Theodore trudged into the penthouse, dragging his feet like the day had physically weighed him down. Felix, sprawled on the couch, jumped upright at the sight of him.
"Hey bro, how was it?" Felix bounded over just as Theodore filled a glass of water in the kitchen.
Theo tilted his head, replaying the chaos from the day in his mind. "The label's fine… technically. But I'm still in deep shit."
Felix's face fell. "Oh," he said flatly, voice stretching out like he was already bracing for the fallout.
"I checked your emails while you were out. Brand deals are canceling, the offers we've received so far have been snatched by other agencies. We're free which also means…we're cooked!" Felix threw his head backwards, groaning dramatically.
"You're not wrong…" Theodore said with a slightly gloomy smile.
"Why the hell are you so calm about this?!" Felix shot back, eyes narrowing. "If you're not getting paid, I'm not getting paid either. And I need this job for my college funds!"
"I know I'm innocent," Theodore replied evenly, shrugging. "I didn't do anything wrong."
Another deafening groan from Felix. "You think the press cares??" He gestured vaguely at the city lights beyond the glass walls, like the skyline itself was mocking them.
"Let me think, Felix. It's hard for me too," Theodore said, running a hand through his hair. "All I wanted was to write songs."
"Can't we… sue?" Felix asked, voice a little calmer now, like he was grasping at any solution.
"It's not that simple," Theodore explained. "The claim was anonymous. The account got taken down after the story went viral. And the media? They fabricated evidence, twisted everything to sell headlines. Clearing my name… it's nearly impossible."
"There's gotta be something we can do!" Felix exhaled sharply, frustration mingling with fear.
****
The blinking city lights outside cast streaks across the room, highlighting the space where Maurice and Ilana were seated.
"So… how did it go?" Maurice asked casually, taking a sip of his drink.
"Smooth," Ilana replied coolly, leaning back, her gaze unfazed.
"The kid?"
"Is he even worth saving? I mean… he's not trying," she said, voice flat.
"But his label says he's innocent," Maurice countered.
"C'mon, Reece. Heart's not the only thing that matters in this industry. And why should I be the one to save him?"
Maurice tilted his head, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Think of it as… a way it could benefit you." His eyebrow rose, leaving the suggestion hanging.
Ilana have him a side eye in response to his suggestion even though she didn't sway easily.
"You think he'll agree?" She tilted her head, gaze locked on Maurice, reading him like an open book.
"Who am I kidding? Of course he will," Ilana said, more to herself than anyone else. Then she tilted her head back, letting a rare, deliberate smile spread across her face.
A smile that promised she was about to crush her enemies… and serve them up on a platter of zirconia.
****
The next morning, paperwork was already stacked neatly on Ilana's desk, waiting like obedient soldiers. Taylor stood by with her usual precision, coffee in hand, ready to deliver the day's quota.
"Morning, Miss Kierson," she said crisply, setting the cup down. "Here's what we've got lined up today."
Ilana didn't look up immediately, letting her eyes glide over the neat stacks before finally raising a brow.
"Call me my lawyer," She said, voice sharp and measured.
"Ask him to draft a marriage contract. I'll send him the clauses. Tell him to leave space for additional ones, and forward the soft copy to me when it's done." Her words were swift, certain—every syllable a command.
Taylor's eyes flicked to Ilana for a fraction of a second, betraying a hint of bemusement as she tapped down the requests with practiced professionalism. "Anything else?" she asked, making sure nothing was missed.
"Forward a call to Mr. Reid," Ilana added, voice clipped, leaving no room for argument.
****
Theo lounged on the couch, phone in hand, scrolling lazily. Felix sat nearby, pretending to focus on his notes but clearly listening in.
The phone buzzed. Caller ID: Ilana Kierson. Theo furrowed his brows subconsciously. "Wow… wonder what she's calling for."
"Mr. Reid," Ilana's voice cut through crisp and cold, each word precise. "I'm offering you an opportunity. One you'll either recognize immediately or regret ignoring."
Theo raised an eyebrow. "An opportunity… over the phone? Sounds… ominous."
"Call it what you like," she said, tone flat, almost dismissive.
"Marriage. Legal contract. Terms drafted. Clauses outlined. Space left for your input—if you can provide any worth considering."
Felix stretched beside him to probe. Theo shot him a look.
"You've already been burned by incompetence and rumor. I offer protection, clarity, and control. You'll sign, we both gain. Or you decline, and you'll find out how fast the world eats the careless alive."
Theo leaned back, half-amused, half-impressed. "You make it sound like I'm negotiating stocks instead of my personal life."
"Correct," she said, voice icy and unwavering. "Marriage is not charity. Neither is survival. Review the draft I'll send. Decide quickly. I don't wait."
Theo stared at the screen as if it held mystic powers. "Just to be clear… we get married and my name clears?"
Calmly—like a flex—she replied, "Yes."
She hung up almost instantly. The dial tone beeped, sharp and final.
Felix's face drained of color as he stared at the screen, scrolling frantically. "Bro," he called, voice shaky, eyes still locked on the tablet. He began scanning an article about Ilana Kierson, every line a revelation.
"Huh?" Theo dropped his phone, leaning over to snatch the tablet from Felix with sudden keen interest.
The article laid out everything the media had chronicled about her: her meteoric rise in the business world, the giants she'd conquered since becoming acting President of Kierson Conglomerate, her successes, her power moves… and yes, a fair share of ugly rumors, though no real scandals.
Theo leaned back, eyebrows raised. "Wow," he muttered. "She's… something else."
Felix groaned. "Something else? Dude, she's terrifying."
"The level of control," Felix muttered, eyes wide. "You should totally accept this offer. Deals like that don't come twice!"
Theo blinked at him, his expression twisting in disbelief. "You thought I was gonna reject it?"
Felix raised his hands, palms up, feigning innocence. "Just saying, bruh." A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Theo shook his head, half laughing, half exasperated.