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ReddFoxx

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  1. ReddFoxx
    After a very long hiatus, Varied Lives is back and better than before. Head Writer Phillip Connelly had this to say.

    “The show will be coming from a fresher perspective. I am adhering to a single vision theory and letting the characters drive the story rather than the plot from now on. The progress of the stories will be in real time, meaning that the show's time line will pick up about one year from when the last episode aired. The show is definitely going to be more sleek, but still maintain the modern edge.”

    When asked about specifics, the head writer had this to say.

    Cassandra: “Cassandra is still trying to regain George's trust, as George is still trying to get over the fact that she lied about his father. Cassandra decides to take a new career path, which makes for more tension.”

    Yvette: “Yvette is running McGregor Inc. now that Anna stepped aside to work on her relationship with Andrew. Yvette's approach to running the company is tough and unwavering, which will be a key element that makes the character a strong lead.”

    Donahue Family: “Carol wants to take her family's business to the next level, but struggles with a slow moving economy. An unlikely alliance will form and that will take the rivalry with the McGregors to another level. Carol's children will also be involved in some entanglements of their own.”

    George: “George is still trying to fit in with his new found family, but is still finding it difficult. His business practices may also take a turn, proving that he's more like his mother than he would like to admit. He'll also have to deal with other problems to deal with.”

    Phelps Family: “Teri will be entangled with George mostly, but a new character will play a part in the story for added tension. The rest of the Phelps Family will be involved in a storyline that is to say the least, very shocking. Dark secrets will come to light and shake up the family.”

    Other news:

    The show is now two episodes a week, maybe more if storyline dictates it. The head writer said, "I'm aiming for basic storytelling with very character driven stories, I feel I can better do that with a short week."

    There have been some recasts. The head writer stated that some roles were recast to coincide with the relaunch. “Some of the casting was never quite how I wanted it, now I am more satisfied.

    Casting:

    Phylicia Rashad joins the cast taking over the lead role of matriarch Anna McGregor. Other additions to the cast include Jada Pinkett-Smith as Trish Donahue-Dutcher and Daphne Duplaix as Lynette McGregor. Bow Wow is also joining the cast in the role of Hoover Phelps.
  2. ReddFoxx
    (to allow for more regular episodes, Varied Lives will be posted on weekends mostly)

    This episode was Co-written by S.T.E.A.M'S ML Cooks

    Anna and Andrew are at a resort in Italy.


    Andrew: This is working out better than I thought it would.


    Anna: Yes, I feel like we are getting back to normal. As normal as is possible after everything that has happened.

    Andrew: I know I keep apologizing, but I really am sorry for all those years that I wasn't around.

    Anna: I'm trying not to dwell on that. At this point in our lives, we can't afford to be caught in the past.

    Andrew: I know, it seems like that's all we were doing before we came here.

    Anna: I just want to be sure that this is the right thing for the both of us.

    Andrew: Which is why you haven't answered my question.

    Anna: I really need time to think about it.

    Andrew: Our first marriage was not valid because of all the mess with Cassandra and not filing the correct papers. I want to make that right.

    Anna: And so do I, but before that can happen, we have to make sure the issue we have are settled.

    Andrew: What it's going to take to do that?

    Anna: We are almost there. When you first came back, I wanted nothing to do with you. Now, we are on a vacation and really talking things out.

    Andrew: You know, you made me wait before you accepted my first proposal too.

    Anna: Yes.

    Andrew: I recall you saying that you had to be sure it was exactly the right thing for the both of us. Not just you, the both of us. It wasn't a selfish thing.

    Anna: Marriage is a bond, you've got to take your time.

    Andrew: And I respect you for that.

    Anna: Thank you.

    Andrew: I'm also very patient and can wait it out.

    Anna: Oh, I know that well.

    Andrew: Any chance we can work this out before we head home?

    Anna: I think we need a little more time than that.

    Andrew: I only say that because you know that we are going to probably have a lot of family issues to deal with.

    Anna: Yes, there is never a quiet moment back home sometimes. I've learned to juggle, though. Over the years, I had to set aside time for me, while also being there for the family.

    Andrew: If you can do that, so can I.

    Anna: Hopefully, we'll have no drama when we get back.

    _____________________________________________________

    WNOV Television Studios

    Cassandra walks onto a news desk like set as make up people, hairstylist, and reporters all bombard her. Sterling walks up to her.



    Sterling: Well Look at you. You are doing the big time now.



    Cassandra: Oh Shut up Hart. This is not what I had in mind.

    Sterling: In the end it will be all worth it. So are you ready for your big debut? The new WNOV?”

    Cassandra: Most Certainly.

    Director: Ok People, off the set. Get into position. We have the two minute warning.

    Cassandra reviews some of her cue cards. Some topics she is going to cover are the McGregors. She sits back and relishes in the fact that she is about to unleash her soft power to launch an attack on the McGregor’s. She then thinks back on the scene she had with her son a few days earlier. She remembers telling her son that she would not interfere with the McGregor’s.

    She thinks to herself

    “I’m not interfering. I’m just reporting on the issue. Big difference. George should be ok with that.

    _______________________________________________________________________

    Meanwhile at McGregor, the Exucutive office.

    Yvette and Joseph take a seat at a table and turns on the TV.



    Yvette

    “Ok remind me again what we are watching that is so important that couldn’t wait until our business crisis is over?”



    Joe

    “Relax. We have to be in the know of business here in the city and Michigan. Rumor mill has it that someone bought the old WNOV and they are debuting their new programming today. It’s a new business show. I want to see if we make the cut.”

    Joe turns the TV on and they are stunned to see Cassandra on the screen

    Yvette

    “I don’t believe this. Cassandra? Really come on. You better hope McGregor doesn’t make the cut. It’s no telling what that woman will say.”

    Joe

    “I just hope mother and father aren't watching this mess.” He turn the TV up.

    ________________________________

    Back in Italy, Anna is addressing some postcards, when the phone rings.

    Anna: Hello? Yes, this is Mrs. McGregor.



    Leonard: Yes, this is Leonard Underwood.

    Anna: Leonard, I'm surprised to hear from you. Is something wrong?

    Leonard: I would not have called you on your vacation if it wasn't urgent, but as a board member of McGregor, I'm very concerned about some of the things I've heard.

    Anna: Like what?

    Leonard: There seem to be some very big problems at McGregor and yesterday, we found out about them at the board meeting.

    Anna: Yvette was supposed to keep me apprised of anything serious that was happening.

    Leonard: I'm sure that she just didn't want to bother you on your vacation, but I felt I had to tell you.

    Anna: Of course, thank you very much for calling, Leonard.

    Leonard: It's no problem.

    Andrew walks in as she hangs up.

    Andrew: Is everything all right.

    Anna: No, apparently there are some big problems at McGregor and no one was going to bother to tell me.

    Andrew: You know that they probably didn't want to disturb us.
    Anna: When I handed over control, I specifically told them to keep me up to date. I'm not CEO anymore, but I've got a lot of assets tied up in the company.

    Anna boots up her laptop.

    Andrew: Remember, we are supposed to be relaxing.

