(A/N: Hello all! Hope you're all staying safe during this horrible pandemic. I've been writing more, because I've finally had the time. LOL. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter. It's pretty lengthy and a lot happens! Enjoy!)

"The Next Move"

A few days had gone by since the video hit the internet turning the entertainment world upside down. Support continued to flood in for Olivia from all over the world. With even more celebrities chiming in with their own stories of sexual harassment. Jake Ballard had been unusually quiet for the past few days. No one from his camp had spoken out since #ithappenedtome began trending a few days ago. He'd even cancelled all of his scheduled appearances and performances for the past couple of days. No one had heard from him and everyone was eager to see what would happen next. Olivia most of all.

Everyone at the record company was scrambling around to try and get what little control of the situation they could. But it seemed to be too late. People everywhere were calling for Jake Ballard to be released from his contract and for him to stand trial for his actions.

Cyrus remained in contact with Olivia throughout the whole ordeal. He told her how proud of her he was. It took a lot of courage for her to post that video, but he was happy that she did. Finally bringing the altercation to light from her point of view. He had a feeling that she was the spark needed to start the revolution. Being a top executive at the record company he heard rumors of Jake Ballard's indecent behavior in the past. He even tried to help out a former singer sign to his label when she came forth with what happened to her in the past. But of course just like with Olivia's case; trying to talk to the other executives there got them nowhere. The artist was paid off and left the company and singing altogether.

He tried to convince her to use her voice as well but she was too scared and he knew why. The company inexplicitly always looked out for Jake Ballard. He was their biggest recording artist to date. Plus that messiness with Reston didn't help. But Olivia Pope was quickly becoming a huge star in her own right. Her debut album had already outsold Jake's. She gained more followers on Instagram and Twitter everyday. Her press engagements were booked solid through next year. Everyone loved Olivia Pope.

And her relationship with the equally popular bad boy actor Fitzgerald Grant the Third helped too. Women were envious, but also curious as to how she tamed the attractive bad boy's heart. To see him stand by her through all of this had their fans shipping them harder than ever. Fitz was not shy about his feelings on this subject. He let it be known on his Twitter, Instagram and whenever he was asked about it during an outing where the paparazzi were. He even left a comment under the video she posted on Instagram describing the events of her altercation with Jake. He let her know how proud he was of her and how he would stop at nothing until that asshole paid for what he did. Having the world see that only made people root for them even more.

Even though Olivia took a few small financial hits for their relationship. The majority outlook on their relationship was very positive. Fitz was a better person with her and everyone knew it. And Cyrus was certain that Fitz had given her the extra push she needed to post that video. They were both good for each other. They'd weathered many a storm that had come their way so far. From her mother, to Jake Ballard and what he was sure had to be many of Fitz's admirers. He just hoped they'd continue to lean on each other when support was needed. He knew how tough this industry could be, especially for two people so young and new to the entertainment business. They'd need each other now more than ever. He hoped they could continue to make it work, and that they would last.

Olivia for her part felt like she was in a whirlwind. Things were happening so fast. She felt like her head was spinning, but in a good way. The support she was receiving was overwhelming. Even Kimberley Mitchell apologized to her on her segment at E news. She felt like things were finally looking up for her. But there was one thing that she couldn't get over. Who released the video? And why now? Why had they sat on it for so long? She supposed she'd never get the answer to these questions. In the end she was just happy that the truth was out.

She was currently at her and Fitz's house watching the E network. They'd been covering her story with Jake Ballard non-stop for the past couple of days. Just like her, they were wondering when anyone from Jake's camp was going to speak out. Her record label Enterprise had yet to speak out as well. She supposed that they weren't ready for the shitstorm they'd been hit with since she'd posted that video on Instagram. There had been protests in front of the record company building, calling for Jake's termination since the twitter trend began. She hadn't been back to the record company since she'd been there the last time after their failed attempt at a press conference.

No one had contacted her from the record company other than Cyrus. While he assured her that her place at the company was safe, she couldn't help but worry. Jake still was the bigger star. And it seemed like they'd been covering for him a lot. But that wouldn't be an option this time, she suspected. Still Cyrus told her to expect a call from them any day now to come in for another meeting. Things were changing at the record company. Though how much change was happening, she didn't know. She supposed she'd find out soon though.

She was about to pop her some popcorn, when her cellphone rang. It was Jeanine Locke, facetiming her. The two had exchanged numbers after meeting at the Grammy's a few months ago. They texted each other from time to time, but she'd never called her before. Olivia quickly answered the phone, and Jeanine smiled brightly at her.

"Hey Liv, how are you?" she asked, her southern drawl ever present.

"I've been good, all things considered, thanks for asking." Jeanine nodded, smiling still. "How are you?" she asked?

"Me, I'm great, just ready to see justice get served." Olivia nodded.

