The Melaswen Paradox (Read 329,348 times)

[mae00]

I'm sure Abe's plan is to set a trap for Mr. Green & Dante and it will involve Nicole having to appear to resume her past.

On one hand, I'm glad JOdi & Vic went to John & Steve about this. On the other hand, I think heroicmuse is right and this is going to blow up in their faces.

How does Nicholas have a camera in Dimera? Did he have Hadley plant something or tap into Dimera's security system?

[André DiMera]

Chapter 530

SALEM UNIVERSITY
Ciara and Trix were getting their lunch. Ciara was telling her about the events of that morning.
TRIX: So, what did she say about it? She can’t have been too thrilled.
CIARA: She wasn’t. But, since she and I are stuck with each other, for the time being, she’s just gonna have to live with it.
TRIX: Well, I’m sorry that it’s taking so long for your room to get switched. I did try to put in a word with Rayne, but it was a no go.
Ciara shrugged.
CIARA: That’s okay. I just hope she and Tawna get their stuff together soon so I don’t have to be around her anymore. So, did you wanna hang out tonight?
TRIX: Yeah, that’d be great. My room or yours?
CIARA: Whichever.
TRIX: Well, by the time dinner’s over, Rayne’ll be out, so if you wanted to get away from Noelle for a few hours…
CIARA: That sounds great to me!
Ciara kissed Trix on the cheek. They got the last of their food, then sat down at a table with Chase and Claire.
CIARA: So, how’s the first day going with you guys?
CLAIRE: Awesome! I love my Music Theory teacher, and my History of Music teacher seems cool, too.
CHASE: As does my Intro to Justice teacher. What about you guys?
CIARA: Intro to Architecture was good.
TRIX: So was Intro to U.S. History.

APARTMENT BUILDING
Nicole, Daniel and Brandon came out of the elevator.
BRANDON: I’m glad you at least talked to him.
NICOLE: Yeah, well who knows? Maybe the Salem P.D. will actually do something useful for once.
DANIEL: I think we’ll all just be glad when this is all over.
Nicole stopped.
NICOLE: Oh my god!
Brandon and Daniel stopped, as well. Standing in front of their apartment door was Taylor.
TAYLOR: Hey, sis.
NICOLE: Taylor.
TAYLOR: Brandon! Good to see you!
BRANDON: You too.
Taylor and Brandon hugged.
TAYLOR: Good to see you, too, Daniel.
DANIEL: You too, Taylor.
Nicole crossed her arms and stepped in front of Daniel.
NICOLE: Don’t even think about getting anywhere near him.
TAYLOR: Nikki, relax. I know that you and Daniel are together.
NICOLE: Didn’t stop you the last time with E.J.
DANIEL: Okay, how about we move this discussion inside, please? I’m sure the whole complex doesn’t need to hear this.
NICOLE: Fine by me.
Nicole opened the door to her apartment. Daniel and Taylor walked in. Nicole pulled Brandon back a minute, but made sure to keep the door open, just in case.
NICOLE: I thought you said you weren’t gonna ask her to come.
BRANDON: And I didn’t. But I also said that I would tell her what was going on. I didn’t encourage or discourage her from coming. Whatever she did is on her own.
Nicole rolled her eyes.
BRANDON: I’m serious, Nicole.
NICOLE: I know. I know. I just...I wish she hadn’t come.
BRANDON: Look, Nik, I know you and Taylor don’t have a good history. But, just give her a chance. It’s been a few years, maybe she’s changed. You did. For me?
Nicole sighed.
NICOLE: Okay, fine. But you owe me big time.
BRANDON: You got it.
Brandon followed Nicole inside the apartment.
NICOLE (thinking): I better not regret this.

[heroicmuse]

I don't think Taylor has designs on Daniel, but I don't trust her to not spill whatever the plan is to Green or Dante. Or not to fall for Dante!

