She tilted her head, her eyes sharp like a blade.
"It's not something undoable," she said carefully. "No. It's not that difficult. But it's also not a game, Violent."
She paused, letting the tension hang thick in the air between them.
"It all comes down to one thing," she continued. "You either say yes, and we go all the way... or you say no, and walk away knowing Emma wins."
She took another slow sip of her wine.
"It's your choice."
Violent didn't flinch. She didn't hesitate.
She leaned forward with clenched fists on the table and said coldly, "Okay. No problem. I'm ready. I want to do it."
Victoria's smile widened.
"Good," she said softly.
Then, like flipping a switch, she leaned back and gave a slow, satisfied nod.
"Then just smile at me, Violent," she whispered. "Because now... it begins."
She lowered her voice even more.
