Bliss' POV

We had so much fun last week at Layla and Ryan's wedding. Shane got over his concerns about Austin. And, they even have become friends.

Marco and Layla's agent thinks I have the potential to become a successful model. He wants me to get headshots taken and sent to his office. I also met a few of their model friends - Christina, Erica, Gunner, and Grayson. Shane did not like the way Grayson looked at me, so he warned me to be careful around him.

That trifling trick Julia had the audacity to hurt Braelyn! Braelyn accidentally bumped into her. Julia shoved Braelyn to the ground. Thank goodness Braelyn was okay, but Julia wasn't. Shane and I saw the whole thing. He carried Braelyn to first aid. I gave Julia a dose of her own medicine. She was eventually arrested for assaulting a child. With Layla being seven months pregnant, she did not need any stress. So, I took matters into my own hands. I would do anything for Braelyn and Logan.

We danced and partied until Sunday morning in Central Park. Fortunately, Shane's penthouse was very close. So, Kam, Cris, Marco, Noeli, the kids, Shane, and I stayed at the penthouse.

Kam, Cris, and the kids were staying in New York until Tuesday. So, Kam drove Layla's Escalade, and I drove mine. Cris and Shane warned us about tricks. But we couldn't because we both had kids in the trucks, and mine is black.

After finishing payroll on Monday, we spent the day touring New York. We went to the Disney Store, M & M store, and Times Square. Of course, Aunt Bliss spoiled the kids.

When they had to leave on Tuesday, both Dia and Rocco cried their little eyes out. I told them that I would come to Florida and spend some time with them.

I told Cris and Kam about the lawsuit with Alexander. They were both angry and will also be here to support me. Speaking of, I have an appointment on Friday to meet with Shane's lawyers.

***********

Friday

I was a nervous wreck as we made our way to the lawyer's office. But, I am so sick and tired of Alexander and his tactics of trying to bring me down because I told him no. I can't wait until this mess is over.

The lawyer's office is in the heart of downtown Manhattan. Shane's lawyers are one of the best in the country - they have never lost a case. So, I have that working in my favor.

We pulled up to the office building. Shane came to help me out of the Navigator, and he let the valet park his truck. His lawyers are on the top 3 floors of the building, which is floors 68-70.

Once we stepped off the elevator on the 68th floor, we were in the reception area of the office.

"Welcome to Forrest and Dolloway. Mr. Landes, Jacob, and Hermione are ready for you in the conference room on the 70th floor."

"Thank you, Laura." Then, we took a short elevator ride to the 70th floor.

Shane's POV

I already knew where the conference room was because Jacob and Hermione had won several cases for me.

"Jacob and Hermione, thank you for taking the case. And this is my girlfriend, Ms. Bliss Sanders."

"It is nice to meet you both. And, please call me Bliss."

Hermione replied, "It is nice to meet you, Bliss. When Shane came to us about Alexander Mahoney suing you, we could not wait to get started on the case. We have always wanted to go after him, but none of the women we wanted to help would go against him. They all said they were scared to face him. Have a seat, and we will get started on your case. If either you or Shane needs anything to drink or eat, just let us know."

We all took a seat around the table. "I would like some water, please. I am a nervous wreck because I have never been in a court or sued before."

Hermione went to get Bliss a bottle of water. After a few minutes, then she came back.

Jacob tells Bliss, "You have nothing to worry about, Bliss. When we serve Alexander with the court summons, he is the one who will be nervous."

I just had to ask this question, "I know this may be unprecedented, but is it possible for me to serve him with the summons? We do not have time for Alexander's tricks or jealousy."

"Unfortunately, Shane, you would not be able to serve the papers. One of Bliss' friends could serve it to him. There is no rule saying you can't go with them."

Dang. I wanted to serve that joker those documents myself. Julian can't do it either. But Mason or Ryan can.

"Bliss has a bodyguard. Can he do it?"

"Yes, he absolutely can."

"Okay, Bliss, tell us how you initially met Alexander and how each encounter with him has gone."

Bliss' POV

"The first time I met him was the first day I started working at Shane's company. Shane, along with the executive team, took me out to lunch. We went to a Chinese restaurant near the office - The Imperial Rose. I excused myself and went to the restroom. On my way back, I bumped into Alexander by accident. I apologized, he introduced himself, and I did the same. Then, he asked if I would go on a date with him. I was very independent at the time - I did not want to date at all. I made that clear to him and left."

