Offer To The CEO

Friday, continued …

"You know the threat we issued to her at your wedding, and that kept her under control to a point.  After you left, Alecia and I sat our parents down Anna.  We told them we were moving her once I graduated.  That did not go down well with mother, and she immediately demanded we divorce and stated my role was to be the child that cared for her for life…"

Interrupting James, Alecia said, "I had enough of the attitude at that time and told her that her attempted emotional blackmail was inappropriate.  I made it clear that I understood that she did not like me and indicated I accepted that she was entitled to her opinion on me.  I informed her that I would not stand in the way of her maintaining a relationship with James and as of that she would retain my respect as not only his mother but the grandmother of any future children we have.  But I stood my ground and told her that the demand was inappropriate as she should not be trying to destroy her son's marriage."

After seeing Alecia pause, James continued "I added to that she had to be kidding if she through trying to emotionally blackmail me would work.  I then added I would always respect and care for her, but she had no right to dictate my life. I categorically informed her I had made choices and made my commitment to Alecia which she had to respect and if she could not, she would not be part of our lives."

"You now know result of that discussion.  Her behaviour escalated to the point that the police were called.  When they arrived, she was arrested and taken to the police station where they charged her.  As they were concerned about Alecia and my safety, she was refused bail until she went before the court.  I made the call to contact ANX for a lawyer to be present to Alecia and myself but also went to the effort to arrange for a lawyer for her."

Hou Yi interrupted "You know I would not have…"

Anna slapped his hand and said "Yi, he did the right thing, as in the end she is still his and my mother.  Remember my complaints about the criminal law here, and that it is different in Australia.  She needed representation."

Hou Yi looked at Anna and said "I still do not like it.  She does not deserve preferential treatment for what she did."

"Yi, sweetheart, simply accept it, otherwise I will get mad."

Hou Yi nodded at Anna.

James added "Alecia agreed I had done the right thing, but the rest of the family had the attitude I did not need to do what I had done.  Cutting a long story short, the bodyguards my father-in-law had sent, while they were on a break when this occurred, gave statements to the police that detailed the extent of the ongoing issues.  The Magistrate could not believe what had been happening and made it clear that he would fast track a contested hearing for an order.  In the end mother agreed to a five-year order for both Alecia and myself."

"After the dust settled, we went to Mum and Dad's place to talk.  Mum started verbally abusing me, and I made it clear that enough was enough and told her as she could not behave, I did not want to have a relationship with her until she could treat both of us with respect.  I was surprised when Dad stood up and told her that I was right and commented that he was sick of her behaviour.  Since then, I have not had much to do with them, but according to Susan and Ben, who have visited all they seem to do is argue, so I suspect their separation and divorce will happen soon."

James looked directly at Anna, who was shocked at the fact that their parents were likely to separate and divorce.  "Anna, it should not be a surprise to someone who has done this work that this would happen.  You know it can happen to most people.  And if I am realistic sister, the last thing you need to hear about is the issues with Mum and dad, how are you?"