Third Person's POV
The following morning, Wan State's Central Train Station was considerably busier than usual.
Passengers hurried from one platform to another while the sounds of arriving trains echoed throughout the station. Vendors called out to potential customers as security personnel quietly carried out their duties.
Amongst the countless faces moving through the station was a middle-aged man dressed plainly in a black baseball cap and dark sunglasses.
Roland Pike.
Sweat slowly trickled down the side of his face despite the cool morning breeze. His hands tightened unconsciously around the handle of his suitcase as his eyes nervously scanned his surroundings.
He had spent almost the entire night unable to sleep.
One hundred and sixty million Farqus.
The figure repeatedly surfaced within his mind. He simply couldn't afford it.
No matter how many times he calculated his company's assets, the conclusion remained unchanged. If he paid the compensation fee, Pike House Pictures would cease to exist. If he didn't, Alexander Blackwood would undoubtedly drag him into court.
Unfortunately for him, neither option was particularly appealing. Leaving Wan State had become his only option.
After all, even Alexander Blackwood couldn't sue someone he couldn't find.
"Mr. Roland Pike?"
His entire body froze immediately.
Slowly, he turned around only to find three police officers standing quietly behind him.
"Y-Yes?"
"We'll need you to accompany us to the police station."
His face immediately became deathly pale.
"W-Why?"
One of the officers calmly produced several documents before answering.
"Mr. Alexander Blackwood and Birch Entertainment Company have officially filed charges against both Pike House Pictures and yourself for breach of contract and attempting to damage the company's reputation."
"..."
For several moments, Roland Pike simply stood there staring blankly at the officer before forcing an awkward smile on his face.
"There must be some misunderstanding."
"I'm afraid there isn't."
Several moments later, Roland Pike was quietly escorted out of the train station while countless curious gazes followed behind him.
Meanwhile, in Birch Entertainment Company, Alexander Blackwood merely continued working quietly as though nothing particularly interesting had occurred that morning.
***
Wan State Police Headquarters
Adam Brooks calmly adjusted his glasses before entering the interrogation room carrying several documents beneath his arm.
Unlike Roland Pike whose expression remained considerably paler than usual, Adam appeared remarkably composed.
"Good morning, Mr. Pike."
"..."
He placed the documents neatly upon the table before speaking once more.
"Allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Adam Brooks, Chief Communications Officer of Birch Entertainment Company."
Without waiting for a response, he produced both the surveillance footage and the original contract Roland Pike had signed previously.
"These documents have already been submitted as evidence."
One of the police officers quietly accepted the documents before reviewing them carefully.
"This surveillance footage confirms that Mr. Pike demanded one billion Farqus in compensation and threatened to damage Birch Entertainment Company's public image", the police officer said.
"That is correct", Adam Brooks said, nodding politely.
"And this contract clearly states that either party attempting to terminate the agreement before its stipulated period shall compensate the opposing party accordingly."
"Correct."
After signing his statement, Adam calmly continued.
"Birch Entertainment Company has no intention of settling this matter privately."
Roland Pike's expression immediately changed.
"Mr. Brooks, surely we can discuss..."
"I'm afraid there is nothing left to discuss, Mr. Pike."
The smile upon Adam's face remained polite and professional.
"Birch Entertainment Company intends to pursue this matter through the appropriate legal channels."
One of the officers sighed quietly before shaking his head.
"It's unfortunate," he muttered. "Considering everything surrounding Miss Seraphina Birch lately, I wonder whether Birch Entertainment Company truly intends to pursue this case to the end."
Adam slowly turned his attention toward the officer.
"Officer, I believe there's been a misunderstanding."
"Oh?"
"Mrs. Seraphina Birch and Birch Entertainment Company are presently two entirely separate entities."
Silence immediately descended upon the room.
"The company's administration now rests entirely within Chairman Alexander Blackwood's hands."
He adjusted his glasses calmly before continuing.
"And as citizens of Thide Country, I believe we should all possess confidence in both our laws and our courts."
A faint smile appeared upon his face.
"After all, I have every confidence that the Court of Thide Country is both fair and just."
For several moments, no one spoke.
Even the police officer found himself momentarily speechless by Adam Brooks' answer.
Adam Brooks bowed politely before leaving the station.
***
6:00PM
News of the lawsuit quickly spread throughout Thide Country.
BREAKING NEWS!
"Birch Entertainment Company has officially filed a lawsuit against Pike House Pictures, Mr. Roland Pike and all individuals legally responsible for the attempted termination of their contractual agreement."
"Sources confirm that surveillance footage and signed contractual documents have already been submitted as evidence."
"Industry experts speculate that this may become one of the entertainment industry's most significant legal battles this year."
Far away from the countless discussions currently flooding the internet, a certain man quietly sat within his private residence.
Raziel.
A glass of white wine rested comfortably within his hand while his legs remained leisurely crossed.
His beautiful eyes reflected the bright lights of the television screen before him.
Slowly, a mischievous smile appeared upon his face.
"Just as I expected of you, Alexander."
Alexander Blackwood had always been an interesting man.
He possessed enough kindness to spend millions saving a stranger's life and enough ruthlessness to bury his enemies.
He took a small sip of his wine before laughing softly to himself.
"Let's see how far you go, Alex."