The Melaswen Paradox (Read 329,256 times)

[heroicmuse]

I'm so glad Brandon is back! I hope he, Nicole, and Daniel get to the bottom of what Dante is up to.

I'm curious about what the twins are going to do.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera!

[fluffysmom]

I'm not sure how three CEOs will work out.

I'm glad Brandon is back to help Nicole deal with Dante.

I liked Brady seeking John's feedback. John's situation was a lot more complicated since he actually lived life as Roman for several years.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 508

BAYVIEW SANITARIUM
JOHN: I know that feeling all too well.
Brady sighed.
JOHN: I felt the same when I first found out I wasn’t Roman. But, like I said, the situation was very, very different. Both the length of time I spent as Roman, and the circumstances that occurred after that illusion was broken for me.
Brady nodded.
BRADY: I get that. But, do you have any advice?
JOHN: Well, you’re not gonna like hearing at least part of this, but here it goes. You can’t rush into this, kid. I know that’s hard to hear, especially since it’s all happened so quickly. But, finding your way is gonna be a challenge for a while. Do not give up. I know you can do it. Most of all, you’ve just gotta take things one day at a time. Work on becoming the real you again. And follow your heart.
BRADY: Wow. Cliche much?
JOHN: I know it sounds cliche, but it’s true. Kid, from my experience, your heart will not lead you astray. You just have to listen to it closely enough. And coming here, trying to get help, that’s a big step towards getting you back to your old self. And, you will get there, and that’s a fact.
John and Brady both stood.
JOHN: I’m proud of you, kid.
BRADY: Thanks, Dad.
John and Brady hugged.

NICOLE & DANIEL’S APARTMENT
Nicole told Brandon what had happened a few days ago with Dante. Daniel was now sitting with them. All three had cups of coffee.
BRANDON: Wow. That’s intense.
NICOLE: You’re telling me.
BRANDON: You think this guy’s for real, though?
NICOLE: Honestly, I don’t know what to think. I mean, it’s obvious that he at least knows of my father and was one of his men.
BRANDON: Must’ve been pretty young when Mendez got put away.
NICOLE: Daddy liked to start them young, I know that better than anyone.
Daniel put an arm around Nicole.
NICOLE: As for whether he’s my half-brother, I don’t know.
BRANDON: Well, from what you’ve told me, Mendez tested out his new “stars” at least once.
NICOLE: Exactly. Which means it is possible. And the guy looks eerily similar to him. Seriously, if you saw this guy, you’d see it, too.
BRANDON: I have no doubt of that.
NICOLE: Before you got here, Daniel and I were discussing ways of finding out more about this guy.
BRANDON: You’re not gonna do anything illegal.
NICOLE: Of course not! How could you suggest such a thing?
BRANDON: Because I know you. I know that once you get a scheme in your head, you’ll see it through, no matter what the cost.
NICOLE: That was the old me. Being with Daniel has changed me. Besides, Daniel’s a doctor. Do you really think he’d do anything to jeopardize his medical license?
BRANDON: I should hope not.
NICOLE: Anyway, That’s why I called you here.
BRANDON: Sorry, I don’t exactly follow.
DANIEL: We want you to help us track down Dante, find out if he’s the real deal.
BRANDON: What’s the plan?

SALEM INN
DANTE: You’re what? You can’t be serious! Here, in Salem? Do you really think that’s necessary? No, I’m not trying to question your judgement. I’d never presume to...Right. Yes, I get the picture. So, when is this gonna be? Okay. Right. I’ll see to it.
Dante hung up the phone.
DANTE: This deal just keeps getting worse all the time.

[heroicmuse]

Okay, now I'm really curious as to what is going on with Dante. I wonder if he's being blackmailed, and by whom.

I also want to know what Nicole's plan is, and I agree with Brandon -- it better not involve anything illegal. Doctor or not, Daniel isn't above that either. Look what he and Nicole did with Chyka.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

I didn't realize Roman came to see Brady also. That was nice of him. I hope Brady heeds John's advice.

Wonder what Dante is up to now.

