

Edward turns to face Ned, shaking his finger accusingly "You knew, you knew all along they were board members! Turncoat! You helped them get the stock, didn't you?! You're going to help them destroy this company!"

"This is all irrelevant and tedious," Stefan answers bluntly, cutting through the Quartermaine pandemonium. "This meeting will either convene with Ms Benson and myself in attendance, or we will depart and pursue legal channels. The choice is yours, but I have little patience for such dramatics."

"God forbid Stefan's patience is tried," Alan mutters under his breath.

Ned pulls Edward aside. "Grandfather, whatever differences we have had in the past, I've never steered you wrong when it came to ELQ or this family. I'm not about to start tonight. Listen to Stefan and Carly, find out what they want. One of the few things I know about Stefan is that he doesn't bluff. He comes fully armed, or he doesn't engage in battle."

Edward waves his hands up in the air in defeat. "Fine, fine. Stefan and Carly, you can have your say." He fixes them with a stern look. "For now. I reserve the right to throw you out at any time."

Everyone gathers around the table. Carly and Stefan sit together, with Alexis and Ned next to Stefan. The rest of the Quartermaines sit opposite. AJ places his chair slightly back from everyone. Edward addresses the group. "Let's get this meeting started. Stefan, you summoned us to this meeting and then you threatened to go to the PCPD. Explain yourself."

Stefan's trains his piercing gaze at Edward as he begins to speak. Carly pulls out a file and lays it on the table in front of her while she remains poised, her eyes locked in silent battle with AJ. "As the legal documents prove," Stefan begins smoothly, "Ms Benson and I have made significant investments in ELQ which allow us voting privileges on the board. I want to assure you, I am wholly committed to the future success of this company."

Stefan gives AJ a dismissive glance. "I am convinced ELQ is suffering a crisis of leadership, which if it is not immediately corrected, will plunge this company into such financial and legal trouble, it is doubtful it will be able to recover."

Edward clenches his teeth. "Enough doom and gloom. Get to the point, Cassadine."

"It isn't the fact the profits this quarter are down 25%," Stefan reasons, anticipating the argument. "You have a more pressing problem. Your CEO must be replaced before the negative publicity he will generate does irreparable damage to the credibility of the company."

Monica explodes. "You have no right coming in here like you own ELQ and maligning my son's reputation because you are sleeping with that slut!"

Carly calmly opens the file in front of her and hands Edward a document. If breaking out into a grin wouldn't ruin the tone Stefan had set, she would be grinning ear to ear. The Quartermaines deserved everything they were going to get tonight. "This affidavit explains the situation quite well."

Edward reads through it, his heart falling into his stomach before he drops the affidavit on the table with shaking hands. He turns to AJ. "How could you, AJ?! How could you be this stupid?!" Monica picks up the document, and after reading it, covers her mouth in horror before sliding the papers over to Alan.

Shifting uncomfortably under Carly's unrelenting gaze, AJ glares at Edward. "I did what you wanted me to do, Grandfather. I held onto my son any way I could." AJ tries to glare back at Carly to get her to look away, but all his efforts get him is her unnerving smile.

Edward shakes his finger accusingly. "Don't you try to put this on me, Young man! You did this!"

"This meeting is degenerating into an ill-mannered shouting match," Stefan cuts in impatiently. "Let me make this choice as simple as I can for you. AJ Quartermaine can avoid criminal prosecution by resigning his position as CEO at ELQ effective immediately. He can acquiesce to Ms Benson's custody proposal for their son Michael. Or he can try to save his position at ELQ and wake up tomorrow morning to a front page newspaper article about his bribing a witness into committing perjury."

"I can see the headline now," Carly muses to AJ, "Alan Quartermaine Jr, ELQ CEO, bribes a witness to lie in court to gain custody of son! I think it would sell papers. And I just know it will impress the judge in our custody case, never mind the time you'd have to spend behind bars."

"If ELQ isn't thrown into chaos over the negative publicity then," Stefan continues, "It will be when he is arrested for conspiracy to commit perjury, tampering with a witness, and contempt of court. He can expect to be in jail within 24 hours."

"This.. this.. this is extortion!!" Edward blusters. "I won't let my family or my company be ruled by your threats, Cassadine!"

