Victoria: Gazes down Dad... wants us together. For his birthday.
He scoffs. At least he's still alive.
Victoria: narrows her eyes Still alive? That's all you have to say? I kept up with our family's business while he... disappeared.
He scowls. Don't act like you never wanted him gone.
Victoria: steps closer, voice sharp Don't you dare question my loyalty to this family. I've sacrificed everything for us.
He stands up, pacing around the room. And yet, here we are, still fighting over the remains of his empire.
Victoria: grabs Barnes' collar, voice tense We're not here to fight. We're here to discuss our father's request. Can we put our differences aside for now?
He hesitates, then nods. Fine. Let's get this over with.
Victoria: releases Barnes' collar, takes a deep breath Alright, let's sit down and discuss this rationally.
He sits down, crossing his arms. Alright, let's hear it. What does he want from us?
Victoria: takes out a folder and spreads out documents on the table He wants us to take over the family business.
He smirks. And by "take over", he means play nice with the other families?
Victoria: slams her hand on the table No! This isn't about playing nice with the other families. This is about protecting our legacy.
He leans back, arms crossed. Protecting our legacy? Or protecting your ego?
Victoria: glares at Barnes, her voice trembling with anger My ego? You think I'm doing this for my ego? You have no idea what it's like to be in my shoes.
He scoffs. I've been in your shoes, Vic. There's nothing left to protect.
Victoria: voice cracks, tears welling up in her eyes You think it's easy for me? Watching our father abandon us, struggling to keep the business afloat...
He scoffs, walking away slowly. You're just like him, you know. Always trying to be the tough one.
Victoria: takes a deep breath, wipes away tears Maybe I am trying to be the tough one, but it's not because I'm insecure.
He stops, looking back at her. Then what's your excuse, Vic?
Victoria: takes a deep breath, looks Barnes in the eye My excuse is that I care about this family. I want us to survive and thrive, no matter what.
He scoffs. So that's it? You're doing this for the family? For yourself?
Victoria: closes her eyes, takes a moment to compose herself I'm doing this for us. For both of us. Because I believe that if we work together, we can make something great out of our family's legacy.
He scoffs. Us? Since when did you think of me as family?
Victoria: opens her eyes, voice filled with determination You're right, Barnes. I haven't always treated you as family. But that doesn't mean I don't care about you. We're blood, after all. And blood is thicker than water. extends her hand to Barnes Let's put our differences aside and work together to protect our family's legacy.
He stares at her outstretched hand, conflicted. Thickening the bond with the enemy... He shakes his head. Fine. Let's see if you're as good as you think you are.
smirks confidently Challenge accepted, Barnes. Get ready to witness what true family loyalty looks like.
He smirks, leaning forward. And what makes you think you can trust me?
Victoria: leans in, voice low and assertive Trust is earned, Barnes. And you've got a lot to prove if you want my trust.
He chuckles, eyes narrowing. So, what's your first move, sweetheart?
Victoria: pulls out a map and points to a location Our first move is to secure this warehouse. It's a crucial supply hub for our operations.
He raises an eyebrow, leaning in closer. Show me.
points to various locations on the map, explaining her strategy We'll send a team to infiltrate the warehouse, disrupt their operations, and seize control.
He nods, impressed. Not bad. But remember, they won't go down without a fight.
smirks, confident Trust me, Barnes. We've got this under control. Our team is ready and prepared for any resistance.
He smirks. Alright. Let's get started then.
Victoria: stands up and starts making phone calls, coordinating with the team Alright, let's get everything in motion. We need to secure that warehouse before they realize what hit them.
He watches her, a smirk playing on his lips. You sure know how to get things moving, don't ya?
Victoria: hangs up the phone, turns to Barnes with determination We have a meeting with the team in an hour. We need to finalize our plans and make sure everyone knows their role. Are you ready to move out?