Shane's POV

I had the coldest look that one can have.

"I understand, Mikayla; you enjoy seeing me in pain. Oh, and didn't you say Bliss deserved to be poisoned with something she is highly allergic to?! Cut the crappy tears!! My pain and Bliss's pain are ending. And, yours is beginning."

"Guess what, Mikayla? My mum and I are going to see you in pain. Also, a little birdy told me you were allergic to strawberries. Look at that table to the right. You are going to eat every last strawberry on the freaking plate! Either willingly or by force, you will eat those darn strawberries!! But first, start talking!! I want every name associated with blackmailing me because they will get it too! And I want to know who killed my friend, Jessica! You knew she overheard your conversation. You went whining to whoever is your boss, and they had Jessica senselessly murdered in broad daylight!!!"

Mum added, "Each minute your whiny tail doesn't answer Shane or me, it will cost you. Right next to the strawberries is the pain that you will feel. Adrian Landes is about to introduce you're entitled behind to pain!"

Boy, I am thankful I have never seen this side of my mum. She is merciless.

She continued, "You and whoever you are about to mention will pay for hurting my family!"

Adrian's POV

I walked over to the table and picked up the taser. I am about to scare the mess out of her. As soon as I turned it on, Mikayla started twitching in her chair.

"Too late now, whiny! And shut up! Nobody and I mean nobody, messes with my family. Bliss and Shane should have been married by now. And Bliss could have been pregnant with my grandchild! But you and your cronies ripped them apart. Guess what? Myself, Shane, and my husband are going to rip you and your little band of friends apart!"

"You people are crazy!!!"

I looked at Shane, then at my husband. We all burst out laughing! "Did you both hear what she just said?"

Shane was laughing but with a cold expression on his face. He is as fed up as I am.

I slowly walked over to where Mikayla was tied up while still laughing. I slapped her right in the face. "Honey, you are about to find out how crazy I am."

I had the taser on the lowest setting and zapped the mess out of her.

Mikayla slumped in her chair. "Now that is my version of crazy. Don't ever, ever mess with my family again. And stop it with the phony tears. Now, you have only one choice, so start naming the rest of your crew, or else I will stuff them strawberries down your throat and watch you swell up! Shane, pass mama the plate of strawberries."

He still had that cold facial expression. "Gladly." Shane went to the table to pick up the plate, then brought it over to me.

"Milena Castiglione and Grayson Kendall!!" Mikayla screamed.

"Shut that screaming up! Nobody can hear you. Shane, send your guys to look for them. I want to force them too."

"I'm on it. But Grayson Kendall is mine." Shane left the room.

"Now, I know it is not just you, Milena, and Grayson. So, start talking before the strawberries go down your throat, as I said."

Shane's POV

I know the perfect way to have Milena come to London. She will not know what is in store for her.

"Can you guys find Milena Castiglione's telephone number for me, please? And I need Grayson Kendall found as well."

"Sure thing, Mr. Landes."

"Please, call me Shane."

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

Surprisingly, Milena was conveniently in London, probably with whoever was in charge of this horrible group.

I heard a car door close, so I am guessing that it was the fellas with Milena. I shuddered at what I was about to do. After opening the door, Milena entered.

"It's about time you came to your senses and dumped that thing you were with."

My blood was boiling after what she had just said about Bliss. Bliss is not a thing. She is my future and will be back in my arms soon.

"Yeah, well, mistakes happen. I was so blind and stupid for picking her over you. Cover your eyes, love. I have a surprise for you."

I need to throw up after saying that utter nonsense. After grabbing Milena's hand, I led her to the basement where my mum and father were.

Mikayla is still recovering from what my mum did to her. My mum handed me a rope so I could tie Milena up.

"Ouch, Shane. That hurts!"

"Be prepared to be hurt and walking funny after I am through with you."

I just threw up in my mouth. I ran to the bathroom quickly and threw up in the toilet. The only one I am going to have walking funny is Bliss. After washing my mouth and hands, I went back into the room.

My arms were crossed, and a scowl appeared on my face. "Open your eyes."

"What the heck is going on here?!"

