Page 34 of Corporate Escapades

Nicola let out a short sigh. “I’m sorry to hear that, my dear. Even during times of stress, we must learn to be in control of our actions.”

“That’s disappointing to hear,” noted her father. “How does this situation make you feel?” he asked Paris.

“I’m embarrassed,” she said, raising her eyes to look at her father.

“That’s a fitting response,” said Nicola.

“Vic, what do you think about Paris’s situation?” asked Jessamine.

“I think it’s unfortunate,” he replied, scowling in Paris’s direction.

“Don’t you think it’s partially your failure, too?” asked Dom.

Vic’s head whipped around to look at his father. “What? Why is it my failure?” asked Vic. “She did this on her own time. How can I possibly control her when we don’t live together?”

“He makes a grand point,” replied Jessamine. “Which gives me an idea. We’ll come back to that in a moment. First, I want to check in with Mya and Chase. What insights do you have into last week?”

Mya chimed in and said, “I believe Paris has had a rough week. Some of it’s not her fault. She did her best and ran into some unforeseen situations, which caused a couple of accidents at work. We filed the necessary paperwork, but the week took an emotional toll on her, which is why she had a breakdown and spent all of her money. While I know she made a mistake, I’m asking that you take her week into consideration and cut her some slack this one time.”

It shocked Paris to hear Mya sticking up for her. She didn’t know why the girl bothered, but she was thankful for the undue kindness.

Jessamine’s face grew stern. “Let’s for a moment consider Paris’s prior position as a Senior Planner. Regularly, Paris handled sizeable sums of her client’s money. What if she had a bad day and spent her client’s money on an auction? Is that okay?”

“Well, no,” replied Mya. “She spent her own money in this scenario.”

“Did she?” asked Jessamine. “Consider that her success and failures are linked to Vic’s. Would that not mean the money is both of theirs? How is that unlike her client?”

Mya’s mouth dropped open as her understanding set in. “You’re right. It’s inexcusable in either case.”

“Indeed. Her actions were selfish, and she did not act like a rational adult,” replied Jessamine.

“Chase, what about Vic?” asked Cristo.

“He’s doing great. His money’s in order. He worked hard this week and completed all tasks assigned to him.” Chase clasped his hands together with satisfaction.

“That’s wonderful,” replied Cristo. “We’ve received the same information from Burt.”

“If you’ll excuse us,” said Nicola, “we need to have a brief discussion, and then we’ll let you know what happens next. Mya and Chase, you may stay, but I ask that Paris and Vic step out into the hall at this time.”

Vic and Paris exited the room. Once the door was closed behind them, Vic turned to Paris, who had tears in her eyes. “Don’t do that,” he said. “There’s no reason to cry at this time.”

“You don’t know that,” she replied. “We could be further demoted.”

“I really hope that doesn’t happen,” said Vic. The idea made him uncomfortable. “By the way, I spoke to Breanna. She thinks we’re being tested.”

Paris arched an eyebrow. “Tested on what?”

“I’m unsure, which is why I’m telling you. Do you have any thoughts?”

She shook her head. “Believe me, if I think of anything, I’ll let you know, but right now, I’m emotionally and physically drained. I have no idea what I’m going to do about my money situation. Frankly, I’m a little scared, which is a rare feeling for me.”

“I still can’t believe you spent all that money on an auction. My mom’s right. That’s selfish.”

“I shop when I’m stressed,” she admitted. “Your brother was of no help.”

“Yeah, trust me, I’m none too happy with him.”

“I won’t be able to pay my rent or even buy food,” stated Paris. She once again looked as though she may cry at any moment. She tried to pull it together, but her lip began to quiver uncontrollably.

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