Third Person's POV
The moment Alexander Blackwood stepped onto the stage, countless camera flashes illuminated the conference hall.
The press conference had been arranged within fifteen minutes, yet the entire venue was already overflowing with reporters from every major media station in Wan State. News traveled quickly in Thide Country, especially when it involved the Blackwood family and the sudden change in leadership of one of the nation's largest entertainment companies.
Their curiosity was understandable. Within a single day, Seraphina Birch had fallen from grace while Birch Entertainment welcomed a new chairman. And that chairman was Alexander.
He adjusted the button of his suit jacket before taking his seat calmly at the center of the long conference table. Adam Brooks stood several steps away with a composed expression while the remaining executives sat quietly beside him.
The blinding flashes continued without pause.
"Mr. Blackwood!"
"Mr. Blackwood, is it true that you have officially become the chairman of Birch Entertainment?"
"What happened to Miss Seraphina Birch?"
"Will the recent scandal affect the company's upcoming projects?"
"Mr. Blackwood, several investors have reportedly begun reconsidering their investments. How do you intend to address this matter?"
Questions were thrown toward him one after another but he remained silent for several moments before lifting his hand slightly.
The noisy conference hall immediately fell silent.
It wasn't because they feared Alexander. It was because everyone present understood that when Alexander Blackwood spoke, his words were worth listening to.
"I'll answer everyone's questions shortly," he said calmly.
Silence settled throughout the hall.
"However, before that, allow me to officially introduce myself."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"My name is Alexander Blackwood and beginning today, I am the newly appointed chairman of Birch Entertainment Company."
Thunderous applause immediately followed his announcement.
"My appointment has naturally raised several concerns regarding the company's future. Investors are worried. Our business partners are worried. Even our employees are worried."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"But I believe all of you have misunderstood something."
The smiles upon several reporters' faces gradually faded.
"Birch Entertainment isn't dying."
His voice remained calm and unhurried.
"It is merely changing."
The atmosphere immediately shifted.
"For decades, Thide Country has remained devoted to historical dramas, biographies and political productions. They are wonderful genres that deserve their success."
Alexander rested both hands upon the table before continuing.
"However, somewhere along the way, we forgot something equally important."
"What is that, Mr. Blackwood?" one reporter asked curiously.
"Emotion."
Silence immediately followed his answer.
"We forgot that people also wish to laugh. To cry. To fall in love and to dream."
His gaze swept across the conference hall.
"We forgot that stories are capable of transcending language, culture and borders."
Several reporters immediately began taking notes.
"Birch Entertainment's future isn't merely confined to Wan State or even Thide Country."
A faint smile appeared on Alexander's face.
"My ambition has always been greater than that."
The entire conference hall immediately became silent.
"We will create films worthy of being remembered fifty years from today."
"We will create stories that transcend borders."
"And one day, when people speak of entertainment in Thide Country, Birch Entertainment's name will become impossible to ignore."
The audience stared at Alexander silently. No one dared to interrupt him.
"Our upcoming production has already received investments amounting to several billions of Farqus."
Several gasps immediately echoed throughout the hall.
"And despite recent circumstances, that investment remains unchanged."
"Are you saying investors haven't withdrawn their support?" another reporter asked hurriedly.
"No."
"And if they do?"
The corner of his lips lifted slightly.
"Then I shall simply become their replacement."
The answer immediately left several reporters speechless.
Adam Brooks quietly lowered his head to conceal his smile.
Money was the least of Alexander Blackwood's concerns.
"Mr. Blackwood, what are your thoughts regarding Miss Seraphina Birch's current circumstances?"
For the first time since the conference began, the smile upon Alexander's face gradually faded.
"Miss Seraphina's situation is presently being handled by the appropriate authorities."
"Do you believe she's innocent?"
"I believe justice should be allowed to perform its duties without unnecessary interference."
"What if she's guilty?"
"Then she will answer for her actions."
Alexander's answer was simple and direct. He neither defended nor condemned her.
"Mr. Blackwood, do you intend to remove everyone associated with the Birch family from the company?"
"No."
The reporters looked surprised by his answer.
"Birch Entertainment doesn't belong to one individual. It belongs equally to the thousands of employees who have devoted their talents and years toward its success."
Alexander Blackwood slowly stood from his seat.
"I have never been interested in destroying things."
The smile returned to his face.
"I much prefer rebuilding them into something greater."
Thunderous applause immediately erupted throughout the conference hall.
Outside the conference hall, Birch Entertainment's stock had already begun rising steadily.
The investors who had contemplated leaving were now reconsidering their decisions.
After all, there were very few people capable of making billions sound insignificant.
And Alexander Blackwood happened to be one of them.
****
Wan State; A Suburban Apartment
Unlike the grandeur surrounding Birch Entertainment's press conference, the apartment was modest and quiet.
The television screen illuminated the dimly lit living room as the live broadcast continued playing.
Upon the worn sofa sat a beautiful woman wearing a silk nightgown.
Vanessa Styles.
Months had passed since she left Qrate State for Wan State after her carefully constructed world came crashing down around her.
Her fingers absentmindedly traced along her collarbone as she watched the handsome man upon the television screen.
Alexander Blackwood.
The richest bachelor in Thide Country and the newly appointed chairman of Birch Entertainment.
A faint smile slowly appeared upon her beautiful face.
"What an interesting man," she murmured softly.
She had heard his name countless times over the years. After all, there was hardly anyone within Thide Country who hadn't.
However, this was the first time she had watched him speak for such an extended period.
The confidence he exuded was intoxicating.
Vanessa slowly crossed her legs while staring thoughtfully at the television screen.
A man like Alexander Blackwood possessed everything a woman could ever desire. Money, power and influence. Her smile deepened.
When she first arrived in Wan State, she had only intended to rebuild her acting career. Fortunately for her, she had successfully secured a supporting role in Birch Entertainment's upcoming movie.
Initially, she had been worried that the recent scandal surrounding Seraphina Birch would affect the production. Apparently, that wouldn't be happening anymore.
Slowly, she reached for the wine glass resting upon the coffee table.
"Alexander Blackwood."
She quietly repeated his name before taking a small sip of wine.
Outside the apartment window, the evening breeze quietly stirred.
Meanwhile, upon the television screen, Alexander Blackwood smiled calmly while announcing Birch Entertainment's future to the entire nation.
And somewhere beyond his knowledge, a woman from his lover's past had just become interested in him.
The game had only just begun.