All Chapters of Our Secret Identities: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Over the next three days; the nerves and anxiety emanating from Simone was excruciating. On the one hand; she felt like she was betraying the industry. On the other side of the coin; it was a step in the right direction for equality.“What you have done is no different to ‘the next top model’ show or a talent scout reaching out to find the next big thing” Tiffany says, taking a seat on the sofa next to Simone. “What you have achieved; is from hard work and determination. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”“How is Emmett coping with what happened at Lester Drake Media?” Vince asks, changing the subject from the interviewed article.“Lester got the directors to recant their offer to Paul. They used a loop hole. Neither owner authorised him as a candidate for the position and they only had to pay him back the price of the stocks he purchased” Simone begins; taking a long breath. “He is relieved; at the same time, he is still hurting.”She knew if Paul had become a member of the boar

Simone was waiting for someone to serve her with legal papers. She wasn’t happy they came after Emmett had come home from work. “What is this all about?” he screams at the poor legal intern, standing in the doorway.“Mark Webster is suing for damages to his business” the intern states; taking a step back to leave.Slamming the door and sitting down at the dining room table; Emmet opens the envelope, to read through the paperwork regarding the lawsuit against Simone. “You are not the cause of any of this” he snaps, looking over at Simone who comes over to him.“That much we do know. I’ve already sort legal advice” Simone remarks, taking a seat next to Emmett and picking up the documents to have a read.“And?” Emmett asks getting annoyed at what some people will do to make a buck.“They don’t have a leg to stand on” she says, trying to not make an issue of something that is out of her control. Seeing Emmett wasn’t going to accept that as an answer; Simone continues; “Gloria said; I am n

“What do you mean; maybe not?” Richard asks, turning back to look at Emmett. “I may be here for the moment; I’m not leeching off of you.”“You definitely won’t be leeching off of me” Emmett says, moving from the table. “I need to consult with Lester first and then the board; do you think you could run Peterson Properties yourself?”“Yes; better than dad. He’s a carpenter. He started by flipping houses before going into apartment buildings then old office buildings. I have a business and architecture degree. Dad won’t even let me try; for whatever fucked up reason” Richard states, a smirk crossing his face; understanding what Emmett was planning to do. “Is dad’s business really up shit creek without a paddle?”“Oh yeah” Emmett states, grinning from ear to ear. ‘Ultimate retribution. Selling his company to me or go bankrupt. That will hurt’ he adds in his mind. “You two should go to bed; I’ll call a few people and see what we can do… Separately” he spits the last part of the sentence at

“Not nearly enough” Henry says, standing up to leave. “I was under the impression you had a good relationship with Paul; at least that is how they portrayed it. That was my error and I will take my punishment for the part I played.”“Wait” Simone states; glancing over at Emmett and Lester. Everyone turns their head to look at her; “You made a mistake; something everyone has done in this room. You are also willing to take responsibility for your actions. That reason alone; I would like you to stay on the board.”“It’s not up to you” Emmett remarks, glaring at his wife.“No; it’s not. I wanted to point it out” Simone replies, giving him a smile.“I see what you mean. She isn’t afraid to tell you what she is thinking” Travis Reynolds says with a chuckle.‘I’ll have this argument with her later’ Emmett tells himself. “No, she isn’t” he responds to Travis’ comment. “This is not the issue. The issue is what are we going to do with you?”“Have you learnt from your error in judgement?” Simone

Emmett was lost for words. He didn’t know how to respond, listening to Richard explain the problem with the building plans, compared to the blueprints of the building. ‘I’m impressed’ he says inwardly to himself. “That’s what happens when you hire cowboy builders” Richard states; taking the seat in front of Emmett’s desk.“Were you going to hire him?” Emmett asks, looking at Simone.“We hadn’t decided” she tells him; walking over to sit on his lap, since the sofa and chair were taken. Emmett didn’t complain. “He had the best layout and we were going to talk to him today, regarding how he was going to achieve the layout. I’m glad Rick was there.”“Can you achieve this layout?” Emmett asks, looking at Richard.“Anything can be achieved. Simone will need an engineer to come in. They will be able to tell us how to reinforce the floor above. And if we were to get it up to fire code; I would suggest joining this corridor with this one. If there is a fire on that floor; everyone will be able