Sebastian couldn't be hassled by Grace's words. He made an effort not to, yet everything about his Father rankled his spirit. There was nothing worth recollecting. Nothing worth getting a handle on, even following the detriment and anguish that was inflicted upon him.

Sebastian exited the Elevator, strolling past a gathering of Offices. Agents inside them, conducting phone calls, writing and recording files.

Like a hive of Wasps in a colony.

There was scarcely any sentience on the top floor of Black Co. Sebastian's smoldering gaze, and intimidating disposition could cast a shadow over a Room. For the individuals who have worked there, even before Sebastian was abdicated. Thought that it was squeezing, however had no say. Their revulsion as it may, was similarly reciprocal. Only respect for worth ethic, avidly appreciated amongst each other.

And it was enough.

Sebastian discreetly veered off to his left, lumbering into the Assistant's station of his Office. Drawing the immediate attention of his Assistant, Ansen Lockhart. A man who appeared to be in his mid 20's--speaking animatedly on the telephone.

Ansen had a plain, stone-molded face, lined brow, round cheeks, and dark, squinty eyes. Meagerly the tranquil similarity of a 90's sitcom actor, with a sharp, thick unibrow. A thin nose that practically touched his pert lips, confining his warped teeth. Stained by some obscure impact, that was not contiguous to anybody's knowledge.

His physical traits would have been considered below average, to the shallowest of psyches. In any case, his sure voice and devoted mien was overwhelmingly infectious.

"Mr. Black will alert you when he's available for a sitting Mrs. Barnaby. Is there anything else that I can help you with?" Ansen replied to the person on the other side of the line, clearly annoyed.

Ansen peered up at his Boss, Sebastian, as he entered. Shooting the man a slight nod towards his private Office. Sebastian huffed knowingly and swiftly marched off. As he entered, his partner in crime, Jonathan Keller--sat taking quiet sips of Brandy. His round face and broad forehead reflecting the sunlight in a strange manner.

Jonathan rose a bushy eyebrow, scrunching up his wide, sweat-moistened nose. A slight twist of his thin lips, that proffered an odd imprint of his perfectly set teeth.

"You've been ignoring me, Sebastian," Jonathan observed Sebastian with cheerful, blue, close-set eyes. He gave Sebastian a once over, quietly analyzing his less than confident stride.

Jonathon quietly placed his empty glass down, neglecting the coaster that sat there unoccupied. Sebastian grimaced before shifting his weight on his legs. Choosing to ignore the rudeness of his old Friend and confidante.

"Skip the pleasantries, Jonathan." Sebastian griped, in a less than welcoming tone. "I know you're here about River Kennedi, but I'm not having this conversation." Sebastian appeared adamant, but Jonathan wasn't one to cower under the prowess of Sebastian Black.

Jonathon watched with cool complexity as Sebastian straightened his expensively tailored suit. Taking notice of the younger man's unimpressed tone of voice.

"Oh good!" Jonathan exclaimed, rising from his seat as Sebastian sauntered over and sat in his chair. "Then you know what I'm about to say." Jonathan gibed, seemingly unimpressed with Sebastian's blatant nonchalance.

It was no secret that Grace spoke to her Husband. It would have been foolish of Sebastian, to not conjecture such a conversation occurring. Sebastian had expected the abrupt assault. A sure thing from his COO and, the only man brave enough to question him.

"I already spoke to Grace," Sebastian declared, studying Jonathan's face.

"I'm not Grace, Sebastian!" Jonathon blathered gruffly, and Sebastian frowned at the files on top his Desk. "What the hell were you thinking?"

Ignoring Jonathon, Sebastian clicked the extension to his Secretary, a loud beep following. "Ansen, could you please inform Jackie from Accounting, that I need to see her, please?"

Jonathon grew disparaged at Sebastian's petty behavior. Concerned that Sebastian was growing more and more phlegmatic. It was only days until the anniversary of Carlton Black's death. A day that they all dreaded, and couldn't wait to be rid of. It was that day, that Sebastian became a Monster. So vile and imperturbable, that Grace and Jonathon kept their distance.

"Right away, sir." Ansen's voice chirped through the fairly loud speaker. Sebastian leaned back in his chair--swiveling idly as Jonathan glared down at him.

"You were saying?" Sebastian cast Jonathon a tight smile--further angering an already miffed Jonathon.

