New negotiation

Ashley's lower lip is quivering as she stands rooted to the floor. For a genius who seems like she's always in control, just like in that meeting before in the law firm's conference room, the situation she finds herself in right now must be devastating to her.

You're in no hurry, but soon you're bored of just sitting around while Ashley comes to terms to the reality. You snap your fingers loudly several times to get her attention and she looks at you. You motion for her to come towards you on the couch, but she doesn't move.

Ashley opens her mouth to speak, but she has to take in a few quick breaths first before any words can escape. "...okay. I'll take the money and leave you alone," she says, referring to your earlier offer of $20 million.

You burst out into laughter. After you're done, you grin at Ashley and motion around you. "Look around you. You're in the middle of nowhere with no way of communicating or calling for help. I could leave you here and nobody would ever hear from you again. I would say the circumstances of our negotiations have changed, wouldn't you agree?"

Ashley doesn't say anything, but she knows you're right.

"But, I don't want to be cruel and Nigel was a nice guy, so I wouldn't want to do that to his daughter," you continue. Then, changing your tone, you say, "So perhaps I can propose something."

Ashley gulps visibly. "Go on," she says.

"I'm not sure how you know so much about me and my rings, but obviously you're ridiculously smart and those gadgets you've created are like science fiction. So maybe you can work for me," you say.

Ashley considers your words for a while before she speaks. "Doing what?" she asks.

"Whatever. I'm sure I could find a way to use your talents. Combine my rings and your smarts, there's practically nothing we couldn't do or accomplish together," you say.

"So... we would be partners?" Ashley asks hopefully.

You chuckle. "No, you would work for me. You would sign a contract."

Ashley's eyes go even wider at the mention of a contract. She must know about the contracts too. "A work contract?" she asks.

"I assume you know the contracts Nigel had with the women living on his estate?"

"I've read all of them. They don't mention anything about work... and I'm not going to..." Ashley doesn't finish the sentence.

"To bear me a child by the age of 35 or get kicked out of the estate with $10 million? No, your contract would be different," you say. Ashley looks relieved and you pause to let the false hope sink in.

"I... I guess that could work... if I'm compensated for any work," Ashley says.

You shrug. "Sure. But of course, I would need to be assured that you would comply."

"A contract would be legally binding."

"Sure, but so is Nigel's will and you almost took it all away. No, I'll need to use my ring on you for some assurance."

Ashley touches the device on her right ear as you bring up mind control. "But... then you could do anything to me."

"I promise I won't. I'll just make sure that you'll never turn against me and will always comply at the end of the day. I wouldn't want to mess with your great brain, plus I like strong women. You'll still be yourself and free to think and speak whatever you want," you explain.

"Is that what you did to Abby?"

"No, she doesn't know about the rings."

"What about Olivia?" Ashley asks.

"Olivia is an **** case. She was the first person I really used my mind control powers on. I would have done it a different way if I had to choose again."

"I need some time to think about it," Ashley says.

"Sure, just give me your answer after sex," you say.

Ashley looks confused. "After six?" she says, hoping she had misheard you.

You smile and get up slowly. Ashley backs away a few steps, but there's really nowhere for her to go.