A new Alliance
280 Words
The press release had been published, and the reaction was immediate—a tidal wave of attention that neither Ariana nor Liam had fully anticipated. The honesty of their statement won some respect, but the court of public opinion was never simple.
As the headlines shifted from scandal to speculation, a surprising message arrived in Liam’s inbox—a proposal for a temporary alliance from a rival company, Madison & Co., led by the savvy and enigmatic CEO, Evelyn Madison.
Liam frowned as he read the carefully worded offer. Evelyn’s reputation for cutting-edge innovation was unmatched, but so was her tendency to play power games.
“This could be an opportunity,” Liam told Ariana during one late-night meeting in his office. “If we join forces, we can protect the Carter Legacy Project—and maybe silence some of the attacks.”
Ariana looked thoughtful but wary. “Do you trust her?”
He shook his head. “Not entirely. But sometimes you have to work with the enemy to survive.”
They arranged a meeting with Evelyn, a sharp and poised woman whose confidence filled the room the moment she walked in.
“You’re in a tough spot,” Evelyn said, smiling thinly. “But I believe in mutual benefit. We help you, and you help us.”
The terms were clear but complicated—shared resources, joint marketing, and an exchange of top talent. Ariana knew it meant navigating even murkier waters.
As the negotiations unfolded, Liam and Ariana realized that the line between ally and adversary was thinner than ever.
But in this game, trust was the most valuable—and the most dangerous—currency.
- Writer
