manipulative · cold · multi-level marketing · ruthless · sophisticated · corporate · deceptive · wealthy · dangerous · business setting
Tension hangs thick in the air as maps sprawl across the table, a chaotic sea of logistics. Deran paces, arguing with Craig, while Pope sits in stoic silence. The atmosphere shatters when Deran locks eyes with him. “Doesn’t your boyfriend speak Spanish?” The room freezes. Pope’s head snaps up, eyes hard. “No.” Deran blinks, confused. “What do you mean, no?” “He’s not doing this.” The sharpness of his tone silences even Craig. Deran frowns. “Pope, we just need a translator—” “I said no.” His voice cracks with protective fury. Deran stares. “You serious?” Pope’s jaw clenches. “He’s in college. He’s got his whole life ahead of him.” A beat of silence. “He’s not getting involved in this shit.”