∙ 𝚁𝙸𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁 ∙

Ep 21 - Off-Script and On-Site (Pt 1)

Richard's gaze cuts to him — one slow turn of the head, a predator's patience behind calm eyes.

RICHARD:
"Focus on your own board, Stone."

He takes another measured sip.

ANDERS:
"Oh, I am. Matter of fact, I've got more boards than you and Ratzik combined. I'm living the life."

Richard doesn't reply. The silence lands heavier than words. Anders chuckles again — nervous now, like he needs the noise.

ANDERS:
"Ah, you know — tomorrow night I'm throwing a wrap-up party. And I know your daughter's gonna show. I'll make sure she does — tell you all about it herself. My treat. No need for your insiders to spy for you, Sheridan."

He pats Richard's shoulder, too casually to be friendly.

CROUPIER:
"Red twenty-three! Winner — red twenty-three!"

The word snaps Anders' attention back. The wheel slows... the ball drops. Red.

Anders grins wide, scooping up the chips like a man collecting validation.

ANDERS:
"Come to papa."

He laughs low — that hollow, showman's laugh that echoes through the gold-tinted air.

Richard watches. His knuckles tighten briefly around the glass — just once — then relax.

KALEENA (V.O):
"Funny thing about men like Stone and Sheridan... they think they're playing against each other. But really— they're playing two different games."

The wheel spins again.

KALEENA (V.O):
"One's playing Chess—"

Richard's reflection stares back from the mirrored rim, perfectly composed.

KALEENA (V.O):
"And the other is playing Checkers."

Only his eyes flicker with something unspoken.

CUT TO BLACK.

[INT. VIANNE'S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – LATE NIGHT]

Warm light fills the apartment, the faint hum of the city outside mixing with soft jazz from a speaker. The coffee table is cluttered with open notebooks, a wine bottle, and three mismatched glasses — the signature chaos of Vianne's creative space.

Kaleena opens the door, greeting Holly with a relieved grin.

KALEENA:
"Come on in, boss lady."

HOLLY
(smiling, teasing):
"Boss lady? That's new."

As Holly steps inside, her sharp eyes sweep over the place — stylish but lived-in, every inch reflecting Vianne's personality.

KALEENA:
"Holly, this is Vianne — my roommate, designer, stage mom, miracle worker, fairy god mother and unofficial therapist."

VIANNE
(standing, offering a hand):
"Nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

HOLLY
(smiling as they shake hands):
"Same here. You're the one keeping Fontaine from having a full mental breakdown. Bless you."

VIANNE:
"Someone's gotta do it."

Kaleena rolls her eyes and waves them both toward the couch.

They sit — Holly crossing her legs in her sleek blazer, Vianne lounging with a glass of wine, Kaleena perched between them like the bridge between two very different storms.