Bell adjusted the lapel of her blazer, trying to steady her breathing as she stepped out of the car. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a soft golden light over the sleek building where the meeting would take place. Her steps felt heavy, weighed down by the invisible pressure of Vivica's life bearing down on her shoulders. Liz stood beside her, quiet but reassuring, while Lisa led the way, her phone glued to her hand as she confirmed details with the investor's assistant.
"This is it," Lisa said, turning to Bell before they entered. "Just be yourself… or rather, be Vivica. These investors have been working with her for years, but I'm sure you'll do great."
Bell nodded, though the pit in her stomach only seemed to deepen. She wished she had more time to prepare, more time to understand Vivica's relationships, but the urgency of the situation left her no choice. "I'll do my best," Bell murmured, her voice tense with nerves.
Inside the building, they were led through a polished marble lobby to a conference room where the investors were waiting. The air in the room was cold, sterile, and heavy with the scent of leather and cologne. A long oak table sat in the center, with several well-dressed men and women seated around it. Their faces were expectant, some neutral, others skeptical.
As Bell entered the room, the investors' eyes locked on her, examining her every move. She could almost feel the weight of their judgment, the silent expectations that Vivica Winters would be the same bold, confident woman they'd always known. But today, they didn't know they were dealing with Bell.
"Ms. Winters, thank you for making the time," said the man seated at the head of the table, a stern-looking figure in his late fifties with silver hair and a crisp suit. His eyes were sharp, almost calculating, as they flickered over Bell's appearance.
Bell offered a polite smile, though her hands were clammy. "Of course. I understand the importance of this meeting. I wouldn't miss it," she said, trying to channel Vivica's charm. She could feel her pulse quickening, the tension in the room almost suffocating.
As she took her seat, Lisa positioned herself discreetly behind her, ready to step in if needed, while Liz lingered by the door, her presence a silent support. Bell folded her hands on the table, reminding herself to breathe.
The man at the head of the table leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "We've been a little concerned, Ms. Winters. Over the past few months, there's been… shall we say, some inconsistency in your public appearances, not to mention a few business decisions that have raised eyebrows."
Bell's throat tightened. She wasn't sure what they were referring to, but she couldn't let them see her falter. She had to be Vivica, bold and unbothered. "I understand your concerns," Bell replied, her voice steady. "It's true that I've been focusing on personal growth recently, which may have caused some delays or shifts in my usual schedule. But I assure you, I'm fully committed to making this project a success."
There was a murmur of acknowledgment, but not all the faces seemed convinced. One woman with sleek, dark hair and a sharp gaze leaned forward, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. "Vivica, we need assurance that the brand we're investing in is stable. This upcoming event is crucial. We've heard rumors… that you've changed your team, that you've been distant. Investors need consistency, especially in a market like this."
Bell swallowed hard, feeling a trickle of sweat at the back of her neck. She was being tested. Every word she said now would either keep these investors on board or push them away. "I understand your need for stability," Bell said carefully, "But as you know, the entertainment industry is always evolving. What makes Vivica Winters stand out is her ability to adapt and grow. The changes I've made were necessary to take things to the next level, and I assure you, they've only strengthened my team."
A flicker of uncertainty passed through some of the investors, but the man at the head of the table wasn't easily convinced. He raised an eyebrow, his voice low and firm. "Talk is cheap, Ms. Winters. We need to see results. The investors are asking for a guarantee that the event will go as planned. Can you give us that?"
Bell's heart pounded, but she straightened her back, looking the man in the eye. "Absolutely. I've been preparing intensely, and I'm confident that the upcoming event will exceed your expectations. You have my word."
For a moment, there was silence. The tension in the room felt thick enough to cut. Bell's mind raced, wondering if she had said enough, if she had managed to convince them. She could feel Liz's eyes on her, silently cheering her on from the sidelines.
Finally, the man at the head of the table leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Very well," he said slowly. "We'll hold you to that, Ms. Winters. But understand, if this event falls short, the consequences will be significant."
Bell exhaled slowly, her relief hidden beneath a calm exterior. "I won't let you down," she promised, though inside, the weight of those words settled heavily on her chest.
The meeting wrapped up shortly after, with the investors exchanging a few final words with Lisa about logistics and timelines. Bell shook hands with each of them, maintaining the poised, confident front she had worked so hard to project. But inside, she felt drained, the emotional toll of holding up Vivica's image starting to fray at her nerves.
After the investors had left and the tension in the room finally lifted, Lisa straightened her papers, her professional demeanor slipping back into place. Bell slumped back in her chair, letting out a long sigh. She glanced at Bell, then exchanged a look with Liz, who remained at Bell's side. The silence between the three women felt heavy, as if each one was processing the weight of the meeting in their own way.
Lisa was the first to break the silence, her tone firm but cautious. "That went as well as it could have, Vivica," she said, glancing over her clipboard. "But you know what's next on the list, right? The event's preparations are pressing, and we still need to complete that recording session you postponed." Liz moved to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You did great," she said softly.
Bell shook her head, exhaustion lining her features. "I barely made it through. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up."
"You're stronger than you think," Liz replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "But we'll get to the hospital soon, I promise. You deserve answers."
Lisa joined them, her face a mix of relief and worry. "You handled that well, Vivica… but he's right. The event has to go perfectly."
Bell nodded, already feeling the pressure of the upcoming event building inside her. "Yeah… I know."