[André DiMera]

Oops. That should have said John and Brady stood up. I’ve fixed it now, Kpatch.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 509

BRADY PUB
Nicole, Daniel and Brandon had moved their discussion to the Brady Pub, as it was now time for lunch.
BRANDON: Okay, it sounds good. There’s just one thing I’m thinking.
DANIEL: What’s that?
BRANDON: Nik, don’t you think we should alert Taylor about this?
Nicole tensed up, but released a breath to stop her from saying anything she shouldn’t.
BRANDON: I mean, okay, I know you and she aren’t on the best terms, but she’s still our sister, Nikki. This affects her, too.
NICOLE: How do you figure?
BRANDON: If this guy really is Mendez’s kid, or even if he’s not, it’s obvious that he has some kind of connection to the guy. Which means he has a connection to our family. What if the guy gets bored with you and then decides to go after Taylor? Wouldn’t it be better for her to be prepared?
NICOLE: That’s not gonna happen.
BRANDON: You don’t know that.
NICOLE: It won’t. For two reasons. One, this creep isn’t gonna get the chance to hurt Taylor or anyone else because we’re gonna make sure he goes away for good. Two, if this guy is truly connected to my father, he won’t have any interest in Taylor.
BRANDON: What makes you think that?
NICOLE: Because my father didn’t, either. Taylor was still a little kid when he got put away, way too young for him to use to fulfill his sick fantasies. By the time he got out, Taylor had already moved away. Besides, I was always his main target.
BRANDON: I dunno, Nik. I would just feel better about this if I let Taylor know what’s going on.
NICOLE: Look, Taylor’s your sister, too. If you really want to tell her, I can’t stop you. But, I do not want her involved in this. In fact, I want her to stay wherever the hell she and Quinn moved to. So, if you do talk to her, which of course is your choice, tell her to stay far away from Salem, and especially far, far away from me.

TITAN
Jody and Vic were at work in their office. There was a knock at the door and Philip poked his head in.
PHILIP: Guys, meeting with the board in five, remember?
JODY: We’re on it.
VIC: Let’s go.
Jody and Vic put their things down, got up and followed Philip out of the room.
JODY: So, how did you want to do this?
PHILIP: Not much to do. We’re just updating the board on the situation.
VIC: You mean Uncle Victor didn’t inform the board already?
PHILIP: My father is above the board. His company, he has final say.
VIC: Gotcha.
PHILIP: We’re just gonna go in there and explain the current situation.
JODY: Sounds like a plan.
VIC: We’ve got this.
PHILIP: I hope you guys are ready.
VIC: Philip, don’t worry. We were born for this.
Philip tried to resist rolling his eyes. Even though he was the one who originally brought the twins back, he wasn’t sure that this was his best idea.
PHILIP: All right. Here we go.
VIC: Let’s do this thing!

[heroicmuse]

I agree with Philip that this might not be the best idea. The twins seem to lack maturity.

Nicole's insistence on leaving Taylor out means she is going to be dragged in, I'm sure. I don't think she's over Taylor/EJ.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Aug 7, 2018 8:54:48 GMT -5 heroicmuse said:

I agree with Philip that this might not be the best idea. The twins seem to lack maturity.

Agree. They lack maturity AND focus.

Is Taylor Paul's daughter, or did she have a different father? I can't remember.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 510

TITAN
Jody, Vic and Philip walked in. They sat down at the head of the table in the boardroom, each looked at a few papers and then stood up. Everyone fell silent.
JODY: Good afternoon, everyone.
VIC: Welcome to this official meeting of the Board of Directors of Titan Industries. Could you please rise for the Pledge?
Everyone stood up, and after the Pledge of Allegiance was said, they sat down again, with the exception of Philip, Vic and Jody.
JODY: Thank you. We’d like to begin this meeting by welcoming back our partner, Philip Kiriakis, who was temporarily away on business.
The various members of the board clapped.
PHILIP: Thank you, everyone. And thank you, Jody and Vic, for subbing in for me while I was away.
The board members clapped again.
VIC: We were happy to help. Now, on to our first and main order of business this morning, it appears that there will be a slight change in regime.
PHILIP: Upon my return, I was informed that my father, the elder Victor Kiriakis, had promoted Jody and Vic here from interim CEOs to co-CEOs alongside myself. I will remind you that, though this is my father’s company, he is no longer fully in charge. Therefore, I have made the decision that, for the time being, Jody and Vic will be on trial as my co-CEOs. Over the next few weeks, we’ll see how things go. If it goes well, great.
JODY: However, if, after some time has passed, either of the three of us feels that this situation is not working out, we will bring any issues before the board, and the positions of my brother and myself will be up for discussion.
PHILIP: It should be noted at this point, that none of this is a reflection upon the competency or ability to lead of either myself or my partners. This meeting is merely to inform the board of the situation, as well as answer any questions that may arise from this situation.
VIC: That being said, both Jody and myself are very grateful to Philip for allowing us to continue in this position, whether it be temporary or not.
PHILIP: Now, are there any questions?

