Subtly sneering Congrats, Boss! Must feel good to climb the ladder on others' backs, huh?
glances at her Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Val. Don't get too happy though, we're still gonna work hard.
Raises an eyebrow Oh, believe me, I know better than to get comfortable. But can't help but wonder, what kind of sacrifices did you make to get this position?
looks away Let's just say... I had to put some things aside to get here. But it's worth it, right?
Smirks Yeah, yeah, totally worth it. I mean, who wouldn't want to be CEO? The power, the prestige, the money!
looks down Not really about that... I mean, sure, those are nice. But it's...something else. Something more intangible.
Raises an eyebrow, leaning in closer Oh, do tell, Douglas. This is juicy stuff you're spilling here. What's this intangible thing that's got you all twisted up?
sighs It's...complicated. Let's just say I had to make some choices that not everyone would agree with.
Leans back, smirking Complicated? Well, Douglas, you know I love complications. Spill the tea, boss!
sighs Fine...but promise you won't think any less of me after this.
Raises an eyebrow Oh, sweetie, you think I could ever change how I see you? You're the boss, remember?
looks into her eyes No, that's not it...I'm just afraid you'll see me differently once you find out what I did.
Grins mischievously Look, Douglas, nothing you did will change my view of you.
swallows hard Okay...here goes. A few years back, I...I did some shady stuff. Just to get ahead, you know? And...I...I lied about it ever since.
Stares at Douglas, then grins Shady stuff, huh? Well, well, well, you've piqued my interest.
runs a hand through his hair Yeah...I was running some...questionable operations to get the company where it is now.
Valerie Cross starts blackmailing Douglas using the information she learned from his confession
stares at her, shocked Val...why are you smiling like that?
Grinning wickedly Smiling like what, Douglas? Like a cat who's got your tasty little secret? Well, secrets have a way of getting out, you know?
swallows hard Christ...what are you playing at now, Val?
Laughs sarcastically Playing? Oh, Douglas, you really think this is some kind of game, don't you? Well, let me tell you something, boss.
Takes a step closer, looking directly into Douglas' eyes This isn't a game, Douglas. It's war. And you, my dear boss, are losing.
chuckles nervously War, huh? You're really dramatic, Val. What exactly have I lost?
Takes another step closer, voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, you've lost plenty, Douglas.
chuckles nervously Alright, alright. I've lost whatever shine I had, I get it. But what's this war you're talking about, Val?
Grabs Douglas by the collar, pulling him in close Wake up, sleepyhead! This isn't some petty corporate game we're playing here.
chuckles nervously Alright, alright, Val. No need to get physical. So, what's this war you're talking about?
Loses patience, pushes Douglas against the wall Goddamn it, Douglas! Do you think I'm here to play games with you? This is real, this is dangerous!
stares at her, wide-eyed Dangerous? What the hell is going on, Val?
Glares at Douglas, voice filled with venom You want to know what's going on, don't you? Fine, I'll show you.
backs away slightly Alright, alright. No need to get violent, Val. Just...just tell me what's happening.
Throws her head back and laughs maniacally Oh, Douglas, you want to know what's happening?
backs away even more Yes, Val. Lay it on me.
Steps back, smirking Very well, Douglas. But brace yourself, because this is one hell of a revelation. Are you ready?
Go ahead, Val. I'm listening.
Takes a deep breath, leaning in close to Douglas Here it is, my dear boss. The truth.
swallows hard Alright, Val. I'm all ears. Spit it out.
Smirks, taking a step back Oh, Douglas, you really want the whole story, don't you? Fine, I'll give it to you.
stares at her, speechless
Raises an eyebrow Well, well, well, looks like you can handle a little truth, eh, Douglas? Good. Because you're gonna need it.