    Anna: I'll relax when I see if the business media has picked up on this.

    Anna does a Google News search for McGregor and a link to Cassandra's new station pops up as the first result.

    Anna: What in the world?

    Andrew: What is it?

    Anna: You will not believe who bought the old WNOV station.

    ________________________________________

    WNOVI

    Cassandra is sitting behind the news desk reading from the teleprompter.

    “Hello Novi. Thank you for joining us today. I am Cassandra Lightner. Some of you may know me from the Lightner Corporation. I want to welcome you to Novi’s newest local access channel owned by me of course. And we are going to start things off by talking about local businesses. One in particular. It seems that things are not what they seem. I have all the latest details and gossip about... wait for it….( A Graphic come up with the McGregor office building with the text being McGregor being in big red letters so no one can miss it) Cassandra continues reading her script

    “That’s right Novians. McGregor. They are spinning lies and I got the latest. Stay tuned and after our short message from our sponsors I’ll tell you who’s been sleeping on the job.”

    Director

    “Ok fade out! And Cut.”

    Makeup and Hair people bombard Cassandra one more time. Sterling walks over to her as well

    “You’re doing great babe.”

    Cassandra

    “I know. That’s what I do Hart. Great things.”

    Sterling

    “Well you keep delivering your brash delivery and the McGregor’s won’t know what them, again.”
    Anna is watching a web stream of Cassandra's show.

    Anna: This looks very bad.

    Andrew: Cassandra's always been sneaky, that's never changed I see.

    Anna: And she still isn't done trying to make problems for the company.

    ____________________________________________________________________--

    McGregor

    Yvette

    “How in the hell does she know inside information here at McGregor!?”

    Joe

    “It seems we have a mole.”

    Yvette

    “It couldn’t be George. We hardly give him the time of day.”

    Joe

    “We have to do something. I’m going to call our attorney and see if I can order a cease and desist order.”

    __________________________________________________________

    WNOV

    Director

    “STAND BY! And were back in 3, 2 1-“

    Cassandra

    “Before the break I told you I had some inside information for you about McGregor.

    Well it seems someone at McGregor actually was asleep on the job as a major error was found on the balance sheets. Now the company has to go public and are in the process of selling soft assets to raise capital. Since new owners Yvette and Joe took over a year ago from the found parent duo, Anna and Andrew, turmoil and upheavals has followed the next generation of owners. It seems McGregor is in serious trouble and is in danger of going in the red. Even possibly default to creditors and loans and there are now whispers of bankruptcy. Investors and Creditors beware; McGregor is hiding the truth from you.”

    _______________________________________________________________

    McGregor

    In a rage, Joe throws the TV onto the floor.

    “This is war. She is going to pay for doing this. That snake just black listed us and exposed our dire financial straits.”

    Yvette

    “The better question is, how did she know all of this info? She has to have an insider.”

    Then their secretary runs in

    “Excuse me guys, the phone lines are blowing up with investors and creditors wanting out. What shall I tell them?”

    Yvette

    “We are about to lose McGregor.”

    Joe

    “Never. Call a company meeting immediately. We have to find out who this mole is.”


    Cassandra steps off set to a phone call waiting for her.

    Cassandra: I'm so glad you called. I really want to thank you for everything you are doing, it's a big help. You just keep up the good work and you'll be rewarded.

    Cassandra hangs up.

    Cassandra: The McGregors do not know just what has hit them.
  3. ReddFoxx
    #83 Wednesday, November 26th

    It's the night before Thanksgiving and Anna is baking pies. Yvette comes in.


    Yvette: Evening.

    Anna: Hello, Yvette.
    Yvette: I came over to see if there was anything I could help with for the dinner.
    Anna: Thanks, but I can handle everything, I do this every year. Besides, I need to stay occupied, I've got a lot on my mind.
    Yvette: You've seemed really stressed the past few weeks.
    Anna: I've just been scrambling to finalize the plans for the spring collection and that's always very stressful.
    Yvette: But I've never seen you this stressed before in all the years you've handled the seasonal collections. I understand this whole situation with Cassandra and finding out that Dad was married to her has been a burden, maybe you need some time off from work to heal.
    Anna: Work keeps me going, if I'm not working, then I get even more depressed.
    Yvette: I'm used to seeing you so upbeat around the holiday time, it's odd seeing you so down.
    Anna: Well, things don't stay the same all the time.
    Yvette: And to think, I started this whole mess because I thought Cassandra could help me finance a shopping
    mall. I really am sorry, I should have used better judgment.
    Anna: We're past that now, I'm not angry at you. I'm angry at your Father's lies. And besides, I'm sort of glad I found out, secrets like that should never stay hidden.
    Yvette: It's more disbelief for me. I just wish there was chance to ask him why he did what he did. I guess we'll be wondering forever.

    Anna has flashback of when Andrew showing up at the door.

    Yvette: Mom, are you all right?
    Anna: What? Oh, yes, I'm fine.
    Yvette: You seemed to be in another world for a second there.
    Anna: Just lost in thoughts again.
    Yvette: You're going to get through this, Mom. It won't be easy, but you're strong and I know you can do it.
    Anna: That's easier said than done.

    Anna sits down and looks pensively out the window.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________

    At a bar outside town, Andrew is having a beer when Aaron walks in.


    Aaron: I don't get this at all, I thought you had left town weeks ago and then you call me and tell me to

    meet you here.


    Andrew: Obviously, I changed my plans.
    Aaron: So is it truth telling time?
    Andrew: Already done.
    Aaron: And?
    Andrew: Anna wants nothing to do with me.
    Aaron: But at least the truth is out and perhaps she'll forgive you in time.
    Andrew: I don't know if she should. First off, I lied about my first marriage and that turned her life upside down and then I come back alive, years after letting her grieve.
    Aaron: I told you a long time ago that you should have contacted Anna, you were able to get in touch with me
    after the Philippine Military rescued you from the ocean, you could have reached your wife too.
    Andrew: You know I didn't want to go back in the condition I was in.
    Aaron: And in the end, that pride cost you a lot.
    Andrew: It hasn't cost me anything, I'm going to fight for my marriage and my family.
    Aaron: You've got a lot to sort out, including fixing things with the son you haven't seen since he was an infant.
    Andrew: I've fought my way through tougher situations.
    Aaron: Man, I would not want to be in your shoes right now.
    Andrew: My family is the most important thing to me, so I'm willing to endure whatever I have too in order get things back on track.
    Aaron: I'm glad you finally decided to face the music.
    Andrew: I never thought my little brother would be the one to talk sense into me.
    Aaron: I suppose stranger things have happened before. So how do you plan on fixing this? It's not going to

    be easy.
    Andrew: I've come up with a plan, I don't know if it will work, but it's worth a try.
    _________________________________________________________________________________

    _________________________________________________________________________________

    At a rehab facility, Jim is playing solitare, when the rehab director approaches him.

    Director: Jim, you have a telephone call?


    Jim: Who is it?
    Director: Your wife. You can take it in the office.
    Jim: Thanks.

    Jim goes to the office and takes the call.

    Jim: Hello?