"His party left at the same time as we did. Alexander and Shane must not have liked each other because as soon as Alexander called his name, Shane had a scowl on his face. Shane asked me to get in my Infiniti to wait for him. That was the first time."

"The next time was on the weekend at a business conference in Miami. On Friday of the conference, some jealous woman that always had her eyes on Shane tripped me and caused me to sprain my ankle. So on Saturday, there was a gala held at the hotel. I had my foot elevated in a chair and was thoroughly enjoying myself. While we were eating dinner, I felt someone put their hands on my behind. I thought it was Shane, but it wasn't. It stopped for about 10 minutes but happened again. Again, I thought it was Shane, but both of his hands were in clear view. The third time it happened, I grabbed whoever hand it was and broke it. Alexander then screamed."

Shane interjected, "While Bliss was in her room that Sunday after the gala, he knocked on her door, hoping to get in her room while no one was looking. Fortunately, one of my employees saw it and knocked him out cold."

"So, that was him knocking at my door? I almost answered it, but I did not feel like getting up. And I knew that Mercedes had a room key, and I gave you mine, Shane."

"When we arrived back in New York from the conference, he had already told the media lies that I came on to him and wanted him for his money. I don't need his, Shane's, or any other man's money. I have my own."

"The third encounter was back in November. Shane held a press conference outside his building, putting everyone on notice that I was his girlfriend. If I told Shane that someone was bothering me about our relationship, he would deal with them. Before the media left and we went inside, Alexander questioned me on why I chose to date Shane, not him. I told Alexander it was plain and simple - Shane loved and cared about me. Alexander always looked at me with lust in his eyes. So, after telling him that, I kicked him in his jewels with my 5-inch heels."

"Oh, before I forget, he was in a relationship with my sister, Jessica. She really liked him, but the feeling was not mutual. He used her for sex."

Shane interjected again. "Jessica is not the only one. He did the same thing to my sister, Carly. Alexander even told me one time women were created to please him sexually, and that was it."

Hermione mentioned, "Maybe now those women we contacted would be willing to testify. And, if you and Shane could ask your sisters to testify, that would be great. We would only call them if necessary. We could win the case with Bliss alone. What would you like to sue him for?"

"This lawsuit he filed is investigating damages for injuries. I want to countersue for damages - a waste of taxpayer's time and my time, and it is absolutely frivolous. I can't stand the man."

"Jacob and Hermione, I am willing to testify myself. I can tell you the countless disgusting things he has told me about women and how they are to serve him. I am surprised that he even has female employees."

"That is excellent, Shane."

The meeting with Jacob and Hermione went on for about another hour. Then, we finished up.

"Shane, we will call you when we have the summons. Remember, only your bodyguard can serve Alexander. Bliss, here are a few of our cards. If you know of anyone besides your sister who had an encounter with Alexander and would be willing to testify, have them give us a call."

"I sure will. Thank you both so much for taking the case and for your time. Maybe now I can finally be rid of Alexander Mahoney."

"You're welcome. Shane and Bliss, enjoy the rest of your day. We will keep in touch."

Everyone shook hands, then Shane and I left the conference room.

While on the elevator ride down to the lobby, "What would you like to do now?"

"Lunch sounds good. And thank you for letting me use your lawyers."

"You don't have to thank me. That is a given. I will do anything and everything to protect the ones I love."

Shane says my smile makes him melt. Well, his wink makes me melt. We exited the elevator and went straight to the valet stand to get his Navigator. While we waited, the cause for the lawyers approached us. It took all my strength to keep Shane from choking Alexander.

"Well, if it isn't my two favorite people." I grabbed Shane's hand and laced it with mine.

"Mr. Mahoney, do you mind leaving us alone? We received your little summons. I have nothing to hide from you or anybody else."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that. I hope you have excellent lawyers because I will not be the one losing." He blew a kiss my way. "I never lose."

Shane took two steps towards' Alexander and was two seconds from punching him in his mouth. I stepped in front of him. "Shane, stop it! He is doing it on purpose."

Thank goodness the valet pulled up with the Navigator. "Mr. Mahoney, why don't you crawl back into your hole? You are only makeing yourself look foolish with this baseless lawsuit. Goodbye!!!" I dragged Shane to the Navigator and we made our way to lunch.

*************

Narrator's POV

Throughout the next week, Bliss asked Jessica, and she was more than willing to testify. Shane asked Carly, and she agreed to testify as well. They both went to give their statements.

