If my eyes didn't decieve me, Hero's previously glazed orbs shot open in consternation. Was that from disbelief or fear? Well, this was it; either my husband rocked with me or didn't. Same for my supposed family. There were several questions that needed answering after all was said and done. 

"The gavel, dear Diedre, will show just how nasty you are. Know that many others will attest to such things. Considered going easy on you, but that little threat you dished out? Oh, that only dug a deeper hole." 

Sensing my hidden promise, the older woman puckered over-lined lips:

"You're bluffing. Attending court was my idea. There is nothing-" 

"Nothing that can be used against the high and mighty Tiffin? Please. You have years of unpunished proof. Money won't be enough to excuse anything this time. That's all I can say. Hope you shrivel over what to come. Really do." 

With purpose I held out one soft hand:

"You know what to do, baby. She's an anchor weighing you down and not a thing can refute that. This moment we shared... I missed it. But no matter how liberating it may have felt... Eleanor is more important. So..." 

Immediately recognizing the familiar words, his eyes softened, telling me everything I needed to know- he was for real this time. Good God. Finally. But what clicked? Gathering us together as one in what felt like ages, Hero glowered at his grandmother. 

"My wife is correct. Get out of here. Smart of you using my anger and certainty and forcing alcohol on me..." 

Grimacing, Diedre seemed to be on the verge of tears. 

"Don't want to lose you, honey. Even though they were extreme... My intentions were for the best. Think about what you're doing. If court proceeds-" 

"Then you get the justice you so deserve. What was even the end game here if you succeeded in taking everything from her? Forcing me take away custody and our business? I'm just now realizing the severity of it all..." 

As if some light bulb exploded he blanched, nearly falling on his ass. 

"Fuck. FUCK! You're demented... Deranged. God... You... As my blood related grandma... Wanted us as romantically linked without crossing Incestual limits. And I- we did so much... FUCKKKKKK!" 

Once Hero fell to his knees, grasping at unruly brown strands, his molester took this as her cue to leave, retreating on sharp heels. 

"I love you Hero. I love you... But I must protect my legacy. Since I've you again, I will do things my way. It's declared war now." 

When we were alone again, I collapsed as well, hugging onto my tortured man. My sweet, lovable tortured soul. God. How could I ever have considered leaving him? 

"Sweetheart..." 

"Oh my god, Kristina. I'm deplorable. A mess. And I did all of this because I was angry." 

"Shh. Shh. It's okay. You were under the influence. But you did the right thing, taking my side." 

What was in store now, though? Well inviting everyone for an impromptu intervention, including Emma who may or may not have already gone against her own daughter.