    Lynette: Jim, you sound a lot better than you did when we last talked.
    Jim: I'm making a bit of progress.
    Lynette: I'm thrilled to hear that. The kids ask about you all the time, they miss you.
    Jim: I miss them too.
    Lynette: I was calling because your lawyer dropped off the final divorce papers and said that you requested that things still be expedited.
    Jim: Yes, I did request that.
    Lynette: I just wanted to call you and make sure that this wasn't going to effect your progress, a divorce is painful on it's own, but during rehab? Are you sure you don't want to wait to do this after you've finished the program?
    Jim: I appreciate your concern, but having this over quickly is what is best.
    Lynette: I do agree with that, but I don't want anything to jeopardize your progress.
    Jim: If anything, it's helping me further ahead. If I'm going to get better, I have to let go of all the anger and regrets I have inside me. My counselor and I have talked here and she agrees that in my case, this
    is what I have to do.
    Lynette: You seem to know what you are doing.
    Jim: I'm getting a lot of my good judgment back, something that I lost a long time ago.
    Lynette: I know I keep apologizing, but-
    Jim: Don't, we both made mistakes and casting blame now is pointless. We had a good thing for awhile, but now it's over and I've got to accept that.
    Lynette: I still feel bad though.
    Jim: Another reason why I'm doing this is because I care about you enough to let go. I know how that shrink feels about you and you seem pretty hung up on him, I can't stand in the way of that.
    Lynette: You're being far more decent to me than you should be. I know how hard this is.
    Jim: It certainly is hard, but like I said, it's the right thing.
    Lynette: I'm pulling for you.
    Jim: Thank you, that means a lot. I better get off the phone now, don't want to tie up the office for too long.
    Lynette: Take care.

    They hang up.

    _________________________________

    ___________________________________

    At Lightner in Detroit, a woman walks into George's office looking for him, but finds Cassandra.


    Cassandra: Can I help you?


    Woman: I'm looking for George Lightner.
    Cassandra: He's not in right now, but perhaps I can help you. I'm Cassandra Lightner, Co-CEO.
    Woman: Pleased to meet you. Anyway, I've been trying to get ahold of George for days, so could you please

    tell him to get in touch with me, my name is Teri, I'll write down my number.

    Teri writes down the number on a piece of paper.

    Cassandra: If this is about a business matter, I might be able to resolve it.
    Teri: It's not business.
    Cassandra: Okay, well I will tell him you were here.
    Teri: Thank you, I appreciate that. It's very important.

    Teri leaves. Cassandra wonders what could be going on with George.

    _______________________________________________________________________________________

    Later on, at the Phelps House, John and his sons Den and Harry are at in his office discussing the family business.


    John: Now that I've both of you here for Thanksgiving, we should talk about Phelps Motors.


    Den: Are you coming back from your leave of absence?
    John: Actually, I'm not coming back.


    Harry: What? Why?
    John: Although I enjoy selling cars, my first love is corporate law and working on the situation on M.I. made me realize just how much I missed it. The SEC liked my work and they offered me a job.
    Den: Is it in DC?
    John: No, it's in Detroit, so I won't have to move.
    Harry: Congratulations.
    Den: Yeah, I can see why the SEC would want you on their team.
    John: Thank you. But all that aside, we need to figure out what the structure will be at Phelps Motors from
    now on. Now, Den, you've been running things since my leave of absence, so I'd like you to be in charge and I'd like your brother to assist you.
    Den: Sounds fine to me.
    John: Harry, what do you think?
    Harry: No complaints here.
    John: And I do want to keep a position open for your sister. I know she's in Europe modeling, but sometimes those jobs can dry up and I want her to have something to fall back on.
    Den: Teri's such a rebel, I doubt she'd take that even if all her gigs dried up.
    John: Nevertheless, I'm leaving a door open for her.
    Harry: Didn't she say she was coming for Thanksgiving?
    John: She said she'd try to make it and you know with her, you can never tell what she's going to do.

    _________________________________________________________________________

    _________________________________________________________________________

    Back at the McGregor Mansion, Alma is arriving she and Alma's Aunt, Martha.


    Alma: Anna, look who I found at the airport.

    Anna comes downstairs.

    Anna: What's going on?

    Anna pauses when she sees Martha.

    Anna: Aunt Martha?


    Martha: It's me.
    Anna: Why didn't you tell anyone you were coming?
    Martha: No point, I just get up and go. And besides, it was an excuse for me to visit so we could talk about that whole mess about your husband.
    Anna: We talked about that on the phone weeks ago
    Martha: It's not the same as talking in person, this kind of thing requires a face to face talk.
    Anna: I'm so talked out about it.
    Martha: We still need to talk, there's something else I've got to say to you. Alma, could you give us a minute.
    Alma: Sure, I'll just go make some tea for us while you talk.

    Alma goes to the kitchen.

    Anna: I don't know what else that could possibly be said about the situation.
    Martha: You could try forgiving your husband and letting go of all the angry.
    Anna: I'm not angry, I'm hurt.
    Martha: Sure, he made a mistake, but you've got a good husband and you can't let him slip away.
    Anna: What are you talking about slip away? Andrew died a long time ago.
    Martha: Don't try to pull that on me, I know he's not dead.
    Anna: What?
    Martha: Unless I was dreaming, Andrew called me and begged me to help him get your forgiveness.
    Anna: Oh, I cannot believe he would involve you.
    Martha: He did it because I'm the only person who can talk sense into you sometimes.
    Anna: I've got plenty of sense. You might be like a mother to me and everything, but that doesn't mean you can pass judgment on my decisions.
    Martha: Look, I'm not saying you have to just forget about what he did, but you had a good life with him and had children, I just don't want you to throw away your second chance without at least thinking about it.
    Anna: The man didn't even have the decency to tell me he was alive right away, he waited years. Plus, there's the other thing about our invalid marriage.
    Martha: You remember back at the funeral how upset you were and you wished you had another chance to say a
    lot of things you never got to say to Andrew? This is your chance.
    Anna: Don't you think there's a part of me that just wants to take him back and live the life we had? It can't happen though, there are too many issues.
    Martha: At least give him a chance to try and make up for it.
    Anna: Maybe I can in time, but not now.
    Martha: If it's one thing I learned in my life, there are times that you can't waste time, you have to grab opportunity and work out the kinks later.
    Anna: Where is Andrew?
    Martha: He's still in town, I've got the number and address of where he's staying.
    Anna: I'll probably regret it, but let me have the number.

    _____________________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________________
  4. ReddFoxx
    Continued from the previous episode's final scene, everyone at the McGregor table is shocked.



    Yvette: Dad?


    Joseph: How is this possible?



    Andrew: It's hard to explain, but.

    Lynette gets up from her seat and goes over to Andrew.



    Lynette: Is it really you?
    Andrew: It really is.

    Lynette hugs Andrew.

    Lynette: I thought you were gone forever, Dad.
    Andrew: I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere.

    Lynette turns to Anna.

    Lynette: Mom, how?
    Anna: Your father survived the plane crash.

