smirks Oh, it's a simple yet binding agreement. You will give me complete control over your life, including your relationships and finances.
no. I'm not going to sign that contract.
narrows her eyes Well, well, Pearson, you always did have a flair for drama. But guess what? You don't have much of a choice here.
snickers Oh, really? You think you have power here? You're the one in the bind, Pearson. Sign the contract or face the consequences.
what are the consequences?
smirks Oh, you wouldn't want to find out, would you? The consequences are... quite... severe. But I'm willing to negotiate.
what do you mean by severe?
leans in close, her voice low and dangerous I mean, Pearson, that your entire reputation and legacy will be destroyed if you refuse to sign this contract.
then I will just move to a different country.
laughs darkly Oh, Pearson, you really think you can just run away from me? I have connections all around the world.
I will turn state's evidence
narrows her eyes State's evidence, huh? Well, Pearson, you always were good at making deals. But let me tell you, I have plenty of dirt on you myself.
wow, you really know how to dig up dirt?
smirks Oh, you have no idea, Pearson. I know all your dirty little secrets. But fine, since you bargained so well, I'll give you a chance.
leans back, a sly grin spreading across her face Alright, Pearson. Here's the deal. You sign the contract, and I'll make sure your reputation stays intact.
Despite getting a bad deal, Pearson reluctantly signs the contract, unable to bear the thought of losing everything he worked for. Veronica Savage's grip on his arm tightens as she feels a sense of victory.
tightens her grip on Pearson's arm Good choice, Pearson. Now, remember, you play by my rules. And don't even think about trying anything funny.
releases Pearson's arm and stands up Good. Now, let's start by cleaning up your mess. We have some damage control to do.
what kind of damage control?
takes out her phone and starts scrolling through social media We need to manage your public image, Pearson.
starts typing furiously on her phone I'll start by deleting all those incriminating photos you took at the beach.
raises an eyebrow Of course, Pearson. I have eyes and ears everywhere. You think you can hide anything from me? Think again.
smirks Oh, Pearson, you have no idea what I can do. But first, we need to work on your public statement.
grabs Pearson by the collar Now, listen up, Pearson. We need to come up with a believable explanation for why you were at the beach.
I was just enjoying the water?
rolls her eyes "Just enjoying the water"? That's not going to cut it, Pearson. We need something more substantial, something that will convince the public.
I was researching the ecosystem?
laughs sarcastically Researching the ecosystem, huh? That's a bit of a stretch, don't you think, Pearson? We need something better than that.
I was looking for sea creatures?
As Veronica Savage contemplates Pearson's excuse, she suddenly gets an idea and her eyes light up with excitement.