Episode 13
Part 66: Ultimatum
Jadon entered Malcolm's office with a determination he hadn't felt in years. Malcolm, reclining in his leather chair, raised an eyebrow as Jadon stepped in.
“Look who’s back. You know you didn’t have to go all the way back there to deliver the news, right?” Malcolm said with a smirk, motioning for Jadon to sit.
Jadon remained standing, his tone steady. “Malcolm, I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I’ve come to a decision.”
Malcolm leaned forward, folding his hands on the desk. “This sounds serious. Let me guess… you want more vacation time?”
Jadon ignored the quip. “I want to sign all three acts: Lyric, Marcus, and Nicki, alongside Crystal.”
Malcolm's expression darkened. “Jadon, we’ve been over this. We can only afford to take one. And we both know who that one is, Crystal. She’s extraordinary.”
“I know she is,” Jadon said. “But so are they. Lyric and Marcus bring diversity to the table with Afro beats and spoken word. Nicki has raw potential and star power. They’re not just clients to me… they’re a team. Together, they could change the game.”
Malcolm leaned back in his chair and sighed. “Jadon, this is a business. It’s about the bottom line. Sure, they’ve got potential, but they’re risky investments. Crystal is the sure thing.”
Jadon crossed his arms. “You told me yourself you were interested in expanding into Afrobeats. That’s not Crystal’s genre. Lyric and Marcus give you exactly what you’ve been talking about.”
Malcolm’s face hardened. “And I told you we can’t throw money at just anyone. This isn’t some talent show where we take a chance on dreams. It’s dollars and cents.”
Jadon stared him down. “Then I’ll make it simple. Either we sign all of them, or I walk.”
The room fell into silence. Malcolm blinked, his disbelief quickly turning into irritation. “You can’t be serious,” he said, voice rising. “Jadon, I’ve stood by you through everything. And now you’re threatening to quit? All over this?”
“I mean it,” Jadon said firmly. “I believe in these people. They’re more than just talent, they’re human beings with stories to tell. And I’m not going to let them fall through the cracks.”
Malcolm slammed his hand on the desk. “This isn’t some charity! You want to sink Skyline because you’ve gotten emotionally attached? Give me a break. Which one is most important to you?”
“All of them,” Jadon said without hesitation. “They’re a package deal.”
Malcolm shook his head, exasperated. “You’re out of your mind. You think some kid scrubbing toilets is going to hold out on me? If you’re not careful, I’ll just take Crystal off your hands myself.”
“She won’t sign without the others,” Jadon countered. “She’s loyal to me.”
“Loyalty? In this business? Don’t make me laugh,” Malcolm growled. “This is economics, Jadon. Crystal is guaranteed money. The others? That’s a gamble.”
Jadon stepped closer to the desk. “Then let me start a subsidiary. I’ll take the risk.”
Malcolm’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re serious about this?”
“Dead serious,” Jadon said. “Give me the chance to build something under Skyline’s umbrella. Let me prove their worth.”
Malcolm stroked his chin, his frustration giving way to cautious consideration. “Okay. Here’s the deal. I’ll give you $1.5 million to start your little venture. But you’ll need to come up with the other half yourself. I’m only committing to half of the financing.”
Jadon held out his hand without hesitation. “Deal.”
Malcolm shook it, his grip firm. “You better be ready for this, Jadon. If you fail, it’s on you.”
Jadon nodded and left the office, adrenaline coursing through his veins. Now, he had a vision to build and $1.5 million to find.
Part 67: The Beginning of Reverie
Jadon sat on the edge of his couch, phone in hand, a triumphant grin spreading across his face as he dialed Nadia.
The moment she picked up, her voice lit up his mood. “Hi, you!”
“Nadia,” he said, unable to hide his excitement. “We got it. Malcolm agreed.”
A delighted laugh burst from her. “I knew you’d do it! I knew it! Tell me everything.”
“He’s fronting one and a half million,” Jadon explained. “But I’ve got to come up with the other half.”
There was a brief pause before Nadia responded, “That’s a lot of money. Can you get it?”
Jadon exhaled, steadying himself. “Yeah. I can put up half a million of my own and finance the rest. My credit’s spotless, so I don’t anticipate any issues.”
“Jadon, you’re sure about this?” she asked gently, though he could hear the pride in her voice.