I don't think Ciara will ever be rid of Noelle as a roommate, at least not this year. I'm interested to see what happens next with this.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 531

DIMERA ENTERPRISES
CHAD: I still don’t get why you’d want to team up with Titan. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Philip Kiriakis seems like a decent guy, but come on. They’re our biggest competition.
TONY: I’m aware. Chad, you have heard the phrase that in order to succeed, one must keep one’s friends close, and one’s enemies closer, yes?
Chad nodded.
TONY: While I understand that Titan is our biggest competition, teaming up with Philip Kiriakis makes good business sense. We have a common rival: Alamain Industries. Now, we each want our own companies to succeed, but while two is healthy competition, three is a crowd. I’ve been keeping tabs on Nicholas Alamain. He is a decent businessman. One day, he might even be a good one. But there is a reason that Alamain Industries had to file for bankruptcy once while under Nicholas’ leadership. I offered him advice when he reopened the business, he chose not to take it, and it shows.
CHAD: So, this is a personal vendetta, then?
TONY: Not at all. This is business. Unlike André, I don’t do vendettas. As I was saying, three is a crowd. Our businesses, Titan and DiMera, we have a healthy rivalry. In fact, we have the best kind. We challenge each other’s respective company to do better. However, when you add Alamain Industries into the mix, it throws the system off. Now, instead of competing with each other, we’re competing with other people. While I will concede that Nicholas has done well to rebuild his company, he does not understand the rules the way that Philip or I do. Now, that’s not to say that our two companies should merge. Titan is far too good of a rival to do that. However, if Philip and I were to temporarily put aside our differences and work together against a common foe, well, I’m sure you can see where it would go from there.
CHAD: I believe I do, yes.

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
Nicholas watched all of this on his phone.
NICHOLAS (thinking): Thank goodness neither Tony or Chad have deleted that A.I. app off of their phones. But this doesn’t make any sense. Tony doesn’t sound at all like he did the other night when I met with him. It’s almost like he’s a different person. Unless…
Nicholas put the phone down and stared into the distance.
NICHOLAS (thinking): Unless that wasn’t Tony that I met with at all. Oh, of course. How did I not see this before? That wasn’t Tony I met with, it was André!
Nicholas was taken out of his thoughts as his door opened. He looked up as Hadley walked in.
HADLEY: I have some papers for you to sign, Mr. Alamain.
NICHOLAS: Thank you, Hadley.
Hadley put the papers on the desk. Nicholas began signing them.
NICHOLAS: Hadley, what do you know about Tony DiMera?
HADLEY: The CEO of DiMera Enterprises?
NICHOLAS: That’s the one.
HADLEY: Well, he is the oldest son of Stefano DiMera. He’s married to a fashion designer, Anna Fredricks, whose company is part of DiMera Enterprises. He seemed nice on the day of the grand reopening.
NICHOLAS: What about André DiMera? What do you know about him?
HADLEY: André DiMera? Never heard of him, sir.
NICHOLAS: I see.
Nicholas finished signing the papers and handed them back to Hadley.
NICHOLAS: There you are.
HADLEY: Thank you. Is everything all right, Mr. Alamain? You seem a little distracted.
NICHOLAS: No, everything’s fine, thank you. I believe I am finally seeing the bigger picture here.
HADLEY: What do you mean?
NICHOLAS: Oh, nothing. Just something that was said during a recent conversation with Tony DiMera...or rather, somebody that I thought was Tony DiMera?
HADLEY: I’m sorry, sir, but I’m not entirely sure I’m following.
NICHOLAS: That’s okay. It’s nothing for you to worry about. Is there anything else you needed?
HADLEY: Well, sir, your 1:30 with the heads of AI Tech is waiting for you in Conference Room A.
NICHOLAS: Right, of course. Lead the way.
Nicholas got up and followed Hadley out of the room.

BLUE NOTE
That evening, Nicole sat at the bar, a drink in her hand. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dante walk in and sit beside her.
DANTE: Fancy place. You come here often?
NICOLE: Not nearly often enough.
Dante motioned to the bartender.
DANTE: I’ll have what she’s having.
He turned his attention back to Nicole.
DANTE: I gotta say, I was a little surprised to get your message.
NICOLE: I’m surprised you answered.
The bartender set a glass down in front of Dante. He took a drink.
DANTE: Well, how could I resist? I like to surround myself with the company of beautiful women.
NICOLE: God, what a line!
DANTE: It’s true, though! You are gorgeous.
NICOLE: And yet, you claim that I’m your sister.
DANTE: Hey, looking doesn’t cost anything. You know, Uncle Artie was right. You do have a good figure.
Nicole snorted.
NICOLE: So, Green still has his cast call him “Uncle Artie”, huh?
DANTE: He’s more than just a guy who got me a job, okay? Artie and I’ve been through a lot together.
NICOLE: Yeah? How’d you meet?
DANTE: He was a teacher at the high school I went to way back when. It was only just after graduation that he told me that he knew my father.
NICOLE: Yeah, I’m still not entirely clear on this whole thing. I mean, here you are, dropping lines that would make any fish swim in the opposite direction, yet you claim I’m your half-sister. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m flattered, but I’m just not cool with getting hit on by a guy who claims to be related to me.
DANTE: Look, what have I gotta do to convince you? What, do you want a D.N.A. test or something?
NICOLE: Actually, yeah.
Nicole put a cup with a lid on the table in front of Dante.
NICOLE: Go ahead. Bathroom’s that way.

