Lily Middleton is pissed.

The Middletons have always made an appearance in that little gossip magazine, it's just part of being one of the rich families in this town. Even though the Abasis and the Middletons have never had the drama or "juice" of the likes of the Coombs/Thornton rivalry, they're still rich and powerful and tend to draw the Cove's attention. While some members of the well-to-do families hated the thing, an article on a Middleton was always something that Lily had been rather proud of. The gossip was never harmful to their image and most of it consisted of good press that Lily approved of, such as appearances at locally owned businesses or charitable events.

So when her one and only son appeared on the glossy pages of this month's issue, she wasn't surprised to see a woman's picture linked with him. He's a rich and handsome bachelor, smart, and Lily raised him right. There was always a woman linked to Grant Middleton. Lily even thought to herself that the girl was rather beautiful. But then she read the story and she pursed her lips. It was only a matter of time before a marriage angle printed. He's settled down more as he's gotten older, become less of a partier, but anyone who knew Grant would laugh at such an article. Lily didn't, because the wording left her with a sour taste in her mouth.

"When questioned, the couple looked bashful, but in love, and announced they are now married."

The Cove was notorious for printing flat-out lies, but it did feel off that Grant arrived earlier than expected in Siren Cove and did not call his mother. An airy text "What's this Cove business, dear? Love you xo" lead to her own son confirming the gossip and Lily's new iPhone ended up in pieces across the room. She immediately fished her Blackberry, the phone she only used for business, out of her bag and emailed Louise, the only person in Siren Cove that she trusted enough to vent to before she separated herself from society entirely. Her Blackberry immediately sprung to life, texts, calls, emails, all asking for comments about her son's recent nuptials. Lily turned off the phone, took out the battery, and locked it away in a drawer in her study. She spent the next 24 hours in bed with a cold cloth on her head, Lou by her side.

"I can't believe him. My own son, Lou! My son! And who is she? Does she want his money? I'll pay her ten grand just to get out of our lives, I swear to God, Louise! Even fifty!" She's done it before, too. Lily Middleton is not above buying off the wrong women who latch onto her son. She's probably a little too protective of him, but he's an idiot and can't be trusted to make such big decisions on his own. She wanted that Valeria Jung to date him! Strong willed, business oriented, a young, smart woman who valued family more than anything! And the girl doesn't let Grant charm his way out of trouble with her. She's a dream come true! She would be a great partner for Grant.

And they went into business with her sister Riley on that museum, started to make their name and image more accessible to all aspects of Siren Cove, used their name to help others celebrate their history. And that older Jung - she's quiet, but she's smart and very in tune with everyone's needs. She cares and, god, she would have made the perfect assistant to Lily! She could have taught both of the girls so much, how to build a powerhouse if they wanted, or how to remain in control and flourish what they already owned. They have the smarts and the will, they just needed the funds. And here her son has effed it all up by marrying a woman he picked up on a stakeout in Chicago?!

She. Is. Pissed.

By Sunday, she's cooled off and composed herself. She's still seething, but Lily now has the wherewithal to spring into action. She refuses to talk to him, but her main concern now is the safety of her son. Who is this woman? How did she manage to talk Grant Middleton into marriage? It was clear before he left that he wanted to start a relationship with Val, so something...something had to have happened in Chicago.

Lily calls Lou and the staff into the kitchen that morning and asks for a lunch to be set up in the garden at the back of the estate. She'll need Lou present to keep her calm, but also because she knows she can trust the young woman with making sure the lunch is worthy of the Middleton name. Because even in all this chaos, appearances are still a priority. Next, she sends a mass text to the few key players in Grant's life: James Thornton, Valeria Jung, Louise Abasi, and Alex Castillo-Méndez. She's half hoping she can just hire Alex to take care of this nasty situation under the table, but something tells her there's more going on, and she needs answers. Lily Middleton won't accept this marriage lying down.



At twelve, she's dressed in all black, because this isn't a celebration. It's a lunch dressed up as a business meeting. She approaches the table, reaching a hand towards Lou, and speaks.

"I brought you all here because we have very...unfortunate news." Lily squeezes Lou's hand as she musters her strength. "My son has married. I know that you all know this is heavily out of character for him. And you are all the most important people in his life. So I asked you to meet me here to keep prying eyes and ears out." 

Lily slams her hands against the table. "And to ask how the hell did you all let this happen??? James Thornton, who the hell is this woman and why is she married to my son?? What was this 'assignment' he was sent on?" She turns her angry gaze. "Valeria Jung? I thought you were supposed to be his love interest! And why are my roses wilting?? And Alexandria!" Her eyes fall on Alex and her tone goes serious. "How much to fix this."