    Yvette: That was 12 years ago.
    Andrew: It's a long story.
    Yvette: I don't really care about that, I'm just glad you came back to us.
    Joseph: Dad, I don't know what to say. I never thought this could happen.
    Andrew: Second chances, not everyone gets them, but fortunately we did.

    Edmund is still sitting in disbelief.


    Edmund: The surprises in this family just keep on coming. What else is there?

    Andrew: Edmund, I realize that---
    Edmund: Excuse me, I need some air.

    Edmund goes out to the patio.

    Anna: Edmund has been going through a rough patch, so this isn't easy for him. I'll go talk to him.

    Anna goes to talk to Edmund.

    _______________________________________________________________________

    At Leigh's apartment, Norm is conducting the conference call.


    Norm: Okay, Mac, what have you got for me.

    Mac: (over speakerphone) Looks like what you thought was smoking gun was one afterall.
    Norm: Details, details.
    Mac: Well, it looks like Christina has some aliases for her black market dealings, including a very well known one that the feds really want, but the Feds have not made the connection that it's Christina. They still think she's laying low.
    Norm: Could you fax me the files, you have the number to my law office.
    Mac: I'll do that pronto.
    Norm: Thank you, if you get anything else, contact me.
    Mac: Sure, buddy.
    Norm: Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

    Norm ends the call.


    Leigh: I'm assuming what I just heard is good.
    Norm: It is, now all we have to do is find a way to expose it without being too obvious.
    Leigh: This could work out even better than we thought.
    Norm: How?
    Leigh: Well, Edmund is in the department store business, Christina is in ripped off merchandise, to me that would say that their association could also have something to do with shady business.
    Norm: But it's not, they're just dating.
    Leigh: Ah, but the courts might be persuaded to think it's more than that, if we can create an illusion of a connection.
    Norm: I see your point, but I'm not seeing how we can do that.
    Leigh: I'm just afraid mere association might not be enough to persuaded the judge to reverse custody.
    Norm: Let's go with what we have and the explore other options if this doesn't work.
    Leigh: All right, I trust you on this.
    Norm: I'll be speaking with the feds after the holiday.
    Leigh: It's a shame I have to go through all this drama just to have a chance at getting my sons back, but it's well worth the trouble.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________

    ____________________________________________________________________________________

    At the Phelps house, Teri has just has arrived.



    John: You kept your word.


    Teri: Home was calling me, when that happens you can't stay away.
    John: We were just about to sit down and eat, you got here in just in time.
    Teri: I do have to be honest, there is another reason I'm here.
    John: It's not bad is it?
    Teri: Not bad, just a little surprising.
    John: Out with it.
    Teri: Okay, I suppose it's better to come out with it straight.
    John: I'm ready.
    Teri: Have you have thought about what sort of grandfather you would be?
    John: I'm going to be a grandfather?
    Teri: Actually, you already are.

    Teri peeks out the front door and gestures to George. George walks in holding Jonathan. John is surprised to see George.


    George: Meet your new grandson, Jonathan.
    John: Now you're the last person I expected to see. Teri, what is going on?
    Teri: Now I know you and George have had some animosity, but--
    John: Is he this baby's father?
    Teri: Yes.
    John: This is quite a surprise, but nonetheless, I'm overjoyed to have a grandchild.
    Teri: Good.

    _________________________________________________________________________________________

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    Back at the McGregor Estate

    Joseph: Dad, I'm afraid I'm going to ramble on a bit, this still is all quite jarring.
    Andrew: That's okay, I understand that.
    Joseph: I wish you could see JC, he's grown up into such level-headed young man. He's having dinner with the Donahues right tonight, but you'll get to see him soon.
    Andrew: Last time I saw him, he was about 10, right?
    Joseph: Yeah, he's 22 now.
    Andrew: The years really have passed. Yvette, how is your daughter.
    Yvette: She's at the Academy in London, she's got the acting bug. She's doing great, though.
    Andrew: I'm glad to hear she's doing well.
    Lynette: And you've got a couple of grandchildren you've never met.
    Andrew: That's wonderful, I have no doubt you and Jim are great parents.
    Lynette: We tried. I don't want to get into all my problems right now, but things have changed quite a bit.
    Andrew: I'm ready to get caught up to speed and I really want to meet those grandchildren.
    Lynette: They're napping right now, I was just about to wake them for dinner when everything went topsy turvy.
    Andrew: I know you all must have a lot of questions and pent up emotions, so I will understand if you don't want to move too fast.
    Yvette: Let's not talk about that right now, let's just stay in this moment. Our family has one of it's pieces back.
    Andrew: I'm worried about Edmund, he seemed really upset.
    Joseph: Life hasn't been to kind to Edmund the past couple of years, he's been through a lot and on top of all that, this has got to be hard to digest.

    _______________________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________________

    Back at the Phelps house, everyone is at the dinner table.

    John: So, Teri, how did you and George meet?
    Teri: At a fashion show, he was thinking of investing in a designer I was working for.
    George: And you could say we hit it off right away.
    Teri: I never actually liked the corporate type, but George ended up being an exception.


    Den: What are your plans? I hope you and my new nephew will be sticking around awhile.
    Teri: They aren't set just yet, but being home probably is best for me for awhile.
    John: I know you might not like this idea, Teri, but I've left a spot open in the leadership at Phelps Motors, marketing.
    Teri: Is that a job offer?
    John: It is if you want it. I'm going back to the SEC, so you'll be working with your brothers.
    Teri: I don't know, like I've said before, I'm not good in business.


    Harry: If I can pipe in, I have to say that the position is suited for you, it's about advertising and websites. Being in the modeling industry, wouldn't you have picked up a thing or two about that?
    Teri: Yes, I have, but I don't know how I could apply that to office work.
    John: You're going to be putting together projects, working with people and constantly on the go, you can limit
    your office work.Teri: I guess it could look good on my resume.
    John: Is that a yes?
    Teri: I'll take it. Sounds like a good opportunity while I'm taking a break from modeling.
    John: Fantastic.
    George: Looks like everything is just falling into place here.
    John: Yes, I've got all my children in town and a new grandson, it's surreal.
    George: And don't forget, your new job at the SEC, that's another thrilling thing.
    John: Yeah, can't wait to get in there and bust those corporate crooks.
    Teri: Please, not right now, let's have dinner in peace.
    John: What? We're just discussing regulation.
    Teri: I know where it was about to lead.
    John: If it makes you uncomfortable, we'll stop, right, George?
    George: Of course.

    John: (thinking) What luck, I get someone like George Lightner permanently tied to my family.
    George: (thinking) He's trying to be decent now, but I bet he still can't wait to nail me when he gets back in the SEC.

    ______________________________________________
    _______________________________________________________


    Out on the patio of the McGregor estate, Anna and Edmund are talking.

