Going Home
The BMG staff and his friends gathered around, their faces flushed with excitement and anticipation.
Brandon climbed onto the hood of the nearest car, his impromptu stage for the moment.
The crowd fell silent, all eyes fixed on him.
"My dear 'BMG crew'," he began with a cheeky chuckle, his voice carrying across the parking lot.
"Tonight, we showed the world what we're capable of. But this is just the beginning."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
The staff leaned in, hanging on his every word.
"I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication. To show my appreciation, I'm announcing a 50% raise across the board, effective immediately."
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by excited murmurs and shocked expressions.
"But," Brandon continued, his tone growing serious, "we're rising from the ashes. BMG is going to be a company that emphasizes competence and quality over quantity. We're about to undergo a massive restructuring."
The excitement in the air shifted to a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
"I won't sugarcoat it. The road ahead won't be easy. But I promise you this: BMG will soon be on top of the industry. Those of you who are worthy of remaining, those who have faith in our cause, will be well taken care of."
Brandon's eyes scanned the crowd, meeting the gaze of each person.
"We're not just making music. We're making history. Are you with me?"
A resounding cheer erupted from the staff, their voices echoing into the night.
Brandon smiled, nodding in satisfaction.
"Alright, everyone. Get some rest. Tomorrow, we start reshaping the industry."
With that, he dismissed the staff, watching as they dispersed, their chatter filled with a mix of excitement and determination.
As the crowd dispersed, Joyce, Pierre, and Devon made their way through the throng of excited BMG staff to reach Brandon.
Joyce, her face flushed with excitement, was the first to reach him.
"B, that was absolutely insane!" she squealed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "You totally crushed it out there!"
Brandon chuckled, returning the hug briefly before gently extricating himself.
"Thanks, Joyce. Glad you enjoyed the show."
Pierre stepped forward next, a sly grin on his face.
"Well, well, well. Look who's become the talk of the town." He clapped Brandon on the shoulder.
"Gotta say, I'm impressed. You've come a long way from that scrawny kid I used to know."
"Careful, Pierre," Brandon teased.
"Your compliments might go to my head."
Devon hung back, his expression a mix of admiration and uncertainty. Brandon noticed and beckoned him over.
"Dev, man, you killed it out there too,"
Brandon said, extending his hand.
Devon hesitated for a moment before grasping it.
"Thanks, B. But you... you were on another level."
He shook his head in disbelief.
"I've got a lot to learn."
"We all do," Brandon replied, his tone softening.
"But you've got real potential, Dev. Come see me next week."
Joyce bounced on her toes, barely containing her excitement.
"So, what's next? Are we hitting the after-party or what?"
Brandon shook his head.
"Not tonight. Got a big day tomorrow, restructuring the company and all."
Pierre raised an eyebrow.
"Always the responsible one now, aren't you?"
He chuckled.
"Well, I'm off to paint the town red. Anyone care to join?"
Joyce's hand shot up. "Count me in!"
Devon shrugged. "Why not? Might as well celebrate while we can."
Joyce, still buzzing with excitement, turned to Bailey and Elise.
"Hey, you two! Wanna join us?"
Bailey's eyes lit up for a moment, but then she sighed, shaking her head.
"I'd love to, but I've got a ton of work to do. Still haven't found a real direction for my company or my NOA curriculum."
Joyce playfully rolled her eyes.
"Ugh, you're such a spoilsport, Bailey!"
She then turned her attention to Elise, who was standing quietly nearby.
Elise glanced at Brandon, then quickly looked down, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks.
"I-I..." she began, but Joyce cut her off with a mischievous grin.
"Hehe, no need to say anymore, darling."
Joyce leaned in close to Elise, whispering just loud enough for the others to hear.
"Is tonight the night our ice queen becomes a woman?"
Elise's face turned a deep shade of red. She pushed Joyce away lightly, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Joyce!" she hissed, mortified.
Laughing, Joyce linked arms with Pierre and Devon.
"Alright, party people. Let's hit the town!"
The trio drove off into the night, leaving Brandon, Elise, and Bailey behind.
As the excited chatter of the departing staff and friends faded into the night, the sleek black Blackstone limousine glided silently into view.
The car's polished surface reflected the moonlight, giving it an almost ethereal glow.
Gordon stepped out from the driver's seat, his movements precise and elegant.
He walked around to the passenger side and opened the door with a flourish.
Brandon turned to Bailey and Elise, offering his arms to both of them.
"Shall we, ladies?"
Bailey giggled and looped her arm through his left, while Elise took his right, her touch sending a small shiver down Brandon's spine.
As they approached the limo, Brandon caught Gordon's eye and nodded appreciatively.
"Gordon, I can't thank you enough for the intel on those music critics. That could have really thrown a wrench in our plans."
Gordon's usually stoic face softened slightly.
"It was my pleasure, Young Master. Anticipating potential obstacles is part of my duty. Rest assured, I will always be vigilant in protecting your interests."
Brandon helped Bailey and Elise into the limo before turning back to Gordon.
"I know I can count on you, Gordon. Thank you."
Brandon slid into the limo, noticing the Rezvani Vengeance in the mirror.
The menacing vehicle trailed them, its matte black finish more military than civilian. It was Max and his crew of bodyguards, ever vigilant.
'Max and his team,' Brandon thought, 'they're always there, watching out.'
He recalled the earlier confrontation with Jong-kook at Versace, how quickly Max and the security team had intervened.
A small smile played on his lips as he realized how quickly he'd gotten accustomed to their silent, steady presence.
'I should really get to know them better,'
Brandon mused, his eyes still fixed on the rearview mirror.
'They risk their lives for us every day, and I barely know their names beyond Max.'
A smile touched Brandon's lips, grateful for the protection.
As they pulled away, the Vengeance fell into formation, maintaining perfect distance.
The sleek, black limousine glided silently through the ornate iron gates of Noblesse Oblige Academy, leaving behind the grand, ivy-clad buildings glowing under the soft moonlight.
The night air was cool, the sky clear, a perfect backdrop for the flickering streetlights casting long, eerie shadows across the deserted road.
Gordon's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, meeting Brandon's gaze.
"Where to, Young Master?" he inquired, his voice calm and professional.
Brandon leaned back into the plush leather seat, exhaling deeply, the echoes of the evening's gala still buzzing in his ears.
"Home, Gordon. I think we could all use some rest after tonight's excitement."
Bailey, who had been fidgeting with her phone, looked up with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.
"Silly," she chided, playfully swatting Brandon's arm.
"We're in NOA now. We've got a villa right by the university!"
Brandon blinked, momentarily taken aback. He'd been so caught up in the whirlwind of events that he'd forgotten about their new accommodations.
"Right, of course," he said, shaking his head with a chuckle.
"The villa it is, then."
The academy's towering spires and pristine gardens receded into the background as they crossed the threshold into the shadowy, tree-lined avenue leading to the NOA villas.
The limo's engine purred smoothly, a comforting hum as they left behind the glitz and glamor of the gala and plunged deeper into the exclusive, secluded area reserved for the academy's elite.
He turned to Elise, who had been quietly gazing out the window.
Her profile was illuminated by the passing streetlights, casting a soft glow on her features.
As he opened his mouth to speak, the world around them exploded into chaos.
BOOOOM!
A deafening BOOM shattered the night, the sound reverberating through the limo's interior.
The vehicle lurched violently, throwing its occupants forward.