"Yeah me too. Hopefully, he won't be able to worm his way out of this one." She responded frowning.

Jeanine shook her head. "It's different this time Liv. There's never been this huge of an outcry before. People want him to pay. Powerful people. He's going to have to face the consequences of his actions, you'll see."

Jeanine was confident, Olivia wished she could feel the same, but she still wasn't sure. He'd gotten away with this for so long, it was almost as if he was above the law or something.

She sighed. "I hope you're right."

"You know what could help speed along the process..." Olivia gave her a curious look. "You should press charges."

Olivia sighed again. "Yeah I've thought about it, but I don't know Jeanine. Most cases like these take years to go through the criminal justice system. I could press charges and he could get out on bail and be free to walk the streets for years before a trial date is set." Olivia explained, feeling a little frustrated.

Jeanie shook her head again. "No Liv, a case this high profile will be pushed to the forefront. Plus there's another girl who has come out. She's a backup dancer. She did a few shows with Jake on his tour a few months ago. He raped her one night while they were on tour. She even had a rape kit done. But as you can imagine nothing came from it. But now that you've come spoken out publicly against him, there are rumors going around that he's going to be arrested." Olivia's eyes grew wide in shock. She wasn't surprised that he'd raped someone, she actually felt disgusted. Disgusted that he did it and disgusted that he possibly would've gotten away with it had this little movement not been happening at this very moment.

"Are you serious!" she hissed. "He's fucking sick!"

Jeanine frowned. "Tell me about it, he raped her over four months ago and we're just now hearing about it. But it's mostly thanks to you. The girl was in the middle of reaching a settlement with the record company. But because of you, she declined. She wants to press forward with a lawsuit. This wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you and all of these other women who are now brave enough to share their story."

Olivia felt determined after hearing this. "I want to thank you by the way. People were sharing their stories and it meant a lot to me. But I know that you sharing what happened to you lit a spark as well. You're the biggest country music star out now, and people listen to you. So thank you."

Jeanine smiled at her. "No need to thank me Liv. I was inspired by one of the best." She complimented. Olivia smiled brightly as well. "For the record, people listen to you as well. Don't ever stop using your voice. I know I won't."

They spoke for a few more moments before Jeanine had to go. She wished Liv good luck and promised to be in touch. As soon as Liv hung up the phone she started to go check on Fitz. He was taking a nap before he had to leave for a photoshoot with GQ magazine this afternoon. Andrew booked it for him as soon as they got back, much to his protest. Fitz was technically still on vacation and wanted to be there for Olivia while she dealt with this shitstorm.

But even Olivia agreed that it was good for him to be working to take his mind off of everything for a little while. She got up from the couch to head to their bedroom when her phone rang again. It was Cyrus calling this time. She quickly answered, wondering if he had any news on the Jake Ballard front.

"Hey Cy."

"Hey there superstar, how are you?" he asked.

Olivia shrugged. "Better than expected," she told him. He smiled through the phone. She was definitely one tough cookie.

"Glad to hear it. Look I know that you haven't heard much from the company on your current situation. But I'm happy to inform you that all of your questions are about to be answered."

"What are you saying Cy?"

"There's a meeting in an hour with all the top executives on the board. The boss wanted me to invite you, we all want you to be there while we disgust the future, your future with the company."

Olivia felt a sense of dread come over her. The record label was surely going to drop her now. She'd single-handedly taken down their biggest star, probably costing them millions of dollars. They were probably going to make it damn near impossible for her to sign with any other company. She'd never get to sing again!

"Um…" She started nervously. Cyrus smiled softly, sensing the hesitation in her voice.

"Liv don't worry, good things are happening. It's time you found out just what they are. See you in an hour kiddo."

"Okay, Cy see you in an hour."

They hung up the phone and she let go of a breath she didn't know she was holding. Fitz was coming down the steps as she got off the phone. He looked freshly shaved and showered. He walked over to her noticing that something was out of sorts with her.

"What's going on baby? Are you okay?" he asked, kissing her on the forehead. When he pulled back, she looked up at him a bit unsure.

"Cy told me that they're having a meeting in an hour with all the top executives at the company again. But this time I think the record company owner is going to be there." She started pacing in circles. "What if they don't let me sing again... what if they drop me...what if I never get to make anymore new music Fitz…" she rambled nervously as she continued pacing.

"Woah…woah...woah. Slow down sweet baby." He stepped in front of her and grabbed her shoulders holding her in place when it looked like she was about to start pacing again. " They're not gonna drop you. You're a huge superstar. Your tour sold out your albums triple platinum. Not too mention you just started one of the biggest movements of this generation. They'd be idiots to drop you without expecting a huge lawsuit on their hands. If anything they should look to you for advice on how to move forward on how to improve recording artist relationships with the company."