"Welcome to Shane Landes' house of torture. Pain will be administered by Adrian Landes. Milena, you seriously thought I had feelings for you?! You truly are delusional. Read my lips - I can't stand you! My mind, body, and soul belong to one woman only - Bliss Sanders, not Milena Castiglione. Now, mum, she is all yours."

"I hate you, Shane Landes!!"

"I already told you how I felt, and I hate you too. Now, be a good girl and tell me who you are working with to blackmail me and kill Bliss."

She spat in my face. What the heck is wrong with people spitting in my face?! I wiped it off with my shirt and traded places with my mum. My mum smacked her across the face.

"How dare you spit in Shane's face!!! You just made your pain worse! And wait until Shane goes to get Bliss!"

"Yeah! What?"

"Shane, you have to find a way to tell Bliss the truth. I'm sure Grayson has found out that Mikayla blabbed. I can't believe he would do this to Bliss. I believed he was really in love with Bliss."

"I believed it too, mum."

"Call Andrea. And you still have to tell Layla, Carly, and Kamea. It has to come from you."

She's right. I'll call Andrea to arrange a meeting. "I'll be right back. Don't hurt Milena too bad. Save some for Bliss."

I made my way upstairs to call Andrea.

~~~~~~

Shane: "Andrea, can you do me a favor? I need to talk with Kam, Noel, Layla, Carly, Kevin, and Aris. I am in London now but will fly back to New York."

Andrea: "Sure, Shane. I'll call or text you back."

Shane: "Thank you. I have another question for you. Is Grayson with Bliss at the moment?"

Andrea: "No. He left for a photo shoot."

Shane: "Andrea, listen to me. Mikayla mentioned his name. Grayson is a part of the blackmail scheme."

Andrea: "Are you kidding me?!"

Shane: "I kid you not. He must have found out somehow that Mikayla ratted him out and is using the photo shoot to hide. Leave that coward to me. And I need to be the one to tell Bliss. I need to find out what his part is in this mess."

Andrea: "Okay. I'll tell Mason and the guys. And I will ask Layla, Kami, and Carly about meeting with you."

Shane: "Thanks, Andrea. I'll talk to you soon."

~~~

While I waited for her call, I fixed myself a Sidecar (a British alcoholic drink) and drank it straight. I can't wait until all of this is over, and we can have some peace.

Within ten minutes, Andrea texted me back to drive over to her apartment. I texted her back that I could fly back on Thursday and go to her apartment Friday evening. So, I called Jimmy. He called me back within a half-hour and told me the flight information.

So, I made my way back to mum. "I leave tomorrow to go back to New York. I will probably fly back to London on either Saturday or Sunday. Don't have too much fun."

