Page 86 of Corporate Escapades

“Is something wrong?”

“Just get here. We’re calling an emergency meeting. I’m only filling you and Paris in on the situation once.”

“Okay, fair enough. Let me throw on a shirt and I’ll be right over,” he said and hung up.

Mya was on her phone as well and had freshly hung up from speaking with Paris. “She’s on her way.”

“Lucky they were both home, I guess,” said Chase. “Did you tell Paris that we called Vic over as well?”

“Yes. I didn't want to start the meeting off with any extra surprises. Hopefully, they’ll be okay. Let's get everything out in the open right away so we can put a plan in place.”

Fifteen minutes later, a knock sounded at the door. Mya hurried toward it. She found Paris and Vic both waiting on the other side.

“Good evening,” said Vic as he stepped over the threshold. Paris followed him. They sat on opposite ends of the sofa.

“What’s so urgent?” asked Paris. “I’m supposed to be on my way to a dinner date.”

Vic’s head whipped around to stare at her. The look in his eyes was contemptuous. “With whom?” he asked.

“None of your business,” Paris responded.

“Get over yourselves,” said Mya. She was tired of the bickering.

“Can Paris and I have a moment alone?” requested Vic. The tone of his voice suggested he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Sure,” said Chase. “We’ll be in the hall. Knock on the door when you’re ready for us to come in.” He followed Mya out the door and shut it behind them.

“Listen, I don’t know what you think happened Monday night, but literally, nothing happened. I didn’t invite her over,” he said calmly. “She showed up unannounced. I asked her to leave, and she did. I didn’t even let her in the door.”

“That’s fine,” Paris replied, her voice shaking.

“Please tell me you don’t believe I turned around and called her after you left.” The hurt could be seen in his eyes. “I know you’re struggling to accept it, but I honestly care about you.”

“I’m over it.” Standing up, she walked to the door and knocked.

Mya opened the door a crack and peered inside. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes. We’re fine,” she snapped.

Chase and Mya marched back into the condo and took their seats. Mya looked at Vic and Paris in turn. “Why can’t you two get it together?” she blurted.

“What do you mean?” asked Paris.

“Come on! This is ridiculous,” vented Chase. “You guys are willing to screw up your entire future with the family and the company all because you screwed a couple of times? Get over yourselves and work it out. This company depends on you to be there to run it.” Paris’s eyes looked like they might pop out of her head, due to Chase’s outburst.

“Which brings us back to why we called you over tonight,” said Mya. Grabbing her phone from the coffee table, she waved it in the air. “Earlier this evening, Molly sent me a recording she made earlier today. You’ve got to hear this. It should clear up some of your problems.”

“What kind of recording?” asked Vic.

“One that will prove you’re being sabotaged,” added Chase. He was thrilled that they had proof.

“By whom?” questioned Paris.

Mya gave Paris a look. “Just listen.” Hitting play, she kept her eyes on Paris and Vic.

“Is that Tom and Angela?” asked Vic.

“Shh,” snapped Mya. “Just wait.” She let the sound clip play, and she could see from the expressions on both Paris and Vic’s faces that they were sickened by what they were hearing. When the recording finished, she set her phone down and looked at her friends. “You were both being played,” she said. Her tone was gentle but sincere.

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