Stefan rises from the table and Carly quickly follows suit. "Obviously we are at the end of constructive negotiations. Perhaps your family could benefit from some time to discuss this matter in private. Ms Benson and I will retire to the public dining room for a short break. Then we will return and resolve the issue of who will be CEO once AJ Quartermaine vacates the position."

As soon as the door closes behind Stefan and Carly, Edward turns on AJ. "AJ you're fired! I'll run the company myself if I have to!"

Meanwhile out in the hall, Carly does a restrained whoop before pulling Stefan into a tight embrace. "Oh Stefan, that was incredible! The desperate look on AJ's face was worth all the waiting! What I wouldn't do to be a fly on the wall in there! Edward can be so brutal when he puts his mind to it."


Chapter 47

"AJ you're fired! I'll run the company myself if I have to!"

AJ scowls angrily at Edward. "You can't fire me. Stefan and Carly are only bluffing. This is all designed to get me to knuckle under in the custody hearing."

"Are you saying that the affidavits and labs are wrong, AJ?" Monica asks, her eyes pleading for it to be the truth while inside her heart is breaking. The son she loved more than life, could he have done this horrible thing? She prays it isn't true.

But looking into his mother's eyes, AJ can't bring himself to lie. He could never lie to her when she looked at him like that. He looks down to the floor, ashamed for a moment. "No, Mom, I did it. I paid Peyser to tell the court that Carly wasn't Bobbie's daughter."

"Oh God," Monica's voice cracks with disbelief as tears fill her eyes. She turns away from her son.

"AJ, at this moment, I couldn't be more ashamed to be your father," Alan interjects. "How could you do this? You paid a man to lie in court to get your son? To hurt Bobbie Spencer, a close family friend, and deprive her of a relationship with her daughter? To keep Michael from having any sort of relationship with his mother? Is that how Monica and I raised you?"

AJ looks up at his father, months of pent up rage breaking free. "You all seem so quick to forget that Carly and Jason deprived me of my son! For a year and a half they made me believe he wasn't my son. They wouldn't let me near him, they lied about me being his father. And they would have kept on lying if Robin hadn't blown the whistle. Tell me, how is that different? Why is it okay for Carly and Jason to lie about Michael being my son but it's not okay for me to fight back? Tell me?!"

"The difference is, Junior," Ned cuts in. "You got caught with your pants down. Like an idiot, you bribed a witness to lie in court about information that could be easily disproved through blood tests. And to top it off, you left a money trail straight to your door."

"And now you've dragged this family and the company down with you!" Edward adds. "I won't let you run this family's good name through the mud. Resign AJ, or I'll have you fired!"

"No, I'm not giving up!" AJ answers adamantly. "Besides, who is going to run this company? Huh? Ned in his leather pants? He'd be the laughing stock of the business world. You Grandfather? With your history of mucking up deals in progress, we might as well hand the company over right now. We won't be able to protect ourselves from the takeover bid we've been trying to fend off."

Jax coughs and raises his hand tentatively. "I realize I'm just a bystander in this family drama, but it seems to me there might be a quick solution through an informal poll. Those in favor of AJ resigning as CEO effective immediately raise your hand." Everyone but AJ raises their hand. "You see my point."



The PC Grille Bar.

Carly sits at a table with Stefan, a cell phone to her ear. "He's still sleeping?" She sighs in relief. "Good, I'm glad. After the harrowing afternoon with Jason, i wasn't sure how he'd react. He's probably exhausted, poor guy. Thanks Leticia. I'll probably be back pretty late, so don't worry. You know how Quartermaine Board Meetings go...." Carly laughs. "Exactly! Never the same way twice!" She says goodbye and hangs up.

"I gather that your son is sleeping soundly?" Stefan inquires.

"Yep, Leticia said he went out like a light with his new stuffed pony clutched to his chest." She reaches over and squeezes Stefan's hand. "You're a natural with him. You seemed to know exactly what to say and do."

Having positioned himself so he could see anyone leaving the meeting room, Stefan catches sight of AJ storming through the PC Grille towards the exit. "I believe AJ has surrendered the CEO position."

Carly turns around to follow Stefan's gaze and sees AJ's quickly retreating back. "Ohhh Lord!" Carly lets out a short laugh. "Does it always feel this good to win?"

Stefan brings her hand to his lips. "Yes, particularly when it involves Timoria."

"Timoria?"

Before Stefan can answer, Alexis approaches the table. "They're ready to reconvene..." She makes a face. "Or should I say... It's best you come back before they plan a human sacrifice."

