The CEO's Entanglement

24 Trust or Not

Morris POV

I try to control my urge to destroy Amber's office. I take some deep breaths to quell the rage that is bubbling at the surface. I will not allow these a**holes to destroy my family or all that I have worked so hard for. "Well, that could have gone better" Amber says as she steps back into the office. "Why the f**k were they in your office without the corporate lawyer present? Why didn't you call me immediately?" She steps toward me.

She pokes me in the chest with her finger. "I don't like your tone or what you are implying. I have been loyal to the company and you since you took over from your father. Now is not the time to isolate people that are on your side, Morris. If I was involved in this bulls*t I would have stood back and watched Loreli destroy you. I wouldn't have done everything I could to make sure you had no contact and protect the company's interest even after you made stupid mistakes," she says.

My shoulders sag, and I plop down onto the large chair in the corner of her office. "I'm sorry. I know you would never do anything to jeopardize yourself or the company. I just never expected any of this bullish*t." "It's not just about that, Morris. I've watched you become a good man. You may have made mistakes, but you don't deserve what these snakes are trying to do to you. Do you remember Julie," she asks.

"I remember she was dad's assistant when I first started in the company, but she wasn't here very long. I also remember walking in on them in dad's office." Amber gives a look of disgust, but she isn't shocked. My father f**ked most of his assistants so its no surprise. "I think maybe you should talk to your mom about Julie. I don't know all the details, but there was more to it than just a simple affair," she says.

"I would rather not bring up things that could cause my mother to relive what that pr*ck did to her during their marriage." "Believe me when I say this it doesn't bother your mother even a little bit. Her new husband has made her forget every moment of pain that Trey caused her," she says. I look at her confused. "Your mother and I have been friends for a very long time, Morris. She wanted to make sure that someone was looking after you. She didn't want your father changing the man you were becoming," she says.

"How the hell did I not know this?" She laughs and pats my shoulder. "I'm sure there are a lot of things you don't know about your mother" she says, wiggling her eyebrows. "Oh, god, please don't. My father's affairs traumatized me enough for a lifetime. I don't want to think about my mother and Carl." Amber throws her head back and laughs. "Talk to your mother. I have a feeling that Julie is taking out your father's sins on you. I'm not sure how Loreli even got involved, but I'd bet my paycheck that Jules is behind the whole scheme," she says.

"Melissa is involved, but I don't know why. I've never had an issue with her and I don't believe she was one of my father's conquests. I want all three of their personnel files on my desk." "Melissa, why do you think she is involved?" I tell her about Elise's show and all the things Loreli said to Elise.

"It's too bad your brother didn't let her land a punch." "I'm glad he didn't, or I'm sure they would have had her arrested. Believe me, I'd like to have seen my spitfire beat the sh*t out of her." "Julie's file will take a little longer because I'm sure its in archives, but I'll have the other two on your desk by the end of the day" she says.

"I really am sorry about what I was inferring earlier, Amber. This sh*t is making me crazy. I appreciate all you have done to help me." "You're welcome, Morris. Make sure you talk to your mother. I have a feeling you're going to need all the information you can get before this is all said and done," she says. "I will. I also received that motion camera in the mail. I know Loreli is gone but I'm still going to set it up in my office." "I think that would be wise" she says.

I head to my office, and I'm grateful when Daniel is waiting for me with my coffee. "Good morning, Mr. McNair. I'll give you a few minutes before I come in to go over your schedule for today" he says. "Thank you, Daniel." Once I'm behind my desk I shoot a text to Elise telling her how much I love her and how sexy she is. Then I push my mother's contact.

"Morris, I was hoping I would hear from you today. I hated that we had to miss Elise's show. Do you think that you, Elise, and Emmy would like to go to dinner tonight?" "I'll check with Elise, but I'm sure she would be thrilled to see you and Carl. I've missed you mom."

"I missed you too, Morris. Why do I get the feeling that something is going on? I know you looked upset at the girls' party, but I didn't want to pry. I saw you talking to Briar, but I knew you would talk to me when you were ready. What's going on Morris" she asks, her voice laced with concern.

"Do you think you could meet for lunch today mom? I'll tell you what's been going on." "Of course, I'll be at your office around one" she says. "Thanks mom. I love you." "I love you too, Morris." I disconnect the call and start to work on the mound of paperwork on my desk.

A knock on my office door has me lifting my head to check the time. I didn't realize I had been working non stop for hours and it was almost one. "Come in" I say expecting to see my mother, but instead Melissa steps into my office. The smile that was for my mother quickly fades. "Mr. McNair, I was hoping I could speak to you for a moment."

"I really don't have time to speak with you right now Melissa. I'm expecting someone, so if you'll excuse me," I say effectively dismissing her. Unfortunately, she makes no move to leave. "I just wanted to apologize for Loreli's behavior at your wife's show." I stand from my desk. "Melissa, I would prefer that we keep all conversations between us about work. So if you have nothing work related to discuss please leave my office."

"Morris" she starts to say, but I cut her off. "We are not friends, Melissa. You will address me as Mr. McNair and only speak to me about business. Now leave my office." She looks as if I just slapped her, but she does as I said. I step out just in time to see my mother stepping off the elevator. "Daniel, I'll be stepping out of lunch." "Alright, Mr. McNair. I'll see you when you return" he says.

It doesn't take long for us to reach the small deli down the street from my office. Once we order, we slide into a booth. "So what's been going on with you and Elise" she asks. "I thought you didn't know what has been going on," I ask with a smile. "There is only one thing that could have put that look on your face that I saw at the party and that's Elise." "There was a woman at work." I watch her face darken, and I know immediately I should have started this differently.

"You have to be kidding me. I swear to all that is holy if you tell me you cheated on Elise." I cut her off this time. "Mom, I am nothing like him. I would never cheat on Elise." The anger fades and she looks apologetic. "I'm sorry. I should have let you finish" she says. I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine. I explain everything that happened, including at Elise's show. The minute I mention Julie's name, anger and disgust flashes in my mother's eyes.