Olivia nodded but still seemed unsure. "Look, I'm gonna call Andrew and cancel this photoshoot. I'm going to go with you to the record company. I'll be there with you for support." She smiled up at him softly. He was definitely a rock.

"No….no you don't need to do that. You can't cancel everything you're doing every time something comes up with me." She took his hands in hers and squeezed them. "I'll be OK. Just having you in my corner is more than enough for me. I love you." He kisses her softly on the lips.

"I love you too. Do you want me to drive you to the record company. I don't have to be at GQ for another hour and a half." He offered.

She shook her head. "I'll get Huck to take me. Besides I can think of better ways to spend our time together. Can't you?" She asked with a naughty grin.

He smirked at her, licking his lips as she took her shirt off. She beckoned him forward with her pointer finger. And he obliged, pulling her in his arms, crashing his lips to hers.

Forty minutes later the two laid on the couch basking in the afterglow of their love making. Fitz was already regretting letting Andrew talk him into doing this photoshoot. He wanted to spend more time with Olivia and be there for her. But he knew that she didn't want him to lose focus on his career because of her. Still he wished he didn't have to go. She was lying in his arms on the couch in only her bra and skirt. She knew she'd better get a move on if she was going to make it to the record company on time. But she felt so comfortable and protected in his arms. She really didn't want to move.

He kissed her on her forehead and then on her cheek. She smiled at his light kisses.

"We're both gonna be late if you keep that up."

He laughed. "I don't care. Our vacation is still not over yet."

She giggled, but sat up beside him. He still managed to keep his arms wrapped around her though.

"I know babe. I'm sorry that all this cut our time together short. But I promise I'll make it up to you."

He sat up next to her and pulled her to him. "You don't have to apologize for this sweet baby. I'm glad the truth is out, even if it didn't interrupt our vacation. This needed to happen. And we'll have plenty of time for more vacations in the future."

She beamed at him. He was so good to her, he constantly made her feel like the luckiest woman in the world. "I love you more than I can say." She pecked his lips and he kissed her back feverishly. She had to break the kiss before they got carried away.

"I love you too."

She stood up and put her shirt back on. She was going to head upstairs to take a quick shower before she headed out.

He grabbed her arm, and she looked up at him. Sincerity and love shining in his eyes. "I know I have this photoshoot today, but if you need me, call me. I'll come there no matter what. Nothing's more important to me than you are."

She felt unshed tears in her eyes and her heart burst with joy at the thought of finding this wonderful man after everything she'd been through. She still couldn't believe she was this lucky.

"God I want you so bad right now." He licked his lips again, his eyes clouding over with lust.

"The feeling's mutual." He pulled her close to him again, and kissed her passionately.

It took everything in her to break their kiss but she managed.

"We have to go, or we'll never leave," she almost whined. He laughed.

"Ok Livvie." He relented, showing her mercy. I'll shower down here." She nodded and pecked his lips again before heading upstairs to shower.

Once they were both dressed they walked out of the house together. He walked her to her car, holding her hand all the while. Huck was standing there with the back passengers door open, waiting for her.

She turned to him and squeezed his hand affectionately. "Alright babe. I better get going."

He nodded and gave her a small smile. He was so proud of her. He just hoped that the record company did right by her this time. But even if they didn't he'd be right here by her side and they would figure out a way to make Jake pay. Even if that meant putting him in another coma.

"Alright Livvie. Text me as soon as you get there, and let me know everything. And remember if you need me to come there all you have to do is ask."

Olivia kissed him soundly, leaving him breathless. She took note of the pleasantly surprised look on his face, and smirked at him seductively. She stood up on her tiptoes, and whispered into his ear.

"If you liked that kiss, just wait till you see what I have planned for you tonight."

She kissed him on the cheek. And he instantly felt himself harden. He shifted his stance and tried to calm his raging hormones. This girl was going to be the death of him. He cleared his throat as she took a step back. She laughed a little at his discomfort and he grinned at him. She would pay for that little comment tonight in a very naughty way. He thought to himself happily.

They kissed each other goodbye and she got in the town car with Huck sitting beside her. He watched it pull off before walking over to his own and getting inside. He didn't consider himself a religious man, but he sent a little prayer up to the heavens for her, hoping that things would go right today. Then he pulled off to head to his photoshoot.

Walking into Enterprise records after everything that had happened, felt surreal. To her, it didn't feel like she had been signed to this label for the past two years. She didn't feel like she'd just gone on a sold out world tour courtesy of them. She felt like she didn't belong, like a stranger. Olivia hoped and prayed that whatever she was about to hear was good news. But she was prepared for the worst. Whatever that may be.