Shane received a call from the lawyers that the summons was ready to be served to Alexander.

Julian stayed with Bliss while Mason and Shane went to pick up the summons. Shane could not wait to see the look on Alexander's face.

*********

Friday, April 19th, 2019

Shane's POV

I couldn't wait for this. Too bad I couldn't be the one to serve the papers to Alexander. Mason and I are now on our way to his office in Brooklyn.

We got out of Mason's Denali and went inside the building. That is a smooth, driving truck he has. Hmm, I have to get myself one of those.

We asked the building receptionist what floor Alexander's office was on. Once she told us, we headed to the elevator for the 60th floor.

Once the elevator reached his floor, we got off, heading towards the reception area. As soon as the lady looked up and saw me, she pathetically tried to be seductive.

"Miss, I will save you the embarrassment. I am not here to flirt with you. Where is that pathetic boss of yours?!!"

"Mr. Mahoney is currently in a meeting. He is not available at the moment."

"Lady, we don't have time to wait until his little meeting is over!! You don't have a choice - you either call him now, or we go interrupt his little meeting!"

"R-r-ight away, s-sir." She picked up the phone but couldn't dial any numbers. She was a nervous wreck. Screw this!! I warned her. So, Mason and I walked right past her desk to find Alexander.

Alexander's POV

Why did I schedule this meeting for Friday? Ugh, it is ultra-boring. "Meeting is adjourned."

Everyone started gathering their things to leave when Shane and someone else suddenly barged into my conference room.

"Who the heck do you think you are barging into my office like this?!!!"

"And, who do you think you are suing, my girlfriend, because she turned you down?! Mason, show this weasel what we came to give him!"

He slammed whatever he had in his hands in front of me. "Since you like suing women who tell you no, this is for you!! See your punk behind in court!!"

Before they left, Shane said, "When Bliss and I are through with you, you will be done with whatever business ties you had throughout the world. Oh, and you might want to drop this lawsuit when you see the name of the lawyers that will be representing Bliss. You picked the wrong person to cross, Alexander! Goodbye, sucker!!" Shane said with a smug grin on his face, and they both then left.

I picked up the summons and saw, "JACOB DOLLOWAY AND HERMIONE FORREST!!!!" I am toast if I continue this lawsuit.

********

Surprisingly, on a Friday afternoon in New York, I made it to my lawyer's office in 20 minutes flat. After giving the valet my car keys, I made a mad dash to the office.

I rushed into the lawyer's office and slammed the summons on the desk. "Shane Landes got Dolloway and Forrest to represent Ms. Sanders!! This lawsuit will blow up in my face if we lose! And if I lose, then you lose!"

"The keyword you said is 'if.' Alexander, leave the lawyering to us. Have we lost a case for you?"

"No, but this is Dolloway and Forrest. They are on a level above every lawyer in this country. They have not lost a case at all."

"Alexander, relax. There is a first time for everything. Shane Landes can't have everything go his way. Go and take a vacation and have some 'fun.' We got this."

"You better have this. I am not paying you all that money for nothing."

**************

Narrator's POV

That is exactly what Alexander did - he took himself on a mini-vacation and had his 'fun.'

Bliss, on the other hand, buried herself in her work, attending meeting after meeting. She was so busy Shane had to force her to take a few days off. So, he took Bliss to Barbados.

Bliss introduced Shane to her grandparents and family. Grandpa Marcus took Shane aside and lectured him about Bliss. Shane also asked her grandfather a very important question. Bliss even took Shane to some of her favorite places to visit when she was a child. They had such a good time, and Bliss did not want to leave because she was a ball of nerves about the lawsuit.

Speaking of the lawsuit, the time has come. Everybody that came to support Bliss met at her house.

************

Bliss' POV

I am a nervous wreck. No matter how often everyone tells me not to be nervous, it does not matter. And, to make matters worse, the media is staked out in front of my house.

I was even too nervous to eat anything. My sisters forced me to eat something because it would be a long day. I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't hear Shane calling me.

"Ready to leave, Darling?"

"Huh? No. I am a nervous wreck. I am scared out of my mind, Shane. We both know how Alexander is."

"That is true. But I know how my lawyers are." Shane grabbed my hands and pulled me close to him for a hug. "His lawyers are good, but mine is better. They have never lost a case. And don't forget that you have a host of people in the living room to support you. And, of course, you have me. Come, let's go to the living room."

Shane grabbed my hand and led me to the living room.

