Complicit

Later that day, the atmosphere at the Croft estate was tense. Barry Croft, his son Vinser Croft, Victoria Qin, and a few of their trusted elders gathered in the opulent meeting room, the air thick with unspoken tensions and the weight of the day's events.

Barry Croft paced the room, his face a mask of barely concealed irritation. He turned to Victoria, his voice edged with frustration. "You did amazing today, too amazing."

Victoria immediately understood the underlying message. Barry was annoyed that she had stolen too much of the spotlight at the Capitol building, overshadowing his own efforts. Her expression remained calm and respectful as she responded, "My apologies, Senior. It was not my intention to overstep. I recognize my mistake."