[heroicmuse]

Dante is really tipping his hand (and is gross). I'm glad Nicole is going to get a DNA test, but I wouldn't get it done at the hospital where someone can mess with the results!

I'm surprised Hadley hasn't heard of Andre. But I'm glad Nicholas realizes what's going on.

I wish Tony and Chad would find and get rid of that spying app now that it's done its job though.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[mae00]

I'm glad Nicole is asking for a DNA test, but I'm not sure this is going to give accurate results.

So Nicholas has figured out that it wasn't Tony, but Andre. I wonder what he's going to do from here.

I hope Tony & Philip delete that app, but how did the AI app get onto their phones in the first place? And how does Hadley NOT know who Andre is?? Has she been hiding under a rock?

[André DiMera]

Chapter 532

BLUE NOTE
DANTE: You can’t be serious.
NICOLE: Oh, I’m very serious! You wanna prove to me that you’re the real deal, do it.
Dante rolled his eyes, but picked up the cup.
DANTE: Is this really necessary?
NICOLE: You bet it is.
Dante rolled his eyes again. He walked away from the bar and into the men’s room. Nicole touched her watch.
NICOLE: You getting all of this?
ABE (over the watch): Loud and clear, Nicole.
Nicole looked around the room and glanced over at a nearby table. Daniel and Brandon sat at it. Daniel winked at Nicole, who winked back.

SALEM UNIVERSITY
Trix led Ciara into her room.
CIARA: Whoa! You got one of the big rooms!
TRIX: Yeah, it’s a nice size. I guess that’s a perk of rooming with an R.A.
CIARA: I wish my room was this big.
TRIX: Well, maybe it will be, once Tawna switches it.
CIARA: I hope so. So, what did you want to do tonight?
TRIX: Up to you. Tonight is all about whatever you want to do.
CIARA: Well, we could watch a movie or something.
TRIX: Sounds good to me. You know, if it gets late, you can stay.
CIARA: That sounds great, but what about my clothes?
TRIX: You could always get spare ones now, just in case. I’ll come with you if you’d like.
CIARA: That’d be good. It’ll be nice to spend the night together.

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
Nicholas picked up his briefcase and walked out of his office.
HADLEY: Good night, Mr. Alamain.
Nicholas turned.
NICHOLAS: Hadley. You’re still here?
HADLEY: Yeah. I usually stay fairly late.
NICHOLAS: Right.
HADLEY: Did you get all that cleared up from earlier, sir?
NICHOLAS: What do you mean?
HADLEY: What you were talking about at lunch time.
NICHOLAS: Oh, that. I’m getting there. I think I’ve almost got it.
HADLEY: Good, I’m glad.
NICHOLAS: Hadley, do you have any plans for tonight?
HADLEY: Plans? No, not really. Just going home to my cat. Why?
NICHOLAS: No reason. Just curious.
Hadley nodded.
NICHOLAS: Actually, I was wondering if, maybe, you’d like to have dinner with me.
HADLEY: Are you asking me out, sir?
NICHOLAS: Of course not. You’re an employee. I’ve taken all my employees to dinner at one point or another.
HADLEY: Oh, gotcha.
NICHOLAS: So, how about it, then?
HADLEY: Yes. Dinner sounds good.
NICHOLAS: Excellent. I’ll give you a moment to pack up your things.
HADLEY: Great.
Hadley put a few items in her purse, then turned back to Nicholas.
HADLEY: What if I wanted it to be a date?
NICHOLAS: Excuse me?
Hadley walked over to Nicholas.
HADLEY: What if I wanted it to be a date?
NICHOLAS: Hadley, we talked about this. I’m your…
Nicholas looked into Hadley’s eyes. He saw them sparkle. He leaned in and kissed her. Little did he know that Ivan had seen the whole thing. Ivan walked down the hall, into an empty office, and dialled the phone.
IVAN: We have a problem. It’s as bad as I thought. We’ll have to do damage control quickly, Madame.