Then, I went to pack for the U.S.

~~~~~~

Friday, June 26th, 2020

Andrea told me that Kam is live via Skype. So, I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"Come in, Shane. Mason is sitting with Bliss. Everybody is in the living room."

"Thanks."

After walking into the living room, I sat down and got straight to the point.

"The reason I broke up with Bliss is that I was blackmailed. So far, I know that Mikayla, Milena, and Grayson are involved. I received phone calls from an unknown number telling me Bliss would die if I didn't break up with her. Remember the day you all saw me in Barbados?"

"Yes, I remember." That was Carly.

"Well, the guys at the table Bliss grabbed the wine from were hired to follow me. If I was caught talking nicely to Bliss, they were ordered to shoot her in front of me. I could never let that happen to her. And trust me when I say that I had nothing to do with Mikayla coming to Barbados. I came to the fashion show. It hurt like heck watching Bliss collapse on the runway, and I couldn't do anything."

"I knew I saw you, Shane. And I knew that it had to be a reason why you broke up with her. Oh my gosh, I am so sorry, Shane. Braelyn asked about you so much, but I didn't really know what to tell her. I do now. And Logan just turned one. And, of course, Grayson lied to Bliss, saying he was going to a photo shoot. That two-faced punk went into hiding. I can't stand him."

"Thanks, Layla. When I find Grayson, I'm going to ruin his face! The day before Jessica passed, she called me, and we had breakfast together the next day. Jessica was just about to tell me who was involved when two armed thugs started shooting. I tried to shield her, but I was too late. She did tell me Mikayla's name, but then she passed out on the stretcher. I didn't get any other names. I know there is definitely someone else, but who it is, I just don't know. I couldn't tell anyone until I was rid of those two goons, which my father, Mason, and I handled. I missed being around you all so much."

Carly had tears in her eyes. She came over and hugged me. "I am sorry, Shane. I said a variety of mean things about you. All you did was protect Bliss. Make sure Grayson pays for what he has done. And, the sad thing is I overheard him tell Bliss he loved her."

"It's okay, Carly. I'm glad this is coming to an end so that I can watch you walk down the aisle in September."

"But, it is not okay. You are my brother, Shane. You always look for ways to protect your family. And you better come to my wedding. All of the groomsmen have been chosen. And dad is walking with me down the aisle."

"I know Milena and Mikayla are not the decision-makers. Neither is Grayson. My mum is in London now, torturing those two for info. Grayson is being searched for. I'll call you and let you know when everyone is found."

"Shane, this is Kam. Your girlfriends, Isabella and Día, miss you. Cris and I adopted a son. His name is Devin. I can't wait for you to meet him. Marco and Noeli had a son - Marco Jr. She was going to join me but was too tired. And I am sorry too. Your mom is the best. Once this is all over, we really need to have a get-together."

"Thanks, Kam. I miss them too. And I look forward to meeting Devin. I agree about the get-together. I'll be flying back to London tomorrow afternoon, so I just wanted to say thank you all for listening to me."

"Of course. I'll call Nina and tell her what happened."

"Thanks, Carly. Goodnight, everyone."

Boy, am I relieved that it went well. I made my way down the elevator to my truck, then drove to my house for a good night's sleep.

~~~~~~~

Saturday, June 27th, 2020

During my flight back to London, I got a call from my cousin, Elizabeth. She is the last person I want to hear from.

~~~~~~

Shane: "You have five minutes to talk, Elizabeth. What do you want?"

Elizabeth: "Shane, I had to hide to tell you this. My mum is the one behind the blackmailing of you. And she is the one who had that girl killed. I'm sorry, Shane. Mum was obsessed with destroying your fiancée because of the humiliation at your engagement party. And I am sorry about my behavior. I hope you get back together with your fiancée after this. She is perfect for you, Shane. I have nothing against her being of another race. I judged her for being after your money, and I was in the wrong for that. One day, I hope I can apologize to her, face to face."

Shane: "Thanks for calling, Elizabeth, and get somewhere safe. Actually, go to my house. Mum and dad are there. Tell them what you just told me. Leave Judy Landes to me."

Elizabeth: "Thanks, Shane."

~~~~~~

Un-freaking-believable!! My own aunt!!!! Dad is going to be livid!! And how are we going to tell Nana? This is devastating!!

So, I text my parents that if Elizabeth comes to the house, let her inside and hear what she has to say.

~~~~~~~

I tried to get some rest on the plane but couldn't. How could my own aunt do that to me?! No wonder my uncle left her!!

The plane had already landed, but I was still in disbelief.

"Shane, we already landed. You look worried. What's wrong?" Marsha asked.

"My aunt is behind the whole scheme and Jessica's killing because she was bent on destroying Bliss. My aunt was a totally, ignorant racist jerk to Bliss at our engagement party last year. So, Bliss gave my aunt a piece of her mind. I hope they found my aunt because she will get it worse."

"Seriously?! Shane, I am outraged! I hope you find her too. She not only hurt you but killed Bliss's sister. That guy Bliss is dating seems nice, but he isn't you."

"Marsha, I also found out that Grayson is a part of the scheme."

"Wait a minute?! He is a part of it? Make sure you find him, and let him have it. Unbelievable!I miss Bliss. Get her back so she can brighten this plane. I hate seeing you be a sour puss."

Marsha is like a mom to me, so that she can say things like that. "I miss her too. "

"Go get our girl back, Shane."

"I just hope Bliss understands what I have to tell her. Trust me, Grayson will pay for his part. Thanks, Marsha."

I got my luggage and left the plane to an angry father. After putting my bag in the trunk, we pulled off to the house.

"You left Elizabeth with mum? Poor Elizabeth."

"She is better off with Adrian than with me. Uh, I broke some of your glasses in a fit of rage. I'll replace them. And I sent police to arrest Judy, but the coward fled. Nobody knows where she is. I am extremely livid!!"

"I'm going to call Niko and see if he can get his PI to help. Janiyah offered her help, as well as Graeme, Griffin, and Sophia. What we should do is put out a reward for her return."

"Shane, I just got an idea. Hold a press conference announcing that Judy is very sick and forgot to take her medicine. Offer the reward for her safe return back home. Give the media an address. You and I will be at the address waiting for her return. She will pay for having Jessica killed, plus hurting you and Bliss. Count on it. And I will have to break the news to my mum. She is going to be heartbroken."

"How about we go now? The sooner, the better."

"You're right." My father then drove us to Nana's house.

