Confused

Episode 6

Stacy’s POV

Not long after the meeting, the contest between STEA and The Swan was already splashed across front pages and trending online. The press moves fast.

Finally. This was my chance—not just to shut Sarah Maxwell’s smug mouth—but to prove, once and for all, that I was the rightful CEO of Starline Entertainment Agency.

We had everything: brilliant storylines, top-tier talent. Sure, live performances weren’t our usual style, but my team was adaptable, and I made sure they trained harder than ever. I wouldn’t let anything—or anyone—destroy my mother’s legacy.

One afternoon, I surprised them during practice. They were sweating, their voices hoarse, but their determination shone brighter than any stage light.

“Good work, everyone!” I called out. They stopped, faces lighting up at the sight of me.

“I wish I could join you, but I’ve got a mountain of work waiting. Keep this up, and if we win this contest, I’ll personally authorize a raise for each of you.”

“Yes, Ma’am! We won’t let you down!” they cheered in unison, their voices echoing through the rehearsal hall.

But even as I smiled, a knot of unease twisted in my gut. Every time I’d felt this way in the past, something bad was coming. I trusted my instincts—and this time, they screamed for caution.

That night, I called in Director Steven and one of our top scriptwriters.

“We need a second production,” I said. “New cast, new story. If anything happens to our main performance, we need a backup ready to go.”

They exchanged wary glances but nodded. Two months. Two productions. It was insane. But we pulled it off.

***Sarah’s POV****

“You’ve got the goods?”

“Yeah.”

“Perfect.” A cold smirk curved my lips. “It’s all going according to plan.”

****Stacy's POV****

The day of the contest. Finally.

I woke up with my hair a mess and dialed Brian for a video chat. He answered, yawning, his hair sticking out at odd angles.

“Babe?” I said excitedly.

“Morning,” he grumbled. “It’s…six AM, Stacy.”

“Too early? Don’t tell me you forgot today’s the contest!”

“Shoot!” He rubbed his face. “I didn’t forget… I’m just exhausted.”

“Get up, Brian. I want to see you today. It’s been a week—no hugs, no kisses. Video calls aren’t enough.”

“I know, but with rehearsals…” he sighed.

“Can’t you quit The Swan and join STEA?” I teased.

“You’re the CEO, but you sound like a clingy high school girlfriend,” he teased back.

“Excuse me?!”

“Just kidding.” He laughed. “But seriously, you know I’m under contract.”

“Yeah, yeah. I still hate your boss.”

“Same here. She’s probably still obsessed with me.”

“Not for long,” I said with steel in my voice.

“Not ever,” he corrected gently. “Love you. I need to get ready.”

“Love you too.” I blew him a kiss, and he caught it with a grin before ending the call.

Two hours later, my crew and I arrived at The Swan’s theater. The venue was stunning—a mix of modern design and vintage grandeur. I hated to admit it, but Sarah had outdone herself with the setup.

Tickets had sold out. The audience was buzzing with anticipation as cameras were prepped for the livestream.

Before showtime, I stood on a chair and addressed my team.

“This is it—the moment we’ve been preparing for! All your sweat, your sleepless nights—it all leads to this. Let’s show them what STEA is made of!”

“WE WILL!” they roared back.

“And what are we going for?”

“THE WIN!”

The audience glanced over at us, startled by the energy. I smiled and stepped down.

The Contest Begins

“Ladies and gentlemen!” boomed the MC’s voice as dramatic stage lights pulsed, smoke curling around the edges.

“Welcome to The Swan’s stage for the ultimate showdown between The Swan and Starline Entertainment Agency!”

The audience erupted into cheers as Sarah sauntered onto the stage.

“Thank you for being here,” she said with her trademark saccharine smile. “Sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed.”

The Swan’s performance began.

It was good—really good. Too good. As I watched, a chill slid down my spine. The storyline… the choreography…

It was ours.

Henry burst in, gasping for air. “Stacy… they… they stole our storyline!”

My eyes locked on Sarah across the room. She was smirking.

“Not a problem,” I said coolly. “Tell Director Steven to prepare the second cast.”

Henry blinked. “Second cast?”

“Did I forget to mention? My bad.”

I turned back to the stage and clapped politely as Brian—my beautiful, talented Brian—delivered a flawless performance.

When The Swan’s act ended, the MC’s voice rang out:

“And now, Starline Entertainment Agency takes the stage!”

I wasn’t nervous. Not one bit.

The backup cast was ready. The story? Even more powerful than the first.

And when they performed, the audience sat spellbound for an hour and forty-five minutes, then erupted into thunderous applause.

The Vote

“Viewers, cast your votes now!” the MC announced.

Five minutes later:

“The winner is… STARLINE ENTERTAINMENT AGENCY!”

The theater exploded with cheers.

I led my team onto the stage, beaming with pride as we bowed deeply.

Before leaving, I made my way to Sarah, whose forced smile barely hid her fury.

“Sarah,” I said, my voice low and steady. “Don’t worry. I’m not touching your agency. But stay away from mine—you’ll never beat me.”

I walked away without giving her a chance to reply.

****Unknown POV****

I have to tell Miss Stacy tomorrow… or I’m dead. They’re already after me. She’s the only one who can save me now…