"If it's AJ, would that be so bad?" Carly quips as she rises with Stefan and follows Alexis back to the meeting room.

"Ned made the same point." She rolls her eyes good naturedly. "And they say Cassadines are blood thirsty."



The ELQ Board Meeting is under way again and Edward has the floor. Carly sits at Stefan's side, content to watch the show and absorb as much as she can in the process.

"Since Ned refuses to step up to the plate," Edward summarizes, "It falls to me to come forward and assume the position of ELQ's Chief Executive Officer. There's really no point in having a lengthy discussion, so let's make it official and put it to a vote right away, shall we?"

"I object, Grandfather," Ned says in dissension. "I know this isn't what you want to hear. Lord knows I hate to agree with AJ in anything, but I have to in this instance. You are not up to the challenge of running ELQ while it's facing the threat of a takeover."

"He's right, Edward," Monica admits. "Your health couldn't take the grueling hours."

"I'm tougher than all of you combined!" Edward protests angrily. "And I don't see anyone else volunteering."

"This is getting tedious," Stefan interjects. "Despite your experience running this company in years past, Edward, you are not equal to the task. The problems this company has had in recent years are rapid turnover in CEOs and the restriction of being a family run business. You have stunted it's growth by employing an inexperienced CEO who had to learn the business while wasting precious company resources and time. That he turned out to be incompetent furthered the problem."

"And I just bet you have a solution," Alan counters bitterly.

Stefan continues as if Alan never spoke. "If the board insists on voting in a family member as CEO, it is my belief that within the year this company will cease to exist in a recognizable form."

"You have no basis for such a blanket statement!" Edward bellows. "You don't know anything about this company!"

"I understand more than you realize," Stefan counters smoothly. "You will remember that I have extensive experience successfully managing my family's corporation. I understand the intricacies and unique challenges of a family run business. Furthermore, in the time since I became a board member, I have had information at my disposal to make an in depth analysis."

Stefan nods to Carly, who efficiently distributes a copy of the report to each board member while he continues to address the group. "I took the liberty of developing a report for your consideration. We will go through it in as much detail as you require, but the end conclusion is inarguable. For this company to survive through the next fiscal year and to remain primarily a family business, you will need me as it's interim CEO."



Carly slips the keycard into the slot and when the light turns green, she opens the door. With Stefan's hand in hers, she practically floats into the hotel room, pulling him along behind her. "First AJ is humiliated and forced to resign, then the Quartermaines were brought to their knees. This has to be THE BEST night of my life!"

Stefan pulls her into his arms, wrapping them around her waist as she falls against him. "It was infinitely more enjoyable with you there, Caroline. I find the Quartermaines, with the possible exception of Ashton, to be among the most tedious human beings in Port Charles." HIs hands travel up her back so her chest is more firmly pressed against his. "I have to admit," Stefan says, lowering his voice to an intimate level. "I was aroused watching you stare AJ into submission."

"You were turned on?" Carly throws back her head in a full bodied laugh. "Oh Sweet Jesus, watching you mold the Quartermaines like Jello has to be the best turn on--" She gasps when she feels Stefan's mouth descend on her bare throat. "I take that back... your mouth is..."

"No more talk," Stefan murmurs against her neck. "I've waited all night for you." He runs his hand tenderly along the side of Carly's face while his lips feast on her neck. He guides her head forward and captures her mouth with his own.

Carly drowns in the power of his kiss, all thought lost in the sensation of being loved by him... reveling in his erotic touch, the way his hands feel on her bare skin, the sensual dance his tongue initiates with hers.

All that matters to the lovers is the moment; the feel of their bodies against each other, their mouths devouring each other, his hands unclothing her, her fingers kneading his bare chest and burrowing in his hair. Clothes are pulled off in rapid efficiency as they are both reduced to breathless anticipation.

In a sudden moment of clarity, Carly pulls back and stares at Stefan wondrously. Her heart is so full. So full of love for him, she's sure she'll burst from the pain inside her chest. She has to tell him now, or she might never have the nerve again. "Stefan--"

Stefan's hand goes up to her mouth, his fingers grazing her swollen lips and adding to the eroticism of the moment. "Caroline..."

Carly shakes her head adamantly, taking his hand in hers and kissing his palm. "I have to...." The feelings are so intense tears come to her eyes. "I love you, Stefan. I love you."

