Posted by Civilian Lucas Elliot Holloway (Chairman - Holloway Heavy Industries) in [Holloway Heavy Industries HQ, Lucas Holloway’s Office] Should Private Matters Be Kept Private?

Posted by Civilian Molly Holloway (CEO - Holloway Heavy Industries) in [Holloway Heavy Industries HQ, Lucas Holloway’s Office] Should Private Matters Be Kept Private?
Picking up her uncle’s copy of the OED Times every evening during his stay at Sacred Heart had become routine. With Lucas’s discharge from the hospital, the habit remained, only this time, in the morning. It was a small part of her day, but one that Molly enjoyed immensely. She would take the public transit downtown, walk to the small café across the street from HHI’s main headquarters and get a cup of coffee. If the pastries were particularly fresh that day, she’d take one for her uncle. She’d then stop by the street kiosk and grab a copy of the day’s newspaper.

More than anything, it served as an excuse for Molly to share a little bit of family time with Lucas, right before the start of the busy work day. Time that she would otherwise not have, and she cherished every second of it.

That morning was no different. As usual, Molly’s eyes roamed mindlessly around the stacks of magazines displayed for sale, while she waited for her coffee to be made. There were some tech and business magazines, but most of them were nothing more than endless gossiping that Molly found to be nothing but a waste of paper, no matter how replicated and recycled it was. Until her eyes found an unexpected topic on one of the covers.

Pictures of Lucas Holloway and a woman who Molly recognized as Dominique Bruner, the company’s long time COO filled the space. In the main one, the pair could be seen walking downtown with their backs towards the camera, and a red square zoomed in on their held hands. The other showed the couple, this time at a table having what it seemed to be a romantic candle lit dinner at one of OED’s most famous restaurants. The titles screamed to whoever laid eyes on the large print: Romance in the highest ranks of Holloway Heavy: Is Lucas Holloway back on the dating scene? Who is Dominique Bruner, the company’s COO. We tell you all about it on page 4!

With an abrupt movement, Molly grabbed the issue on top of the pile. Dropping the credits on the small counter, she tucked the magazine between the pages of the newspaper and headed to work. Her mind clouded by anger and hurt, not even noticing that she had left her coffee behind.

In an assertive step, Molly burst through the top floor’s front doors. No one dared to say a word, but rather immediately stepped out of her way, as the younger Holloway stormed into Lucas’s office.

“What the hell is this?” She said, slamming the magazine on the surface of her her uncle’s desk right as the door slid shut behind her. Molly hadn’t even taken her coat off, and truth be told, had no intention of doing so. The rage flowing through her veins was threatening to burst, but she kept it under control as she waited for Lucas to look up at her. “What is this and why was I the last to know?”

Molly

Lucas Holloway, one the Federation’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals, raised an eyebrow and considered his niece before his eyes panned down the magazine she had just slammed down on his desk. When he saw the cover, the shipping magnate closed his eyes and let out a slow, deep sigh. He had always known this would be a tough conversation, considering Lucas’ previous relationship with Molly’s mother… but he was honestly hoping he could have told her himself before those goddamn vultures over at the Daily Scoop got their grabby little mitts on photos. As his eyes returned to Molly’s, Lucas took a long, slow breath then said softly.

“Because Gracie, those bastards over at the Scoop have nothing better to do with their time besides trying to cause trouble. I never intended for you to find out this…”

Lucas raised a quieting hand as Molly tried to protest. “… I never intended for you to find out this way. It’s wrong and completely unfair. I wish I could have told you on my own terms.” He looked strained and truly disappointed in how his beloved niece and surrogate daughter came to find out the fact that he was seeing someone Molly knew quite well. Lucas would never, in his wildest dreams, do something to hurt Molly but unfortunately… the editorial staff at the Daily Scoop took that away from him.

After another deep breath, Lucas continued. “Alexis and I have been seeing each other since the night I left Scared Heart. She is a brilliant, talented, and yes… remarkably beautiful woman that I have known and worked very closely with for over a decade. We have discussed the challenges to our relationship at length and know that things aren’t always going to be sunshine and rainbows… but we do love each other very much.”

“Besides… Alexis and I are grown adults, Molly Grace…” Lucas said with a bit more force. “… and we do not need anyone’s permission or blessings to enter or remain in a relationship!” Lucas’ tone snapped like a whip with the last few words. Taking another slow, calming breath, Holloway added. “Gracie… I loved your mother very much.” The hurt in his eyes at the loss of Molly’s mother was evident. “Mary was an incredible woman that… had she lived… I know I would still be with today. But…” He looked genuinely sad, his voice cracking. “… but that’s not what happened. I…” Lucas took another slow breath. “… I know this won’t be easy, for any of us… but I would ask that you girls support me in this and give Alexis & I the time to see where this goes. I love you and Erin very much but… after all these years, I think it’s time to let my heart love again.”

Lucas

Bumpity