Two Strikes

Victoria walked into her father's study, her mind heavy with the weight of the Viper's expectations. Richard Sterling, the leader of the Vipers, looked up from his desk as she entered.

"Victoria, my dear," Richard said, his voice filled with pride. "You performed admirably at the meeting today. I can see great potential in you."

Victoria took a seat opposite her father, her expression a mixture of determination and hesitation. "Thank you, Father. But I have some concerns about the task they assigned me."

Richard leaned back in his chair, studying his daughter intently. "Tell me, Victoria, what's on your mind?"

"I was given the task of getting Jared to sign a corporation with the Vipers," Victoria confessed. "But I'm not sure I want to jeopardize my relationship with him for the sake of a business alliance. I still care about him deeply."

Richard's face hardened slightly, his eyes searching Victoria's. "Victoria, my dear, you must understand that in the world we operate in, personal ma