She spoke with Cyrus while she was in the car on the way to the record company. He told her that he'd been in meetings all day. But that everyone who was meeting with her would be on the fourth floor in the main conference room. That was the biggest conference room they had in the building. She could only imagine how many people would be there. Cyrus informed her that he'd be in the meeting as well. That brought her a little comfort.

He'd been firmly on her side throughout the whole ordeal. Even though he couldn't publically speak out against the company without risking legal action. He'd been a constant ear and shoulder to lean on when she needed to speak to someone other than Fitz about everything that was going on with her. She kind of wished that she and her mother weren't going through their situation right now. She really needed Maya at this moment.

Her mom had been super supportive while she was dealing with this whole thing. And even though Maya still didn't particularly like Fitz; her mom hadn't spoken out against him when Olivia spoke with her on the phone like she used too. She made a mental note to give her a call after her meeting today. Maybe they could start to repair what was broken between them.

She and Huck got on the elevator and she felt a calmness come over her. Whatever happened she'd be strong. She had too. As she was lost in thought. She felt her phone vibrate with a text message. She saw that it was from Fitz. She smiled to herself before unlocking it and reading the message he sent.

"Everything's going to be fine. I can't wait to come home to you. I love you. Remember to breathe sweet baby."

He ended the text message with a winky face emoji. She felt herself becoming a bit emotional. He was the one light in her life throughout all this darkness. He'd stayed by her side and believed her from the beginning. And even though all of this was constantly weighing her down, knowing that she would be going home to him later made her the happiest woman in the world.

The elevator dinged, bringing her out of her thoughts. The doors opened. Huck looked over at her and nodded. Silently asking her if she was ready. She gave him a small smile and nodded. She took a deep, but calming breath. She'd get through this.

As she got closer to the conference room she felt her nerves go into overdrive. Her palms became sweaty. She felt like she could hear her heartbeat ringing in her ears, it was slamming against her chest so fast.

Huck opened one of the double doors for her, and she calmly stepped inside. Once she was inside the room he closed the door, and stood outside of it to wait for her.

Olivia took a quick glance around the room. Everyone stood up once she walked in. They all looked exhausted. But some of them looked at her with pride shining in their eyes. That calmed her nerves a bit. They were a little over twenty people in the room. With some noticeable absences. Sameul Reston and four of the people that were with him the day she first stepped into this room, to launch her complaint against Jake Ballard, were gone.

Standing at the head of the table was an older black woman that she'd never seen before. That took her by surprise. But what was even more surprising was the person sitting next to the black woman. It was Maya. Her eyes widened in shock for just a millisecond. But she quickly recovered. What the hell was her mother doing here? She wondered silently.

Cyrus came over to her and greeted her with a warm hug. "Hey kiddo, good to see you."

She hugged him back, grateful for his presence. "Thanks Cy."

He walked her to her seat, which was all the way at the head of the table next to the older black woman and across from her mother. Maya offered her an encouraging smile. Olivia gave her a small one back but felt a little apprehensive about her being there. Her new manager David was seated next to her on the right. Next to him was Cyrus. After Olivia was seated, everyone else took their seat. Olivia stared at her mother curiously, still wondering why she was here. Then the older black lady spoke, gaining her attention.

"Ms. Pope, thank you so much for meeting with us today. I know that this was all very short notice, but I'm sure you have questions and we have answers."

Olivia nodded silently, still confused as to who this lady was. The lady offered her a friendly smile and held out her hand for Olivia to shake.

"Pardon me. It seems I've forgotten my manners. My name is Sandra Potter. And I'm the new owner of the record company."

Olivia's eyes almost bulged out of their socket. Whatever she was expecting this woman to say, it definitely wasn't that. Sandra laughed a little at her reaction. She knew that it was rare to see a female record company owner, let alone a black one. She nodded her head as if to affirm what Olivia was thinking.

"Yes, you heard me right. I'm the new owner. And I'm very excited for you to hear all of the changes we've been making around here Ms. Pope."

Sandra still held out her hand for Olivia to shake. After shaking her head to get over her initial shock, Olivia shook her hand. Sandra smiled at her warmly and Olivia immediately felt at ease in her presence. She gave her a bright smile back.

"Please call me Olivia," she insisted. Sandra nodded.

"Very well. You can call me Sandy if you'd like. Olivia nodded. Sandra turned to face Olivia, before speaking to her again.

"First I want to start by apologizing to you on behalf of the record company. That video sickens me to my stomach, so I can only imagine how you felt," she said sympathetically.

Olivia made no distinct facial expression. But on the inside she felt her blood boiling. Every time she thought about her encounter with that bastard, she wanted to punch something or better yet someone.

"I also want to apologize for the way the record company executives handled this situation when you first came to us about it. There are no excuses for them blatantly ignoring what happened to you. Video or not, you are a valued member of this organization your accusations against anyone should be taken seriously, and I'm sorry that they made you feel anything different."