“Absolutely,” he said with confidence. “This is my chance to make things right for my clients and for me. I’ve been dreaming of something like this for years.”
“Well, then go for it,” Nadia said. “You’ve got this. I’m proud of you, Jadon. You’re going to make your artists so happy.”
Jadon chuckled. “And they’re going to make all of us very wealthy. Trust me.”
Nadia laughed along, then softened her tone. “Seriously, Jadon, I’m really happy for you. It’s amazing to see you so excited about what’s ahead.”
Her words settled over him like a warm blanket. “Thanks, Nadia. It means everything that you believe in me.”
*****
Jadon met with Malcolm the next morning, walking into his office with renewed energy. Malcolm glanced up from a stack of papers, an amused grin on his face.
“Alright, Mr. Big Shot. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty,” Malcolm said, waving Jadon toward a chair.
Jadon sat, his expression businesslike but eager. “I’m ready to talk details.”
Malcolm leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers together. “So, here’s what I need to know. How are you planning to run this? These are your clients now. I’ll have minimal involvement beyond the investment.”
“Understood,” Jadon said. “I want to bring them all to New York. That means getting work visas for each of them and for their manager, DJ Roach. We’ll set them up in a shared living and workspace and focus on developing their individual talents and brand identities.”
Malcolm raised a brow. “And Nadia? You’re bringing her too?”
Jadon nodded. “I want her with me. Her visa might take a little longer, but she’ll be here eventually.”
Malcolm chuckled. “This isn’t a love story, Jadon. Focus on the business.”
“I can do both,” Jadon countered. “These artists need the right environment to grow, and being in New York gives them that. It’s the center of everything. They’ll have access to resources, connections, and a platform they could never have back home.”
Malcolm tapped his fingers against his desk, thinking. “Alright. It’s your show. Just remember, you’re on the hook for half of this. Don’t mess it up.”
“I won’t,” Jadon said, his voice steady.
Back in Barbados…
Jadon stepped off the plane, the humid Caribbean air wrapping around him like an old friend. He wasted no time arranging individual meetings with each artist to deliver the life-changing news.
*****
Jadon met Crystal at a quiet café overlooking the ocean. She sat across from him, her excitement palpable.
“You’ve been patient, Crystal,” Jadon began, smiling. “And it’s paid off. Welcome to Reverie Entertainment.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Are you serious?” she whispered.
“Dead serious,” Jadon said. “We’re bringing you to New York. Your voice is going to be the centerpiece of everything we’re building.”
Tears welled in her eyes as she leaned forward, grabbing his hands. “Thank you, Jadon. You have no idea what this means to me. I’ll work so hard. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t,” Jadon said. “But this isn’t just about your talent. I believe in you, Crystal. And I’m going to make sure the world hears your story.”
*****
Jadon met the duo at Roach’s house. They were waiting on the veranda, visibly curious.
“You guys ready for this?” Jadon asked, grinning as he stepped onto the porch.
Lyric leaned forward. “Ready for what? You got good news, boss?”
Jadon pulled two envelopes from his bag and slid them across the table. “Welcome to Reverie Entertainment.”
Marcus let out a low whistle. “You’re serious? You’re taking both of us?”
Jadon nodded. “You’re coming to New York. The spoken word, the Afro beats… it’s all happening.”
Lyric clapped his hands together, laughing. “Man, I knew you wouldn’t leave us behind! I told you, Marcus!”
Marcus smiled broadly but stayed quiet for a moment. “Jadon,” he said softly, “thank you. You don’t know what this means to us. No one’s ever believed in us like this.”
Jadon shook his head. “I believe in you because you’ve earned it. Let’s show the world what you can do.”
*****
Jadon approached Nicki’s studio with some trepidation. She opened the door, her expression wary.
“Jadon,” she said flatly. “What now?”
“I have news,” Jadon said, handing her an envelope. “You’re signed to Reverie Entertainment.”
Nicki froze, staring at the envelope in disbelief. “You’re joking.”
“No joke,” Jadon said, smiling. “You’re coming to New York. We’re going to make this happen together.”
Her lip trembled as she opened the envelope, reading the contract inside. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’re ready,” Jadon said. “Because I am. Let’s do this.”
Nicki nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I’m ready. Thank you, Jadon. For everything.”
