Chapter 61

***Kenya.***

"The kids get paid, allowing them a sense of responsibility." I allowed my words sink into Andrea, who grew thoughtful.

"How would that promote you?" She questioned, intrigued.

"As a school, if we have exchange programs with other schools and the placement programs with professional companies, they will see us as a serious business. And perhaps, this people who have no faith in me, will come around. Offering their services." I watched Andrea, gauging her reaction.

Andrea was thoughtful, analyzing the idea.

"Maybe we take the kids from 13 and above, for a start and see where this goes. Signing them up with Byron's will need them to be really insured, both mentally and physically." Andrea proposed, her eyes containing some excitement and less of the earlier doubt.

"Not a problem. The attorney you recommended for me, Katie, can get on it. She would do all the legal aspect. As for mentally and physically protecting the kids; that's where each director comes in. We will be there for the kids and their parents will be utterly involved; even financially," I said, my eyes steady on Andrea.

Watching Andrea's expression morph from pessimism to fascination and finally absolute loyalty, was a relief. Heaving a sigh, I picked up one hot roll from Andrea's plate and finally started chewing on something. My appetite, finding its way back to me, since last night.

"Have I told you yet that Odette has lost face with Dave?" Andrea picked up. I turned to her, taken aback by the conversation's turn. Shaking my head, I swallowed the food in my mouth, unable to mask my curiousity.

"What happened? I asked.

Andrea shrugged. "I don't know fully. But it seems she got pregnant for Dave's nephew, who isn't interested in being a father, anytime in the near future. And apparently, the issue is brewing trouble in the Byrons family. And you know how family oriented Dave is." She took a bite of another roll and sipped her coffee.

I was wide-eyed, as I considered the information. I knew of Dave's nephew, a charmer like his uncle, Ryan Byron. He was a star player for one of the top baseball leagues. And he was very easy on the eyes. But I never knew that Odette would fancy a man such as Ryan. She usually sought other dancers like herself; Patrick Lloyd, for example, were her preference.

"I didn't know Odette was into baseball athletes. Doesn't he play for the"

"New York Yankees." Andrea filled in, sipping more coffee.

"Ahthat's right." I recalled, still digesting the words.

"Apparently, after you stole her spotlight, because of Levi's influence, she drew closer to Ryan, being rich and all. And boom, she got pregnant, so easily. Ryan claims he isn't the father. That's why she had a fall out with Dave. She thought Dave would back her up, no matter what." Andrea was enjoying this. It was explicit on her face.

"How did you know all this?" I asked, awestruck at my friend's detailed narration.

"The entire argument happened at Byron's. Ryan came to see his uncle, and Odette, who it seemed had already confronted Ryan on the issue, thought bringing it up before his uncle, would score her some round. Sadly, she was mistaken. All the hunk of a man kept screaming was; I told you before that shit isn't mine." She smiled, seeing my mild frown. "After what Odette did to you, she deserves all she got. She was too bossy. Such a bitch."

I couldn't agree more. But being pregnant and alone, I couldn't begin to imagine the girl's suffering. Worse, the child was being rejected. *Disheartening*.

"Hey, come on let's take a tour of our new work place." Andrea beamed, her voice distracting me. I managed a smile as Andrea instinctively pulled me to my feet and dragged us to the door.

Perhaps the tour of the new J'aime, would distract me a bit, I thought, as we pushed our way across the street. Thankfully I sneaked out without Ryan's knowledge. Today I was a me time.

***Levi***.

"Levi, you've got to calm down." Blake emphasized, his eyes on me.

I was enraged. I had been since I received that damned mail, this morning. My groin tightened pleasurably at the memory of what transpired before this morning. A passion filled night. Aching passion, shared between us. But my disapproval at her most recent actions, banished the sweet memory immediately.

Glaring at Blake, I said, "You don't know what this means. These people she has partnered with, all possess time bombs in their archives. Unclean slates, which if investigated by the feds, will lead her to years in jail." I raged. Pacing around my office.

After a moment of silence, Blake's voice came. "If it bothers you that much, protect her."

I stilled, turning to face him. A knowing look crossing my face, as I let him continue.

"At this moment, all the retrieved evidence from the D. A's office, as you requested earlier today, have been safely tucked away. But you have to ensure she doesn't fall into trouble, as you fear. Use this evidence you have as a weakness against them." Blake suggested.

When the revelation surfaced this morning, I had channeled all my fury to her betrayal. All rational thoughts, gone. I had immediately called Blake to retrieve and secure the documents. I hadn't even thought of putting them into use.

At the moment, I was only in possession of Kenya's legally binding agreement with Claudine Bark. They were to share the profits, while Kenya bore the bulk of liabilities. An agreement which I suspected, Kenya was responsible for. And the damned agreements were completely binding. No fucking escape clauses. My lawyers had thoroughly checked, her rookie lawyer had done her research well.

As for the other documents, I had to wait until they reached me. My frustration was palpable as my mind worked.

"Fight the contracts. Sue her for breach of our marriage."