Sandra cleared her throat before she continued. Olivia noticed that everyone else in the room was so silent that you could hear a pin drop. This Sandra woman commanded respect, that was for sure.

"As you can see Samuel Reston and a few others aren't here with us in this meeting today."

As she said this Olivia looked around the room. She'd noticed that when she first came into the room. Sandra continued on.

"That is because Samuel Reston and the others are no longer employed here."

Olivia was slightly surprised by this, but kept her comments to herself as she continued to listen to Sandra.

"After taking over the company from the previous owner. I launched a special investigation into the practices of some of the top executives employed here. I was disgusted and appalled by what I found out. Particularly with Mr. Reston and Jake Ballard. As you may very well know, you are not the first person to be sexually harassed by Jake Ballard. Unfortunately nor were you the last."

Olivia shook her head sadly. There was a special cell waiting for that asshole, she just knew it. Sandra continued.

"I want you to know that our company now has a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment, or harassment of any kind for that matter. I know that there was a similar rule put in place before. But the previous owner and the people he placed in charge were not enforcing that particular rule. I need you to know that I have put into place a special committee dedicated to dealing with these matters and these matters only."

She motioned out to some of the people seated at the conference table with them. They all smiled kindly at Olivia, nodding their heads in agreement with their boss.

"And I will personally be overseeing this committee from now on."

Again, Olivia was surprised by this, but in a pleasant way. Sandra Potter wasn't like many bosses she knew before. She seemed genuinely interested in making Enterprise Records a better place. Though only time would tell if her intentions were sincere. Olivia decided to give her the benefit of the doubt for now.

"Another thing that I want you to know is that as of 2pm yesterday afternoon Jake Ballard's contract with Enterprise Records has been permanently terminated."

Olivia's breath caught in her throat, but in a good way. She couldn't believe it! Jake Ballard had been signed to Enterprise Records since the start of his career. He was supposed to put out three more albums for them before his next contract was up. This must've cost the company a fortune to buy him out, accusations and all.

She coughed a little to try and play it off. Sandra smiled at her encouragingly. While David handed her a fresh bottle of water. She took it after thanking him. Olivia took a sip of water before giving Sandra her undivided attention again.

"I would've done it sooner but there were legal matters that had to be taken care of beforehand. But nevertheless Jake Ballard will never be signed to this record label ever again. Nor will he be allowed to record any music with Enterprise artists or go on tour with anyone signed to our label, assuming he still has a career after everything is said and done." She added as an afterthought.

Olivia sat back as she took all of this in. Jake Ballard and Reston were gone. There was a new record company owner who was talking to her personally. Who'd set up a meeting just for her. Who'd made all these changes to try and make sure that nothing like this ever happened again. Olivia's head was spinning with all this new information. Sandra patted her shoulder affectionately, bringing her out of her daze.

"I know that this is a lot to take in, but I wanted you to know that this will no longer be the same company it once was. We will stand with you and try to make things right. I'm sorry that it took this happening to you before a change could come. But sometimes all it takes is one spark to ignite a fire. You are that spark Olivia."

Sandra looked at Olivia with admiration and respect. Olivia felt like she'd just gotten all A's on her report card or something. She smiled happily at the older woman.

"And I want you to know that I'm very proud of you for speaking out about this; I know that that was not easy, and I'm glad to have you as an artist here. I hope you'll continue to want to work with us in the future. These changes aren't temporary. They are the standard moving forward," she promised.

Olivia nodded accepting this, and she was finally ready to speak up. "Thank you so much Miss Sandra. You have no idea how much it means to me that you have my back." Sandra gave her a small smile, and nodded at her. "All I wanted was for them to believe me and provide some sort of protection against this. But it seems like you've gone above and beyond and I can't thank you enough for that."

Sandra sat back in her chair and clapped her hands together. "Well I can't take all of the credit. We here at Enterprise want to do right by our artist."

As she said this Olivia heard a few of the other people there murmuring their agreements.

Sandra nodded towards Maya as she spoke next. "And if it weren't for your mother we never would have gotten the clear version of the video."

Olivia's eyes narrowed at this. How the hell did she get that video? Why didn't her mother tell her that she had it in the first place? And exactly how long did she have it for?

"Oh really," Olivia commented.

She kept her face expressionless. But stared straight into her mother's eyes. She knew that Maya could feel the anger blazing beneath her expression, because Maya quickly looked away from her daughter.

"Yes," said Sandra, continuing on; not noticing the thick tension between mother and daughter. "As soon as Maya sent it to me a few days ago I sent out instructions for it to be released. I'm sorry if you feel like I should've spoken with you prior to the video's release. Or if it caused you any undo stress. But I wanted the world to see what a vile human being Jake Ballard is. I can see now that my actions have caused you more pain," she acknowledged benevolently.

