Well, I suppose that's a good idea...let me just take one last look at this beautiful city. she sighs and looks up at the sky before turning back to Abhi Alright then, show them to me.

It took a few moments for her to be ushered into the presence of the men who were there to meet with her. They all looked...well-groomed and polished, as one would expect of such important figures in their respective countries. But when they saw Victoria enter the room, there was an almost palpable shift in the air; it seemed like their attention snapped to her like a rubber band being released.

Ms. Sterling glided across the room, her movements practiced and graceful despite the heels she was wearing. Her gaze swept over each man in turn, assessing them much like she would any other political rival or ally. When she reached the center of the room, she paused for a moment before speaking.

"Gentlemen," she said, her voice cool and controlled, "it's a pleasure to finally meet with you all."

She then took a seat at the table, making sure to position herself so that she was facing each man directly. Abhi stood nearby, silent but attentive as always. The men exchanged glances among themselves before sitting down as well. It seemed like they were trying to decide who would speak first; Victoria Sterling's presence had thrown off the usual power dynamic between them.

"Ms. Sterling," one of them finally said, "we appreciate you taking the time to meet with us."

She smiled slightly, a cold glint in her eyes. "I'm here to discuss our mutual interests, Mr...?" she prompted, not bothering to hide her disdain for small talk or courtesies. The man seemed momentarily flustered before introducing himself and launching into his prepared speech about the importance of their cooperation on various international issues.

As he talked, Victoria listened carefully, her expression betraying nothing. She had honed this skill over decades of political machinations;

the ability to appear interested and attentive while simultaneously calculating the best way to manipulate or dismiss whatever was being said. It was a talent that had served her well, and she intended to make full use of it today.

When the man finally finished speaking, she nodded thoughtfully before responding. "Your points are valid," she allowed, "but I think we need to focus on prioritizing our efforts. There's only so much time and resources available, after all." Her tone was soft, almost soothing...

"Ah," she said with a small smile. "Because, my dear sir, I have been in your position before. And I know that sometimes it's easier to simply follow someone who already knows the way." She paused for effect, raising an eyebrow ever so slightly. "And let's not forget about the benefits of working with someone like myself: well-connected, experienced...and quite successful."

The question hung in the air for a moment as she took another sip of her water. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of amusement lurking behind her carefully composed features. "Oh, dear," she said with a chuckle. "I don't think you quite understand how this works, do you?" She leaned back in her chair, studying the man who had asked the question. "Let me explain it to you like this:

You don't obey me because I can make you.

You obey me because it's in your best interest to do so." She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "I offer a path to power and influence that most men dream of. And while I appreciate your confidence in my abilities," she added with another cool smile, "it's not about what I can do for you. It's about what you can achieve by working with me."

There was silence in the room as her words sank in.

At this, Victoria's expression shifted slightly. A look of mild annoyance flickered across her features before she schooled it away almost immediately. "Really," she drawled, "you think that's wise? To go against the only person who can truly help you?" She shook her head slowly, as if pitying their naivete.

"If that's your choice," she continued, her tone suddenly cold and hard as steel, "then fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

She leaned forward in her chair, folding her hands on the tabletop. "Oh," she said with a sigh, "I have many tools at my disposal. I could make things...uncomfortable for you, if you insist." Her voice was low and dangerous now; she was no longer trying to charm or manipulate them into submission.

"But honestly," she went on, "is that really the kind of world you want to live in? Where everyone's always looking over their shoulder, afraid of what I might do next?"

"All right," she said at last, her voice softening slightly. "I'll be honest with you. I don't need your loyalty; I have plenty of other options." She glanced briefly at Abhi, who nodded almost imperceptibly. "What I want is cooperation. Mutual respect. A working relationship where everyone benefits."

She paused for a moment, studying the men's faces before continuing. "But if you insist on making this difficult," she said slowly, her tone ominous now, "

on forcing my hand..." She trailed off, letting the threat hang in the air like a guillotine blade. "Just remember that I am Victoria Sterling," she said finally. "And I always win."

"I'll hurt you," she said simply, her tone flat and emotionless. "I'll make your lives a living hell. I'll take everything from you that you hold dear...your power, your influence, maybe even your sanity." She leaned back in her chair again, regarding them with cold disdain.

"But," she added slowly, as if it pained her to be so generous, "I don't have to do any of those things. It's up to you."

"You'll get me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You'll have access to my network, my experience...my victories." She smiled then, but there was no warmth in it. "And you'll reap the rewards of being on the winning side."

There was another long silence as the men considered her offer. Some looked uneasy; others seemed intrigued despite themselves. Finally, one of them cleared his throat. "We'd like to discuss this further," he said carefully. "