Chapter 4 Desperate Measures

At 8:00 the next morning, Charles Sterling, Bella's father, who had been discharged three hours ago, seemed okay and was ready to go meet with Richard Gentry to plead for his financial assistance.

Just as he opened the door, Olivia walked inside. "And where are you coming from, young lady?" Charles questioned.

"I'm so sorry, Dad. It was too late, so I decided to sleep over," Olivia apologized.

"And who did you tell?" Charles demanded an explanation.

"She told me." Bella walked in, saving her sister. She was also ready to go to work. "I advised her to stay back; it was really late," Bella added.

Charles looked at his daughters and just left. At that moment, that was the least of his problems; gaining financial assistance was his main priority.

"Why would you be coming back this late, Olivia?" Bella asked.

"I apologize deeply; we took tons of bottles, and I think we both slept off," Olivia answered honestly.

"You just slept, and who is the 'He'?" Bella asked again.

"His name is Cole Benson; he is a college student..." Olivia smiled.

"And you are in your sophomore year. Be careful, Olivia; not all guys are good," Bella cautioned.

"I will be, and I promise to always fill you in on my plans," Olivia promised and began to head up to her room to prepare for Nick and herself for school.

Meanwhile, Charles had entered his vehicle and was already on the streets to meet with Richard when his phone rang.

"Hello, who is this?" He picked up the call.

"Hello, it's I'm a Boogeyman."

"Omg! Honey, tell me you are back in town; I've missed you so much," Charles answered.

"Yes, I'm back..." Lily, Charles's wife, answered.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming back today?" Charles was scared. He didn't want her to find out that he was having difficulties with the business.

"Don't be so silly; I can come back whenever I want, can't I?" Lily asked.

"Not really, I wanted to plan a welcome party for you."

"Oh, you are just so lovely, aren't you? Where are you now? I'd love you to pick me up from the airport."

"Damn! I'd love to, but I'm currently on my way to meet with Richard; I want to discuss business with him."

"Richard, as in Richard Gentry? Why would you want to discuss with that arrogant wealthy man?"

"It's quite complicated. Don't worry; we'll talk about it let's say... Dinner at Jean Georges?"

"I like the sound of that. Catch you later, sweety." And she hung up.

"Fuck me," Charles said to himself and increased his speed to meet with Richard.

As he drove to the mansion gate, the gates automatically opened, and quickly he was able to catch a glimpse of the driver, Alexander, who seemed to be in a rush.

Ignorant of the story that had been flying across town starring Alexander and the stripper girls, Charles was surprised to see him drive that way.

Charles parked his car in the garage and headed to the door and found it open; he simply gave it a push, and he was in.

"Ohh Charles, my good old friend, you seem like a Godsend; I really need to talk to someone. Please sit, help yourself," Richard offered.

It was very obvious that Richard was going through a bad day or something. He was in a casual outfit but had a tie around his neck. That alone explained a lot.

"Thank you, Richard, how are you doing?" Charles asked.

"Apart from my first son bringing shame to the Gentry name, I'm bouncing." Richard stated clearly.

"What do you mean? Enlighten me," Charles was curious.

Richard told Charles everything that happened, including the fact that Alexander found Bailey, his soon-to-become wife, with another man.

"Now that's horrible," Charles empathized.

"Leave me and my family drama; what brings you to my castle?" Richard asked.

Truly it was a castle; Richard possessed a sitting room that radiated opulence. Its walls were adorned with intricate wallpaper, accented by gilded moldings, while the polished hardwood floor was adorned with plush handwoven rugs.

In the heart of the room, a magnificent marble coffee table took center stage, surrounded by designer sofas and armchairs upholstered in the finest silks and leathers.

A colossal fireplace mantel dominated the space, displaying valuable art and sculptures.

The room was filled with crystal chandeliers, antique vases, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stocked with leather-bound books and collectibles.

Large windows with silk drapes allowed natural light, and a terrace led to a meticulously landscaped garden.

"Mmmm, actually... I kinda need your help with something."

"If it's something I can afford, then let me hear it."

Charles narrated his story, how he lost all his wealth to scammers, how his business and his apartment were at stake, and how he would be so glad if Richard could help him.

Richard was silent the entire time Charles was talking, and it really did scare Charles, for Richard was known not to be the silent type.

"Well, Charles, I'm really sorry for your loss, that's if it's the right word to use, because I can't possibly imagine what you are currently going through... Please accept my apologies," Richard seemed honest.

"But, at this point, I can't possibly help you with your request. You see, my son has just brought shame to me. And I've been answering calls, trying to give excuses for his actions, and I'm on the edge of losing my reputation as well. This is just not the right time, Charles. I'm really sorry," Richard explained.

Charles understood and wouldn't have shown up if he knew what Richard was going through. So he took a deep breath and stood up to take his leave.

Not long after he had driven away, he turned on the news and found Bailey being interviewed on the news.

He watched closely and discovered that she was actually telling the interviewer that she only cheated on Mr. Alexander Gentry because he had erectile dysfunction.

Hearing this, Richard was filled with rage, and he didn't know what to do. He was certain that his son didn't have such issues.

"What the heck!" He cried. Then it came down on him that his son would have to marry another girl and have a child as soon as possible.

"But where can I find a girl that would..." He paused for a while, and then the answer clicked, "Charles's daughter, Bella." He smiled.

And then he picked up his phone and typed in a message.

"I just had a change of mind, and I have found a way we can both get what we want. 10:00 am at my office tomorrow."