not happening...

16

Cole nods and stands up. They speak briefly to the waiter and explain that they'll be right back. Unnoticed by the women, the two men cross the street and hear Serena yell: “Why did you show up again? You slut, you were at the jewelry event. How did you get a ticket and we didn't? Besides, it's your fault that Nicholas is mad at me.” Nicole snaps at her, “Get your stinky hands off Cole. He's going to be my husband and he would never pay attention to trash like you. You're a maid and nothing more.” Nicholas' voice rings out behind the two women: "Nicole, if you don't apologize immediately, I'll send you to one of our branches to work. Miss Kolla, I never said I was her husband. Never. In fact, I really can't stand you. To make it even clearer, you are now banned from my property. I will instruct the new butler accordingly. You are also not allowed in any of my businesses. I will send out that information today as well. And if you continue to insult Miss Smith, I will immediately terminate all projects with your father's company. Of course, that shouldn't cause your father any problems if he has enough cash to plug the holes.“ Serena turns pale and opens her mouth, but Cole explains, ”If I were you, Miss Kolla, I would leave." She throws a hateful look at Leila, then stomps down the street. Cole turns to Nicole: "For my part, I want nothing to do with you. You are a totally spoiled girl. Leila and I have a special connection that has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with you. But simply because I admire Leila and we're like siblings, I would never do anything to her that would make her tolerate a woman who puts others down, treats them inhumanely, and then abuses them. You're not a human being, you're worse than an animal." Tears stream down Nicole's face and she gives Nicholas a pleading look. But he looks at her coldly: “I never would have thought that someone would be treated like Leila in my house, and certainly not by my own family. Go.” Nicole stamps her foot and says, “But Nicholas, I'm your sister.” Nicholas shakes his head. "You stopped being my sister when I found out what you and Mom did. That's why I never set foot in this house again. But it's not enough. I'm going to buy Mom and you a small apartment and tear down the estate. Then I'll rebuild it, and neither you nor Mom will be welcome there. If you want things to get worse, then stay right here."

Leila

Greta called her this morning and Leila suggested they visit her new restaurant together. Of course, she immediately agreed and they both met in front of the restaurant. Just as they are about to go in, a woman's voice asks, “Are you leaving trash in this restaurant?” Greta and Leila both turn around and Leila recognizes her tormentors, Nicole and Serena. They both lash out at them verbally, and Leila is about to open her mouth to respond when Nicholas and Cole suddenly appear and chase the girls away. Leila isn't sure why Nicholas would do such a thing, but before Greta or she can say anything, the two men nod to the women and walk away. Greta and Leila look at each other before shrugging their shoulders and entering the restaurant. The chef himself shows them to a table on the balcony, and Greta gasps when she sees it. “Leila, this is beautiful!” Their chairs are pulled out for them, and the chef personally brings them strawberry martinis. Leila smiles at him, and he says, “The menu is prepared as requested.” Greta watches the chef leave and says, “So you knew I was going to call today.” Leila laughs, “Actually, I already expected it when Maurice agreed to work with me.” Greta nods, “I wanted to, girl, but you have so much work, so I thought after the event would be better.” Leila nods. She looks around the balcony, where small fountains are strategically placed and a soft splashing sound reaches her ears. Small islands of flowers surround the fountains and the scent envelops her. Greta explains, “It feels like being on vacation sitting here. Did you bring the catalog?” Leila nods, but then says, “...I also have something else for you.” She takes a velvet-covered box out of her large bag and pushes it toward Greta. Greta takes the box and places it in front of her. She unlocks it, lifts the lid, and stares at what she sees. In front of her lies a necklace with a pansy pendant made of tiger's eyes and diamonds. The earrings are small pansies and there is also a ring with a larger pansy. She stands up abruptly and throws her arms around Leila. “So beautiful, but I didn't see this in the catalog.”

Leila nods, pats her arm: “Yes, I had it made especially for you. The tiger eyes go wonderfully with your skin and your eyes.” Greta explains: “Oh, I have to put it on right away.” Leila: “Look under the pansy.” When Greta does so, she sobs and a tear runs down her cheek. “You had it engraved. For Greta, from Leila.” Leila beams, “Otherwise it wouldn't be an original from my company. After everything that's happened, I really appreciate my family and friends.” Greta scoffs: “As if you didn't appreciate us before. Tell me, wasn't that your brother and your ex?” Leila: “My brother, yes – but I'm not sure Nicholas even deserves to be called my ex.” Greta takes her hand: “Tell me.” Leila: “Actually, I'd rather forget about it.”