~~~~~

Nana was hurt and very angry.

"What is wrong with Judy?! She had an innocent woman killed?! Not only that, but she hurt her own nephew and Bliss. I'm done with her. Whatever happens to her, Judy deserves it!"

I'm glad Nana said that because my aunt will never see another day when she is found. My father and I both had an evil eyes, nodding in agreement with our plan to capture her.

"Don't worry, Nana. She will pay for what she did."

~~~~

Monday, June 29th, 2020

"Thank you for attending this press conference. We are putting up a 100,000 dollar reward for the safe return of my aunt, Judy Landes-Johnston. You see, she is very sick, and it was discovered that she didn't take her medication."

My father even had fake tears. "Please help me find my sister. She could die if not found soon."

He deserves an Academy Award for his performance. I gave the media her home address.

"Thank you so much for your time." My father and I then left the podium at the news station.

As soon as we met with my mum, "Shane, you and your father were very convincing up there. Judy will not know what hit her when she is returned. I want to see the look on her face when she is returned. We can save her for Bliss. In the meantime, let's make Mikayla and Milena squirm."

We drove back to my house, and that was exactly what my mum did. Now, all we need to do is find Grayson. He is mine. I can't wait to put my hands around his throat!!

~~~~~~

Narrator's POV

Judy Landes was nowhere to be found. Both Janiyah, Griffin, and Niko helped Shane by searching in the United States. Shane and Brently had Europe searched. They were feeling pretty disappointed that she could not be found.

