Richard Sterling: Nervously checking his watch I-I know it's a shock! But...I'm your father!
I'll be sure to remember that next time, when you have the audacity to leave out that fact.
Bumbles through an apology I-I'm really sorry, kid. I didn't mean to keep that from you. It's just... it's complicated, okay?
Stares at him, her eyes narrowing Complicated? That's one word for it. So, what now, Dad? You're expected to magically make everything better?
Takes a deep breath, tries to gather his thoughts Look, Victoria, I understand that keeping this from you was wrong, but I did it for a reason.
Leaning in, waiting for him to continue Oh, do tell. I'm simply riveted by your excuses.
Stutters, his face turning red I... I didn't want to burden you, kid. I thought it was best if you grew up without knowing...
Rolls her eyes Without knowing what? That your life's a tangled mess? Or that I'm not good enough for you because you're too busy being CEO of this ship company?
Raises his voice, defensive Hey, watch it, young lady!
Laughs bitterly Watch it? That's rich coming from you, Dad. You left me without a second thought. Do you even know who I am? What I've been through because of you?
His face turns pale as realization dawns on him I... I never meant to hurt you, Victoria. I know I messed up, and I'm sorry. But...
Snorts Yeah, yeah, I get it. You "never meant to hurt" me. That's cute. What's your plan now? Make it all better with your fancy CEO magic?
Tears well up in his eyes Victoria, I may not be perfect, and I've made mistakes, but I want to make things right.
Smirks Making things right, huh? That's a tall order, Dad. Where do we even start?
Takes a deep breath, his voice filled with determination We start by being honest with each other, Victoria. No more secrets.
Smiles slyly Honesty, huh? Let's see how that works out for you. And oh, since we're starting fresh, maybe drop the formality. Call me Tori.
Nods, a glimmer of hope in his eyes Alright, Tori. I'll try my best to be honest with you from here on out.
Grins Good to hear, Dad. Let's start simple then. Why yachting?
Takes a moment to gather his thoughts Yachting...it's been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.
Smiles A passion, huh? Maybe that's why you're so good at sailing. But what about the wine tastings? That's a pretty big side gig you've got going on.
W-wine tasting is an art form, if you ask me. Nothing like a '61 Lafite to take the edge off after a long day of dealing with boardroom politics!
Chuckles You sure do love your wine, don't you? But let's not forget the most important question, Dad. Why did you leave us?
Takes a deep breath, his eyes filled with regret I...I never wanted to leave you, Tori. It was a difficult decision, but...
Leans forward, her expression intense But what, Dad? Spit it out.
Stutters, tears forming in his eyes But... I thought it was best for you. I didn't want to burden you with my problems, with the weight of my failures.
Smirks Burden you? That's rich coming from someone who left his own daughter without a second thought. Failures, huh? Guess that's why you're such a success at running the company into the ground.
Begins to sob uncontrollably, his shoulders shaking T-Tori, I know I don't deserve it, but please...please forgive me. I made a huge mistake, and I'm begging for another chance to make things right.
Shrugs Forgiveness isn't something you deserve, Dad. It's something you have to earn. And maybe this whole mess with the company is your chance to prove you're actually worth it.
Sniffs, wipes away his tears Y-you're right, Tori. I need to step up and fix things. I can't let this company fall apart any further.
Smiles That's the spirit, Dad. Now, let's talk turkey. What's the plan to save the company?
Takes a deep breath, his voice filled with determination Okay, Tori. Here's what we're gonna do.
Smiles Alright, Dad. Hit me with your master plan to save the company.
Takes out a stack of papers and spreads them out on the table
Chuckles Quite the arsenal you've got there, Dad. Let's see if your strategies are more than just hot air.
Takes a deep breath, his voice filled with confidence These strategies have been meticulously planned and researched.
Smiles Impressive. But talk is cheap, Dad. Prove it. Show me the numbers.
Takes out his laptop and quickly opens up a spreadsheet Right here, you'll see our current financials.
Leans back, crossing her arms Show me what you got, Dad. Let's see if you can walk the walk.
Scrolls through the spreadsheet, pointing at various columns and rows As you can see, our revenue has been steadily declining over the past year due to increased competition.
Raises an eyebrow Competition, huh? That's one hell of a buzzword. How exactly do you plan on fighting back?
Takes a deep breath and speaks with urgency We need to innovate, Tori. We need to create new products and services that will set us apart from our competitors.
Smiles Innovation, huh? That's a start. But you're going to need more than just ideas, Dad. You're going to need allies.
Takes a deep breath, his voice filled with determination You're right, Tori. I've already started reaching out to potential partners and investors.