For the briefest of moments, Stefan's breath catches as his eyes search hers for the truth. Then he closes the short distance between them and cups her face in his hands. With the greatest reverence, he kisses her lips again and again, savoring her taste, memorizing how it feels to kiss her. "Caroline," He whispers in amazement. "Sweet, sweet Caroline."

"Make love to me, Stefan," Carly pleads, her body aching to fuse with his.

"Nothing would give me more pleasure." In one swift move, Stefan lifts her into his arms and carries her to the bed. Laying her down with great care, Stefan joins her.


***NC-17--- Don't read if you find this type of content offensive***

When Carly turns on the mattress to entwine herself with Stefan, he stops her by gently guiding her to lay on her back. He kisses her full on the mouth. "Tonight...." Propped up on one elbow, his free hand roams her body, settling on one full breast and cupping it. "I want to make love to you slow and easy, and I want to watch the pleasure as it builds, and see your face when you orgasm."

At his words, Carly feels the liquid heat in her center. "I love the way you touch me."

Stefan's eyes bore into hers. "Tell me where to touch you, Caroline. What you want me to do to please you."

The ache is already so strong, Carly bites her lip to keep from groaning as his thumb rolls the tip of her nipple until it's hard.. "Stefan, Honey, you don't need any help. You know what my body wants more than I could ever explain."

Stefan cups her other breast leisurely, stroking it in the way he knows gives Carly pleasure. "You are the most exquisite fascinating woman I have ever known..." His hand slides lower to stomach, stroking it lightly. "A study of contradictions... childlike at times, sexy and sensual. Your impulsive nature hides the quick intelligent mind underneath, the little known fact that you are generous to a fault. And the most surprising contradiction thus far, your loyalty. I never expected that." Stefan's hand slides further down her body to her mound, causing her to gasp and arch towards him. "Caroline," Stefan says as a command. Once their eyes meet, Stefan slides his hand further down so he enters her slick walls. "It never ceases to amaze me how hot and wet you are. Every time."

His hand moves in slow methodical circles, his thumb rubbing her clitoris expertly. Stefan's runs his lips nip tantalizingly along her ear lobe, causing another gasp of surprise. Carly begins to speak, but Stefan stops her with a deep wet kiss. "Don't try to speak, just feel, and know that the next time you orgasm it will be with me deep inside you."

Enthralled, Carly feels herself skirting along the edge of having an orgasm. But she's not ready, not yet. "Stefan?"

"Yes, My Darling?" Stefan smiles as he watches Carly lost in his touch. He loves the way she smiles when she is under his spell. So beautiful.

"You said you wanted to know what would please me?" Carly's words come out between gasps.

"What would please you, Caroline?" Stefan asks as his free hand worships her writhing body.

Carly reaches a hand up to stroke his bearded cheek. "I want to come with you inside me, Please."

Stefan rises above her and enters her in one swift stroke while Carly rises to meet him, driving him deeper. Careening over the edge into an orgasm, Carly cries out and collapses.

Stefan rolls her on top of him with her head laying on his chest, while still deep inside her. As the orgasm subsides and her breathing returns to normal, Carly chuckles and kisses him in the chest. "That was wonderful."

"There is one small difficulty with this situation," Stefan mentions with a grimace.

Carly nuzzles his necks and plants a kiss on his chin. "What is that, Sweetheart?"

Stefan made a slight movement to drive his fully erect penis further inside her. "I pride mysef on being a patient man, but the feel of you surrounding me is driving me insane." Burying his hands in her mussed hair, he kisses the top of her head hard. "I.. "

Carly cuts him off with a full bodied laugh before drawing his mouth down to hers again. "Really? Well that's just too bad... I wonder what we could do about that?"

Stefan lets out a low growl before devouring her mouth in a searing kiss that overwhelms her. "Tease. You will pay. Perhaps not now, but I will have my pound of flesh tonight."

"I'm looking forward to it. Now shut up and finish what you started."




Chapter 48

The next morning:

Alan is pouring himself an orange juice when AJ enters the room. Bleary eyed, unshaven, and wearing last night's clothes that have seen better days, AJ plops into the living room sofa. Alan eyes him suspiciously. "Good morning, Son. Would you like some Orange Juice?"

