Chapter 103

The album wrapped Friday afternoon. They were all elated and proud of themselves. They called Jax and Jason on a zoom call and popped champagne. They sent them what they had and it was in his hands now to mix. Everyone was in agreement that the single should be released as soon as possible. They needed to spend a few months setting up the release and then it was most likely a year or two of heavy touring, lots of press, album promo and starting the next album. Ian had become like family and he was already talking about wanting to be permanent.

They were exhausted after working non stop all week and Pearl was ready for the hot tub, a bottle of wine and bed. Ian was leaving in the morning and Pearl couldn't believe it, but she was sad to see him go. He lived in Seattle and said he missed his apartment in the city.

The rest of then guys left except for Blake and Iris. They were tired and said they needed some "catch up time" and went upstairs.

Pearl opened the wine and headed to the hot tub. It was wonderful to finally breathe and relax. "Mind of I join you?" Ian stood in the snow in winter boots and swimming trunks.

"No. Want some wine?" Pearl handed him the bottle.

"Thank you. For this. Other than the Carys drama, this was the most peaceful and fun album I've ever made." He took a drink.

"This Carys, she seems like someone that wouldn't be good for anybody. Can I ask you something?" Pearl was curious about her. He nodded.

"What is it about her than made you think this was a good idea? What hold did she have on you?"

"I loved her. She's a party girl. She thinks she's better than everyone else. You'd hate her guts. I mean, more than you already do.", he said.

"She seems beautiful to look at." Pearl felt her insecurity coming out.

"She's a knockout. But inside, she's nothing special. It's all cliques and who you know out there. It's what you have, how you look. It gives the illusion of special. It's nothing like what I've experienced here. I can see why Rhys chose you. This house. This life. It is so far from the plastic world out there." She realized at that moment she very much like liked Ian. He had surprised her. Not many people do.

"So what will do you back in Seattle until the album drops and you have to tour with us?", she asked.

"I don't know. I love Seattle. I moved there because of the music history. My first band was there. I caught the tail end of the great grunge movement. It was a different world then. But, to answer your question, I don't know. I guess I'll miss it here." He smiled, thanking her with his eyes.

"You are welcome here anytime, my friend." She fist bumped him and they finished the wine. It was the best end to the album adventure they started just a few months before.

Pearl woke up to her phone ringing. It was Saturday morning and Rhys was due home in three days. "Hello?" She answered, her voice still scratchy from singing all week.

"Pearl, it's your attorney. I need to see you today. Can you face call me in an hour?"

"Yeah, sure." She woke up and stumbled to the kitchen to make coffee. Ian was already there with a fresh pot brewing. "You guys really need to invest in one of those one cup coffee makers", Ian said.

"This coffee tastes better", Pearl argued.

"Ok, well, I'm taking off. Thanks again, for everything." He hugged her and grabbed his bag and left.

"I'm up. I'm on the phone, what's going on.", Pearl asked, on her second cup of coffee.

"I spoke with the executor of Mr. Power's will and with David's attorney. Pearl, David doesn't want the company."

"He what?"

"He doesn't want it. He stated that you would be much better equipped to run it."

"Well that's complete bullshit. What about the widow?", this was unbelievable. She was ready to give it to him, now he didn't want it.

"She doesn't want to buy it. She prefers the cash. And the executor says that he will agree to us giving it away, if 6 months lapse and you give it to a family member."

"So basically, I'm stuck with it. I have no idea what to do with it."

"We can hire a team. We will have to. We can appoint a board. You'll be involved very little once it's all said and done. I can help you find a corporate law attorney. Try to relax. We aren't even in probate yet. It's going to take some time. The company will run as it is for now, with any revenue going into an account, as it has since his death, which will be granted to you once probate closes."

"An account? How much is in there now?"

"Approximately 220 million dollars."

She knocked her coffee onto the floor. The attorney saw her scramble and said, "Relax. That will go for things needed for the company, to share holders and for legal fees. You'll be lucky to have 50 million in there by the time it transfers to you."

Only 50 million? Only?

She thanked him and put down her phone. And almost passed out.

She needed a plan. And she had one.

"Pearl. I wasn't expecting to hear back from you." Paul tried to sound like he wasn't jumping for joy.

Pearl hesitated for only a moment and said, "I have a proposition for you."