BRADY PUB
BRANDON: Look, I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t make any promises. Taylor’s gonna do what she does, no matter how I feel about it. She’s kinda like someone else I know.
NICOLE: She is nothing like me!
BRANDON: Okay, okay. I’m just kidding. What happened between you two, anyway? I mean, I know you guys were never super close, but still.
NICOLE: Well, let’s just say I wasn’t happy that she stole my now ex-husband. That, of course, was before I could see what a monster he was. I’m so glad I got away from that and found a real man.
DANIEL: I’m glad of it, too.
Nicole and Daniel kissed.
BRANDON: Gotcha. So, changing the subject, how’s everyone else in Salem?
NICOLE: The same. Some still can’t get passed the things I’ve done, some can. I’m kinda surprised you haven’t seen Abe and Theo yet.
BRANDON: Well, you’re the one who called me, so you were kind of my priority. I’m gonna stop by the station tonight and see Abe.
DANIEL: Everyone else is great. I’m sure there are some new faces since the last time you were here.
NICOLE: And plenty of old ones.
BRANDON: Speaking of old faces, how’s Sami?

[heroicmuse]

I'm not sure Brandon wants to bring up Sami in front of Nicole. LOL. He seems a bit oblivious about Nicole's history with certain people.

I'm glad Nicole is with Daniel and not EJ anymore too!

I wonder how the board will react to this news.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Old faces, how's Sami. LOL.

I think the co-CEOs gave a good speech.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 511

TITAN
The meeting went on for a short time, with a few questions being asked. However, after a while, it seemed that the questions were answered.
JODY: Well, if there aren’t any further questions, I move to adjourn this meeting. Do we have a second?
VIC: I second that motion.
JODY: Motion seconded. Do we have a third?
A man by the name of Tanaka stood up.
TANAKA: I third that motion.
JODY: Very well. Motion passed. This meeting is dismissed. Thank you for the cooperation, everybody.
The members of the board slowly filed out of the room until only Philip, Jody and Vic were left. The three began picking up papers.
PHILIP: Gotta say, you guys did a really good job at the meeting.
JODY: Thank you.
VIC: Told you we wouldn’t let you down.
PHILIP: Yeah. Who knows? Maybe this’ll end up working out after all.

BRADY PUB
NICOLE: Sami is married.
BRANDON: To Lucas, I assume?
NICOLE: Yep. Anyway, what is this, Ask Nicole About All Her Worst Enemies Day?
BRANDON: Just a question. Anyway, I thought before she left for L.A., you and Sami were on good terms.
NICOLE: “Good” isn’t exactly the word I’d use. We don’t hate each other anymore, but it’s not like we’re gonna be braiding each other’s hair or making friendship bracelets anytime soon. We called a truce, for Sydney’s sake, more than anything.
BRANDON: Well, that’s good, at least. Sorry, I don’t mean to push your buttons, Nik, I just wanna get caught up to speed.
NICOLE: No, I know. Just please, tell me you aren’t gonna get caught up in Sami’s web again.
BRANDON: I’m not gonna. Sami’s married, and I respect that.
NICOLE: Good. The last thing we need is for Sami Brady to get involved in this mess.
Brandon nodded.
BRANDON: Well, thank you very much for lunch, guys. It was excellent. But, I should be going.
NICOLE: Already? You just got here. And don’t give me any nonsense about staying in a hotel, the apartment has a spare room.
DANIEL: Exactly.
BRANDON: Nik, I’m just going to see Abe. I’ll be back at the apartment tonight.
NICOLE: Okay. Good luck.
BRANDON: Thanks.
Nicole and Brandon hugged.
NICOLE: Thanks again for coming.
BRANDON: No problem. We’ll find out what this creep’s up to and put an end to it, I promise.
Brandon and Daniel shook hands.
BRANDON: Nice to meet you, Daniel. See you tonight.
DANIEL: You too.
Brandon walked out the door. Over in one of the booths, Ciara and Claire were both on their break.
CLAIRE: You still haven’t told her?
CIARA: Not exactly.
CLAIRE: Ciara! Classes start in less than a month and we need to be moved in two weeks before.
CIARA: I know. I’m gonna tell her. I just haven’t gotten around to it.
CLAIRE: Well, you might wanna get on that. Besides, Grandma’s not gonna react the way you think she is.
CIARA: I hope you’re right.
CLAIRE: Okay, so don’t bite my head off ‘cause this is just a question, but is this actually because you’re worried about how grandma’s gonna react, or is there some other reason you’re reluctant to tell her and Aiden that you’re moving into the dorms?

[heroicmuse]

I'd like to know the answer to Claire's question too. Ciara is being really ridiculous.

I am interested in what Nicole's reaction will be now that Brandon is not there. I have a feeling Daniel's about to get an earful.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[mae00]

OMG Ciara. Just tell her already. Any parent who has a kid in college has to at least suspect that their kid wants to live in the dorms.

I'm kinda worried about this plan that Nicole and Brandon have cooked up. And with the mentions of Taylor and Sami, you can bet they are gonna be dragged into this. What I can't figure out now is if Dante really has something to do with Paul Mendez or EJ.....