Edward breezes into the room to pick up a plate of breakfast pastries for Lila. He takes one look at AJ's bedraggled appearance and scowls. "Oh Lord, AJ! How much did you have to drink last night? Tell me you didn't run anyone over this time?!"

AJ shoots Edward a venomous look. "For your information, Grandfather, I didn't have a drop to drink. Keep it up and I just might make your wish come true."

Edward shakes his finger at AJ. "You take one drink and you might as well pack your bags and walk out the door, Young Man. I won't have you adding to your poor Grandmother's misery. You've done enough damage." Edward shakes his head as he strides out again. "After the mess you've made of ELQ and this family, I can't stand to look at you!"

Bone tired and defeated, AJ leans his head back and closes his eyes. "Tell me why I even try to stay sober?"

Alan sits down next to AJ and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you didn't drink, and I know your mother feels the same way. After last night, I was afraid you might start again."

"It crossed my mind more than once, let me tell you." AJ shrugs unhappily. "I can't even tell you why I didn't.... except..." His eyes tear up. "I kept seeing Michael's face."

Alan gives his son's shoulder a squeeze. "If he kept you from drinking, I'm grateful. Listen AJ, I have some things I have to say to you. I was pretty harsh last night. Very harsh as a matter of fact. Given some of the stupid things I've done in my life, I had no business coming down on you so hard." Alan sighs as he gathers his thoughts. "I guess I was caught by surprise. I didn't see this coming. There you were, running ELQ, taking good care of your son, on top of the world. And last night it came crashing down."

AJ shakes his head in disbelief. "I'm still in shock. I'm having a hard time believing it myself."

Alan continues gently. "I won't say I'm not disappointed, AJ. I am. But I understand how you could feel that desperate. So desperate and angry that you felt you had no choice but to do what you did. It was wrong, and I'm disappointed. But I understand."

"Thanks Dad," AJ answers gratefully. "That means a lot."

"But now you have to do what's right," Alan adds.

"What? Give him up?" AJ shakes his head bitterly. "Do I even have a choice?"

"Yes, you do have a choice. You can keep walking around and acting the victim. You can use this as an excuse to self destruct. Or...." Alan pauses until AJ looks him in the face. "You can be the man Michael would be proud of. The kind of man who faces up to his mistakes like a man. A man that weathers adversity, who doesn't crumble, but finds a way to live with himself. You have to do this, AJ. You have to find a way to face the consequences with dignity and keep on living."

AJ looks at the carpet sadly. "I'll try, Dad, I'll try."

"Go face Carly and her lawyer and don't let what happens destroy your future." Alan runs his hand over his son's head affectionately. "Make me proud, AJ."

.

Stefan is in his study when Mrs Lansbury knocks on the door. "Barbara Spencer is here to see you, Mr Cassadine."

Clenching his jaw briefly in annoyance, Stefan nods. "Go ahead and see her in, this visit is not unexpected."

"Stefan," Bobbie states, as she enters with her head held high and staring him straight in the eye. "I came here to find out what you're up to with my daughter."

Stefan rises from behind his desk while meeting her gaze. "Oh, she is your daughter now? You've decided the evidence is sufficient?"

Bobbie stops in front of his desk. "Stop playing games, Stefan. We both know the evidence is solid. You made sure it would be when you ordered Dr Vader to run the tests. To which I might add, I really resent having my blood used without my permission. I didn't consent for these tests to be run. But that's so like you. I would bet you set up the blood drive just so you could get my blood. Tell me, did Carly even know what you were doing when she gave her blood? Or did you keep her in the dark too?" She rolls her eyes in derision. "Such a healthy foundation for a relationship. Sick as you are, I shouldn't be surprised."

Stefan's eyes glitter with unconcealed hostility. "What is the purpose of your visit, Barbara? To sling insults or get answers? Because if you are here to rant irrationally, you would just as well leave. I will not have my time wasted."

Bobbie stifles the urge to slap the arrogant look of his face. It wouldn't serve her purpose to lose her temper now. "I want answers. The first one being, what are you up to?"

"Is there an answer to your question that you would believe?" Stefan crosses his arms in front of him. "I think not. But since I am feeling generous, I will answer your question. I am helping your daughter regain custody of her son. Something I would think you would support."

"Come on, Stefan!" Bobbie argues. "Are you trying to say your motives are altruistic? That you have no more interest in my daughter than to help her regain custody? You two are lovers."

