Page 88 of Corporate Escapades

“Dad! No!” he gasped. “Why would you think that?”

“I know something’s going on between you two. I thought maybe this was part of it.”

“No, Dad. Just—no. Paris and I are the victims, as well as ADG. Can we please get the board together to discuss it in person?”

“I’m sorry, son, that’s not possible this evening. Mikel and Cristo are away on business. They won’t be back until late morning tomorrow.”

“Can you get them back sooner?” he asked.

“I wish I could, but this meeting is with a huge client.”

“Fine,” conceded Vic. “What time tomorrow can the board meet?”

“I’ll put an urgent meeting on the schedule for one o’clock. I’m sure there’ll be questions about what it’s regarding.”

“Tell them there’s a lawsuit coming.”

“Okay, kid, I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“I do, Dad. I’m standing up for our company.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow,” he said and hung up the phone.

Vic looked up to see three sets of eyes staring back at him.

“How’d he take it?” Paris asked.

“He was hesitant at first, but he understands the urgency, and of course, he’s concerned about the company being a part of a lawsuit. I’m sure he’d like more details, but it’s best we play him and the rest of the board the recording when they’re all together.”

“I agree,” replied Paris. “What do you think?” She directed her question toward Mya and Chase.

“I think we have to keep Tom and Angela from finding out we know their game before we meet with the board tomorrow,” said Chase.

“How so?” asked Paris.

“We don’t want them disappearing or causing other issues before the board meets. That means, Paris, you need to get your butt to that date and act like nothing happened,” said Chase.

Paris dropped her head into her hands. “How am I supposed to do that?” she moaned. “He’ll know something’s up.” She felt sick to her stomach just thinking about dinner with Tom.

“Make an excuse. Something that will legitimately cover your agitated state,” replied Vic.

“Like what?” she asked.

“Tell him your mom informed you your grandmother has fallen ill and is in the hospital. He’ll believe that, won’t he?”

Paris let out a loud sigh. “I suppose. He doesn’t know much about my extended family, so he’ll probably buy it.”

“Okay then,” said Mya. “Are you ready for dinner?” she asked Paris.

“No. I’m not dressed. I’m already late. I don’t know how I’ll pull this off?”

Mya held up a finger and said, “Hold that thought.” She disappeared into her room. When she returned, she was holding a black cocktail dress. “Wear this. He won’t even notice you were late.”

“Thanks, Mya. You always know how to help.”

“Okay, in the meantime, Vic, you keep up appearances with Angela as well. No more blowing her off. If she stops at your place tonight or calls and asks you to go out for a drink, you say yes,” advised Chase.

Vic agreed, but hoped Angela wouldn’t stop by. The thought of her made his blood boil.

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