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    Forged in Fire: Chapter 30

    Tina swallowed over the lump in her throat. “You really think so?”

    “I’m confident. The distractions you and your sister have set in motion have kept him focused on Starbird and building his market share. That’s made it easier for me to work my contacts and align resources for the employees and investors. There will be a cushion for them when Starbird falls.”

    “When?” she said. “Not if?”

    Melvin looked her with an air of confidence that reminded her of Bette. “No, not if. When.”

    Tina smiled. “You are…amazing. How did you do that?”

    Melvin replied, “This is what I do. I’ve been in this world for my entire professional career. I’ve negotiated mergers and acquisitions. I’ve designed integrations. I’ve touched many industries and the details may differ, but the key points remain the same. You’ve got to find the weakness, exploit it, and step in when things are ready to collapse.”

    “Thank you for doing this,” Tina replied.

    “I’m happy to help. After what he did to my daughters and to you, there’s nothing more I want than his downfall. You’re smart, Tina. You rightfully targeted his wealth as the best place to strike,” said Melvin.

    She looked down at the plume of smoke rising from the steaming white china cup. Her eyes filled with tears. “I hope you’re right. If this doesn’t work, I’ll never forgive myself,” she said.

    “Why is that?” he asked.

    Tina wiped at her cheeks. “Bette has sacrificed so much to give me this. To make sure that this happens. I can’t believe I’ve done this to her. It’s selfish. She’s suffering.”

    “What do you mean?”

    She threw up her hands. “All of it! The fake booze the fighting. The distance. All of it. I watch her on the cameras. She’s miserable. I don’t like what I’m doing to her. She doesn’t deserve this. All she’s ever done is love me. Support me. Protect me. And I’ve hurt her.”

    Melvin sighed. “My daughter knew what she was getting into when she agreed to this. Do I worry? Of course, I worry. I’ll never stop worrying. That’s my job as her father. But she can handle this.”

    “How can you be so sure?”

    “Because I raised her. I know her. And when her mind is set on something, there is nothing in this world she can’t conquer,” he answered.

    Comments

    1. Wow…. that explains a lot. The article was a diversion while the Hannity show was the main attack. I want to know the reaction from Steven Kennard. And now what happens to Daniel and Kaitlan? And where are Bette and Tina now? The plan was very well done. Peach Tea in the bottles. No wonder Bette could drink so much of it. And to act drunk, she just quit bathing and eating whatever she had available in the kitchen. That is really hunkering down and playing the role. The fact that Tina spent days just watching her on the cameras must have been hard as hell. And I love that Melvin help out with the plan and provided a place for Tina while they were waiting. This really reflects how much Melvin has changed and how much he cares for Tina as well as Bette and Kit. I am now officially a fan of this Melvin Porter.

      This is a well done drama. It sure fooled me. Thank you for this chapter… I look forward to another when you can get it to us. Thanks.

    2. This does explain a lot. Love that Melvin came through for them. I still worry about Bette. That’s a lot to put her through. She needs to keep taking her meds and checking in with her therapist and Tina needs to deal with Henry’s murder once and for all. And…….. for God’s sake……. Bette needs to sever ties with Alice. Offering her pot!!! What is wrong with that woman???? I pray this has not been too much for Bette. Not all of those tears were acting. That she endured it all for Tina is amazing. What love! I also wonder if Bette on any subconscious level remembers her past or at a minimum senses something. I know she is not supposed to.

    3. This is a thoroughly thought through plot, MTS! Very impressive. Unexpected twists, unexpected allies, great storyline with the time offset and the different perspective of the acting characters. Sublime.
      I have to read it again to get all the details right.

      First do exactly what Darth Kennard was expecting, then – bam! – bring on the girlfriend of the dead son-in-law and mother of his child and have her tell the story on a big news station. Tables turned! Great. But I still fear that Kennard remains a threat as long as he is alive.

      Never thought that Melvin could be part of the plan but it seemd to be an excellent idea to refer to his expertise. I have to admit that he is getting in my good books again. Never would have guessed.

      Will Bette tell Tina whether she visited the girlfriend? Will someone knock some sense into Alice until she finally understands Bette’s problem with drugs? What a friend would tempt an addict (who is still in acute treatment) with consuming themself under their very nose? Tina and Bette still have a lot to talk about. Too much holding back still.

      Fantastic twist btw that Alice (of course) remembered Bette’s strange behaviour when she picked her up at LAX all those months ago. Could be an interesting topic for a conversation between Bette and Tina.

      Thanks so much for posting, MTS. Throroughly enjoyable chapter.
      Can’t wait for the next instalment.

    4. Can’t believe it, I actually like Melvin :-)

      Love the explanation of a well thought out plan.

      Thanks for this Chapter in a superb story. Really looking forward to more
      Stay safe
      SG

    5. Geez just going to leave us hanging right there.. lol.. thank you great chapter fills in all the blanks. Still waiting on my nc-17. Details woman I need details.. lol glad the sister is seeing it now too. Later

    6. Hi MTS, Hope all is well. I just finished this chapter of Forged in Fire, and love every moment of it. I surely hope that you will continue this story. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Your writing is amazing. I do hope you continue.

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