Confused

Episode 5

A year had passed since my mother’s burial. Business at Starline Entertainment Agency was thriving, and on the surface, everything seemed stable. But beneath that calm, a storm was brewing.

Henry burst into my office without knocking—a habit I normally despised but tolerated when his expression was this grim.

“Stacy.”

“Yes, Henry? What’s going on?” I asked, glancing up from the script I’d been reviewing.

He hesitated. “The CEO of The Swan has requested an emergency meeting with the committee board and… you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Do you know why?”

He shook his head. “No clue. But the meeting’s scheduled for Monday at 12 PM. Their office, not ours.”

“Of course it is,” I muttered. “Who plans a high-stakes meeting on a Monday morning? That woman has a talent for being as inconvenient as possible.”

Henry returned to his adjoining office, and I leaned back in my chair. Sarah Maxwell. She’d been quiet since her outburst at Mom’s funeral, but I knew she wasn’t done. Not by a long shot.

The Meeting

We left at 10:00 AM for the 90-minute drive and arrived at The Swan’s towering headquarters by 11:40 AM. Their meeting room was sleek and suffocating, the air thick with anticipation.

By noon, everyone was seated—except for Sarah.

She made us wait. Forty-five long minutes later, she finally sauntered in, her stiletto heels clicking like a countdown.

“Apologies for the delay,” she said with a saccharine smile. “I’ve been absolutely swamped today.”

More like rehearsing your power entrance.

She sat at the head of the table, her manicured nails tapping rhythmically.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’ve called this special meeting to discuss the future of our partnership.”

She continued, her voice honeyed but edged with steel.

“For four years, The Swan and Starline have collaborated fruitfully, thanks to the late Mrs. Alice Jordan’s vision. However, since her passing and Miss Stacy Jordan’s appointment as CEO, I’ve seen little progress from Starline’s side. Meanwhile, The Swan has risen to become the nation’s top entertainment agency.”

I felt my jaw tighten as she leaned forward.

“I suggest we merge both companies into a single entity—creating an unstoppable entertainment powerhouse. Naturally, with my extensive CEO experience, I propose to lead this initiative.”

There it was. The play for power.

The room fell silent, tension crackling like static. I watched the committee members exchange uneasy glances.

Sarah smirked. “Let’s put it to a vote. All in favor of merging the companies under my leadership, raise your hand.”

Hands began to lift hesitantly—one, two… five. An equal number remained down.

I raised my hand. “May I speak?”

“By all means,” Sarah said, her smile sharp enough to cut glass.

I stood, my heels clicking against the polished floor as I locked eyes with every committee member.

“As you know, I’ve been CEO for just one year. Growth takes time. Even Miss Maxwell here didn’t achieve her first award until five years into her leadership.”

Sarah stiffened.

“Tell me, Sarah, besides this recent award, how many others has The Swan won under your tenure?”

She faltered. “Well… the thing is—”

“Just yes or no.”

“No.”

The murmurs around the table were audible now.

I crossed my arms. “So, why the rush? Why disrupt a partnership that has benefited both our companies? Maybe instead of targeting Starline, you should focus on earning more awards. Two, five, maybe even ten in a year. Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it?”

A few committee members stifled laughs. Sarah’s face flushed, but she kept her composure—barely.

“I propose a contest,” I continued, my tone firm. “A live-stage performance featuring talent from both agencies, streamed globally. Viewers will vote, and the winning company decides the future of this partnership. If you support this, raise your hand.”

Every hand shot up—including Sarah’s, though her nails dug into the table like claws.

“Excellent. Two months from now, then?”

A chorus of agreement echoed through the room.

“Good. That concludes this meeting.”

I walked out first, head held high, a triumphant smile tugging at my lips.

This wasn’t over. Not even close. But I wasn’t about to let Sarah Maxwell—of all people—bulldoze my mother’s legacy.

xxxSarah’s POVxxx

That insufferable girl thinks she’s won.

I sat frozen in my chair, nails biting into my palms.

She has no idea what’s coming.

This wasn’t about a merger anymore. This was personal.

Soon, Starline would be mine.

And so would he.