Page 97 of Corporate Escapades

“You're right!” said Paris, jumping up from her seat and stomping her heel. “This is not my fault. They took advantage of me! I will not be the victim. I’m going to march up to them and tell them they deserve what they get and that I will see this trial through to the end to make sure they never hurt anyone again.”

Paris had no more than made her statement when the door to the office opened, and Angela and Tom emerged flanked by security. Paris stepped forward, confronting them both.

“You thought you were clever, didn’t you? I hope it was worth it. I’ll see you in court. I guarantee you won’t be getting a slap on the wrist, and I won’t lose any sleep over you.”

“I’m backing her one-hundred percent,” added Vic. “What you did was despicable. When we’re through with you, it’ll be tough to find a job anywhere.”

Angela had tears streaming down her face when she replied, “It was all his idea. He came up with the plan. I wanted nothing to do with it, but he pushed and pushed, and I gave in. It was all him!”

“Oh, well then, perhaps you should be pardoned? I mean, obviously, if Tom put you in that position, we can hardly blame you for it, right?” asked Chase. “He did put a gun to your head and force you to have unbridled sex with Vic in his office, correct?” Chase laughed. “No one forced you, honey. You did this to yourself. You make me sick. Playing with anyone's emotions simply to climb the corporate ladder is completely twisted, and such indiscretions deserve the maximum punishment.”

“Amen to that,” said Mya. “Angela, you'll get what you deserve, as will Tom.”

“This is bullshit!” expelled Tom. “There’s no law against sleeping with people without having genuine feelings.”

“No, there's not,” stated Mikel, “but you signed your name on the line and broke your contract with Sense of Adventure when you manipulated your coworkers for corporate gain. Not to mention the other charges, which will come with replaying the recording of what you intended to do to Paris and Vic. That’s definitely illegal.”

“Wow, you two are royally screwed,” said Chase. “Good luck with that.”

Mikel looked at Paris and Vic. “I think we've all said enough at this point.” Turning to security, he said, “Please escort Tom and Angela off the property. As of now, they are no longer allowed access to anything on ADG grounds, including their apartments. We’ll forward your belongings to a location of your choice tomorrow. You’ll be hearing from our lawyers.”

Mikel and Dom followed the guards to the elevator, then headed back to their offices. Vic and Paris watched them go. Paris felt a wave of relief but also a bit of panic, knowing they’d have to testify about what happened to them, and how much they’d be judged for it. She still felt stupid for allowing herself to let her guard down enough to believe that Tom had suddenly taken an interest in her.

“I can see the wheels in your head spinning,” said Mya. She gently put her hand on Paris's shoulder. “You can’t beat yourself up over this. You carried a torch for the man for years. Had I been in your situation, I would have done the same thing. Most anyone would have. He played your heartstrings. It was wrong, and he knew it was wrong. The only thing left to do is to work on healing. I’m here for you if you need to talk.” She gave Paris a gentle smile. “You’re okay. Like Vic said, you’ll get past this.”

“Thanks, Mya,” she replied.

“Let’s get out of here,” said Vic. “I want to go home and forget this day ever happened.”

“Yeah, me too,” said Paris. “Chase, we’ll see you at your place this evening for that drink.”

“Okay, guys, take it easy,” he smiled. “Later, we can toast to a brighter future.”

“I hear you on that,” said Vic.

Late in the evening, Paris and Mya walked together over to Chase's apartment for the drink they’d agreed upon. The mood was much lighter than the past twenty-four hours. Paris felt as if a weight had lifted, and she could let her guard down some. Mya chattered away about the recent developments between her and Cristo. Paris was happy for her friend. She would have never guessed that genuine feelings would develop between them, but as long as they were happy, she was happy.

“I'm glad you two worked out your issues. How was your dinner date?”

“Awesome!” gushed Mya. “It was nice to get dressed up and go out in public without the guise of a business-related event. We have more in common than I could have imagined. I’m going over to his place after Chase’s.”

“That's great. I truly am happy for you.”

“Thanks,” she replied

When they arrived at Chase's, Paris was surprised to find that Vic was not there. Mya wasted no time in demanding to know where he was.

“He's not coming,” said Chase. “He said he was tired and wanted to get a good night’s sleep. Something about an interview.”

“What interview?” asked Paris.

“I don’t know,” replied Chase. “He didn’t elaborate.”

“Is he leaving Sense of Adventure?” asked Paris.

Chase shook his head. “He hasn’t told me a thing.”

“You need to talk to him,” said Mya. “Make sure he’s not leaving because you’re too stubborn to work through your issues.”

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