𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 , ᶻᵃʸⁿ ᵐᵃˡⁱᵏ

business deals

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋
LIAM:

I took a steadying breath, my eyes glued to the screen as Serena settled into the sleek conference room, surrounded by the HQ's top executives. They'd dressed it up to look like a friendly meeting, but I knew it was anything but. The way they leaned in, their eyes sharp as they watched her every move, sent a surge of unease down my spine.

In my mind, I ran over the plan again, fighting against the growing pit in my stomach. This had been the only way to keep her safe from the footage, from the leverage they held over me. But seeing her there, so unaware of the real stakes, made me question everything.

Through the earpiece, I caught snippets of the executives' voices. Polite, cordial, welcoming—but with a calculated undertone in every question. They were pushing, feeling her out, testing her reactions.

Serena leaned forward, her smile polite but guarded, giving them answers I knew were crafted carefully. She had no idea the lengths I'd gone to bring her here, nor the kind of people she was really dealing with. The weight of it all pressed down on me, and I gripped the edge of the desk, the plastic digging into my palms.

For a split second, she glanced toward the observation window, almost as if she sensed I was watching. I held my breath, wondering if some part of her knew I was nearby, even if she couldn't see me.

"So, Serena," one of them began, leaning forward, "we're curious about your thoughts on expanding your influence beyond music. Have you ever considered entering the world of endorsements with our brand?"

She shifted, a hint of surprise flashing across her face. "I've thought about it, but only if it aligns with my values and what my fans expect from me."

One of the older executives smiled, his gaze sharp. "And that's exactly why we'd like you on board. Your authenticity speaks volumes, and, well...authenticity sells. Wouldn't you agree, Serena?"

She nodded, but I could see a hint of discomfort in her posture. Another executive chimed in, smoothly transitioning topics. "We noticed you're interested in social causes. Our network could give you an incredible platform to amplify those efforts—if you're willing to collaborate with us."

The conversation took on an increasingly persuasive tone, slowly closing in. They praised her influence, offering subtle hints about the global connections they could provide. From endorsements to potential partnerships, they dangled opportunities, each designed to draw her in further.

one of the executives paused, exchanging glances with his colleagues before pulling out a tablet. He tapped the screen, and the room dimmed slightly as footage began to play on the large monitor across from Serena. Her face froze, watching as the compromising scenes of her and the celebrity flashed across the screen in sharp, unforgiving detail.

She recoiled, eyes darting between each of their faces as the implications sank in. One executive leaned forward, his voice quiet but firm, almost as if he were giving her a choice, though it was anything but.

"You see, Serena," he began, his words dripping with feigned sympathy, "it would be a shame if the world were to see this side of you. We don't want to ruin what you've worked so hard for, but...helping us could ensure this remains just between us."

Another executive joined in, his tone more businesslike. "All we're asking is that you align with our initiatives—lend your face and influence. In return, this footage will stay private, locked away as if it never existed."

Serena's face paled, her confidence visibly shaken, but she held her composure as best as she could. Her silence filled the room with tension

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋
SERENA: