Crown Jewels

The boardroom at Crown Entertainment was a temple of power and ambition. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered an uninterrupted view of the glittering Bayhaven Heights skyline, a reminder of the industry’s reach and influence. 

The massive glass table, surrounded by sleek leather chairs, was where decisions were made that shaped global entertainment.

At the head of the table sat a man, Beckett Flynn, the CEO. 

His sandy blond hair was neatly combed, and his sharp onyx eyes revealed a man who saw everything but revealed nothing. 

Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, his commanding presence radiated authority. 

Every word he spoke carried weight, and every gesture was measured, lending him an air that made it easy to believe he ran the entertainment empire.

Yet, beneath the surface of Flynn’s power lay a mystery. 

No one truly knew who ran Crown Entertainment Group. 

The head of the empire itself, the true owner, remained hidden. 

After the previous owner had passed away, rumors had circulated—stories of a secret successor, an adopted child to whom the empire had been entrusted. 

But no one knew their identity, and speculation had only deepened the enigma surrounding Crown Entertainment's leadership.

Grayson, seated farther down the table in a muted gray suit, exuded a quiet intensity. 

His posture was relaxed, but his sharp gaze missed nothing. 

An influential investor and board member, he blended into the room’s power dynamics with ease, rarely speaking unless his words carried the precision of a knife.

The atmosphere was tense as the board deliberated on pressing matters.

“We need to finalize the casting for Eclipse: The Rebellion this week,” an executive declared. 

“The franchise depends on it, and our delays are already affecting the timeline.”

“We’ve also exceeded the marketing budget for Tempting Sea,” another argued. 

“Fantasy returns have been unreliable this quarter, and we’re stretching resources too thin.”

Discussions overlapped, each executive fighting for their project’s survival. 

The stakes were high, and the air was thick with ambition and competition.

The door opened, and all conversation stopped.

Scarlet entered.

The sharp click of her heels on the polished floor was a deliberate statement. She didn't just walk into the room-she commanded it.

Every gaze turned to hers, some curious, others skeptical. 

But Scarlet met them all with poise unshaken, her calm mask concealing the storm that was brewing inside her.

"Apologies for the interruption," Scarlet began with a smooth, deep, and authoritative voice. 

"I was told to attend today's meeting as part of my onboarding.”

Beckett Flynn's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze appraising her with a flicker of curiosity. 

Then he smiled-a gesture that didn't reach his eyes. 

"Ah, Ms. Sinclair. Welcome to Crown Entertainment. Please, have a seat."

Scarlet inclined her head and took the vacant chair opposite him, her movements measured and composed. 

She felt their scrutiny but refused to let it unsettle her.

"Ms. Sinclair," Beckett said, addressing the room.

“Our latest talent acquisition. Crown Entertainment intends to ensure her return to the industry is nothing short of spectacular.”

A murmur rippled across the table. 

Some were whispers of intrigue, others of doubt.

Vivienne Chase, the Head of Talent Relations, leaned forward. 

Her angular features and shrewd gaze lent her the aura of someone who could detect frailty from great distances. 

“Striking," she reiterated, her tone laced with a sense of doubt.

"That's a pretty bold promise, considering Ms. Sinclair's history."

Scarlet turned to her, unfazed. 

Her lips curved into a faint, controlled smile. “History,” she echoed. 

“You mean the media’s carefully curated version of events. I’d be happy to share the truth—when the time is right.”

Vivienne arched a brow, unimpressed but unwilling to push further.

The room stirred with quiet tension until another board member spoke. 

“Why exactly is she here? We’re not short on talent. This feels... unnecessary.”

Grayson, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. 

His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of authority. 

“Ms. Sinclair is here because she has the potential to deliver what this company needs—relevance, intrigue, and a story the public can’t ignore.”

“And that outweighs the risks?” the same board member challenged.

Grayson leaned forward, his tone colder. 

“We’re in the business of risks. Calculated ones. Crown thrives because we don’t follow trends; we set them. Scarlet Sinclair’s return isn’t just a talent acquisition—it’s a statement.”

The boardroom fell silent, the weight of his words settling over them.

Beckett Flynn cleared his throat, his sharp gaze shifting between Grayson and Scarlet. 

“Ms. Sinclair, I trust you’re prepared to deliver on these expectations.”

Scarlet held his gaze, her confidence unwavering. “More than prepared, Mr. Flynn.”

Another board member, a middle-aged man with a penchant for sarcasm, leaned back in his chair. “Forgive me if I’m direct, but why was Ms. Sinclair signed under Crown? Surely, there were less… controversial options.”

Before Beckett could respond, Grayson interjected, his tone steady but commanding. “Because talent doesn’t disappear overnight. Ms. Sinclair was one of the most influential names in the industry before the media storm. She knows how to deliver, and I’m confident she will again.”

The man opened his mouth to retort but appeared to reconsider, leaning back in his chair with a slight shrug. Beckett allowed the pause to stretch for what felt like a long minute before addressing the room.

“Let’s move forward, then. The focus should be on how we leverage Ms. Sinclair’s return to reinforce Crown’s dominance in the market.”

The tension in the room eased as the conversation shifted, but Scarlet knew the doubt lingered in some of their minds. 

Let them doubt, she thought. 

It would make proving them wrong all the more satisfying.

The meeting continued, the conversation shifting back to project deadlines and financial allocations. Scarlet listened intently, her sharp mind cataloging faces, names, and dynamics. 

Vivienne Chase, Beckett Flynn, the dissenting board members—each one could either become an ally or an obstacle. She intended to find out which as quickly as possible.

When the meeting adjourned, Beckett approached her, his handshake firm and practiced. “Ms. Sinclair, I look forward to seeing what you bring to Crown. The industry loves a good comeback story, and I trust you’ll make it worth our investment.”

Scarlet’s smile didn’t waver. 

“I intend to.”

As Beckett moved on, Grayson appeared at her side, his expression unreadable.

“Impressive entrance,” he said quietly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Scarlet shot him a sidelong glance. 

“You could’ve warned me this meeting would be my first test.”

Grayson smirked.

"Where's the thrill in that?"

Before she could respond, Vivienne came over, regarding them with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Ms. Sinclair," said Vivienne, her tone frosty but courteous. "One piece of advice – this industry doesn't forgive easily. You’ll have to labor doubly to show you deserve your place here.”

Scarlet met her gaze evenly. 

“Good thing I’m not looking for forgiveness.”

Vivienne’s brows lifted slightly, her surprise barely concealed, but she said nothing more. 

With a curt nod, she turned and walked away.

Scarlet exhaled, her hands clenched briefly before she composed herself again.

“You handled that well,” Grayson murmured, his tone almost amused. 

“But remember—this is only the beginning.”

Scarlet tilted her head toward him, her voice firm. “I haven’t forgotten.”

Exiting the boardroom, the sharp clicks of her stilettos reverberated in the marble corridor. 

Scarlet was already calculating her next moves, weighing her new enemies and allies.