Episode 3
588 Words
Rivals in the Spotlight
The headlines were impossible to ignore.
"Larson Automotive and Emerald Motors: The Beginning of a New Business War?"
"The Cold CEO vs. The Youngest Billionaire."
Every news channel discussed the encounter between Kyle Larson and Jade Jordan at the International Automobile Summit.
Neither of them was amused.
---
Inside Larson Automotive...
Kyle sat in his office, reading the morning newspaper.
He tossed it onto his desk.
"Ridiculous."
Verona Desmond entered carrying a cup of black coffee.
"You've made the front page again."
"I noticed."
"They're calling Jade Jordan your greatest rival."
Kyle leaned back in his chair.
"I don't have rivals."
Verona smiled.
"Really?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"I have competitors."
Before Verona could reply, his secretary rushed into the office.
"Sir, Emerald Motors has just signed a partnership with one of our overseas suppliers."
Kyle remained calm.
"Find another supplier."
"Immediately, sir."
---
At Emerald Motors...
Diana Ross burst into Jade's office with a tablet in her hand.
"You have to see this!"
Jade barely looked up.
"If it's gossip, I'm not interested."
"It's about Larson Automotive."
Jade sighed and took the tablet.
A business magazine ranked Kyle Larson as the Most Influential CEO of the Year.
She scoffed.
"They clearly have low standards."
Diana laughed.
"I knew you'd say that."
Another notification appeared.
Emerald Motors Ranked the Fastest-Growing Automobile Company.
Jade smiled proudly.
"Now that's real news."
---
Two days later...
Both companies attended a luxury car exhibition.
The event attracted investors from around the world.
Kyle was examining a prototype engine when he heard a familiar voice.
"I didn't expect to see you here."
He turned around.
Jade.
"I could say the same."
She glanced at the engine.
"Interesting design."
Kyle folded his arms.
"You don't like it?"
"I didn't say that."
"You were thinking it."
Jade smiled confidently.
"It has potential."
"But ours is still better."
Kyle almost smiled.
"Confidence isn't proof."
"Neither is arrogance."
Before either could continue, reporters surrounded them.
"Mr. Larson!"
"Miss Jordan!"
"Would you two ever consider working together?"
Kyle answered first.
"No."
Jade spoke immediately after.
"Absolutely not."
The reporters laughed at their synchronized response.
One reporter asked,
"Who do you think is the better CEO?"
Jade looked directly at Kyle.
"I'll let the results speak for themselves."
Kyle nodded.
"I was about to say the same."
Their eyes locked once more.
Neither was willing to back down.
---
That evening...
Jade arrived at City General Hospital.
She sat beside her mother, Jenny Jordan, gently holding her hand.
"You'd probably laugh if you met him, Mom."
"He's impossible."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"But..."
"...he's different."
She quickly shook her head.
"What am I even saying?"
---
Meanwhile...
Kyle stood on the balcony of Larson Mansion, staring at the city lights.
Verona joined him.
"You've been thinking."
"I always think."
"About business?"
Kyle didn't answer.
Instead, he remembered the confident look in Jade's eyes.
For the first time in years...
Someone had challenged him without fear.
Verona noticed the silence and smiled to herself.
"This rivalry," she whispered.
"...is only just beginning."
Far away...
Three women sat in an expensive café.
Layla.
Tiana.
Ariana.
A newspaper lay on their table, displaying Jade's photograph.
Layla's smile was cold.
"So..."
"Our dear Jade has become famous."
Ariana folded the newspaper.
"She thinks she's untouchable."
Tiana smirked.
"Then let's remind her of the girl she used to be."
The three women laughed.
Completely unaware...
Their next move would change Jade's life forever.
End of Episode 3
- Writer
