Alexander's POV
Birch Entertainment Company, Chairman's Office
The chairman's office was considerably quieter than the boardroom had been earlier that morning.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked almost half of Wan State while countless documents rested neatly upon the mahogany desk before me.
Somewhere behind me, Sebastian remained unusually busy sorting through the endless files Adam Brooks had delivered only thirty minutes earlier.
For the first time since becoming chairman, I found myself wondering whether Charles Silver Birch secretly hated his own office.
There were far too many documents.
"Master."
I hummed quietly in response without lifting my gaze from the report in my hand.
"Filming for the upcoming production is expected to begin in approximately one month's time."
"Mmm."
"Additionally, because the script is the intellectual property of Birch Entertainment Company, we won't have to concern ourselves with another entertainment company attempting to reclaim ownership following Miss Seraphina's incident."
Finally, I lifted my gaze toward him.
"That's good news."
Sebastian nodded before continuing.
"However..."
I silently waited for him to continue. In my experience, conversations that began pleasantly rarely ended the same way whenever Sebastian used that particular tone of voice.
"The former female lead and her entertainment company are currently waiting outside."
"..."
Silence immediately descended upon the office.
Slowly, I placed the report back upon the desk.
"Do they have an appointment?"
"No, Master."
I rubbed lightly at my temple.
Somehow, peace had become increasingly expensive these past few months.
Before I could respond, a soft knock echoed from the office door.
"Enter."
Adam Brooks immediately made his way inside before lowering his head respectfully.
"Chairman."
"Mr. Brooks."
His expression was considerably more complicated than usual.
"We have a slight problem."
"How slight?"
He remained silent for several moments before answering honestly.
"...not very slight, Chairman."
Somehow, I wasn't surprised.
"They're currently threatening to go live and accuse Birch Entertainment of destroying their actress's career if they aren't permitted to meet with you immediately."
I remained silent.
"I've already instructed security to confiscate all their electronic devices temporarily to prevent further escalation."
"Good."
Adam blinked several times. Somehow, he had expected a considerably stronger reaction than that.
"Chairman, should I..."
"How is the company's administration progressing?", I asked.
The sudden change in topic visibly confused him.
"...Chairman?"
"I asked how the administration is progressing."
"Ah... everything is progressing smoothly."
I slowly leaned back against my seat.
"Birch Entertainment currently lacks two important positions."
"Which positions?"
"A competent secretary and a vice chairman capable of representing me whenever necessary."
Understanding immediately flashed across Adam's face.
"I'll begin the recruitment process immediately."
I nodded lightly.
"Interview them personally."
"Understood, Chairman."
He had barely taken several steps toward the door before pausing once more.
"Chairman, regarding our guests..."
"Let them in."
"Understood."
After Adam left the office, silence returned once more.
Sebastian frowned slightly before asking, "Master, are you certain that's wise?"
"No."
"..."
"Unfortunately, wisdom has never prevented troublesome people from finding me."
For the first time since meeting me, Sebastian found himself unable to disagree with that statement.
Several moments later, the office doors slowly opened once more and my uninvited guests came in.
Looking at their expressions, I had a feeling peace would not be visiting Birch Entertainment today.
To be continued...