Chapter 6: Crown Jewels

The boardroom at Crown Entertainment was a place of influence and aspiration. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided an unobstructed view of the sparkling Bayhaven Heights skyline, highlighting the industry's impact and dominance. 

The large glass table, encircled by elegant leather chairs, was the site of choices that influenced worldwide entertainment. 

At the front of the table was a man, Beckett Flynn, the CEO. 

His blonde hair was carefully styled, and his piercing black eyes indicated a man who observed everything yet disclosed nothing. 

Clad in a flawlessly fitted suit, his impressive demeanor exuded power. 

Each word he uttered held significance, and every movement was deliberate, giving him an aura that made it easy to accept he led the entertainment empire. 

However, hidden beneath Flynn’s strength was an enigma. 

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, sitting further along the table in a subdued gray suit, radiated a calm intensity. 

His stance was easygoing, yet his keen eyes overlooked nothing. 

A prominent investor, shareholder and board member, he seamlessly integrated into the room's power dynamics, seldom voicing his thoughts unless they had the sharp accuracy of a blade. 

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.”

Conversations collided, as every executive struggled to preserve their project’s existence. 

The stakes were enormous, and the atmosphere was dense with ambition and rivalry. 

The door swung open, and every discussion ceased. 

Scarlet walked in. 

The sharp sound of her heels on the shiny floor was a purposeful assertion. She didn't merely enter the room—she dominated it. 

All eyes were on her, some filled with curiosity, while others expressed doubt. 

Yet Scarlet confronted them all with unwavering composure, her serene facade hiding the tempest that was forming within her. 

"Sorry for the disruption," Scarlet announced in a smooth, deep, and commanding tone. 

"I was informed to participate in today's meeting as a part of my orientation." 

Beckett Flynn's eyes tightened a bit, his look evaluating her with a hint of intrigue. 

He smiled—a gesture that fell short of his eyes. 

"Ah, Ms. Sinclair." Greetings from Crown Entertainment. "Kindly take a seat." 

Scarlet tilted her head and settled into the empty chair across from him, her motions deliberate and calm. 

She sensed their gaze but chose not to let it disturb her. 

"Ms. Sinclair," Beckett remarked, speaking to the audience. 

“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. 

“Wonderful,” her tone laced with a hint of doubt.

“A very ambitious statement given 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 remained quiet up to this point, finally spoke. 

His voice remained composed yet conveyed a subtle sense of authority. 

“Ms. Sinclair is present because she possesses the ability to provide what this company requires—significance, fascination, and a narrative the audience cannot overlook.” 

"And that outweighs the risks?" the same board member questioned. 

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 comeback is more than merely gaining talent—it’s a declaration.”

The room went still, his words left a mark in the air.

Beckett Flynn cleared his throat and glanced from Grayson to Scarlet.

"Ms. Sinclair, I'm sure you can meet these hopes.”

Scarlet maintained eye contact, her composure inviolate. 

"I'm all set, Mr. Flynn."

A middle-aged board member sat back in his chair. 

"With all due respect, why did we ever contract Ms. Sinclair to work with Crown? There must have been less... risky choices.”

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 believe she will again.”

The man began to answer but appeared to reconsider, leaning back in his chair with a slight shrug.

Beckett held the silence for what felt like a long minute before talking to the room.

"Let’s proceed, then. The emphasis should be on how we utilize Ms. Sinclair’s comeback to strengthen Crown’s supremacy in the market.”

The atmosphere in the room relaxed as the dialogue changed, yet Scarlet realized the uncertainty remained in some of their thoughts. 

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.

As the meeting concluded, Beckett came over to her, his handshake confident and skilled. 

“Ms. Sinclair, I am eager to see what you contribute to Crown. The sector appreciates a compelling comeback tale, and I believe you’ll ensure it justifies our investment.”

Scarlet's grin remained steady. 

"I plan to." 

As Beckett continued, Grayson emerged beside her, his face difficult to read. 

"Remarkable arrival," he murmured softly, his voice so quiet that it was audible only to her. 

Scarlet threw him a sideways look. 

"You might have given me a heads-up that this meeting would be my initial test." 

Grayson smiled slyly. 

“Where's the fun in that?" 

Before she could respond, Vivienne joined them, observing with a narrow gaze. 

"Ms. Sinclair," Vivienne remarked, her tone chilly yet polite.

"Here's a tip—this field is not quick to pardon. You will need to work twice as hard to prove that you merit your spot here.”

Scarlet matched her gaze steadily. 

"I'm glad I’m not seeking any absolution." 

Vivienne's eyebrows raised a bit, her astonishment hardly hidden, yet she remained silent. 

Giving a brief nod, she turned and proceeded to walk away. 

Scarlet breathed out, her hands tightened for a moment before she steadied herself once more. 

"You managed that nicely," Grayson said quietly, his voice nearly playful. 

"Keep in mind—this is just the start." 

Scarlet inclined her head in his direction, her tone resolute. 

“I still remember.” 

She exited the boardroom, the sharp clicks of her high heels filled the marble hallway. Scarlet was deep in thought about her future plans. 

She needed to consider her new enemies and allies carefully.