ADRIAN'S POV
As I watched her on stage, what most people saw was indeed charm and charisma, but I saw competition.
From my spot where I stood, near the back exit. Dressed in a way that doesn't speak of an expensive fashionista.
I was away from the spotlight, but not completely in shadow. I could not help but notice how Celeste Arden lit up the room. She looked classy and polished in her clean suit. Her voice was crystal clear, and she had this perfect mix of strength and softness that agreed with the crowd.
But instead of clapping along with others, I was busy calculating my next move in my mind.
"She is good," Mira whispered beside me, her lips barely moving. She is my close assistant.
As if what she said didn't matter, I didn't reply. I already knew without anyone telling me. You don't go from posting breakup playlists in college to landing big brand deals without a solid game plan.
Impossible!
Celeste had not just created a platform, she had built a whole culture around her. Her followers did not just listen to her. She became the voice they are connected with, they cheered with, and they bought in.
And now, that loyalty was gaining momentum, and already complicating my own plans.
Who then am I?
My name is Adrian Kade, the son of Michael Kade, and the only heir to KadeGlobal.
KadeGlobal started with my father. He was all about old-school Wall Street methods that involve private equity and takeovers. Cut out the inefficiencies, flip businesses for profit. That was the standard procedure.
But as far as my inheritance is concerned, I took a different approach.
After my father retired, I brought us into the tech world. Investing in new platforms before they realize their potential. To include creators, streamers, and digital tools.
The future of wealth was depended on attention, and right now, Celeste Arden had more of it than anyone like us had already bought.
Her brand – GlowThread has been on my radar since. But her recent actions changed everything.
It was recently that I got to know her team had quietly been testing a new engagement tool, something smart, spontaneous, and addictive. Exactly what I had planned to launch through one of our apps some time ago.
And somehow, her team built it out first.
"She beat us to it," I finally said with my eyes still locked on the stage. "And she might not even know."
Mira checked her phone. "At this point, I think she might. Her assistant has been responding to developer chats."
She continued, "They seem nervous." Her voice became audible, with a hint of hope.
"Good. Let them sweat. What is the overlap?" I finally got my eyes off the stage to face Mira.
"Sixty-five percent functionality match. Close enough to make them worry, but not identical," she said, adjusting her glasses.
"Hmmm…," I nodded slowly. "Then I see fewer reasons to fight her."
Mira, shocked, raised her eyebrows. "What do we do then? Do you suggest we just buy her?"
"You might be right Mira, but not yet. We have to wait," I said with ultimate assurance.
I wore a wicked smile of confidence. 'This is just another done deal.' I muttered within myself.
I prefer to be smart over quick. I don't move fast when I know I can move smartly.
That is the thing people get wrong about me. They think I attack like a predator – swift and fierce. But that is not how I work.
What I do first is to stalk my target.
And I let my opponent feel safe to walk freely, take their time, and breathe easy. Then, when they are distracted, or when they think they have the upper hand, I pounce hard on them.
Celeste built her empire off her past personal struggles, but I built mine by watching others make emotional mistakes and knowing how to profit from them.
That was where the difference between us was.
She fought hard for her achievements. While I thrived off the chaos I observed.
I stepped out of the ballroom and into the corridor. A thought struck my mind, and I let out a satisfying smile.
I took out my phone and pressed it to my ear.
"I want you to run a secret search for her team, if possible on her inner circle. Plant a spy in their midst." I said to Mira, who had left.
" This is perfect!" She sounded from her end. "How about a background check on the ones closest to her?"
" Yes, it is, "I replied, taking my steps carefully to the main entrance. " I believe you know what is necessary to do, right?" I asked.
"Trust me, I will set up a quiet meeting," she said reassuringly.
"Remember, discreet. No offers yet. Just listen. I want to know what kind of leader she is behind closed doors, "I said in a commanding tone.
"And what if he or she is loyal?" She queried with a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Everyone breaks when pressure hits the right spot." I continued, "That is a lesson for you today." With that said, I ended the call.
Outside the city, the atmosphere buzzed with life, like it never slept. Limousines lined the sidewalk, and I leaned against mine, allowing the cool night air to wash over me, clearing my mind.
No matter how much I hate to admit it, Celeste Arden was impressed.
I still strongly believe that being impressive does not mean you are invincible or untouchable. Not to someone like me.
She had fans. She had power. And she's still shining.
But I had time.
And I always made the best of it.
I pulled out my phone from my jean jacket. Her award photo was already making waves online.
Smiling. Strong. Beautiful.
I stared at it, with a mix of determination and curiosity.
"Let us see what you are really made of, Arden," I said to myself.
"Because soon, you'd either join me or watch everything you had built from scratch crumble."
The tone in my voice was determined.