Chapter 30: The Chairman

The Diamond Ballroom at the Obsidian Grand Hotel was reserved for Apex Records.

By nine o’clock that evening, the hall was filled with the label’s top artists, producers, and executives.

Jude sat at the center of the VIP table, nursing a glass of bourbon.

"Mr. Lawson, to celebrate your arrival, we thought we should demonstrate exactly what kind of talent you’ve invested in," Elena announced, stepping into the open space in front of the VIP table.

Elena was wearing a backless crimson dress. As the ballroom’s acoustic band began to play a slow bassline, Elena launched into a choreographed dance routine.

She was a professional through and through, but it was obvious to everyone in the room that this was a targeted performance...

Every single time Elena twirled or struck a pose, her eyes locked onto Jude, flashing him lingering looks.

It was a blatant attempt to seduce the new billionaire owner.

Sitting on the sofa behind Jude, Lyla and Mia watched the performance with narrowing eyes.

"She is shameless," Mia whispered to Lyla, her jaw clenching. "She’s practically throwing herself at him."

Lyla nodded, feeling a spike of jealousy.

Jude had risked his life to save them from thugs earlier that day. He had given them a hundred million dollars each.

In Lyla’s mind, Jude was *their* savior, and she wasn’t about to let an opportunistic pop star steal his attention.

"We are not letting her outshine us," Lyla whispered.

As soon as Elena finished her routine to a round of polite applause, Lyla and Mia immediately stood up, smoothing out their designer dresses.

"That was beautiful, Elena," Lyla said, stepping past the other singer to take the floor. "But we would also like to offer Mr. Lawson a proper welcome."

The ballroom grew quiet as the two most famous idols in the country took their positions.

Lyla and Mia didn’t need a heavy bassline or a sultry dance routine. They signaled the acoustic guitarist, and as a melodic chord filled the room, the two girls began to sing.

Their voices harmonized with perfection. It was an acoustic rendition of their biggest chart-topping hit, but stripped of the studio production, the power of their vocals was undeniable.

Throughout the song, Lyla and Mia kept their gaze locked on Jude, singing the lyrics directly to him.

Jude swirled his bourbon, an amused smile touching his lips.

He could clearly see the competitive tension between the female artists, but watching the nation’s top talent battle for his favor was an entertaining way to spend the evening...

Just as Lyla hit the final high note of the chorus, a crash echoed through the room.

The doors of the Diamond Ballroom were shoved open, slamming against the walls.

The music ground to a halt. The Apex Records artists turned in shock as a tall man in a silver suit marched into the ballroom, flanked by bodyguards and rival executives.

"Well, isn’t this adorable?" the man sneered. "The Wall Street billionaire buys a new toy and immediately sets up a private harem for himself."

Director Vance, who was sitting next to Jude, went pale. He leaned in, his voice trembling.

"Mr. Lawson, that is Derrick Vanguard," Director Vance whispered. "He is the Chairman and majority shareholder of Vanguard Records. They are our fiercest corporate rivals in the city."

Derrick Vanguard strutted toward the center of the room, his eyes scanning the crowd with disdain.

When his gaze landed on Elena, a smile spread across his face.

"Elena, darling," Derrick said, extending a hand toward her. "I told you last month that you belong at a real label. Pack up your things. Vanguard Records is formally offering to buy out your contract right now."

Elena frowned, crossing her arms.

"What kind of future do you think you have here?" Derrick laughed, gesturing toward Jude. "Your new boss is an absolute layman. He’s a clueless finance suit who doesn’t know the first thing about the music industry. I heard the rumors, Lawson! You authorized two hundred million dollars for Stellar?!"

Derrick pointed at Lyla and Mia, scoffing loudly. "Two hundred million for two girls whose brand is already stalling! It’s the most amateur business decision I’ve ever seen!"

Lyla flinched, her hands balling into fists.

Elena didn’t hesitate. She glared at Derrick and took three steps backward, intentionally placing herself behind Jude’s chair.

"I respectfully decline your offer, Mr. Vanguard," Elena said. "I am happy with Apex Records."

Derrick’s smug smile faltered, his eyes flashing with irritation at the public rejection. But he quickly recovered, letting out a sigh.

"Suit yourselves," Derrick boasted, turning to address the entire ballroom of Apex artists. "I was trying to throw you a lifeline before your company sinks. Because as of an hour ago, Vanguard Records has officially acquired exclusive, lifetime management rights to *The Velvet 32*."

A collective gasp echoed through the Diamond Ballroom.

Even Director Vance let out a choked breath, his hands shaking as he gripped the edge of the VIP table.

"The Velvet 32?" Orion whispered, staring at Derrick in disbelief. "That’s impossible. They are an independent supergroup!"

Derrick fed off the shock in the room. "Not anymore! We bought them out completely!"

The Velvet 32 was an absolute juggernaut in the entertainment industry...

They were a massive supergroup consisting of thirty-two multi-talented performers.

They dominated television ratings, social media metrics, and streaming charts. Their global fanbase was estimated at over forty million people!

"Do you understand what this means, Lawson?" Derrick sneered, looking down at Jude. "With the Velvet 32 under my control, Vanguard Records holds a monopoly over the pop market. The volume of their fanbase allows me to dictate industry trends. I can make anyone a star, and I can crush anyone who stands in my way!"

Several of the indie artists and backup dancers in the back of the room exchanged nervous glances.

The power to leverage a forty-million-person fanbase was unprecedented...

Being signed to Vanguard Records suddenly looked like a guaranteed ticket to international fame.

Derrick Vanguard had crashed the party for one specific reason: to break the Apex Records roster and assert his dominance over the new billionaire.

Jude remained seated. He took a sip of his bourbon.

Before Jude could respond to the Chairman, a familiar chime rang clearly in his mind.

[Ding!]

[Continuous Mission Triggered: Unrivaled Stardom.]

[Objective: A rival label is attempting to leverage a forty-million-fan supergroup to undermine your corporate authority and poach your talent. Show them that their supergroup is nothing but a localized fad. Prove the absolute dominance of your own assets.]

[Reward: +1 Money Sign-In, +1 Platinum System Reward Box!]

Jude lowered his glass. A smile slowly crept across his face.

The system wanted him to crush Derrick Vanguard’s newly acquired pride and joy. And Jude knew exactly how to do it.