Olivia was glaring at her mother now unable to keep her feelings out of her facial expressions any longer. Maya mouthed to her that they would talk later. But Olivia didn't want to hear what she had to say. Maya had the clear version of the video that could've proven her innocence for how long she didn't know. But she did know that her mother had withheld this information from her, once again not trusting her and trying to control the narrative. Olivia struggles to keep from lashing out at her mother in front of everyone, as she turned her attention back to Sandra.

"Yes the video did bring about some unresolved feelings; but ultimately I'm happy that it was released, and showed Jake Ballard for who and what he really is."

As Olivia said this last part she turned her attention back to her mother who looked at everyone and everything but her.

"Great!" Sandra exclaimed happily. "I want you to know Olivia that if you seek to press charges against Jake Ballard, the record company would be happy to provide you with the best legal team in L.A."

David cleared his throat and finally spoke up for the first time. "There'll be no need for that. If Olivia does decide to press charges against Mr. Ballard I run a law firm in L.A. and we are the best," he assured.

He liked everything that he was hearing from them so far, but he still decided to keep them at a distance while he figured out if the record company could be trusted this time or not.

Sandra relented. "Very well. But if you need us Olivia we are here for you. From this day forward Enterprise is putting their artists first."

Olivia smiled at the woman gratefully. Only time would tell if these changes were in deed foreal. But for now she was content with everything that had happened so far today. Olivia thought the meeting was over, but Sandra had one more announcement to make.

"Also in light of recent events, and because of her unwavering dedication to assisting us with this delicate situation and many others; I'd like to formally announce that Maya Pope is now the head of media relations here at the company."

Olivia couldn't hide the look of disdain on her face even if she wanted too. It was all clicking now. And even though the anger she felt was like nothing she'd ever felt before. She was hurt more than anything.

The people around the table all clapped for Maya, and she thanked them graciously; not making any type of eye contact with Olivia as she did so. Sandra spoke a bit more to Olivia, even giving her a personal number to reach her by should anything come up. Then Sandra let a few of the other people there speak to Olivia, each offering their own way of how they were going to help make the company a better and safer place for their artists.

Olivia listened to their proposals diligently. But in the back of her mind all she could think about was the anger she felt towards her mother. Finally after another thirty-five minutes, Sandra ended the meeting, and asked a few people to stay behind so that she could speak with them. Olivia gave the older woman a hug, and thanked her for everything again, before leaving the conference room. Maya was hot on her trail.

She got as far as the elevators before Maya caught up with her. Huck was standing beside her quietly. David and Cyrus both stayed behind to chat with Sandra.

"Olivia stop please," she begged.

Olivia was about to push the down button, when she rolled her eyes before turning to face her mother.

"Can I speak with you for a second?"

Olivia frowned at her, before whispering something to Huck. He nodded at her and walked a little ways off down the hallway to give them some privacy.

Olivia crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at her mother all the while, waiting for her to speak up.

"I just wanted to say how sorry I am again that this happened to you, I wan…."

Olivia cut across her angrily, not being able to hold her tongue any longer.

"How long…" she hissed!

Maya seemed confused by Olivia's question, but Olivia was confident that Maya was well aware of what she was asking about.

"How long!" She repeated a little louder, she was shaking a bit, as anger began radiating off of her body.

"Olivia…" Maya started, but Olivia held her hand up silencing her.

She didn't want to hear any of her mother's excuses. Olivia only wanted to know one thing.

"How long did you have the clear version of the video before you sent it to Mrs. Potter?"

Maya sighed heavily, knowing that she wasn't going to get a word in until she answered her daughter's question.

"A week." She told her.

Charlie reached out to Maya the day after he saw Olivia watching that TMZ report about the incident. He knew that he was only supposed to be gathering intel on Fitz for Maya, but he wanted to help out, and make that asshole pay for his actions. So he told Maya that he could clear the video up with some digital programming. As soon as he was done he emailed it to her, and she kept it until she was ready to use it. But Maya was going to keep that little piece of information to herself.

"A week!" Olivia repeated angrily, shouting almost. "A week mom!" Olivia shook her head in disbelief. "A fucking week!" She was yelling now and the people that came out of the conference room were now staring at them.

"Olivia I know you're upset, but remember where you are." Maya looked around as she said this. "Please calm your voice." She urged.

Olivia looked around them and noticed some of the executives looking over at them. She shook her head again, attempting to calm her nerves.

She took a step towards her mother, and spoke in a dangerously low tone. "You had that video for a week!" She hissed. "Seven days and you never thought to tell me! You saw how much I was hurting, you heard my pain in every phone call we had! Yet you just sat on that video for a week and continued to let me suffer!"

Maya had the decency to look ashamed. But Olivia didn't care all she wanted to know was...