[heroicmuse]

This was not smart on Nicholas' part. I'm sure Vivian will make the kind of trouble he has only ever had nightmares about. LOL Plus he really shouldn't be kissing employees.

I hope Tawna doesn't return unhappy that Ciara and Trix are together.

I hope Nicole's plan works!

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?

[mae00]

I'm so glad that Nicole isn't executing this plan without others close by.

I'm not sure Trix and Ciara spending the night together will be a good idea....especially in the R.A.'s room.

Uh oh. Nicholas is going to regret this one! Vivian is NOT going to be happy.

[André DiMera]

Thanks for reading and commenting!

---

Next week...

Nicole furthers her plan to catch Dante and Mr. Green.
DANTE: You're not gonna win, you know.

Meanwhile, is Ciara and Trix's night about to heat up?
CIARA: What do you think?
*Trix and Ciara kiss*

Also this week, Eric asks for help finding Jade's aunt and daughter.
ERIC: I need your help.

And Vivian plots her next move regarding Hadley and Nicholas.
HADLEY: Miss Alamain.
VIVIAN: Hello, dear.

[heroicmuse]

I am pretty sure it is not going to be easy for Nicole to win this one.

Yay for Ciara and Trix -- but will Tawna walk in?

Can't wait to see who Eric talks to.

Vivian's plan is gonna be great! Well, not great for Hadley but great for us to see.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 533

BLUE NOTE
Dante walked over to the bar and practically slammed the cup down in front of Nicole.
DANTE: There. Satisfied?
NICOLE: Nope, but it’s a start. I’ll tell you what would satisfy me: knowing why you and Artōrius Green chose now to show up.
DANTE: I already told you, Artie wanted to bring us together, help me get in touch with the sister I never knew I had.
NICOLE: Hm, nice try, but I’m not falling for it.
Dante chuckled.
DANTE: Man, you are not an easy nut to crack. Tell you what, you do that D.N.A. test of yours, come back and tell me the results, and then maybe we’ll talk. But, you’re not gonna win, you know.
Before Nicole could say anything, Dante walked away.

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
After a moment, Nicholas and Hadley broke apart.
NICHOLAS: I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.
HADLEY: Why?
NICHOLAS: Well, for one, I’m your boss. Number two, we’re still at work.
HADLEY: So, if we weren’t at work, would it still have been a problem?
NICHOLAS: I’m still your boss, so yeah.
Nicholas sighed.
NICHOLAS: Look, I can’t deny that I enjoyed it. You’re a lovely woman. But this can never happen again.
HADLEY: Are you sure?
NICHOLAS: Well, I don’t see how it could. We need to remain professional and this…
Nicholas hesitated, then kissed Hadley again.
HADLEY: I thought you said that couldn’t happen again.
NICHOLAS: Looks like I was wrong. But we cannot do this here. As long as we keep our personal relationship and our working relationship separate, we shouldn’t have a problem.
HADLEY: Fine by me. Now, you mentioned dinner?
Nicholas held out his arm.
NICHOLAS: This way, m’ lady.
Hadley took Nicholas’ arm and the two walked out.

