Page 18 of Emergence and Ascendance

"That's not a simple answer, but yes, I'm fine."

"Is she okay?" Amusement was laced in her voice.

I exhaled a sigh. "She's ten million dollars poorer than she was yesterday so doubtful."

"Shit, you took your money back, how?"

"Greed makes you careless, spite makes you stupid. She encompasses both."

"Well, I don't care how you got it done, she never deserved your money in the first place. Hopefully now you can truly move on with your life."

"That's the plan, speaking of, did you need something… or just calling to check in?"

"Yes, sorry. How much do you love me?"

"Enough to say no to whatever you're about to ask because I have a feeling it will challenge the bounds of our relationship."

"Oh ye of little faith. It's not that serious."

"I'm listening."

"You mentioned visiting Jona and your schedule is open for the next week."

I frowned, already not liking the direction of this conversation. "How would you know?"

"I asked your assistant. She mentioned you had a pretty flexible week and I was thinking it might be a good time for you to surprise our baby sister."

"Me or us?"

"You. It's not a good time for me to travel right now with Elias, the kids, and all but it's just you so…"

"I can easily send the jet and demand Jona get on it to come home for a visit if you're concerned."

Cress and Jona spoke a lot. More frequently than I spoke to Jona. She did check in at least once a month by my demand or risk not having access to the money she was spending so freely. I loved that Jona wanted to travel the world. She deserved the time and space to figure out her life, but she was still our sister, and I worried. I needed to see her face, even if only on FaceTime, and hear her voice to know she was truly okay.

"I have just been feeling off lately when it comes to her. I need one of us to lay eyes on her."

I mentally ran through what I had going on. I was in the middle of this waterfront acquisition and it wasn't looking like the shit was going to lean in my favor. Then there were the issues with G and the contract I agreed to.

"How about this? If I can't get her on the phone in the next day or so, I will send the jet and Miles to bring her home long enough for one of us to hug her and make sure she’s good."

Miles worked as a driver and security for me. He was about the only person I trusted sending after my baby sister.

"Okay. I guess that works."

"You sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. I just don't like her being out of touch for so long. I'm worried."

"Don't be. She's fine. If charges weren't coming through on her accounts I would be concerned. If there was an issue she wouldn't be spending all my damn money."

"It's her money too." Cress's voice was light and I grunted.

"Our family's money was ran out years ago. What she's spending now is all my blood, sweat, and tears. I'm just grateful your damn husband is now footing the bill for your expenses."

"I'll be sure to let him know you appreciate his generosity."

I chuckled. "Nah, don't do that. He might think I finally respect him."

---