Braelyn ran over and hugged me. "Hi Auntie, don't be scared."

I leaned down to Braelyn and hugged her tight. "Thank you, Lollipop."

"Can I have everyone's attention before we leave? Kam, Cris, Noeli, Marco, and pop Kalani, thank you all so much for coming from Florida to support me. To my NYC family - Ryan, Layla, Braelyn, Austin, Julian, Carly, mom, dad, Andrea, Jessica, my Primedia family, and Shane, thank you also for your support. It means a lot to me. My nerves will not calm down until this is over. But having you all there with me will calm me some. Thank you, and I love you all very much."

"Alexander Mahoney better watch his back after this case," Pop Kalani said.

We have known Pop Kalani since this past November. He treats Jessica, Andrea, and me like his daughters.

"He is dead meat," Pop Kalani said, and it made me smile.

Kam added, "That's my dad for you. And, Bliss, he means it. You don't have to be nervous at all."

Instead of anyone driving, Shane got a caravan of limos for everyone. I went to feed my babies - Precious and Raven. Then, I washed my hands, and we left the house.

As soon as I locked the door, I grabbed Shane's arm for dear life. The media was screaming questions that I did not have time to answer. I followed Mason to the limo, and Shane was right behind me. We got in our limo and pulled off to the courthouse.

*********

I laid my head on Shane's shoulder, and he had his arm wrapped around me.

Shane's POV

Each limo has a phone, so they dialed the number I gave them so they could all hear what I was going to say on a conference call. "Okay, Jacob called and told me that they were already at the courthouse. Outside, there is a massive amount of media too. So, Mason will get out first. Bliss and I will get out next. Don't say anything to the media."

"Shane, this is Cris. I can have more security here by the end of the trial today. I am sure Alexander's lawyers are going to stall the case. Just let me know."

"Thanks, Cris. That would be great."

"Shane, I used to be a bodyguard for a short time. I can join Mason to lead you and Bliss inside," Ryan says.

"Okay. Have Layla and Braelyn with you too. We can't have anyone hurting her, Logan, or Braelyn."

"Shane, Austin, and I will follow in the rear. We have to protect the ladies at all costs. The media can be ruthless sometimes."

"Okay, Julian. Now that is set, we are at the courthouse." Once we saw Layla, Ryan, and Braelyn get out of their limo, Mason stepped out, then Bliss and myself last. Layla and Bliss linked arms, and Ryan carried Braelyn.

"Ms. Sanders! Ms. Sanders!" Reporters began screaming as we entered the court. A few tried to shove a microphone in Bliss's face, but Mason swatted them away. Bliss didn't answer any questions that they tried to ask.

Once everyone was inside, we all walked together to the courtroom on the first floor for us. But, of course, the weasel and his legal team were standing outside.

"Bliss, don't say a word. He is only trying to provoke you. And I will do the same."

"Good morning, Ms. Sanders. Shane." I wanted so badly to wipe that smug grin off his face. I am going to let Jacob and Hermione do it for me. Kam grabbed Kalani's arm to stop him from slugging Alexander, so he just growled at him.

We saw Mercedes, Natalia, and Wyatt when we stepped into the courtroom. And even Amy came to support Bliss. I guess she really has changed. They both exchanged smiles. Unfortunately, I saw that Grayson character. I do not like him. Before Bliss took her seat with Jacob and Hermione, I had to taste those lips. Then, I sat in the very first row behind them.

It was pathetic to see that Alexander had no one there to support him. Most of the courtroom was for Bliss. When she turned around and noticed that, she seemed more relaxed. I winked at Bliss, and she blushed.

Alexander and his lawyers came in and took their seats. About 15 minutes later, the jury came in. There were six women and six men of various races.

The bailiff then announced, "All rise. The Court of New York City is now in session, the Honorable Judge Samuel Williams presiding."

Everyone remained standing until the judge entered and took his seat.

Then, the bailiff says, "Your Honor, today's case is Ms. Bliss Sanders v. Mr. Alexander Mahoney."

The judge then asks the attorneys for each side of the case if they are ready to begin the trial.

Alexander's lawyers said, "Yes, we are, your honor."

Hermione then answers, "Yes, your honor."

And with that, let this travesty of a trial begin.

****************

Thank you for reading chapter 26.

1. Opening courtroom illustration is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / sssccc

2. Bliss' outfit for lawyer's appointment courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Sarah Muner

3. Bliss' court outfit courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Yerlin Herrera Caba

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