SALEM UNIVERSITY
Ciara and Trix sat on Trix’s bed, just finishing up a movie.
TRIX: Oh my gosh! That cliffhanger!
CIARA: See, I told you!
TRIX: But, how does that even work? I mean, surely they wouldn’t kill off all those characters for real!
CIARA: We’ll have to wait ‘til next summer to find out, I guess.
TRIX: That was awesome!
CIARA: Glad you like it.
TRIX: So, what d’you wanna do now?
CIARA: Dunno. What time is it?
Trix looked at the clock on her bedside table.
TRIX: Half eleven. Getting kinda late, since we have classes tomorrow.
CIARA: Yeah. Guess we should get to bed. I’m so glad I get to be away from Noelle for tonight.
TRIX: I’m glad of it, too. But, before we go to bed, did you want to...you know?
CIARA: What?
TRIX: You know…
Trix got off the bed and gave Ciara a meaningful look. Ciara smiled mischievously.
CIARA: Oh. Miss Alamain, you’re trying to seduce me, aren’t you?
TRIX: What if I was? Would you be up for it?
Ciara got off the bed and put her arms around Trix.
CIARA: What do you think?
Ciara and Trix kissed. Trix pulled back the covers of the bed, and she and Ciara got in.
CIARA: Wait. Before we go any further, this is my first time.
TRIX: It’s mine, too. And I’m glad I get to share it with you. I’ll be gentle, I promise.
CIARA: Me too. I love you so much, Beatrix Alamain.
TRIX: I love you, too, Ciara Brady.
Trix turned off her bedroom light and resumed kissing Ciara. And soon, the kissing turned into passion.

[heroicmuse]

I really hope Rayne doesn't walk in in the middle of this!

I have my doubts about the veracity of the DNA test. LOL. But we'll see what happens. I'm sure Nicole will win in the end but it won't be easy.

NICHOLAS!!!! This is what's known as a Very Bad Idea.

Great chapter André DiMera .

[Kpatch]

Nicholas needs to be careful, especially nowadays.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 534

SALEM UNIVERSITY
Ciara opened her eyes, and it took her a moment to remember that she wasn’t in her own dorm room. She looked down and saw Trix, with her head lying just below Ciara’s. Ciara smiled and gently rubbed Trix’s arm, which was partly wrapped around Ciara. Trix snuggled a little bit closer.
CIARA (softly): Good morning.
Trix slowly opened her eyes.
TRIX: Morning.
Ciara and Trix kissed and then laughed.
CIARA: So, last night.
TRIX: Yeah. It was pretty amazing.
CIARA: It was the best night I’ve ever had.
TRIX: I’m glad. Me too.
Trix and Ciara kissed again.
TRIX: What time is it?
Ciara lifted her head up and looked at the bedside table.
CIARA: About 7:30.
TRIX: Ugh. I wish I didn’t have class in an hour and a half.
CIARA: Me too. I’d love to stay here and cuddle all day.
TRIX: Same here. Guess we gotta get dressed, though.
CIARA: I guess. One thing before I do, though.
Ciara kissed Trix along the side of her neck up to her lips. The two laughed again.
CIARA: Do you mind if I use your shower?
TRIX: Have at it.
CIARA: Thanks.
Ciara grabbed the towel she had put by the bedside table and wrapped it around herself before getting up.
TRIX: Hey.
Ciara turned back.
TRIX: I had a great time last night.
CIARA: Me too.
Ciara and Trix smiled, then Ciara went to take a shower.

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
Hadley got to the office early, as she always did. She knew Nicholas wouldn’t be in his office yet, but went in to put a few papers on his desk so they’d be ready for him when he came in. She hummed a little tune to herself as she walked down the hall and into the office. Curiously, the chair that Nicholas normally sat in had it’s back turned to her. It was facing out of the window. Hadley didn’t think much of it, however. She put the papers down, and as she looked up, she saw the chair swivel around. It was occupied, but not by Nicholas.
VIVIAN: Hello, dear.
Hadley jumped back a little.
HADLEY: Oh! Miss Alamain, you surprised me.
VIVIAN: Did I?
HADLEY: It’s just that Mr. Alamain, your nephew, of course, didn’t tell me that you were coming.
VIVIAN: No. No, I’m certain he didn’t. Mostly because he doesn’t know. I thought I would give him a little surprise.
HADLEY: Oh, that’s nice.
VIVIAN: Isn’t it? Now, dear Hetty, take a seat.
HADLEY: Actually, it’s Hadley, Miss Alamain.
Hadley took the seat regardless.
VIVIAN: Yes, that too. Now, Harley, part of the reason I came was to surprise Nicky. However, that’s not the only reason. The other reason I came early was because I think it’s time you and I continued our little chat that we didn’t get to finish at lunch a few weeks ago.
HADLEY: Oh, that would be nice.
VIVIAN (thinking): I’m sure you think it would be, you little trollop.
Vivian smiled.
VIVIAN: Wouldn’t it just? Now, let’s get right down to business, yes? What are your intentions with my great-nephew?