"Why?"

She took a step back, after asking this question. Olivia no longer wanted to be in her mother's presence. She felt betrayed and heartbroken.

"Olivia I know how this looks, but I promise you, I held onto that video for your own good."

Olivia glared daggers at her. The audacity! "My own good! My own good!" She repeated a little louder advancing on Maya once again. Maya stood her ground though. She'd seen her daughter upset before. But this was different. Still she was determined to make her listen this time.

Thankfully by now most of the people who were in the meeting they'd had earlier, already went back to their offices. The only people that remained were Sandra Potter, Cyrus and her manager David. They were a little ways down the hall from Olivia and Maya. But they could still hear everything.

"They were dragging me on social media! And on every entertainment outlet on cable! That bastard put up a fucking Instagram video defending himself, and people were believing him because there was no proof! Yet you're telling me that you withheld the video for my own good! Oh and I suppose your new position here had nothing to do with it!" She sneered sarcastically.

"Olivia," started Maya calmly. "I had to wait until I gathered every piece of evidence against him. I wanted him out just as much as you did. But now they're all gone, don't you see this was for your own good."

Maya was trying to reason with her. She'd worked diligently finding enough dirt on everyone close to Jake Ballard and Sameul Reston that worked for Enterprise. She wanted them all gone so that her daughter could start anew. But Olivia didn't want to hear that.

"Even if what you're saying is true. You still could've told me about the video mom. You had it this whole time, when you knew that I was stressed out about this situation; yet you kept it to yourself so that once again you can control the narrative! How can you not see that!"

"Livvie I did what I thought was best."

Olivia scoffed at her. "You did what was best for you. Just like you always do."

"Everything I do is for you!" Maya was getting angry now too. Olivia rolled her eyes at this.

"Oh yeah Mrs. Head of Media Relations. I guess that new job title is for me too huh?" She looked at her mother with pure disdain. Maya took a cautious step towards her daughter, but Olivia took a step back. "You didn't even tell me you were going to be here today! Why's that mom? Didn't want me to cause a big scene about your new job description! Well too fucking late! I hope you enjoy it!" she spat.

Olivia walked off without another word, leaving Maya there to let her words sink in. Maya refuses to let the unshed tears fall. But she feared that she'd just lost her daughter forever. David, Cyrus and Sandra Potter all gave her sympathetic looks, but kept their thoughts to themselves.

Fitz arrived at the photoshoot about fifteen minutes early. He was doing a spread for GQ, and he was going to be on the cover. They were also going to interview him about his Oscar win and more. He was trying to focus on the task at hand, but he kept looking down at his phone to see if Olivia had texted or called him yet. He was anxious to hear about her day. He sent her a quick text before going to his dressing room.

Thirty minutes after arriving on set, he met up with one of the editors at GQ for a quick interview before doing the photoshoot.

"Thanks for the interview Fitz," said Ted the writer shaking his hand.

"No problem dude. Thanks for sticking to the questions on the paper."

Ted laughed. "Of course. Hey look I don't know if you or Olivia would be interested, but here at GQ we have a special on our YouTube channel where we interview celebrity couples. Well you guys would really be interviewing each other. Well she'd be asking you questions," he rambled.

Fitz chuckled. "Ted spit it out man." Ted laughed as well.

"Sorry dude. You're Fitzgerald Grant the Third. One of the greatest actors of our generation and I'm talking to you like you're one of my old friends."

Fitz rolled his eyes playfully. "Just because I'm famous doesn't mean I'm not a real person Ted."

Ted nodded feeling kind of foolish. "Yeah you're right, sorry." Fitz waved him off and waited for him to continue. "Anyway. On our GQ YouTube channel we do a special we post once a month where we have celebrity couples interview each other to see how well they know each other. It's mostly the girlfriend interviewing her boyfriend to see how well he knows her. The video is about ten to fifteen minutes long. We'd do a whole new photoshoot with both of you as well as a behind the scenes video. And we would pay you guys two hundred and fifty thousand each."

Fitz couldn't believe that. "That much for a ten minute video?"

Ted grinned. "Yeah man. You guys are totally worth it. You're the hottest young couple in Hollywood right now." Fitz shrugged.

"I guess so." Fitz said nonchalantly. He didn't care about what blogs, or other people thought of his relationship with Olivia. All that mattered to Fitz, was how she felt about him. "I can ask Liv how she feels about it and get back to you."

"Cool man thanks. Here's my card. Shoot me a text as soon as you know?" He asked after passing the card over to Fitz.

Fitz nodded, and put the card in his pocket. "Sure thing bro."

After his conversation with Ted. He was asked to meet the photographer in a different area. While walking towards the set he was supposed to shoot on, he passed by a familiar face who was shooting with someone else. She noticed him immediately and made the photographer stop.