"Dammit, Sebastian, we have a Non-Discrimination Act. If the Committee catches light of this, we'll have a reprimand on our hands." Jonathon acknowledged, yet Sebastian remained neutral and plenarily unaffected.

"You know how I feel about that kind of lifestyle, I will not tolerate it here." Sebastian conveyed--his lips tightening into a grim line.

"They are still people, Sebastian!" Jonathon's retort echoed throughout the Office. "Everyone has their own lives to live. You've shook the hands of countless gay men."

"I'm not homophobic, Jonathan." Sebastian asserted flippantly, his hands coiling together idly. Sebastian swung back in his chair, regarding Jonathon--his expression barren and reticent.

"What was that?" Jonathon asked, "I couldn't hear you over a certain threesome you had, with two Women doing erogenous things to each other while you watched."

Sebastian laughed, "They weren't gay, just paid escorts who would've dived off a balcony if I asked." He stated cockily, further irritating Jonathon.

Jonathon threw his hands up in disbelief and indubitable chagrin. "You are a piece of work," Jonathon exclaimed begrudgingly.

"Alert the Press," Sebastian cajoled with enigmatic sarcasm.

"Is this because of your Father?" Jonathon asked, peering at Sebastian with a hint of clemency in his eyes.

"My Father has nothing to do with this. I just won't have gay men parading in my Company walls." Sebastian affirmed, stern and insistent.

"Are you even remotely aware that many investments are made with people of that lifestyle?" Jonathon queried, crossing his hands over his chest. His eyes narrowed in disbelief and pure disappointment.

"They are not employed in this establishment." Sebastian muttered with utter disdain.

"How the hell, is that any different?!" Jonathon's spanned out--his glare incredulous. Fidgeting with angst from the absurdity, of Sebastian's aforementioned malevolence.

"I'm not in the mood to argue with you, Jonathon. The decision is made." Sebastian said dismissively, but the chuckle from Jonathon made him wary.

"Sometimes I wonder how it is you are so accepted for the misogynistic prick you are, yet you can't accept a man for having his own sexual preferences." Jonathan carped, a sense of loathing in his dry, aloof tone.

Sebastian remained quiet, because he wanted Jonathon to be wrong. He didn't care for the Gay Community, and he steered clear of any dealings or involvements. After things had transpired with his Father--it never was the same. Precedented antagonism, that made him unaccepting of anything related to homosexuality.

He was taught to accept others for who they were inside, but that, Sebastian wouldn't dare to look past. For it was an esoteric blemish on his past. The thing that had started his rancor and disdain. Sins that evoked his muted fear of benevolence, for such unrighteousness.

"We'll find someone for the internship," Sebastian assured Jonathon, but the man nodded--unaccepting of that fact.

"No, Sebastian, we won't." Jonathon said, and Sebastian's eyebrows furrowed in intense bafflement.

"You'll make it happen," Sebastian's gaze drifted away from Jonathan's. His arms falling in his lap, as his eyes narrowed.

"On the contrary, I can't." Jonathon frowned, stuffing his hands deep into the pocket of his black slacks. Sebastian swiveled his head back in Jonathon's direction. Puzzled as to what the older man could have meant, by his unobtrusive statement.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? Can't you find other candidates?" Sebastian was aghast with confusion. The look on Jonathan's face, was not much comforting either.

"It means," Jonathan began, leaning forward. "That The Board has decided to hire River Kennedi." Sebastian grew amused by Jonathon's remark.

"You're a good COO, Jonathan, but not a good comedian." Sebastian laughed, but Jonathan's smile didn't waver.

"Unfortunately, it's not a joke. It has been decided,"

"That's highly unlikely, considering I own this Company." Sebastian declared confidently.

"Sure, you do, but you're not the only one who runs this Company, Sebastian." Jonathan said, patting Sebastian on the shoulder with a condescending smile.

Sebastian gritted his teeth, feeling the urge to fire the entire Board for their insubordination. They had went against him, to hire River Kennedi. Something they could apparently do, with or without his approval.

"Now cheer up," Jonathan coaxed blithely. "Now you don't have to worry about Interviewing anyone else." Jonathon spun on his heels, marching from Sebastian's Office.

Sebastian was angered by the idea of having River Kennedi around, but not as much as Jonathan's deceit. It was clear that Grace consulted the Board, behind his back.

He thought it best not to retaliate but, he was certain that she wouldn't hear the last of it.

〰