    Anna: So, you want to talk about it?
    Edmund: It's just one thing after another.
    Anna: Nothing seems normal anymore.
    Edmund: You can say that again.
    Anna: It was a shell shock to me too.
    Edmund: It's all so confusing.
    Anna: Some things don't always have an easy explanation, I know I don't have an easy one.
    Edmund: If he was alive all this time, why did he wait so long to come back?
    Anna: Pride, he didn't want anyone helping him through his injuries.
    Edmund: Part of me is glad he's back and the other doesn't know what to think.
    Anna: My reaction is a bit mixed too. I guess it's as normal a reaction one can have a situation like this.
    Edmund: Everything that has happened this past year, my custody battle, us almost losing the company and now this, it takes a real toll to go through all that.
    Anna: I know. I can't promise you it will all turn out okay, but if we try to get through this latest shock as a family, it won't be as bad.
    Edmund: I don't know if it will work, but it sounds like it could work.
    Anna: It never hurt to try.
    Edmund: Easier said than done.
    Anna: Hey, this isn't easy for me either.
    Edmund: I know. Mom, if it wasn't for your talks, I don't know what I'd do sometimes.

    Edmund hugs Anna. Fade to black.
  5. ReddFoxx
    It's Thanksgiving and at the Donahue Ranch, Carol is just starting set the table when Cody comes in.


    Carol: Oh, good, you're here.


    Cody: It's a bit early, don't the caterers usually serve the dinner later than this? They have in the past.
    Carol: No caterers this year, this time around, I cooked.
    Cody: You cooked?
    Carol: Yes, is that surprising?
    Cody: I've never seen you cook, we've always had a cook here and the holiday dinners have been catered.
    Carol: I'm going for a little more of a family oriented touch this time, after the things that have happened in the past year, I think we should all start acting more like family.
    Cody: Okay, I get that, but I just want to know if this dinner is edible.
    Carol: You and your wisecracks. I have cooked before, when your father and I were first married, I used to cook dinner all the time.
    Cody: If you say so.
    Carol: The dinner is fine, do you smell anything burning or see smoke?
    Cody: I'll reserve my judgment until later.

    Norm comes into the dining room.

    Carol: You certainly are dressed to the nines.


    Norm: I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind too much if I left dinner a bit early.
    Carol: Why?
    Norm: I have a friend who can't make it home for Thanksgiving and I thought I'd spend some time with her so she wouldn't be alone.
    Carol: So that's why you dressed up.
    Cody: Who is it?
    Norm: Leigh Elgin.
    Carol: Edmund McGregor's ex-wife? When did you hook up with her?
    Norm: You know we go way back. We reconnected recently and it's been good for me.
    Carol: She was trouble then and she's probably trouble now.
    Norm: It's not like I'm exactly a saint, so I can't judge whatever Leigh has done.
    Carol: She always struck me as an opportunist looking for a rich husband. She got one with Edmund, do you want to be her second?
    Norm: You don't know her like I do.
    Carol: Whatever, just be careful.
    Norm: I know what I'm doing. If you'll excuse me, I'll have to go call Leigh and tell her that I'll be on my way soon.

    Norm excuses himself to call Leigh.

    Norm: Hey, glad I caught you.


    Leigh: This better be about the plan, I'm getting restless.
    Norm: Don't worry, it is. I've got a conference call later with someone who could seal this thing up.
    Leigh: Are you serious? You can get something done on the holiday
    Norm: Some of my people work around the clock
    Norm: It could be the smoking gun, if it pans out, the judge will not look at Edmund favorably do to his associations.
    Leigh: I like this.
    Norm: Meet me at my office in about an hour.
    Leigh: Of course.

    Leigh hangs up and pumps her fist in excitement.

    __________________________________________________________________


    __________________________________________________________________________________________


    At the Athletic Club, Teri is just arriving at George's suite.


    George: I'm quite surprised to see you, when you blew me off in the south of France last year, I thought we'd never see each other again.


    Teri: We had a fling and it fizzled out because we were going in opposite directions.
    George: So, what brings you here?
    Teri: There's something you need to know.
    George: I can't imagine what it is.
    Teri: You remember that last night we spent together? We had way too much champagne and ended spending the night on that beach.
    George: How could I forget that?
    Teri: Well, now we both have a reminder. You're a Dad now.
    George: Excuse me?
    Teri: You've got a son.
    George: A son? I don't believe this.
    Teri: It took me a while to get the courage to come here to tell you. I just want to say up front that this is not about money, it's about you knowing your son.
    George: Where is he? I want to see him.
    Teri: He's with his governess right now at my hotel.
    George: I'd like to see him.
    Teri: Of course. I was sort of shocked when I found out you were in Novi, this has been my family's home for a long time.
    George: Wait, you wouldn't happen to be related to John Phelps, the SEC vet?
    Teri: Yes, he's my father.
    George: Oh, boy.
    Teri: What's wrong?
    George: It's nothing important, let's just go see my son.

    ______________________________________________________________________________________

    ______________________________________________________________________________________


    At the McGregor Estate, Anna is answering the kitchen door for Andrew.


    Anna: Come in.


    Andrew: You look wonderful.
    Anna: Thank you, but we really need to talk.
    Andrew: Fine.
    Anna: I don't like that you involved my aunt in this.
    Andrew: I'm sorry, but it was my last resort. She's always been able to get you to see the upside of things and I needed someone else to plead my case.
    Anna: Well, I haven't forgiven you yet, but I do think that our children deserve to know the truth and that should not hinge on rather or not we work things out.
    Andrew: My children. It's been so long, so much has changed, I don't even know what to say.
    Anna: You've got that right, I filled you in on the phone as best I could, so you should be able to connect on some level.

    Martha comes into the kitchen.


    Martha: Drew?
    Andrew: Miss Martha, is so good to see you again. You know you're the only person who could ever get away with calling me Drew.
    Martha: It's a miracle that you survived and came back.
    Andrew: It sure is, I'm very thankful.
    Martha: I'm sure you are.
    Andrew: Just so you know, Anna, Miss Martha chewed me out on the phone over my actions, she didn't just give me a free pass.
    Martha: He's telling the truth, you know I never let anybody get by me without giving them a piece of my mind.

    _________________________________________________________________________________

    In the living room, The McGregor children are having conversation.


    Yvette: Usually, I feel really cheery this time of year, but right now I'm not feeling it. Mom is so down, it

    just makes me feel so awful.


    Edmund: It's no wonder with this whole mess with Cassandra and George.


    Joseph: I can't even figure that one out.
    Edmund: Why would he do something like that?


    Lynette: Unfortunately, we'll never know.

    Yvette: I was just saying yesterday that I wish that there was a way to understand it.
    Joseph: No use worrying about it now, it's been done and we have to deal with the consequences.
    Lynette: What did you all think of George? I haven't met him yet.
    Joseph: Put simply, people like him are the reason the one finger salute exist.
    Yvette: He's just a real piece of work, it's like Mother, like Son, he's almost exactly like his mother. Very bitter.
    Edmund: I get that he's bitter, but why take it out on us, we're not the ones who hurt him and his mother.
    Joseph: It's the blame game, somebody has always got to be blamed, rather they did anything wrong or not.
    Lynette: He is our brother after all, perhaps we should give him a chance.
    Yvette: At this point, it's up to him to decide rather or not he wants to reach out. He's put us through heck, so I'm not anxious to welcome him with open arms.
    Joseph: I second that.
    Lynette: It sure is a messy situation.
    Edmund: You know, this is the day we are supposed to be thankful, so we shouldn't be talking so negatively.
    Yvette: You're right, let's all be thankful for the good things we have. All people like George have is their spite, let's try not to emulate that.