But they finally got a break. She was seen in Paris, so the two guys Shane hired brought her back to London with the woman that found her.

~~~~

Wednesday, July 8th, 2020

Shane's POV

When my aunt saw us at her house, she started trembling. She better because she knows trouble is coming her way. The guys took my aunt inside her house. My father then went to help the woman who found my aunt out of the car.

"Thank you so much for the safe return of my sister," my father said convincingly while we all walked into the house.

"Who should I make the check out to?"

"Mr. Landes, I didn't do it for the reward money. I know how it feels to find a loved one who wanders away. The only thing that matters is your aunt returned home safely."

"I insist on rewarding you. She is my favorite aunt, and I missed her so much." Gag! I can't stand the woman. I need to vomit.

"Okay. Thank you, Mr. Landes. My name is Mrs. Adele Patton."

Janiyah, Griffin, and Niko upped the reward to 400,000 dollars. I owe them for helping. I made the check out to Mrs. Patton.

"Mrs. Patton, here is your check for the reward. My pilot can take you wherever you would like to."

"I am actually from Manchester. I was on vacation with my family in Paris. My daughter lives there."

"Okay. I'll get you a flight back to Paris."

"You are too kind. Thank you so much, Mr. Landes."

"You're welcome."

I called Jimmy, and he can fly to Paris tonight at 6:00 pm. Mrs. Patton will be in Paris by 7:15 pm. My father drove her to the airport and waited with her. As soon as they pulled away, Judy was dragged to my truck, and we drove back to my house. I can never call that lady my 'aunt' anymore after what she has done.

As soon as we got home, Judy was dragged downstairs with the others.

"Shane, DO NOT let that evil woman guilt trip you. She deserves whatever Bliss dishes out to her."

"There will be NO guilt-tripping of Shane today - now or never! Where is Elizabeth?"

"I told her to stay in her room for a bit. If Judy starts giving you lip, let me handle her. Now, where is that cold, evil look at?"

I put on my game face so that I could confront Judy.

"That's my boy. Now, let's go harass the trash!"

As soon as we made it downstairs, we heard them arguing because they were caught. How pathetic!

"SHUT UP!! You all make me sick!! Especially you, Judy. You had no business killing Jessica!"

"You had no business dating out of your race!!"

My mother smacked her so hard that everyone in London could hear it. "You sick, twisted old bat!! Who gave you the right to tell Shane who to date?! I am his mother, and I wouldn't dare do that!!"

"It's a pity you are his mother! My brother married someone from another country. And from the United States of all places! What was my brother thinking?!"

I almost smacked her myself, but mum stopped me and promptly punched Judy right in the face. Then, mum said, "You're pathetic, Judy! But guess what? When Bliss arrives, poof! You will be gone. So, bye! No one will have to deal with your racist behind again!"

I got in Judy's face. "You will never, ever talk about my mum or Bliss again. Oh, and here is a little tidbit. Elizabeth told me about you."

"Worthless brat! Should have known she would do that!"

We turned around, and Elizabeth just heard her mother disrespect her. If Judy talks about her own child like she just did, she doesn't have a hint of remorse. "Mum, don't bother. She will be gone by next week. Let's go upstairs."

"Nice to know you feel that way about me, mum. You may be my mum, but I could care less about what happens to you. You disgust me and deserve whatever you get. Shane and Aunt Adrian, I sincerely apologize for my behavior towards you in the past. My mum was very controlling towards me, but that will no longer happen."

"Come with us, Elizabeth."

The three of us went back upstairs. Mum and Elizabeth went to the kitchen. I went outside to call Andrea. I told her we had found Judy. Andrea told me to come this weekend to Bliss' penthouse because that is where she is staying while recovering and doing her therapy. I also called Jimmy and told him to take some time off, and Marsha will fly the plane. But Jimmy said he wanted to see Bliss again. We are flying back to New York on Friday, then flying back to London on Sunday.

After we hung up, I went back inside with the ladies. "I hope Bliss will listen to me."

"Shane, Bliss will initially be upset. So, you need to be as calm as you can. This bombshell is going to hurt her. She will come. I know it. Don't worry about dumb, dumber, and dumbest downstairs. Your father, Elizabeth, and I can handle them. Now, go get some rest."

"You don't have to tell me twice." It's not Friday yet, and I am a nervous wreck.

~~~~~~

Friday, July 10th, 2020

"Thank you, Jimmy, for a safe flight. I really want you to take a vacation. You deserve it."

"You're welcome, Shane. I had to come because I wanted to see Bliss's smile again. Go get your girl, understand?"

Jimmy is another person I let talk that way to me. Jimmy has been my pilot ever since I bought the plane. He is another father to me. "I promise, Jimmy. Bliss will be on this plane come Sunday. If I have to kidnap her, I will."

Jimmy smacked his head. "Shane, please don't do that. Please tell me you are not serious."

"I am very serious. I'll see you on Sunday." Julian was waiting for me once I stepped off the plane.

"Thanks for coming, Julian. I'll be staying at my penthouse this weekend."

"Okay. Bliss can be stubborn sometimes and frustrate you. Try to be as calm as you can."

"My mum said the same thing. Okay, I promise."

~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, July 11th, 2020

My hands are shaking like crazy. I have never been this nervous before.

"Okay, You're Shane Landes, the billionaire. You can do this."

After my pep talk, I left my penthouse and knocked on Bliss's door.

Bliss' POV

"Ding Dong!"

I grabbed my forearm crutches so I could answer the door. I didn't bother looking to see who it was. So, I just opened it. Then, I wished I hadn't.

~~~~~~

Thank you for reading chapter 47.

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