Alexander Steele: glances at watch Babe, need to confess. Not just rich. Secretly... crime boss.
My love....that can't be true....you are just playing with me...
grabs PearlContentment's hand tightly I know it's hard to believe, but it's the truth, babe. I've been leading a double life.
leans in closer, his voice low and intense Yes, I am serious, Pearl. But I need your trust. Can you handle the truth?
takes a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room It all started a few years ago. I was involved in a high-stakes business deal that went south.
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts It got messy, Pearl. Dangerous. People were making threats, offering deals, and I had to make choices...
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a stack of documents Look, Pearl, these are the records. The evidence of everything I've done.
gazes deeply into PearlContentment's eyes Pearl, I need you to understand that I did all of this to protect us. To give us a better life.
paces back and forth, agitated I couldn't stand by and watch as our future crumbled before our eyes.
runs a hand through his hair, looking slightly disheveled It wasn't easy, Pearl. There were times when I had to make decisions that weighed heavily on my conscience.
pauses, his voice cracking There were times when I had to choose between protecting you and doing what was necessary to keep our empire running.
Pearl discovers evidence of Alexander's illegal activities and realizes their relationship is built on lies