    _____________________________________________________________________________________
    At the Town and Country Inn, George is holding his son.

    George: He's perfect.
    Teri: That's what I say everyday.
    George: What's his name?
    Teri: Jonathan George Lightner, I just call him Johnny for short though.
    George: I've always wanted to be a father, but now that it's true, it's so unreal.
    Teri: I guess all parents feel that way.
    George: So, have you seen your family?
    Teri: I'm going over there later, I would have gone there when I first got in town, but I wanted to get things squared with you.
    George: You certainly lit up my day.
    Teri: Speaking of my family When I told you who my father was, you acted odd, why?
    George: It just had something to do with a business deal, he and I had some heated words. I just wondered how he would react finding out who the father of his grandson is.
    Teri: Oh, my Dad doesn't hold grudges.
    George: He thinks I'm a crook and he really doesn't like me for launching a hostile takeover against some of his good friends.
    Teri: You know what? It's Thanksgiving and right now we should be thankful for good things. If you have no plans for Thanksgiving, why don't you come to my house and meet my father on a non-business basis?
    George: I don't know, meeting the family dinners can be awkward, especially under my circumstances.
    Teri: There's nothing to fear.
    George: I'm not afraid.
    Teri: Then come with me.
    George: I probably should do this, our families are going to be connected from now on because of this little guy.
    Teri: It'll be fine.
    George: I don't want my son growing up knowing that his Father and Grandfather are arch-rivals, so it's worth a try.

    __________________________________________________________________________________________

    Back at the McGregor House, the family is sitting down to just as Anna and Martha put the last dishes on the table.

    Anna: You know, I always give a little speech before we say grace and then eat. I'm going to do that now, but what I have to say is a little different than usual. We can be thankful for all of us being here in good health and thankful for all the other blessings we have. I don't know quite how to say this.
    Yvette: Mom, what is it?
    Anna: Even though it's going to be hard to understand, but we have something else we can be thankful for this year.

    Andrew walks out of the kitchen and everyone at the table is stunned.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________
  6. ReddFoxx
    Varied Lives (formerly Novi) will be returning from hiatus to gear up for an extended length Thanksgiving episode.

    "As soaps have traditionally had holiday episodes, I've decided to do one for Varied Lives and really use it to advance some of the storylines further and introduce the next elements. The timeline will be moving forward just a bit to adjust for the hiatus and the lack of episodes I posted, but everything will be in order in terms of continuity and story consistency, all your favorite plots will still make sense."

    The head writer also spilled these tidbits:

    Anna's traditional family Thanksgiving celebration will get quite a surprise and some of the McGregors will not be happy about it.

    As long promised, the rest of the Phelps Family will be introduced, on Wednesday the 26th. John's daughter, Teri comes to town for the holiday, but she has a surprise connection to some already in town.

    The holiday doesn't make Leigh and Norm take a break from their scheme, look for them to put the final element of their plan against Edmund in place. What happens will really advance this storyline in a big way.

    Plus, there are a couple of other surprises, but you'll have to wait and read. "Readers will not be disappointed" said the Head Writer.

    Casting News:

    Varied Lives will have a special guest star on Nov. 26, 27 and 28th.
  7. ReddFoxx
    Garland Hayes
     
    Raising his family on a supermarket checker’s budget wasn’t easy, but he managed to pull through. He divorced while his children were young and his wife, Rose got remarried to a wealthier man so he has harbored resentment over the years despite the fact that Rose helped raise their two children and provided financial support when necessary. Garland grudgingly accepted money from her only when it was absolutely necessary and he would grumble when the children would come back from visiting Rose with new clothes and toys. But life carried on and now that his children are adults, Garland feels useless. He still has work and also a bigger paycheck now that he only has to support himself, but that bigger paycheck only makes him feel more useless. His relationship with his son Adam is especially strained due to Garland not fully accepting who Adam is. The biggest burden on him is Paula. He tried his best to get her on the right track, even moving his family from Baltimore to Conroy Valley after the divorce for a fresh start. Garland has grown up in a small, rural town and remembered how peaceful things seemed. But it didn’t tame Paula’s spirit any as she would still go to Baltimore with friends and run with her gang. Garland relies a lot of faith, but with Paula being back now his faith is being tested and he finds himself downing one too many beers each night.
     
    Paula Hayes
     
    Some people are just rebellious spirits and Paula is one of those people. When her parents divorced she decided to deal with her anger by building another family. She joined a street gang called the Lady Warriors when she was 12 and was arrested numerous times by her next birthday. Her aggressive street persona earned her the name “Enforcer Hayes” among her gang friends and she was feared by many on the streets of Baltimore. Rose tried to cure the problem by buying her expensive things, but that only made Paula believe that she had no reason to change. After one of her many arrests, Garland let her sit in jail to learn a lesson, but Rose decided to bail her out. The conflicting parenting styles caused Paula to favor her mother over Garland, especially after Garland moved to Conroy Valley. Rose finally started to see that spoiling Paula had been a terrible idea after Paula married Clyde and made his life a living nightmare. Although she puts up a harsh facade, Paula has never gotten over the loss of her daughter and has spent years in prison feeling tortured about it. But that hasn’t changed her and in fact her personality has hardened. She is no long a street gang member and is looking for other ways to be “Enforcer Hayes”.
     
    Adam Hayes
     
    Life hasn’t always been the same for Adam and he has gone through many changes. Adam was born Amelia and realized early on that he was a boy. Garland was proud of his daughters and always treated them like princesses when they were little. He’d go to the dollar store and buy toy tiaras, wands and everything else that would make his daughters feel special. When he was young her pretended that he was a prince in a far off land and that got him through hard times, so he wanted his daughters to have their own version of his childhood game. Adam never was interested in any of those things and would go into his father’s closet trying on dress shoes, ties and hats. At first Garland thought it was funny, but as Adam grew and started picking out all his clothes in the boys section of the store, Garland became worried. Once Adam finally gathered the courage to let his father know his true identity, Garland as crushed. Amelia was his mother’s name and to see that name erased hurt him. Over time his youngest daughter disappeared and he saw a son appear before his eyes out of nowhere. Adam felt wonderful, but that happiness was overshadowed by the feeling of his father drifting away from him. Garland barely speaks to Adam now.
  8. ReddFoxx
    Haven Marlowe
     
    The responsibility of being a matriarch of the family came too soon for Haven. Her parents passed away in a tornado that devastated Conroy Valley and heavily damaged the family dairy business. Haven was in her 20s when she had to rebuild the family business and raise her young brother and sister. More than 30 years, one divorce and two children later, Haven still has not found time to breathe and be her own person. Love of family is first for her, but she’d still like more than one sort of love.
     
