8: She’s back

[ KELVIN]

The boardroom was bathed in the sterile glow of fluorescent lights, its polished mahogany table reflecting the tension that hung heavy in the air. I sat at the head, my fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched into the wood.

Around me, executives fidgeted in their tailored suits, their eyes darting between the PowerPoint slides projected on the screen. Revenue projections, market share graphs.

"Profit margins," the CFO droned, his voice echoing off the walls. "We need to cut costs, expand our digital presence—"

I raised a hand, silencing him. "Costs can be cut, but not at the expense of integrity." My voice was soft, barely audible, yet it carried the weight of centuries. "L&P stands for truth, for unbiased reporting. We won't compromise that."

The room shifted uncomfortably. They knew my reputation—the mysterious chairman who never appeared in public, whose decisions were whispered through the corridors like ancient prophecies.

"Mr. Kelvin," the marketing director ventured, "our competitors are ruthless. They play dirty. We need to—"

"Play dirty?" I leaned forward, my eyes locking onto his. "We are not them. L&P's legacy is built on integrity. Our journalists don't peddle sensationalism; they seek truth. Our photographers capture reality, not staged illusions."

"But sir," the legal counsel stammered, "what about—"

"Ethics?" I chuckled. "Ethics are not a weakness. They are our strength." I stood, my joints protesting the movement. "L&P will thrive because we stand for something greater than profit margins."

The room buzzed with tension as the man—our coffee bearer—navigated the sea of jittery executives. Their eyes darted between their half-empty cups and the imposing figure at the head of the table. That figure was me, Kelvin Lancaster, the enigmatic chairman of L&P Media Group. My reputation preceded me—the silent immortal who pulled strings from the shadows.

Edward, my right-hand man, remained unfazed. His steely gaze never wavered as he sipped his coffee. Edward understood the game—the delicate balance of power and perception.

"Perhaps," I said, my voice a low murmur that cut through the room's nervous energy, "we should consider serving hangover drinks instead." The executives flinched, their eyes widening. They knew my penchant for bluntness—the way I sliced through pretense like a surgeon's scalpel. But Edward merely raised an eyebrow, as if this were a mundane discussion about weather patterns.

"Why?" The CFO stammered, his hand trembling as he adjusted his tie. "Why hangover drinks?"

"Because," I leaned back, my fingers tapping rhythmically on the table, "they all seem drunk." I gestured toward the assembled faces—their flushed cheeks, their slurred words. "Drunk on repetition, on mediocrity. We're discussing the same damn thing as yesterday."

The room held its breath. The marketing director shifted uncomfortably, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "But sir," he ventured, "we need—"

I cut him off with a sharp look. "Listen carefully," I said, my voice like ice. "I don't need your suggestions; I need results. Is that clear?" The words hung in the air, a silent promise—or perhaps a threat. Edward's gaze never wavered. He knew the stakes—the delicate balance between innovation and tradition.

As the meeting dragged on, I wondered how many times I'd witnessed this scene—the same arguments, the same excuses. Immortality had its drawbacks; boredom was one of them. But L&P Media Group was my legacy, and I guarded it fiercely. Integrity, truth, and unwavering purpose—that's what we stood for.

And so, I watched them—the mortals—scrambling to impress, to prove their worth. But Edward? He remained calm, sipping his coffee as if the fate of empires rested on this mundane gathering.

"James," I murmured, "what do you think?"

He met my gaze, his eyes ancient and knowing. "They'll learn," he said. "Or they won't. Either way, L&P endures."

 I sighed, "anything new? Or should I go?"

The room fell silent as the newbie's hand shot up. All eyes turned toward him. It was a familiar scene—the anticipation, the curiosity.

"Yes?" I said, raising my single eyebrow

"Well, I heard that you were looking a solution for proper and efficient source of essential resources?"

"Yes…do you have a solution?" I asked him while taking a sip from my coffee

"I think I have a perfect solution?"

"You think ...? or are you sure I don't like wasting my time speak only if, you are sure." I said leaning forward on table

"Umm, I am sure it would work." He said nodding his head…I somehow liked his confident.

"ok ,go on" I hand gestured and then crossed my arm leaned back on chair.

 He took some time to insert his USB and opening his PowerPoint presentation.

He cleared his throat all eyes were own him, "So, to thrive in this industry, actors—from newbies to stars—need proper instruments and according to my analysis…" he opened next slide. "Evan's Group, known for its cutting-edge technology, can provide essential resource."

I suddenly became interested and started studying the graph. I nodded when I noticed he was waiting for my approval. "Go on."

"well, after studying and researching about their equipment I came to know that" he took a deep breath "they have high-quality cameras which can be used to capture an actor's emotions, nuances, and expressions. Evan's Group can supply state-of-the-art cameras for film shoots."

He changed the slide after seeing me nod

"Proper lighting enhances an actor's performance. Whether it's moody shadows or vibrant hues, Evan's Group can ensure the right ambiance…as they have efficient lighting equipment."

"hmm"

"Clear audio is also crucial. Evan's Group's audio equipment can capture every whisper and thunderous dialogue…they have the best equipment for sound system"

He changed slide again.

"Last but not the least, post-production is where magic happens. Evan's Group's editing software can also transform raw footage into cinematic brilliance."

He closed the presentation.

So, in conclusion, "Collaborating with Evan's Group ensures that actors—from newbies to stars—have the tools they need to shine on screen."

"Thankyou." He bowed and took his seat

Edward nodded his head and faced me, "well, I think it's a good idea. What do you think...Mr. Kelvin."

Everyone breathed…having Edward's approval means that it gained 70% of my approval.

"Yes." I said

"But, Evan's group is as known as ours…they are quite selective of their partners…so any plan c or d?" Edward said

The newbie again raised his hand

"Yes." I said tilting my head to see him

He stood up. "Well, not that I have plan b or c." he informed Edward. "But I heard we are currently looking forward to sign a contract with Ms. Karrin –the star actor…is it true?"

"yeah" Edward said

"Well, if we successfully attain a contract with her…there are 90% chances Evan group will collaborate with us…because according to what I know she is the eldest lady of Evans so naturally they will support their daughter." Newbie finished

"Oh yeah how could I forget that?" Edward said

"Well clap for him he worked better than all of you here." Edward ordered with that clapping started

I stood up "ok then I will look in to it."

"And you" I looked at that newbie. "what's your name by the way?"

"Ahh mine?... it is Felix Kubach." He spoke

Kubach? That's a familiar name

"Well, Felix in an hour no in two hours plz come in my office with detailed information about Evans and their equipment."

"Okay sir." He bowed again

With that Edward and I left the conference room within 5 minutes we reached my office….

As usual, when I closed off my office, Edward jumped on the couch while I stood in front of the mirrored wall.

"You really took your anger of Agent Red on those pitiful mortals," he said, slightly laughing.

"Don't talk about her," I replied, annoyed by the memory of me being deceived by a mortal. "And they're not pitiful. It's the third meeting I've had discussing the same topic."

"Alright, whatever you say." Edward settled into playing games as usual.

After a minute or two, a sudden memory flooded my mind.

"Edward?" I spoke.

"Yeah?"

"I dreamt last night."

"What the...?" He suddenly sat up straight.

"I dreamt about Katarina's death—a memory of her and about a memory of us."

"But how can you dream?" he asked, confused.

"I just did."

"But can't you only dream when she also dreams...?"

"Yeah, it was always like this."

"No way... does that mean she really...?" His shock was palpable.

I nodded.

"Yeah, she's back."