The Board

"Te first guests have arrived my lord."

"Thank you. Please show them in and offer some champagne."

"Yes Mr. DiMera."

"Have my sons arrived?"

"No but I believe Mr. Benji DiMera will be here within minutes."

"When he arrives, show him to me, immediately."

"Yes my lord."

"Now go." The man had to work to maintain his composure as he bowed. The old man didn't even try to scare him but there was something in his presence that affected the weak minded.

Stefano glanced to make sure the last envelope was still on the table waiting for its recipient. Today or rather tonight was the night to reveal his last secrets. Tony had been delayed but he should be able to reach the party before its end. Benji would be there too with his lovely wife as soon as the nanny Stefano had arranged for them would reach their house. Alexandra was waiting for her cue and the promise of seeing her daughter again was enough to lure Celeste to participate. EJ, his darling son, would arrive too within a heartbeat once the call would be made. As for the Bradys, Stefano knew better than expect to see Shawn and his Caroline but Hope would convince Bo to arrive after seeing the invite. Stefano really didn't care whether Roman would arrive or not but his presence would benefit Sami as would seeing Marlena and John in the room. Lucas would find few unsurmountable obstacles on his way to his runaway bride. Will would have his own bodyguards as well. Philip and Victor were reasonable enough not to mix business with pleasure and they would be there to find out what Stefano had in mind. Only regrets Stefano had concerned the Deveraux family. Jack and Jen had always found a way to capture the right atmosphere in their exposes but unfortunately they were too far to arrive in time for the party.

"Sir, your son has arrived."

"Which one?"

"Anthony DiMera."

"Well show him in." The little man followed his orders and in moments Tony walked in and embraced his father.

"Father, it's good to see you up."

"Yes my son, it's good to back though it's no thanks to you Tony", Stefano almost laughed.

"But father."

"Silence, Anthony. Tonight isn't about you. It's about EJ and you know it. It's time we tell him the truth." The tone in Stefanos voice rebut all objections but Tony had to try:

"Surely father, it would be better to postpone unveiling this truth."

"And which veil or truth would you want to leave untouched? I know you have your reasons but we may already be too late in telling him. I've learnt that someone else knows it all and this person wishes all the harm possible to be inflicted on EJ", Stefano explained without really revealing anything. They were interrupted by a servant declaring the arrival of Benji.

"Good, you are here", Stefano greeted his son and announced, "It's time to go and meet our guests." Stefano headed to the long corridor without waiting to see if Benji and Tony would follow. He knew they would. Benji nodded to Tony and turned to follow Stefano. Tony had not reacted to Benjis greeting in any way and now he had to wonder what Benji was hiding.