"My relationship with Carly is between her and me," Stefan counters. "I will not discuss it with you. But putting that aside... knowing me as you do, is it really so out of character for me to care about the welfare of a small child? You know of my struggle to protect Nikolas from Helena."

"That's a cover and we both know it," Bobbie retorts. "You're using Carly as part of your vendetta against my brother and me. If you're helping her get custody rights, then it's to further your own ends."

"Really Barbara," Stefan says in a voice laced with disdain. "If you think I am using Caroline as a way to get to you, you are overestimating your importance. I ceased to give you thought after our divorce. Luke is nothing more than an occassional annoyance. The whole idea that I would use her as part of a vendetta is preposterous, since until only a few days ago, she wasn't considered a Spencer at all." He rounds the desk to stand in front of Bobbie. "In fact, I am the reason you even have a daughter to rebuild a relationship with. The only reason the information was revealed was to aid Caroline in her bid to get custody rights to your grandson. All these developments serve to help you and your family, not harm you."

"Pure horse manure! I didn't say the game you're playing with Caroline was obvious, Stefan. Only that it's an attempt to get to me and Luke." Bobbie paces in front of him. "What better way to drive me and Luke crazy than by carrying on this disgusting relationship? The problem is Carly is going to be the one to get hurt when you turn on her. And if it costs her a chance with her child, you will have hell to pay."

Stefan is quickly losing his patience. Clenching and unclenching his jaw, he says flatly, "This is getting tedious. If you have questions, ask them. Otherwise, I will have to demand you leave."

"Did Carly know you were running the blood tests to find out if we were mother and daughter?" Bobbie quizzes. "Did you get her permission?"

Stefan sees no reason not to answer the question. "No."

"Why?" Bobbie presses. "If you claim to have only her best interests at heart, why didn't you tell her what you were doing?"

"As is everything else about my relationship with Caroline, it is between us," Stefan replies, unconcerned. "She understands my reasons, that will have to be sufficient."

"We'll see about that," Bobbie retorts. "You encouraged her not to tell me at all, didn't you?"

"You are correct," Stefan replies, not the least bit ashamed to admit it. "I saw no reason to spoil the element of surprise, since it's likely you would have told the Quartermaines, the very people who bribed Peyser into lying on the stand. Not that she listened to my advice. But when she tried to tell you, you tore her apart before she got a word in."

Bobbie blanches at the bombs Stefan dropped. The Quartermaines bribed Peyser? It was impossible to digest this, so her mind files it away for later consideration.

The scene in the elevator with Carly flashes through Bobbie's mind again. She'd been terrifically vicious to Carly, so enraged she didn't even give Carly a chance to talk. Recalling it now, she can see that Carly had been desperately trying to tell her something. Bobbie believed was justified in her vitriol then, but thinking back, she's horrified. She pushes the thought out of her head as well. She's here for information, not to be sidetracked by Stefan's evasions and guilt trips.

But before she can fully regain her equilibrium, Stefan continues the offensive. "You are wasting time and energy attacking me, Barbara. You really should be grateful for what I've done for Caroline." He walks up close to her, so that his breath is on her cheek, his voice soft. "If it weren't for me, she might very well be dead. Did you know she came to me when your brother and his associates were threatening her? She was terrified for her life, her family had turned their backs on her. She had no one to protect her. Had I not given her refuge, there is a good chance she would have been killed by one of Corinthos' goons."

"That's bull!" Bobbie shoots back automatically, but the fear cuts deep. Didn't Luke tell her at the time Sonny was arrested that Carly would be lucky to be alive in six months? "The hit on her ended when the charges against Sonny and Jason were dropped for lack of evidence!"

Stefan knows he shouldn't respond, but he can't help toying with her. "That was quite a miraculous reversal of fortune for Morgan and Corinthos, wasn't it? Amazing how the evidence against them evaporated. And suddenly Caroline's life was no longer in danger."

Bobbie's mouth opens and closes as she digests the implications of what he's saying. No, he didn't arrange their freedom for Carly, did he? What would be in it for him?? "I don't believe it for a minute."

Stefan shrugs, satisfied that his words hit the mark by the look of bewilderment on Bobbie's face. "Go home, Barbara. Go home and be thankful you have an opportunity to rebuild your relationship with Caroline. Focus your energies on her instead of wasting effort trying to figure out what nefarious plan I have in store for Caroline."

 

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