The Lawsuit

PrintScribes Ink, 08.45 A.M.

The employees had begun to fill each department, and the lift had started to get crowded. Some people had already gotten into an argument about who should get out of the lift first to lighten the weight while some were leisurely sipping coffee at their desks.

Meanwhile, the editor-in-chief and some representatives were getting ready for an important meeting that would take place at nine O'clock. The accusation from Wordsmith Wonders was at the very top of their list.

Valeria had long been preparing a few plans to counter the situation. She took the initiative before Kyra could say anything because it wasn't just the higher-ups who were upset about this situation, she was also angry. After all, she was Kyra's editor, and she had more or less made some contributions to the book.

Moreover, as Kyra's best friend, she knew firsthand how much effort Kyra had put in this book. All those late-night writings she had done, the accumulation of stress and meltdown at the same time because she was struggling with her own feelings, there was no way Valeria would let that bitch take credit for it.

That was why Valeria was fired up and ready for this meeting. Her blood was absolutely boiling. She needed to slap that freaking Lila no matter what.

On the other hand, Oliver had already parked his car at the basement parking lot of PrintScribes Ink since half past eight and for fifteen minutes, there had been no movement from Kyra. Nevertheless, Oliver patiently waited for her.

The young woman just kept staring at the glass door not far from where they parked. No one knew what was on her mind, but Oliver could see the grief that shone from her gaze along with a hint of hesitation and confusion.

"Are you okay?"

In the end, Oliver's concern defeated the silence. Kyra merely smiled.

"I couldn't sleep last night."

"I noticed."

Since there was only one bedroom in his penthouse, Kyra and Oliver ended up in the same bed last night. Well, the man had tried to sleep on the couch, but Kyra insisted that she was the guest and should be sleeping there instead. Not wanting further argument, they just decided to sleep together.

So, he knew. He knew that the girl beside him didn't sleep all night and at one point, she even shed tears.

He had wanted to wipe it away, but her silent cry showed him how much she had wanted to bury the sadness alone, how much she had wanted to melt that weakness onto the palm of her hands and let them dry up into nothingness.

…as if all she had ever been was strong.

"Will you hate me?" 

Her question broke the man's train of thoughts. Oliver turned to look at the smiling girl beside him, and how he wished she would just ask for help.

"No." Oliver chuckled softly as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I will always be on your side."

Kyra felt her heart wavered. Her lips quivered as she continued, "Even if I turn bad?"

Oliver smiled and nodded. "Always."

"You're a good brother, Oliver." Kyra laughed despite the bitterness in her mouth, despite the fear that threatened to pour out.

Oliver cackled and rubbed her head until her hair turned into a mess.

"Stop!" Kyra smacked his hand. "Wha–"

"So, don't worry too much. You've got your brother." He gave her cheek a light pinch. "Do whatever you want to do. I'm used to your shenanigans ever since you were a kid anyway."

Kyra scoffed and hurriedly got out of the car. Oliver watched as the young woman walked away and although she might still appear frightened, she didn't turn around. She kept walking until she disappeared behind the glass door.

Oliver smiled and drove away.

****

PrintScribes Ink, 09.00 A.M.

The words finally flew out of her mouth. The decision that had come at the dead of the night and grew strong by the morning.

"I wish to sue Lilian back."

Kyra's voice was filled with determination and her eyes were ablaze unlike never before. Valeria who heard her loud declaration was immediately excited!

Without any hesitation, she supported her, "I agree! We have evidence to back our claim, so why stop at an explanation? I speak as the editor in charge of Kyra. I want a bloody lawsuit."

Both the representatives of the higher-ups and the editor-in-chief, Linda Blackshaw, looked at each other. Although they were shocked because Kyra was usually quiet, they were also in agreement to sue the other party back. Their reputation was at stake here, so they did wish for a strong stand against such an issue.

After all, if they took an amicable approach, who would guarantee that other publishers wouldn't accuse them again in the future?

Despite being less established than Wordsmith Wonders, they still had to show their teeth. But the current problem was whether they would win or not. If they lost, their reputation would take a huge hit.

"Are you certain that you will win?"

"Yes," Kyra answered confidently. "I have the initial draft written in my notebook."

"I also have the records of our calls and chat history where we discussed the idea of the book," Valeria added as she showed all the evidence that she had organised.

Linda took a look and nodded. However, she remained quiet. Kyra knew this was a big gamble.

She bit her lower lip. Her hands under the table were sweating but her speech remained strong. "I understand that I'm new and this is my first book. But I'm also aware of the value that my work brings to this company. I have raised your sales rate for this month and possibly this year. So, all I'm asking now is for you to trust me and if not me as an individual than my ability."

Linda knitted her brows. She knew how much talent Kyra held. It wasn't just her ideas but the way she conveyed them, the way she told her story, the voice she carried was unique in its own way. Her book was capable of capturing readers' attention on an emotional level.

There was no question about her ability, but the concern lied on something else. In the end, one of the representatives conveyed their worries.

"You are indeed a talented author, Miss Hammond." He showed his respect and professionality by addressing Kyra with her pen name. "However, we're not only going against Wordsmith Wonders but also Miss Barnett who happened to be Mr. Synders' girlfriend."

Valeria felt like smacking him. So, it all came down to power.

In that instance, Kyra felt a ball of fire combusted at the pit of her stomach. It was rather ironic but the label that she hated the most was the only thing that would let her win this negotiation.

Her expression turned sarcastic as she sneered, "And I'm Mr. Synders' niece."

The man cleared his throat uncomfortably while Linda tried to stop herself from laughing with much difficulty. 

Afterwards, Kyra interchangeably looked them in the eye as she spoke, "Bet your chips on me. I will put this publishing company on the pedestal by the end of this incident. I promise you won't regret it and if by any chance, we lose, I'm willing to compensate no matter how much it is."

At this moment, Kyra would do anything to drag Lila and James down for daring to touch her work.

Linda looked at the two representatives. Both men looked at each other before finally the old one opened his mouth for the first time, "You may proceed with the plan."

Thus, a lawsuit was declared openly by PrintScribes Ink, shocking the internet and attracting many people. Within an hour, many headlines hit the trending topic. All evidence that Valeria had prepared was splashed onto the screen. This immediately swayed almost half of the netizens, leaving only fanatic fans still strongly fighting against Kyra.

Lila immediately saw red when she read the articles and the comments online. "What are you doing?! Ask our PR team to handle this! Publish the drafts in my hands too!"

Meanwhile, James tightened his grip on the tablet. It was useless.

The drafts that Kyra had published were hard copies while the ones that Lila had was soft copy which could easily be fabricated, not to mention the records of calls and chat history that the other party provided.

But most importantly, this was Kyra.

His Kyra.

The little girl whom he had taught to never pick a fight or take any risk that she wasn't sure of winning.

"Be smart, Kyra. Know when to take a step back and when to go in for the kill."

That was what he used to tell her. So, if Kyra had decided to take a stand against Lila, then that meant she was sure that victory was in her hands.

And James' prediction came true in mere seconds.