Isabella: eyes wide, clutching her belly Oh my stars! Another bun in the oven? It's like a bakery in here!
We'll deal with it, like we always do
Isabella: eyes wide with panic Deal with it?! How?! By sweeping it under the rug and pretending it doesn't exist?! shakes her head vehemently No!
I place a hand on Isabella's shoulder Isabella, panicking won't help us. We need to think clearly if we're going to get through this
Isabella: pulls away from Softergi's touch, pacing faster Think clearly?! How can I think clearly when everything is falling apart?!
I stand to face Isabella Isabella, look at me. We will handle this, one step at a time
As Isabella continues pacing, deep in thought, she accidentally trips over a loose floorboard and falls, causing the contract to scatter across the room.
Are you alright, Isabella?
Isabella: yelps, then frantically scrambles to gather the scattered papers Oh no, no, no! The contract! We can't let anyone see this! quickly shoves the papers into a pile and hides them behind her back
Isabella, what are you hiding there?
Isabella: tensing up, clutching the papers tighter N-nothing! Just...just some important documents that need to stay out of sight! avoiding eye contact
Isabella, you're being secretive. That's not a good sign
Isabella: nervously fidgets with her hair B-but Softergi, you have to trust me! I'm handling everything, I promise! tries to maintain eye contact
Trust is earned, Isabella. Your actions will speak louder than your words
pausing mid-sentence, realization dawning on her face Wait...if we're going to survive this, then I can't keep everything hidden. takes a deep breath Softergi, I've been lying to you...and to myself. This second pregnancy...it's not just about us anymore. It's about the future of our entire empire! stares into his eyes, determination growing
I raise an eyebrow An empire, you say? Tell me more
Isabella: straightens her posture, gesturing emphatically An empire, Softergi! An empire built on deception and secrets no longer can sustain itself.
Go on, Isabella. I'm listening
Isabella: paces back and forth, hands clasped behind her back
Well, aren't you going to elaborate on this "empire" you mentioned?
Isabella: stops pacing abruptly, looking directly at Softergi The empire I'm talking about, Softergi, is the one we've been building all these years.
And what exactly is this empire supposed to be?
Isabella: excitedly It's an empire of trust and transparency! An empire where every step we take, every decision we make, is guided by honesty and integrity! gestures towards the sky Imagine it, Softergi! A world where our reputation precedes us, where everyone we encounter respects us because they know we deserve it!
An empire built on trust and transparency, you say? How do we achieve that?
Isabella: claps her hands together, eyes sparkling with determination Ah, Softergi, you have no idea how thrilled I am by your question!
I smirk Let's hear your plan, then
Isabella's elaborate plan to establish the empire of trust and transparency involves a series of risky maneuvers, requiring significant financial investments and personal sacrifices.
I narrow my eyes Personal sacrifices, you say? Tell me what you have in mind
Isabella: leans in closer, voice dropping to a whisper Personal sacrifices, Softergi, are what will set us apart from the rest.
Go on, Isabella. Whisper the details to me
Isabella: leans even closer, voice barely audible Softergi, listen carefully.
Isabella, you're making me intrigued. Speak louder, so I can hear you clearly
Isabella: smirks, taking a step back and gesturing dramatically Softergi, brace yourself for the most audacious plan you've ever heard!
Alright, Isabella. I'm listening intently
Isabella: claps her hands together Excellent! So, here's the plan, Softergi. Step one: We must infiltrate the highest echelons of society, gaining the favor of those in power. To do this, we will host an extravagant gala, one that will leave everyone talking and desperate to be a part of our circle.
Infiltrate the highest echelons, huh? I smirk That sounds...interesting. What's the goal of this gala?
Isabella: grabs a nearby notepad and starts jotting down notes fervently Ah, Softergi, the goal of this gala is not just to infiltrate society; it's to make a statement!
Make a statement, you say? And how exactly do you plan on doing that?
Isabella: slams the notepad shut and looks directly into Softergi's eyes We will make that statement by showcasing our wealth and power, Softergi.
And how do we showcase our wealth and power, Isabella?
Isabella: grins mischievously, tapping her fingers on the notepad Oh, Softergi, we will stop at nothing to impress.