*****
Jadon leaned against the veranda railing of Nadia’s apartment, watching the tropical birds dip in the sky, the sun casting hues of orange and purple over the landscape. Nadia came out, her bare feet padding softly against the tile as she joined him, two glasses of rum punch in hand.
“Long day?” she asked, handing him a glass.
Jadon smiled, accepting the drink. “The longest. But it’s been worth every second. They’re all signed now. Crystal, Lyric, Marcus, Nicki… they’re coming with me.”
“And Roach?”
“Of course,” Jadon said with a chuckle. “Couldn’t leave him behind. He’s already packing.”
She laughed softly, then grew quiet, sensing there was more on his mind. “So… what about me?”
Jadon turned to face her, setting his glass on the railing. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small envelope. “First, this is for you.”
She furrowed her brow as she took the envelope, opening it to find a stack of cash. “Jadon, what is this?”
“Just a little something to keep you comfortable while I get everything in place,” he said. “I know the photography work keeps you afloat, but I don’t want you stressing about money while we figure out the visa situation.”
Her lips parted in surprise, then softened into a tender smile. “You don’t have to do this. You know I’ve always taken care of myself.”
“I know,” Jadon said, stepping closer and cupping her face gently. “But now you have me. Let me help, Nadia. I want to.”
She closed her eyes, leaning into his hand. “I love you for that. But the visa… is it going to happen?”
Jadon sighed, his hand slipping away as he leaned back against the railing. “It’s in process. These things take time, especially when it comes to work visas. The artists are already professionals, and Roach has a clear role in managing them, so their applications were straightforward. But for you…”
“For me, what?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“You’re not tied to the business, Nadia,” he explained. “The lawyers are working on it, but I’ll be honest, it’s not moving as fast as I’d like.”
She nodded slowly, her gaze dropping. “So, what happens in the meantime? I just stay here while you’re in New York?”
“Only for a little while,” Jadon assured her, taking her hands in his. “I’ll come back every chance I get, I promise. And once the visa comes through, we’ll get you set up in New York. I want you there with me, Nadia. I can’t do this without you.”
She searched his eyes, her own brimming with emotion. “You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?”
Jadon nodded. “More serious than I’ve ever been about anything. I need you to trust me.”
“I do,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his chest. “I just don’t want to lose you, Jadon.”
“You won’t,” he said firmly, kissing the top of her head. “I’ll make sure of it.”
*****
Later that evening, Jadon took Nadia to Champers Restaurant, a cozy, elegant spot perched on the south coast of Barbados with stunning oceanfront views. They sat on the terrace, the sound of waves crashing against the shore providing the perfect backdrop to their intimate dinner.
“I think we should call this restaurant ‘our place’,” Nadia said with a teasing smile, running her fingers along the edge of her wine glass.
Jadon grinned. “Yeah. I know how much you love this place, so hey why not.”
She raised an eyebrow playfully. “Trying to butter me up before you leave again?”
“Always,” he said, his tone light but his gaze serious. “But tonight’s not about that. It’s about us.”
The waiter arrived with their plates, grilled mahi-mahi for Jadon and a lobster tail for Nadia. They ate slowly, savoring the food and the moment.
“You know,” Nadia said after a while, “when I met you, I didn’t think we’d end up here. You were this… whirlwind. A little lost, maybe. But now, look at you.”
Jadon chuckled. “A whirlwind, huh? That’s one way to put it.”
“I mean it,” she said, her voice softening. “You’ve changed so much. You’ve found your purpose. And even when you’ve faced setbacks, you’ve pushed through. That’s inspiring, Jadon. It really is.”
Jadon reached across the table, taking her hand. “I wouldn’t be here without you, Nadia. You ground me. You make me better.”
Her eyes glistened as she squeezed his hand. “Then don’t stay away too long.”
“I won’t,” he promised. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
*****
The next morning, Jadon stood at the airport, his bag slung over his shoulder as Nadia hugged him tightly.
“I’ll miss you,” she murmured, her voice muffled against his chest.
“I’ll miss you more,” he said, kissing her. “But this isn’t goodbye. It’s just the start of something bigger.”
She nodded, forcing a smile. “Go make it happen, Jadon. I’ll be right here.”
He smiled, knowing that everything he was working for; Reverie, the artists, their future was all for her. For them.