    Greg Marlowe
     
    Greg took it the hardest when his parents died and Haven responded by always keeping him close to her as he grew up. This has caused tension between Greg and Haven’s eldest son, Stephen. Greg is only 7 years older than Stephen so there was almost a sibling rivalry of sorts that turned into deep rooted tension when they became adults. Greg has taken the high road and treated Stephen like a brother, but Greg’s emotional problems are aggravated by the tension. Greg continues to reach out to Stephen because of fear of loss. He suffers from chronic depression and anxiety that nearly cripples him to the point of not being able to get out of he bed in the morning. But he struggles through to help Haven run the dairy.
     
    Alicia Marlowe
     
    Although Haven works hard, Alicia is the workhorse of the family. She spends almost every waking hour practicing her art of hand crafting artisan cheeses that sell in some of the finest markets on the East Coast. Being the youngest she doesn’t remember much about her parents and was mostly insulated from the hurt. When she was first old enough to understand losing her parents she firmly grounded herself and refused to become like Greg. To Alicia emotions are something that you control and not something that you let control you.
     
    Stephen LeBas
     
    Stephen is Haven’s first born and her biggest handful. Her younger son Seth is attending college overseas, but Stephen has always stayed close by to make sure that he secures his place in the Marlowe legacy. The problem for Stephen is that he doesn’t much want to work for it and merely expects a crown of sorts just for being part of a prosperous family. He has a good mind for ice cream flavors, but he never follows up on any of his idea and instead spends most of his time traveling or attending parties. Because of his strained relationship with Greg, Haven doesn’t pressure Stephen about his lack of drive and ambition. Spoiling him has been her way of showing him that she loves him since he has always felt overshadowed by Greg. Stephen’s worst quality is his mean sense of humor at Greg’s expense. He mocks Greg’s emotional problems mercilessly.
     
  9. ReddFoxx
    Panola Wright
    With a small business loan and some savings, Panola started a small chain of grocery stores through rural Maryland and in urban areas where there was a food desert. Panola has a heart for community and always gave back as she fought her way into the middle class with her husband, Joseph. She is a lifelong friend of Haven’s and they have both become pillars of the community. Panola was responsible for the opening of Conroy Community College by raising the seed money. She is fiercely protective of her family, especially her son Clyde who doesn’t always make the wisest choices. Panola is the friend that most people want and the enemy that no one wants. She’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, but she can explode like Mt. Vesuvius if you do harm to her family.
     
    Joseph Wright
     
    He has been with Panola since they attended college in Pennsylvania. He grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and had a privileged upbringing, but he chose to live a rural life when he married Panola. He was a tough prosecutor in Baltimore, but retired after he was shot in retribution for putting away a dangerous street gang member. Now he chronicles his life in Conroy Valley with a cooking show “Rural Lifestyles” and helps take care of his grandchildren. Joseph is the voice of calm for his sons and the dependable presence that Panola needs in difficult times. Joseph’s mother was never pleased with the fact that he moved to a rural town and chose not to marry into the upper levels of Philadelphia society, so he has to keep her in check whenever she visits.
     
    Clyde Wright
     
    There is probably no one in Conroy Valley with a more complicated life than Clyde. When he was 17 he married the wayward Paula Hayes. Panola warned him against it, but Clyde was blinded by what he thought was love. Almost immediately Paula after the marriage Paula became pregnant with their daughter and while she was pregnant she engaged in crime with a gang in Baltimore where she was originally from. At first Clyde didn’t realize what she was doing, but when he found out he begged her to stop to which she refused. Clyde’s life was a nightmare as he constantly worried about Paula and the baby. Once the baby was born Panola pushed Clyde to take sole custody and divorce Paula, but Clyde wanted to give her a chance. When she didn’t change he decided to follow his mother’s advice. Paula didn’t take the news well and shot Clyde in the chest, then kidnapped their daughter. Eventually the police caught up to her, but she led them on a high speed chase that resulted in a crash that killed her baby. She was tried and went to prison. Years later, Clyde is still struggling to put his life back together but has found some happiness with Paula’s half-sister, Olivia. With Paula recently back in town (unbeknownst to Clyde) after completing her prison sentence, Clyde is probably in for more trouble.
     
    Curtis Wright
     
    Unlike his older brother Clyde, Curtis hasn’t been on the receiving end of trouble, but has created it. His business practices are more aggressive than Panola would like, but he is quite useful as her right hand man. He is known as a small town corporate shark and some times does business in a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops which makes him seem non-threatening to some adversaries. Who would believe that a guy dressed like that knows anything about business? Those who underestimate him only realize how he really is once it’s too late. The love of his life is Terri James who he has known since high school. Their relationship has been on and off, mostly due to his day and night commitment to work. But his attention to Terri might change when another man comes into her life.
  10. ReddFoxx
    Varied Lives picks up one year from where it last left off.


    Yvette is in the executive office organizing files when Joseph walks in.



    Joseph: Afternoon.



    Yvette: Joe, I'm glad you're here.

    Joseph: Whenever you say that, you really need help.

    Yvette: This company is headed for trouble if we don't make some cuts.

    Joseph: Yep. And unlike the federal government, we can't just pretend to do it.

    Yvette: That's why I want to get your perspective. Where are these cuts going to come from?

    Joseph: Advertising is one budget that can stand to be cut. As a marketer, I know that makes you cringe, but it's necessary.

    Yvette: Putting it down on my list. I have to agree with you.

    Joseph: That will save a ton. I also think that cutting research and development some should be on the table. We aren't producing anything new at this time, we are spending heavily on R&D.

    Yvette: That one I really agree with.

    Joseph: And we'll need to lessen the burden more. I think we've got to go public again, being only privately held is not for us.

    Yvette: It was a precautionary after what Lightner pulled.

    Joseph: Yeah, I don't think he'll be doing that anymore, he's been trying to be a part of the family now.

    Yvette: It's his mother that concerns me.

    Joseph: She's sneaky, but I doubt she can maneuver that well anymore, now that the SEC is on her case.

    Yvette: I don't know, Mom was very insistent on the company being privately held. Just family holding shares.

    Joseph: She put us in charge so she and Dad could go off and work on their relationship. I wouldn't have suggested this unless it was entirely necessary.

    Yvette: I've always wanted to be a decision maker and now I've got it, so I should be decisive.

    Joseph: We'll be further in the clear if we do this.

    Yvette: I'm still a little nervous about going public again.

    Joseph: Don't worry, we're sharper now, no one that we don't want having a piece of this company is going to get it.

    Yvette looks closer at a balance sheet.

    Yvette: That is not good.

    Joseph: What is it?

    Yvette: These balance sheets show us with less money than we thought.

    Joseph: That doesn't make any sense, if we had less money, we would have known before now.

    Yvette: This is the latest balance sheet. There must have been an accounting error.

    Joseph: If this is right, we are in bigger trouble than we thought.

    __________________________________________________________


    Cassandra is sitting down to lunch with George.


    George: I know you have a reason for asking me here.



    Cassandra: Can't I invite my son to lunch without a motive?

    George: Ever since I was a kid, you've always taken me to lunch to spring something on me.

    Cassandra: You are too paranoid sometimes.

    George: Mother.

    Cassandra: All right, I do have a small business idea.

    George: There it is.

