Chapter 12:

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**8:30 AM – March 27, 1990 – Los Angeles**

**William's Point of View**

I'm preparing to meet my group of brilliant young Dragons, an unofficial team I haven't seen in a month. Absorbed in my thoughts, my key managers enter my office to report on the current state of operations. Susan, my production manager, comes in first, followed closely by Michael, the sales manager, and Rebecca, the marketing manager.

"What's new, guys?" I greet them nonchalantly.

Susan speaks first, her expression serious but determined. "William, we've followed your directives and have significantly reduced our production efforts. Currently, we're producing less than 10% of what we were two months ago."

I nod, absorbing the information. "Very well, Susan. We're focusing on quality over quantity right now and need to stop wasting resources to better prepare them for our flagship project." I flash them a bright smile as I glance at a drawing I made of a knight riding a dragon. They follow my gaze, equally fascinated and intrigued.

Michael, ever the pragmatist, continues. "Regarding sales, we've adopted the same strategy. Sales volumes are down to less than 10% of our usual activity. We estimate that we could clear out our inventory within a month."

"Good," I say, nodding.

Rebecca, with her usual enthusiasm, adds, "And all our promotional campaigns have been paused. Every marketing resource is currently directed towards promoting 'How to Train Your Dragon.' We've allocated everything we can to ensure this project makes the impact it deserves as soon as you give us the green light."

They all have serious and solemn expressions.

I look at each of them in turn, grateful for their dedication and understanding of the importance of this moment. "Thank you, Susan, Michael, Rebecca. Your efforts to reorient and reorganize our resources are crucial for the success of this project and the company as a whole."

They nod silently, their eyes filled with determination. They know as well as I do that what we're doing is unprecedented and vital for the future of Majestic Publishing. They prepare to leave to resume their tasks, but before they go, I stop them for a moment.

"Wait," I say. "I want us to remember that this project isn't just a commercial endeavor. It's something that could really change the way people see and interact with our stories, even entertainment as a whole. We need to be ready to give our best."

Susan smiles slightly. "We know, William. And we're ready."

Michael adds, "We believe in this project as much as you do. We'll make sure it succeeds."

Rebecca nods vigorously. "Absolutely. We're all on board."

I smile, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. "Perfect. Now, let's make sure this dragon takes flight."

They leave the office with renewed energy, ready to tackle their respective tasks. As for me, I turn to my drawing, observing the knight and the dragon, feeling more determined than ever. Surprise me, little geniuses.

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After they leave and as I finish up some administrative tasks following a busy morning, there's a knock on my office door. Charlize, my assistant, enters with her radiant smile that lights up the room.

"William, Nina Jacobson has joined us," she says, excited. "She's accepted your offer, finally, but she'd like to see you before signing."

"That's great, Charlize! That's fantastic news. We'll finally have an editorial department worthy of Majestic. Thank you, Charlize!"

Overcome with joy, I jump up and take Charlize in my arms. She seems slightly surprised by my gesture, but I quickly release her, aware of my overwhelming enthusiasm.

"Oh, um, sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you like that," I say, a bit embarrassed.

Charlize looks at me with a stern expression, eyebrows furrowed and arms crossed. Her look makes me immediately nervous.

"William," she begins gravely, "it's not very professional to hug me like that, you know."

My heart skips a beat. "I... I'm really sorry, Charlize. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It was just... enthusiasm."

She maintains a very stern expression for what feels like an eternity before bursting into laughter.

"Hahaha oh my god, you should have seen your face, William. I can't stop laughing."

"I'm just kidding, William. It's nice to see you so enthusiastic." Her warm laughter fills the office.

I breathe a sigh of relief and try to regain my composure. "Yes, of course. It's just that, you know, it's a big step for us. And Nina... she's perfect for this role."

Charlize nods, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You hold her in such high esteem. I can't wait to see her future accomplishments."

I look at her, deeply grateful for her unwavering support. "Thank you, Charlize. And thanks again for all your hard work. I don't know what I would do without you."

She smiles at me, visibly moved by my words. "It's my job, William. And I love what I do."

Our gazes meet, and we stay that way, captivated by each other's eyes, for a long moment. The air fills with a gentle but palpable tension, indescribable. I notice details I had never really seen before: the sparkle in her eyes, the curve of her smile, the way a lock of hair falls delicately on her forehead, illuminated by a beam of light, revealing her angelic face.

Charlize finally breaks the silence, her voice soft. "It's good to work with someone who has such a clear vision and passion."

I feel my cheeks heat slightly. "And you, you make it all possible. Without you, I'd be lost."

She steps a little closer, and I can smell her delicate perfume, a soothing blend of lavender and jasmine. "William, you're very talented, and you have a fantastic team around you. We're all committed to making Majestic Publishing a success."

I nod slowly, my eyes never leaving hers. "Yes, but you, Charlize, you're special."

A moment of silence hangs between us, charged with this emerging connection. Our faces inch closer, as if drawn by an invisible force. The space between us seems to shrink.

Suddenly, a knock at the door brings us back to reality. Nina Jacobson, standing in the doorway, watches us with a confused expression.

"I... I'm sorry to interrupt," she says, a mischievous smile playing on her lips before quickly straightening up and becoming serious again. "I asked Miss Charlize to meet you before I sign, and I must say, I wasn't disappointed," she says, emphasizing "Miss."

I clear my throat, trying to dispel the electric tension. "Of course, Miss Nina. Please, come in, have a seat."

Charlize, though still professional, looked very embarrassed. She takes a deep breath and straightens up, regaining her impeccable composure. She casts one last glance at me, her cheeks pink, before leaving the room like a frightened kitten.

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Dear readers,

First of all, I apologize for the slight delay in this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it, and I want to thank you for your continued support.

I tried to make my characters more human, and I'd love to know what you think. Please feel free to share your impressions in the comments. I know their interactions can seem very clichéd, but please be kind to this poor beginner author.

I'm also curious to know if you find the dialogues natural and what you liked or disliked about the movie "How to Train Your Dragon." Your suggestions for improvements would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you again for your support and patience.

Your favorite writer 😊