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Joseph let out a soft noise that was akin to a chuckle at Erik's comment, clearly the CEO didn't spend enough time in rich neighborhoods it seemed. Granted he'd believe it with how awful a spoiled, rich kid could be, especially with something like that. He then shook his head a little bit at the other man "I believe I would too, those things are terribly dangerous. If I had a child I would have thrown that thing in the nearest junkyard" truth be told Joseph wasn't too fond of motorcycles personally, they were so noisy and so much more dangerous than a car would be. But then he also understood that some people just loved the feeling of riding one and the sense of freedom that came with owning such a vehicle. The two men would then eat in a comfortable silence after the other would confirm that he'd call ahead of time. It was nice to just enjoy a meal with another as company, usually Joseph tended to dine alone in his office so this was a welcome change for him. Eventually Joseph would finish his food and threw the containers away before letting out a small sigh in contentment. It was nice to not starve himself until he literally couldn't handle it anymore, but with that said he knew that he'd do it again by tomorrow "Ah Yes, Erik. I'd also like for you to set up some meetings for me tomorrow, I'll need to discuss your toy design with some of my design team to see what would be realistic" he'd then give the other man the names of each of the people within the company so the other would be able to get to it once he was finished eating.

Joseph would nod his head, pleased when the other man gave the confirmation that he understood the request. It was nice to know that he had hired a competent secretary, he'd heard horror stories from other company owners who hired secretaries who couldn't grasp basic requests. He had gotten lucky with Erik, that's for sure. Joseph would then blink a bit when he mentioned that he didn't mind picking up his lunch and Joseph shook his head a little bit "I'd hate to intrude on your break time..." truthfully it was selfish in his opinion to have someone else get him his food for him. Especially his secretary. Sure Joseph would skip his lunch sometimes for extended periods of time but he did always eat in the end!...Sometimes...eventually. Joseph's attention was then brought to the other man as he glared at his phone and heard him mumble something in French. The CEO's grasp of the French language was still rough and he wasn't able to string a complete sentence together but he was able to pick apart certain bits. Namely the words "what, hell. and he" which caused the CEO's face to twist a bit curiously "Is everything OK Erik?" he'd only pry so much but he could hope that the other was OK with it. Such a reaction wasn't a normal one, even if he didn't fully grasp what was said by the other man.

Joseph would quirk a single eyebrow when the other man informed him that it was the Ex that had texted him. It seemed that even after breaking off the relationship the man still didn't want to let Erik go, it seemed to be truly troublesome for the poor man. Joseph would sit there and close his eyes for a minute as Erik expressed confusion over what it was the other man desired. The CEO thought for a moment, by all means this was Erik's personal business and as his boss he had no right to intrude. However he had already taken the first steps and in the long term it did effect his company because of this man continued harassing Erik would would eventually effect his work performance. And then by extension it would effect his company and so Joseph would let out a small hum "Control" he stated rather bluntly "The man is unprofessional as a business owner and had always struck me as a spoiled child" he stated his rather blunt opinion "Since he inherited his company that would lead me to reason that he also had everything else given to him all his life" Joseph would then shake his head a little bit at the thought "My best bet is that he doesn't like that you ended it with him" the CEO would then shrug his shoulders a small bit "It's simply an educated guess though" that was all he would say on the matter as he thought about how positively delightful it would be to watch the other man squirm. Taking Joseph Myers money that was supposed to be for charity and spending it on himself? Nobody crossed him like that and got away with it, the fact it would also help Erik was just a nice plus.

Joseph would nod his head a little bit when the other man agreed with him, stating that he was probably right. Honestly there was little doubt in his mind, he was certain that he was more than probably right. That man had made Joseph nearly wipe his hand on on his pants when they met and shook hands for the first time. One thing that Joseph noticed about him was that he had no clue what he was talking about half the time, however he had the gift of gab. The man could talk really well which was something Joseph was keen enough to not fall for. And it seemed that his assessment was spot on as his secretary all but confirmed it for the most part with his latest comment. Disguising unhealthy behavior and controlling natures by making the other person believe it was for their benefit. Honestly it was such an old trick but an effective one, manipulating a persons emotions, especially when that person was in love you. It was awful that there were people in the world who would do that, fooling someone who genuinely loved you and manipulating them to fit your desire. Suddenly it hit Joseph that he and Erik were similar in that regard to some degree. However unlike the secretary, Joseph had completely ditched his love life while the other was still a self proclaimed hopeless romantic. He'd remained single since then, not even humoring any flirting attempts made by other women and the few odd men here and there "Nonsense, being manipulated is nothing to be harsh on yourself over" he then sighed a small bit "At least you're still here and pushed forward" he commented as another ping of the email went off and he quickly filed another company vacation application away.