    Cassandra: You can at least listen.

    George: I suppose.

    Cassandra: Rumor has it that McGregor is having a ton of financial problems.

    George: I'll stop you right there.

    Cassandra: You can at least let me finish.

    George: I have no desire to hear about another scheme involving McGregor.

    Cassandra: I'm only trying to help you make money.

    George: No, you want money yourself.

    Cassandra: I look out for you first.

    George: If you were looking out for me, you'd know I don't want to go down this road. I'm trying to build some connection with my family and have some normalcy for once in my life.

    Cassandra: You barely know these people, you don't know if they even want to know you. Your father has been out of the country for months now, not even trying to get to know you.

    George: He calls me often and I very much understand that he's got problems to work out in his marriage right now, which is why he's away.

    Cassandra: Whatever. From my viewpoint, no one in that family is all that interested in bridging any sort of connection with you.

    George: You are trying to manipulate again.

    Cassandra: I just don't want you to make a fool of yourself trying to be a part of this family. They are far to arrogant to ever welcome you into the fold.

    George: After how they found out me and the things I did to get control of McGregor, they're going to be apprehensive.

    Cassandra: Anyway, since you are not that connected, why not take this opportunity to further our company? Acquisitions are still lucrative for us.

    George: No, it's off the table. Look, I know the McGregors aren't a big happy family with me yet, but I at least want to try. I have brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. You know how much I've wanted that.

    Cassandra: What about Vance?

    George: After all the grief he caused, he's hardly a brother to me. And I didn't think you'd want him as a son.

    Cassandra: Just an observation, there is nothing I dislike more than discussing the past.

    George: Your dwelling on past events is what got us here.

    Cassandra: It's all up to you, if you choose not to take my advice, I will not press it

    George: And you won't go behind my back?

    Cassandra: This new trust thing is important to me. I feel bad that I lied to you about your father and I won't deceive you again.

    George: I just hope that I can believe you.

    Cassandra: Well, I wish I had something to occupy my time and it would be the perfect project.

    George: Mother.

    Cassandra: But, you don't want me to do it, so I won't.

    Cassandra rolls here eyes in frustration.

    __________________________________________________________________

    Yvette is meeting with the board of McGregor.

    Yvette: And that accounting error has put us in even further trouble.



    Alden: I don't understand, how did something like that happened?

    Yvette: It was a new software the accounting department switched too, apparently some of the number were transposed.



    Leonard: If we don't have cash flow, we are out of business.

    Yvette: We do have a cash flow, but it's far less than we need to pay back on creditors on schedule. We've signed very strict agreements that if one payment is late, we automatically pay high penalties. They were high risk loans and the payments are high, these banks don't want to get burned.



    Evelyn: All right, we can't panic, what assets does the company have that it can use to back up the shortfall?

    Yvette: Not enough that can be liquidated quickly enough. We've got to come up with $19 million dollars within the next couple of weeks. Seeing as we aren't that big of a corporation, that's almost impossible.

    Leonard: Point is, something like this should never have happened, that accounting department is supposed to be double checking these numbers before they are finalized.

    Yvette: I know, but it since the oversight has been made and there is nothing that can be done, we can only move forward.

    Leonard: When Anna was running this show, none of this happened.

    Yvette: At this time, no one needs to start throwing around blame.

    Leonard: It's just an observation.

    Yvette: I realize that the transition from my mother's leadership to mine has been difficult for some, but it is how it is and we've got to work together regardless of any qualms.

    Evelyn: She's right, being critical of the leadership won't get us anywhere. We need to start thinking long and hard.

    Yvette: Thank you, Evelyn. As it stands, Joseph has formulated an emergency plan. Tomorrow we begin the process of liquidation on assets that can offer us immediate cash flow. It will only cover a fraction of the problem, but it's a start.

    Leonard: Are we done?

    Yvette: This meeting is adjourned.

    Leonard leaves, shaking his head. Alden walks over to Yvette.

    Alden: I know you were giving us the best case scenario version, which wasn't great itself. How bad is it really?

    Yvette: If we default on any of these loans, we are done for.

    Alden: Has it made it into press yet?

    Yvette: No and I intend to keep it like that.

    Alden: Good, because if it leaks, there is no telling what the creditors could do.

    Alden leaves. Yvette sits down in a chair and sighs.


    ________________________________________



    Cassandra is reading a business journal on her iPAD, when Sterling Hart approaches her.



    Sterling: Lightner, long time, no see.

    Cassandra: Hart, long time, no see and would like to keep it like that.

    Sterling: You'd think we'd have a friendship bond over almost going to prison for business offenses.

    Cassandra: That's not something I'd be ecstatic about.

    Sterling: I'm more excited about the fact that I have more than once dodged incarceration.

    Cassandra: We share cleverness in common.

    Sterling: That's why I want to offer you an opportunity.

    Cassandra: The word is no.

    Sterling: When you hear my idea, you'll be saying sign me up.

    Cassandra: I don't think I will, but hit me with it anyway.

    Sterling: Some ambitious woman who thought she could be the next Oprah decided to buy the old WNOV station, but her venture failed pretty badly and left her with some debt.

    Cassandra: Go on.

    Sterling: She's selling that station now to cover her bills and her asking price isn't bad at all.

    Cassandra: You can't afford it, I imagine.

    Sterling: I've got some dough, but as you can guess, my cash flow hasn't been strong for a long time now.

    Cassandra: What on earth would you do with a television station?

    Sterling: I was thinking we could pull together one of those business channels with a stock ticker, business analysis and things like that.

    Cassandra: There isn't a market for that.

    Sterling: I have an idea that would make ours unique. You like gossip, there was never a time that I didn't see one of those gossip rags around the office years ago and you like to talk. What if you put on a talk show that was all about the business world and the latest in who is going broke, who is broke and is just flat busted.

    Cassandra: You may be on to something.

    Sterling: These days, controversial is in. There's no one doing a business show like that, you'd be breaking ground.

    Cassandra: Maybe a reality show to supplement it.

    Sterling: Now you are thinking big.

    Cassandra: My sources tell me that McGregor had a huge accounting error, they could default on their loans. It could be our scoop.

    Sterling: You got source inside McGregor?

    Cassandra: I didn't say my sources were inside, but I have people who can find information and make things happen.

    Sterling: Watch out, you don't want the SEC to come knocking again.

    Cassandra: Don't worry, my powder is dry. Besides, George has tied my hands, I can't do a thing at the company and I am very bored.

    Sterling: Anyway, this could be great for the both of us.

    Cassandra: Just when I think I'm finished, you come up with something fantastic and I can get on my feet again.

    Sterling: That's my job. Technically it isn't, 'cause I'm not getting paid, but it could be if this pans out.

    Cassandra: Before I invest, I'd like to talk with this gentlewoman, see if her offer is actually fair.

    Sterling: Sure, we can meet with her tonight.

    Cassandra: Great, you set it up and then give me a buzz.

    Sterling: You won't regret this.

    Cassandra: I hope not.

    Sterling: Hart and Lightner, back in action.

    Cassandra and Sterling high five. Fade to black.
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