Mary, on the other hand, laughed out loud, thinking that Tiffany was not yet her match.
Seizing the opportunity to steer the conversation, she taunted, "Tiffany, you've always had a flair for the dramatic. Is this your attempt at a hostile takeover?"
Tiffany's gain her composure with her resolve hardened. "This is about principles, Mary. Something you seem to have forgotten in your pursuit of wealth."
Mary, with a sly smile, shot back, "Principles don't pay the bills, Tiffany. But I suppose you're too idealistic to understand that."
As the snake poised for an attack, Nexus, acting on instinct, swiftly positioned himself between the two adversaries, he interjected, "Ladies, perhaps we can find a middle ground. There's no need for a showdown." The ballroom, oblivious to the brewing storm, continued its lively affair, the music and laughter forming a stark contrast to the tension that gripped this particular corner.
