LUCIOUS & COOKIE: TUG OF WAR II (REMASTERED)

WARNING BEFORE DESTRUCTION

A month and a half later....

Lucious

With the pregnancy crisis averted and the family all rejuvenated, Cookie and I are in full business mode once more. Tomorrow we're putting on the Lucious Lyon Foundation Charity Concert that we've been planning for months. The stock has actually rebounded very well and despite a few critics sprinkled here and there, Empire's and the Lyon family image are mending quite well. Thankfully, people seem to have forgotten all about the nasty little scandals that plagued us not to long ago. 

The concert is gonna be broadcast worldwide and the proceeds are going to be equally dispersed to help with benefits for wounded soldiers and their families. We figured that's one of the worthiest causes for us to donate to and besides it definitely makes Empire look good in the process.

"Wow, the view from up there was breath taking Lucious." Mimi uttered as we strolled side by side heading down from the arena sky box towards the backstage area. 

"Yeah, it's the best seat in the house for sure Mimi." I replied while we climbed off the elevator and down the back halls of the auditorium.

I'm showing her around the concert venue because this is her first behind the scenes look at what all goes into putting on a show of this magnitude, since she's become a member of Empire's board. 

We continued to walk, the heels of my custom brown Louis Vuittons clicking against the floors while the vibration from the speakers rattled around us.

Jamal and Hakeem are on stage running through their performance of Ain't About The Money as we make our way past Skye and Freda's dressing rooms. 

"Well, you know with the closing of this new Swift Stream deal you'll be able to ensure that your family continues to enjoy the finer things for the rest of your lives. As you guys deserve." Mimi spat in my direction once we finally arrived, posted ourselves on the side of the stage then watched as Cookie ensured the lightings perfectly timed.

My baby's producing the show, so I know that everything will flow smoothly. "This deal does launch us into a new stratosphere of success doesn't it. Within six months there won't be another entertainment company that can touch us. Empire will be unstoppable." I replied while crossing my arms over my chest.

"Indeed it will be. Indeed it will." Mimi uttered then took a sip from her cup of coffee as both of us directed our attention back towards the stage and watched the boys finish up their performance. 

Freda took the stage next to practice her song Boss. 

"Hey dad." Both of the boys said as they hurriedly brushed by us to go and prep for their solo performances. 

"Hey y'all." I told them.

I noticed Cookie give Freda a few tips on things that she wants changed before she strutted towards the opposite side of the stage across from where Mimi and I are standing. She started chatting with Laz who stood next to the video engineer booth with a mile wide grin painted along his lips, my jaw flinched at the sight. 

Not because I don't trust her but because I don't like the way he's constantly staring at her whenever he's anywhere near her vicinity. Something about him has always bothered me but, we did what we had to do at the time because no other promoter would touch us.

"She is an extraordinary woman. You're a lucky man Lucious." Rung through my ears, snapping me from my thoughts as Mimi awaited my response to her compliment. I completely forgot she was next to me, and she must have noticed the direction of my gaze. My hands slid inside my pockets, and I faced her.