255 Updates and plans 2

"The question is, do we need to investigate this further?", Liz asked. "We know that Jackson staged this seizure, probably to make Rina feel guilty and to reverse the break-up. Even without any further evidence, we can assume that he lied about any other seizure as well in order to manipulate Sabrina. And we also know that his parents are into it, the only question is: how deep their fingers go."

Max agrees with Liz's point that all three members of the Adams family are guilty, and it does not matter how guilty they are, but… "If we stop investigating, we might miss the other people who are part of this."

"Like Jackson's doctor?", Mia guessed.

Max confirmed. "Even if he does not know what they are up to, he is staying willingly ignorant while supporting Jackson's story. And we have records of him taking large sums of money from the Adams family. Other people involved could be their extended family or friends. Probably someone who is close to Rina, or any of us. Based on what we found out today, we need to expand our search. Everyone who ever mentioned Jackson's illness is a potential suspect. They might have a minor role in this scheme, but the point is that they are willing to scheme against the Anderson family. And every next time, they will be bolder. I want to be aware of who they are and to remind them who we are..."

Liz listened to Max and she has to admit that what he said, makes sense. As Nathan's successor, Max took on himself the responsibility of running a large company and protecting his family. 'It must be stressful', Liz thought. He needs to ensure prosperity for his family and his employees and to prevent others who are trying to leech off from him. Suddenly, Liz felt guilty...

"Are you trying to find people who benefit from associating themselves with you?" Liz asked. "But isn't that everyone? Even I benefited…"

"You are different." Max cut Liz off. He turned to face her and looked into her eyes with a gentle gaze. "You are my girlfriend and I am happy that my name can make your life easier. If anyone can use my name, that is you."

Liz smiled. His words sounded like a promise and made her heart expand. "Thank you, Max."

Max gave her a light kiss on the lips before continuing: "But some people are exaggerating and misusing my name even though they are not connected to me. I'm not saying that I want to destroy all of them, but this is a chance to find out who is doing it and to what extent."

"This is the best time to keep tabs on Jackson and his parents.", Hunter said. "Now that their ship is sinking, they will reach out to their friends for help. And they will reach out first to the ones who know about this charade."

Max agreed. He went on the terrace to make a phone call to Ian. They will tap the phones and any other electronic communication… and Max will arrange for someone to follow the three members of the Adams family.

Liz stood up and hesitated. She remembered that Mia is setting up traps for Hunter, and Liz does not want to be caught up in that. She is a doctor, not a ninja, alright?

"What's wrong?", Mia asked Liz.

"I want to use the restroom, but I don't know if it's safe."

Mia smiled. "It's safe. No more traps."

"Oho!" Liz exclaimed. "Does that mean that that Hunter graduated, and you are going to visit your family?"

Mia bobbed her head. "He is ready, but I'm not sure if I am and it seems that my dad is NOT ready. I called home and spoke with my father's assistant. He said that they will get back to me when they figure out what time works for them to host me and that they will see if they can accommodate my boyfriend." 

Liz thought about how that is strange. "Is your dad so busy?"

"Not busy. He is angry that I didn't call or visit in a long time, so he wants to teach me a lesson.", Mia said dejectedly. "He is probably setting up new traps for me."

Liz noticed one more thing... "You said that you are coming with your BOY-FRIEND?"

Mia made a face. "My dad is throwing a fit that I have a boyfriend. Imagine what he would do if I say that Hunter is a fiancé. I need to break this news to him gradually. One step at a time."

Liz shook her head in disbelief. Now Mia is talking about taking it slow? Mia and Hunter rolled in the sheets on the first day they met, moved in together within a week, and a week later they were engaged! And they are going for Hunter to meet her family as the only step missing before they get married! What would Mia's father say if he knows that? Actually, what are the chances that he does not know? Didn't they talk about the high probability of Mia's family keeping tabs on her? Liz thought that maybe Mia's dad is not angry because Mia is not visiting, but because she is hiding things from him. Maybe.

Ah, some families are complicated.

While on the topic of visiting home, Liz thought that she should visit Isaac. With Max, maybe.

When Max returned from the terrace (and Liz from the restroom), the topic moved to Suzy (aka Suzanne Gorman).

Liz and Max told Mia and Hunter what Andrea shared, about Mia being followed.

Hunter was alarmed by this, but Mia didn't think much about it.

"I am barely going out of the apartment without you.", she told Hunter. "And when I go, it's always with Rina or with Liz. I am not by myself. Assuming that someone is following me, what can they do? Take pictures of me?"

"You should not be so carefree.", Liz warned Mia. "She is the woman you bashed in the changing room of the sports club. And she holds grudges. You don't know how many people might be after you and what are their intentions. If they come at you directly, I'm confident that you can defend yourself. But what if they slip you some sleeping drug and you wake up in a dark warehouse tied up?"

Hunter shivered while listening to Liz. Mostly because he knows that this is a possibility. Hunter asked Max to arrange for some people to keep an eye on Mia and he warned Mia not to go out alone. 

"Even when you are going with someone, make sure to notify the security so that they can follow you from the distance." Hunter was advising Mia and he was not happy that she is taking this lightly.

Max said that his men are investigating Suzy with a goal to find out who are the people she hired, and if she is collaborating with someone, but they will not get any reports until Monday. Without any evidence, it's just a rumor which Liz heard from Andrea.

"Did you hear from Bri?", Liz asked Mia.

Mia confirmed. "We spoke two days ago. She is selling our stuff and getting ready to head to San Francisco."

"Do you plan to go to New York?" Liz asked Mia.

"I thought of going, but after some thinking, I decided not to. Bri brought most of my stuff when she visited last time and from the stuff that is remaining, I don't need anything. I told her to sell whatever she can, and I will accept any amount of money she gives me."

Liz was curious about one more topic: "What about Quentin?"

"How much I know, they didn't see each other since Bri left. She said that she will stop by Seattle when she heads to San Francisco. Unless Quentin goes to New York, they will probably not see each other before that..."

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