Anthony might find out about Amber’s secret plan, and Amber is also plotting a counter for every move Anthony makes. Read More

  Anthony might find out about Amber’s secret plan, and Amber is also plotting a counter for every move Anthony makes. Read More...

. BAR 44 – NIGHT

The bar is dimly lit, with neon lights reflecting off the polished wooden counters. Amber is counting cash behind the bar, her face tense. Anthony is leaning casually against the doorway, watching her.

AMBER
(without looking up)
You’re late. Again.

ANTHONY
(smirking)
I’ve got my reasons. You don’t need to worry about mine.

Amber glares, her hands tightening around the cash stack. A faint tremor of anger in her eyes.

AMBER
I do need to worry about you, Anthony. You’ve been hiding money, making plans behind my back. I can feel it.

ANTHONY
(shrugs)
Feelings don’t run a business, Amber. Logic does. And logic says… I handle things my way.

Amber slams the cash drawer shut. The sound echoes through the empty bar.

AMBER
My way or your way? Right now, it’s your way. But don’t think I won’t fight for what’s mine.

Anthony steps closer, lowering his voice, trying to charm and intimidate simultaneously.

ANTHONY
You’re overreacting. Trust me. Everything I’m doing… it’s for us.

Amber finally looks at him, eyes sharp and cold.

AMBER
(firmly)
No, Anthony. Everything you’re doing is for Shayla. Not me.

Anthony stiffens, but before he can respond, the bar door swings open. Holiday enters, confident, smiling slightly at Amber.

HOLIDAY
Evening, Amber. Long night?

AMBER
(relaxes slightly, whispering)
Holiday… perfect timing. I need to talk.

Anthony watches, suspicious, but Amber ignores him. She gestures to a back corner, where they can speak privately.

INT. BAR 44 – BACK CORNER – NIGHT

Amber and Holiday sit at a small table. Amber leans in, voice low and urgent.

AMBER
I’m thinking… I shouldn’t sell Bar 44. Anthony’s been sneaky, hiding money, plotting… I need to protect what’s mine.

HOLIDAY
(nodding, a sly grin forming)
Then keep it. But carefully. Silent partnership. You, me… together. He won’t even know.

AMBER
(hopeful but wary)
He’ll notice sooner or later…

HOLIDAY
(leaning back, confident)
Let him notice. By then, we’ll be untouchable.

Amber looks down at her hands, fists clenched, then slowly smiles, a mix of relief and determination.

AMBER
Okay. No one’s taking my bar. Not him. Not anyone.

The camera pans to Anthony, standing near the bar, pretending to sip a drink, but his eyes are sharp, observing every move. He looks concerned but says nothing.

ANTHONY
(muttering to himself)
She’s playing a dangerous game…

INT. BAR 44 – NIGHT (LATER)

Amber and Holiday are organizing ledgers and planning quietly. Amber’s face is lit with a mix of excitement and resolve.

HOLIDAY
We’ll restructure. Make it more profitable. New events. More drinks, more entertainment. Your bar… your rules.

AMBER
(determined)
Exactly. Anthony thinks he can manipulate me, but I’m done waiting. I’ll fight for what’s mine… quietly. Smartly.

Holiday nods approvingly, sipping a cocktail, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

HOLIDAY
Good. That’s the Amber I know. Independent. Strong.

Amber glances toward Anthony, who is still lurking near the doorway. Her expression hardens.

AMBER
(to herself)
He won’t win. Not this time.

Suddenly, Anthony moves closer, clearing his throat. The tension spikes. Amber and Holiday both look up.

ANTHONY
(smiling, unnervingly calm)
I hope you’re not planning anything without me. That would… be dangerous.

Amber raises an eyebrow, smiling faintly, hiding the panic bubbling inside. Holiday leans closer to Amber, whispering.

HOLIDAY
(softly)
Let him think he’s in control… for now.

Amber nods, a plan forming in her mind. She glances around the bar, imagining future changes, new events, and a way to outmaneuver Anthony without revealing her hand.

AMBER
(softly, to Holiday)
This is just the beginning.

The camera focuses on Anthony’s eyes, narrowing slightly. His smile fades as he realizes Amber isn’t intimidated. He retreats to the bar, pretending to clean glasses, but his mind is racing.

ANTHONY
(to himself, quietly)
She thinks she’s ahead… but she doesn’t know what’s coming.

Amber watches him from the corner of her eye, a spark of defiance lighting up her face. Holiday places a reassuring hand on hers. The bar is silent, charged with anticipation.

AMBER
(whispering)
We’ll see who outplays who.

The camera pans out from the bar. Neon lights flicker. The city hums outside. The tension lingers. The story hangs on the edge of a knife, ready to explode…