"Fitz!" She called out excitedly, rushing over to him.

Fitz groaned inwardly. He hadn't seen her since he cancelled her out of his life months ago. Yet, here she was shouting his name like they were old friends.

"Adnan." He greeted as politely as he could. She was all teeth and smiles in front of him.

"How've you been love?" She asked?

"Fine."

"You look good."

If it were possible, he looked even better than he did the last time she saw him. His shoulders were a little more broad and defined. His eight pack ab print could be seen through the tight muscle shirt he was wearing. His curly brown locks were wavy and styled to perfection.

"Thanks."

"I tried to call you, and apologize; but each time I tried I got a busy signal.

"I change my number." Adnan actually seemed hurt by this new revelation.

Fitz however, kept his comments short. He didn't want to spend any more time in her presence than he needed too. He was about to tell her that when she spoke up again.

"Look. I've been feeling really shit about everything that's happened between us. I meant it when I said that I wanted us to be friends Fitz. I miss you."

Fitz shook his head. He wasn't going to fall for her games again. "Look Adnan, me and you are not friends, we were never friends in the first place. All our relationship if you even wanna call if that, ever consisted of was sex. I don't know why we even tried to be friends in the first place. I should've known it was never going to work. Liv thought you still had feelings for me, but I was blinded to it. But not anymore. You tried to come in between me and the love of my life; so listen to me good when I say… We... are... never... going ...to... be... friends. I hope you have a nice life."

He walked off after saying this feeling pretty good about it. While Adnan seethed. She knew that if it weren't for Olivia Pope, she'd have had Fitz in her bed a long time ago. She quickly vowed that she would not give up that easily. All she had to do was get Olivia Pope out of the way. And she knew just how to start.

Fitz had been on set for the photoshoot for about three hours now. He was in his dressing room in between shoots. He'd just gotten off the phone with Olivia. She'd told him about the meeting how successful it was, and about Jake Ballard's termination from the record company.

But then she vented to him angrily about her mother, and her mom's new position. Maya Pope was a piece of work. The way that woman's mind worked was both brilliant and scary at the same time. Still Fitz wanted to believe that she'd done what she did out of love in her own sick twisted way. He didn't know what to think.

Before he could dwell on their conversation for too much longer, an intern came to get him for the next shoot. He put his phone on the charger, and left out of his dressing room after the intern to head to the next shoot.

Ten minutes after he left his dressing room. The door was being unlocked. Adnan was lucky one of the security guards there had a crush on her. She smirked to herself as she slipped inside. She looked around his dressing room, and saw his phone on the charger next to the couch in the room.

She walked over to it and picked it up. Fitz's home screen photo was a picture of him and Olivia cuddled together on his boat from their recent vacation. She rolled her eyes at how utterly happy they looked, and pretended to gag. Adnan had to figure out his password so that she could call his phone from hers in order to get his new number.

First she put in his birthday 0704. But that code didn't work. It did however tell her that his code was only four digits, she just had to figure out which ones they were. She tried a couple of different combinations within the next few seconds. Days that she remembered were important to him. The date his first movie was released. The date of his Oscar win. His mom's birthday. None of those worked.

She was starting to get frustrated. There were only two more attempts left until she was locked out for a while. Adnan had no clue as to when Fitz would be done. But she knew that she didn't want to be caught here. She needed to think fast. She stared at his home screen and then she got an idea.

She switched over to her phone and googled Olivia Pope's birthday. After finding it, she then put in the code 1118. She shrieked happily when that code unlocked his phone. She called her cell from his phone. After she received the call on her phone, she ended it quickly. Then she saved his number in her phone. Adnan then deleted her number from his call log.

Afterwards she placed his phone back on the charger as it had been when she first got there. Then she smiled triumphantly as she slipped out of his dressing room door unnoticed, locking it behind her. Step one of her plan was complete. She'd tried the nice approach and failed. She was going to throw everything she had at trying to get him back now. Nothing was off limits. He was going to be hers, even if he didn't know it yet.

(A/N: Holy crap! What a whirlwind. LOL. From Olitz time, to Liv's meeting with the record company. Jake finally being on the outs. Her conversation with her mom. Who do you all think was right in that situation Olivia or her mom? I'm curious what your thoughts are? Fitz and his interviewer asking him for a joint interview with Olivia for GQ. FYI that is a real thing that they do on their YouTube channel with young famous couples. I'm definitely looking forward to writing that in. LOL. And finally Adnan, the crazy train has left the station huh. LOL. So much happened in this chapter, but there's much more to come. Up next Fitz and Olivia spend some more alone time together since their vacation was cut short. Jake continues to pay for his crimes. And Edison makes his next appearance, much to the annoyance of Fitz. LOL. As always R&R, and everyone stay safe. Till next time..,)