Joseph watched Erik's facial expressions carefully as the other man seemed to take in his words. He hoped that at the very least the man was sensible enough to know that Joseph wasn't simply saying these things to make him feel better. He wasn't the kind of person to do that normally unless the situation called for it under specific circumstances. It seemed however that Erik had some deeper issues than it first seemed as he began to dismiss the CEO's notion that he pushed forward. As he listened to the other man speak Joseph would release a small sigh, people like this irritated him to no end "Oh shut up" he stated in a rather irritated tone "Nobody forced you to do anything, you got a helpful push from your friends and you stuck with it because you knew it was for the best" he then shook his head a little bit at the other man's tone and how he as acting "So quit talking yourself down, it's pointless and very unbecoming of someone of your caliber" Joseph's blunt way of putting things was something that he specialized in. He knew that forward way of putting things could easily rub people the wrong way but he'd grown tired of how mostly everyone in the business sweet talked and beat around bushes, it was obnoxious. Joseph had long since stopped doing that and always simply spoke his mind no matter who it was he was dealing with. Sure it burned a few bridges with people who took offence but as far as Joseph was concerned, those people weren't worth his time "What did he say?" the CEO would ask the other man, deciding to pry a bit more into the other company owners person to see what it was that he had wanted in the first place and hear his words first hand. It would all be useful eventually.

Joseph didn't even take his eyes of his computer when the other man apologized for what he had said "Shush, don't apologize. Instead make sure it doesn't happen again" the CEO stated bluntly once again not missing a beat as he continued to finish up sorting the emails. He knew that he was being harsh on the other man and that maybe bit more empathy could be employed but Joseph wasn't the type to do such a thing. Even if he was being harsh on him it was only because he saw the potential Erik had and this self deprivation was not helping him in the slightest bit. Once Erik spoke and explained what his Ex had sent him, Joseph's icey blue gaze would turn back to the other man as stared at him as the other began to explain about what was going on behind the scenes. This was rich, this was almost too perfect. An almost evil grin formed onto his face "You don't say?" it was no wonder things had been going wonderfully for him. Normally Joseph wouldn't involve himself and would usually just sit back and watch the man's livelihood fizzle out completely but no. Joseph wanted to watch this man squirm. He'd taken advantage of Measly Myers donation as well as wronging Erik and so many other people. He was going to enjoy this "Erik, I'm going to ask you too set up a meeting with him and his board of directors the day after tomorrow at their headquarters. I unfortunately have some stock in that company and I'd like to discuss some things with them" his impassive face did nothing to give away the little white lie that he'd just told the other man "I'll also be requiring you to be in attendance in order to handle the paperwork and keep everything in order. Understand?" he then looked up at the other man "Call using the Measly Myers line and if he gives you trouble, simply forward him to me" he directed Erik before looking back down at the papers on his desk for a moment, writing a few things down "You're dismissed" one more day was honestly all he needed for his plan to come to fruition. Now that he knew the others company was in dire straights it meant Joseph would need to act fast before it crumbled under it's own weight and then everything would be ruined.

Joseph sat there with a small and pleased smile on his face as typed away at his computer, filling out more documents that would be needed for the coming days. Not only did he need to begin preparations for the company vacation he now needed to begin alerting the proper people to his plan as well. As he continued working Joseph reached down and began to reach for the phone to make a call he heard Erik's voice come over the speaker and he nodded his head despite the other man not being able to see it "Thank you Erik, I know that couldn't have been easy. I appreciate you, just know that" it could be considered cruel of him to have Erik be the one doing it but there was no way Joseph would have been able to maintain his composure long enough to get the meeting in place. People like him pissed Joseph off and had no issue pushing all of his buttons in just the right way. Not to say he would have lost it on the man but Joseph may not have been able to bite his tongue and ruin his big chance at getting back at the other man for stealing from his company and harassing his newest employee. With that Joseph would page Erik back "I will not be taking anymore calls or meetings for the rest of the day, I have an important call to make that will more than likely take up the rest of my work day" he would explain to the other man and made the call. And just as he said it took up a majority of his day and by the time it came around for him to leave Joseph was finally just wrapping up the call "Yes, of course. No problem at all, yes. Yes I am. Thank you" by now Joseph's ear was a soft pink from how long he had the receiver up to his ear and he stood from his desk and let out a soft groan as he finally stretched his muscles his his last call to Erik. With that he'd exit to his secretary's office and looked over at the other man "Alright, I'll be seeing you later then Erik. I'll leave the house key under the welcome mat for you so you can let yourself in" with that Joseph would surprise everyone once again by punching out early once more. It still felt odd to say the least to leave so early but he figured that maybe this could even be healthy for him. So far no work has been behind, he'd just not getting the more minor paperwork done as quickly but that wasn't such a big deal. Maybe he'd make this a regular thing even if he didn't have plans. With that he'd drive himself back home and pull into the garage, but not before stepping out and looking around before putting the spare house key under the old welcome mat that was outside the front door. Once that was done he'd go to his study and recover all of his old Spanish textbooks and learning material that was beginning to gather dust. It had been awhile. He set everything out on the coffee table on the couch before finding all the beginner courses that they'd start on and once everything was arranged Joseph would head upstairs for a shower, folding his suit in the pile for the dry cleaners. Finally he'd relax under the hot water, if he had the time he would even consider taking a bath, the tub next to the shower was sorely under used but showers were just so much more efficient for the CEO. Once he was done cleaning himself off he'd step out and begin to towel dry himself off, stepping into his bedroom Joseph glanced at the clock, noting that Erik should be arriving soon.