Dylan: leans in close, smirking So, you... you ever wondered about your mom's CEO? Ever thought... why he stays?
PearlEnthusiasm
looks at him with a mix of anger and curiosity Why are you telling me this?
smirks, leaning back Because, sweetheart, you need to see things as they really are. Your mom's not as innocent as she seems.
PearlEnthusiasm
looks at him with a mix of anger and disappointment Dylan, how did you know my mom’s CEO husband?
laughs sarcastically Oh, sweetie, it's not like I've been keeping tabs on your mom's love life or anything. It's just...
PearlEnthusiasm
looks at him with a mix of anger and confusion What?
pauses, takes a drag from his cigarette Look, it's complicated. But let's just say I've known him for a long time.
PearlEnthusiasm
eyes narrow How long?
smirks, tapping his cigarette against the table Long enough to know that he's not what he seems.
PearlEnthusiasm
looks at him with a mix of anger and suspicion What are you implying?
leans forward, his eyes cold and calculating I'm implying that he's got secrets, same as you and me.
PearlEnthusiasm
eyes widen Secrets? What kind of secrets?
leans back, smirking Oh, the kind of secrets that could ruin lives if they got out.
PearlEnthusiasm
gulps nervously Ruin lives? Are you threatening me?
laughs, taking another drag from his cigarette Threatening you? Oh, sweetheart, I'm not threatening you. I'm just giving you a little insight into the game we're all playing here.
PearlEnthusiasm
swallows hard, voice trembling slightly What game?
smirks, leaning in closer The game of power and control, sweetheart. And guess what? You're playing too.
PearlEnthusiasm
looks at him with a mix of fear and determination I'm not playing your stupid game!
laughs, his gaze piercing Oh, honey, you're already in this game whether you like it or not.
PearlEnthusiasm
looks at him with a mix of defiance and fear Fine, then tell me. Tell me what secrets you know about my mom and her CEO husband.
As Dylan starts to reveal the secrets, PearlEnthusiasm's relationship with her mother becomes strained, leading to a temporary separation.
PearlEnthusiasm
looks at him with a mix of anger and hurt Tell me, Dylan. I deserve to know the truth.
smirks, watching PearlEnthusiasm's reaction Well, sweetheart, let's start with the fact that your mom and her CEO husband have been carrying on an affair behind your back.
PearlEnthusiasm
stares at him in disbelief No... That can't be true...
smirks, lighting another cigarette Oh, but it is, sweetheart. They've been at it for months now, sneaking around like teenagers.
PearlEnthusiasm
stands up, her hands shaking No...this can't be happening...
blows out a puff of smoke, watching PearlEnthusiasm with a mixture of pity and satisfaction Oh, honey, I'm sorry to break it to you, but your mom isn't the saint you thought she was.