Wrestling the Kraken

A Friendly Chat

A Friendly Chat

On Saturday, the clouds had finally given way to a sunny morning, with a gentle breeze. Many were out enjoying the good weather, others were stuck inside.

Vivianne dug through her purse, her hands shaking, but it wasn't fear that touched her nerves just now. "Oh, everything will be fine?" The sarcasm in her voice carried a sting from a whip. "You'll take care of it?" She pulled out a set of photos and threw them at Armand. "Take care of this!" They rained down over him, falling to the ground. A few landed on the table, sliding its way over to Mrs. Rossini. "She's the one who set the whole thing up! I'm sure she took those photos, just so she can take everything!"

Vivianne stormed toward the door, but Dante rose in time to stop her. Touching her elbow, he leaned in. "Not that I'm all that charitable towards you at the moment, but you're in just as deep as my father. The least you could do is hear them out."

She snatched her elbow away from his grip, turning to look him in the eyes. "You know, this wouldn't have happened this way with your father and I, if we -"

"Don't even finish that sentence." Dante glared at her. She met his glare, then took a seat. Dante remained standing.

Armand whispered in his lawyer's ear. At a nod from the lawyer, he began. "I'm willing to settle. She can have the Chateau in France, plus the funds from the Swiss account..." he said as calmly as he could manage. Then he pointed a finger to the table and deepened his voice. "... but the circus is mine!"

"No." Mrs. Rossini said, unphased by the previous tension.

"What do you want, woman!" To drain me of it all?" Armand snapped, his lawyer attempting to call him down.

"Mrs. Rossini has full legal claim to the circus since the title lands in her name." Mrs. Rossini's lawyer stated- also unphased.

"You used my money, my name, therefore it is my circus. Both shares, since you came to me to buy Fabian Karras's portion." Mrs. Rossini said, closing up her purse. "Really, how many rounds of this are we going to do?"

"Would you also deny your son? Taking from me, you take from him also!" Armand bellowed, blood rushing to his face.

Mrs. Rossini looked over at Dante, the question relaying in her eyes.

"I'm fine, mother." Dante answered, his voice conveying calm composure.

She looked back over at her soon to be ex-husband with a placid stare, then rose. Her lawyer, following suit, turned to Armand. "My client has been patient enough today. Next time you want to talk make sure it's something worthwhile. Otherwise, the next time we speak will be in court." They both headed out the room.

Armand sat down next to Vivianne, the air spent out of him. He leaned towards her, but she rose, making her way to the window. Her back turned to the room and everyone in it.