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Continued...

A cold chill runs down Valerie's spine as she sits alone in bed. Her usual client is in the bathroom fixing himself up after their heated passionate affair. The last time they spoke, he had promised to take her on a proper date. Obviously things didn't go as planned this evening as they both found themselves back at the hotel.

"Jesus Val, you look striking just laying there." Braden calls out as he exits the bathroom and nears the bed.

"Oh, you're too nice to me." Val replies.

"You know that I'm going to be doing business more in Pac Heights. I'll be coming to San Francisco a lot more - that means I can hopefully see you on a regular basis. That is, if that's what you want."

"I would like that." Val responds nonchalantly.

"Don't sound too thrilled now." Braden smirks.

"I'm sorry," Val replies as she puts on her blouse. "I guess I was just expecting more this time."

Valerie whips around and shoots him a sarcastic smile.

"To be honest, I had full intentions of taking you out to a nice dinner. I just had something come up with a business partner that was quite important."

"Don't worry, I had dinner plans anyway." Val shoots back.

"I hope you understand. I really do want more out of this."

"Then why are you still paying me?"

"Don't think of it like that, Valerie. I'm just a generous man."

"Think of it like what? Like I'm some cheap whore to you?"

"That was uncalled for." Braden shakes his head and continues, "You know I don't think of you like that."

"How am I supposed to know that? Your actions show otherwise." Val quickly rises to her feet and grabs for her jacket.

"Don't leave like this, Valerie."

"I can't, remember? You need to give me something first." Val holds out her hand as she lets out a deep sigh.

"Of course..." Braden trails off, feeling quite low about the entire situation.

He pulls out a stack of hundreds from his wallet and lays it in Valerie's hand. It's quite more than what he usually gives her, but he feels it to be a nice gesture at this point. Valerie clenches her fist and then puts the money into her pocket.

"No need for a thank you," Braden sighs.

"I didn't think there was. I already thanked you with other things." Val replies.

Braden nods his head and puts his jacket on. "I'll call you soon, okay? Like I said, I'll be around more and I would love to see more of you."

Val shakes her head and lowers it to the ground. "I won't hold my breath. Take care, handsome."


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Scene: Landon Points Publishing

Both Emily and Steve stare at Diane in shock. This dangerous level of anger has not been one they have seen from Diane in quite some time. Unable to respond, Emily tries her best to pull away, but Diane's grip only becomes tighter.

"Did you hear what I said?" Diane glares at her once more. "I've had enough of you butting into situations that have nothing to do with you."

"Excuse me? In all due respect, my present relationship with Steve warrants my interest in Jason and other matters in the family."

"Your present relationship?" Diane turns her head and locks eyes with Steve. "Well, you didn't wait long after the divorce, did you?"

"Diane, there's no need for that." Emily cuts in.

"Excuse me, but you didn't even wait for the ink to dry on our divorce papers before you sunk your claws into his back." Diane shoots back.

"I really do resent that, Diane."

"You don't resent anything- and quite honestly, I don't believe a damn word that comes out of your mouth. I can't believe Steve is falling for this charade too...wheel bound, Emily? We both know you're completely fine and you're playing this for all it's worth."

"Diane, that will be enough." Steve cuts in boldly.

"I can't believe you're defending a snake like that." Diane shakes her head at Emily.

A furious Emily takes off her wheel lock and glares back. Moments later she pushes the forward button firmly and hurls herself into Diane's direction. A scream is soon heard from Diane as Emily's wheel crushes her foot.

Diane shoots a look of disgust at Emily and then turns her attention to Emily's desk as she tries her best to find something that she can retaliate with. The closest thing to her on the edge of the desk is a potted plant. Without hesitation, Diane firmly grabs the plant and raises it above Emily's head. A look of horror is written all over the faces of both Emily and Steve. Seconds later, Diane drops the plant onto Emily's head and a blood curdling scream is heard.

Steve quickly rushes to Emily's side as blood begins to stream down her face. A smile soon covers Diane's face as she looks at Emily with utter satisfaction. She has just done something she has only dreamed of doing for years now.

Steve shakes his head and looks up at his ex-wife, "I cannot believe this, Dianewhat has gotten into you?"

"Excuse me, Steve? It was simply self defense. That beast was trying to run me over with her damn wheelsshe brought this completely on herself."

"You are going to pay for this! I swear, Diane" Emily screams.

"Threaten all you'd like. It looks like you have more roots in your hair now than ever before..." Diane jokes.

"Both of you just stop." Steve shakes his head.

"Oh, this is far from over. I'll be in contact with you soon, Steve." Diane flashes a quick smile at Emily. "We have a lot of important things to discuss."

To be Continued...

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Now your thoughts...

• Was it justifiable for Diane to retaliate? Will Steve cut ties with both women now?
• Was Kayla being honest with Jason? Do you think Lucas and Keith were ever involved with each other?
• Will Valerie ever stop her dirty line of work? Is there hope for a relationship between she and Terrence?
• Will Kayla finally agree to counseling before it's too late? Are her insecurities about Liz warranted?
  
  Please let us know your thoughts and any other feedback you have in the Pac Heights Forum!