For your own ends

Isabelle finally speaks, her voice soft and smooth, as she responds to Amber's greeting.

"Nice to meet you as well."

Amber nods awkwardly, unsure of how to respond to Isabelle's smooth and calculated demeanor. The mayor watches the interaction intently, his smile never leaving his face. Isabelle continues to study Amber with a cool, detached gaze, as if trying to see right through her. The silence in the room is deafening, and Amber can feel the tension in the air, like a coiled spring about to snap. The grandfather clock in the corner ticks loudly, counting out the seconds as if taunting them all.

Amber glances at the grandfather clock, her heart racing. She feels like she's being studied and evaluated by Isabelle and her father, like a mouse caught in a trap. Isabelle continues to stare at her, her cold, calculating gaze never leaving her face. Amber shifts uncomfortably in her seat, feeling increasingly uneasy and on edge. Eventually, the mayor breaks the silence, clearing his throat.

The mayor finally speaks, his voice low and authoritative.

"So, Amber. I take it you have something important to discuss with me?"

Amber takes a deep breath, feeling a wave of nerves and anxiety wash over her. This is the moment she's been waiting for, the moment where she'll ask the mayor for a favor. She tries to keep her voice steady and firm as she speaks.

"Yes, sir. I do have something important to ask you. I need your help with something."

The mayor nods, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He leans forward in his seat, attentive and listening. Isabelle glances over at her father, a flicker of interest crossing her face.

"Alright, what is it that you need help with?"

(\*Amber takes a deep breath, trying to sound confident but failing to hide her nervousness. She looks directly at the mayor and speaks firmly.\*)

"I need you to pull some strings and get me hired at The Velvet Lounge bar. Please."

The mayor raises an eyebrow, surprised by the request. Isabelle smirks, as if amused by Amber's audacity. The mayor studies Amber intently, his gaze unwavering.

"And why, may I ask, do you need to get a job at The Velvet Lounge bar so badly?"

Amber takes a deep breath, gathering her courage as she explains the reason for her request.

"The reason I need to work at The Velvet Lounge bar is because it's the bar that Alexander De-Martin frequents regularly. I believe that if I am able to work there, I will have a better chance of getting close to him and gaining his trust."

The mayor nods approvingly, impressed by Amber's quick thinking. He glances over at Isabelle, as if seeking her approval, before turning back to Amber.

"Smart girl," the mayor says with a smile. "Alright, I'll see what I can do to help you get hired at The Velvet Lounge bar."

Amber can hardly believe her ears. Did the mayor just say he would help her? She feels a wave of relief and gratitude wash over her. Isabelle watches the interaction, her expression unreadable. The mayor continues to speak, his tone casual.

"The Velvet Lounge bar is a popular spot in town, and it's not easy to get a job there. But I have some connections, so I think I can make it happen."

Amber can't believe her luck. She was expecting the mayor to refuse her request, or at least hesitate. But he seems to be willing to help her, without any questions or doubts. Isabelle watches the interaction quietly, her gaze flickering between her father and Amber. The mayor continues to speak, his tone casual and almost too easy.

"Consider it taken care of. I'll make a few calls and see to it that you get an interview at The Velvet Lounge bar.

Amber feels like she could almost burst with gratitude. She was expecting this to be a difficult and stressful situation, but the mayor is being surprisingly agreeable and helpful. Isabelle continues to sit quietly, watching the interaction with a neutral expression. The mayor smiles at Amber, seemingly satisfied by her reaction.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it. I know some of the people that run that bar, so I think I can pull a few strings for you."

Isabelle finally speaks up, speaking directly to Amber with a cool, detached tone.

"You got lucky there. My father doesn't usually help people so easily."

Amber looks over at Isabelle, a bit startled by her sudden comment. Isabelle gazes back at her with a cool, detached expression. Amber can't help but feel a little intimidated by Isabelle's presence and demeanor. The mayor sits back in his chair, listening to the interaction with a satisfied smile on his face. The grandfather clock in the corner ticks loudly, filling the silence with its steady rhythm.

The room falls silent, the tension between Amber and Isabelle palpable in the air. The mayor studies the two women, his expression unreadable. Isabelle doesn't seem to be intimidated by Amber's glare, and a hint of challenge flickers in her eyes. The grandfather clock ticks loudly, the ominous sound reverberating through the tension-filled room. The whole situation feels charged with electricity, like anything could happen at any moment.

Amber glares at Isabelle, her frustration and impatience finally getting the better of her. She speaks firmly, her voice tight with anger.

"Well, I wouldn't be doing this if your father hadn't forced me."

The mayor bristles at Amber's words, his expression suddenly serious and stern. His mouth sets into a thin line, and he speaks in a firm, authoritative tone.

"Watch your tone, young lady. You're here because I'm doing you a favor. You'd do well not to forget that."

Amber laughs bitterly, feeling a wave of defiance and anger wash over her. She meets the mayor's gaze with a cold, defiant expression.

"A favor that I didn't ask for, if you weren't trying to trap me. You act like you're doing me such a big favor, but really you're just using me for your own ends. I'm not interested in being a pawn in your little power games."

The mayor bristles at Amber's words, his expression growing more and more irritated. Isabelle remains calm, watching the interaction with a smirk on her face. The tension in the room builds, and the grandfather clock seems to tick even louder, the sound almost mocking the situation. Amber stands her ground, her eyes locked on the mayor's, refusing to back down.