Episode 14
Part 68: Welcome to Soho
Jadon paced the open-plan living room of the newly leased Soho loft, glancing at his watch. Everything was perfect… the modern furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the bustling city streets below, and the stocked kitchen. The loft was both a workspace and a home for his new protégés. He’d poured a lot of himself into making this a place where they could thrive.
When the buzzer sounded, Jadon’s chest tightened with excitement. He rushed to the door, pressing the intercom button.
“They’re here,” the driver announced.
Jadon buzzed them in and waited, hearing their footsteps echo up the stairwell. Moments later, the door swung open, and Marcus and Lyric stepped in, eyes wide with wonder.
“Yo!” Marcus exclaimed, his Bajan accent thick with excitement. “This place is mad! Like... this really where we stayin’?”
“Welcome to Soho, gentlemen,” Jadon said, grinning.
Lyric stepped further into the loft, turning in a slow circle to take it all in. “This... this is somethin’ else, man. The ceilings, the lights. It’s like a music video in here.”
Jadon chuckled. “Only the best for my artists.”
Nikki walked in next, her suitcase rolling behind her. She glanced around, one eyebrow raised. “Okay, okay, I see you, Jadon. This is real fancy. Soho? You sure you can afford this?”
“Don’t worry about me,” Jadon replied, smirking. “I made sure you’ll all be comfortable. What’d you think?”
Nikki set her bag down, arms crossed as she surveyed the space. “Well, I’ve been to New York before, so I’m not completely blown away. But this... this is nice. Real nice.”
Finally, Crystal stepped in, her eyes immediately darting to the panoramic windows. She dropped her bag, walking straight to the glass and pressing her palms against it.
“I’ve never seen buildings like this. Only online,” she whispered, awe in her voice. “Jadon, is this real?”
Jadon smiled warmly. “Very real. Welcome to New York, Crystal. This is just the beginning.”
Marcus walked over to the sleek leather couch, flopping down dramatically. “Man, if this is the start, I can’t imagine what’s next. Feels like we in one of them MTV shows. Like... ‘The Real World: Bajan Edition.’”
Everyone laughed, even Nikki.
Lyric glanced around the space again, his voice quieter. “I’ve been to London before, but... this is different. Feels like a dream.”
Jadon placed a hand on Lyric’s shoulder. “It’s no dream. You’re here because you earned it. All of you. But this is just the first step. The real work starts tomorrow.”
Crystal turned from the window, her eyes shining. “I don’t care how hard it gets. This is more than I ever imagined. Thank you, Jadon.”
Jadon nodded, feeling the weight of her gratitude. “Don’t thank me yet. I promised to get you here, but now it’s up to you to make it all happen. I’ll guide you, but this journey is yours.”
Nikki smirked, leaning against the kitchen counter. “Well, if the journey includes a loft like this, I’m all in. Where’s my room?”
Jadon laughed. “Come on, let me show you around. Your rooms are upstairs.”
As they toured the loft, the group’s energy was electric. Jadon felt a deep sense of pride and responsibility, knowing he had a role in transforming their lives. This was their chance, and he was determined to ensure they made the most of it.
Part 69: New Beginnings in the Big City
The morning light streamed through the towering windows of the Soho loft, painting the space in soft gold. Jadon was already awake, leaning against the kitchen counter with a steaming cup of coffee in hand. His tablet rested on the counter, glowing with the day’s schedule. This was the first full day in New York for his team, and he wanted to make it count.
Nikki wandered in first, her outfit sharp and intentional, as though she had been waiting for this day her whole life.
"Morning, boss," she greeted with a teasing grin as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
Jadon smirked. "There’s that word again. ‘Boss.’ I’m your colleague, not your boss."
“Well, get comfortable with it. It suits you.” She took a sip of coffee and gestured around the loft. “Seriously though, Jadon, I’ve never seen anything like this. It feels…surreal.”
Crystal entered next, tying a silk scarf around her head as she surveyed the space. “Good morning. Is this regular coffee, or is it some fancy New York version?”
Jadon chuckled. “Just coffee. Help yourself.”
Soon, Marcus and Lyric joined them, their eyes still adjusting to the morning light. The atmosphere around the kitchen island was buzzing with anticipation as Jadon laid out the day’s agenda: studio sessions, a marketing meeting, and their first meet-and-greet with industry producers.
“Think of this as your introduction to the big leagues,” Jadon said.
Lyric scratched his head nervously. “It all sounds incredible, but…what if it’s too much? What if we don’t live up to the hype?”
Jadon placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You will. You’ve got what it takes. Every single one of you. Just take it one step at a time.”
Marcus leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. “Good. Because I am not going back to cleaning pools, hear?”
Laughter erupted around the table, breaking the tension and setting the tone for the day.
*****
The group piled into a sleek black SUV that dropped them off in front of Skyline Studios. The iconic building shimmered with neon accents, and inside, the walls were lined with platinum records and photos of legendary artists.
A sound engineer named Devon greeted them warmly. “Welcome to Skyline Studios. Ready to make some magic?”
The group nodded in unison, their awe barely contained.
Crystal stepped into the recording booth first, her nerves visible. Jadon offered a small nod of encouragement from the control room. As her voice filled the space, everyone was struck silent. Even Devon leaned toward Jadon, whispering, “You weren’t kidding about her. She’s special.”
Nikki, Marcus, and Lyric each had their turn, bringing their unique styles to the mic. By the end of the session, the group left the studio exhilarated, their confidence boosted.
*****
Back at the loft that evening, Crystal sat quietly by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring at the city lights. Jadon noticed her sitting alone and approached with two cups of tea.
“Everything okay?” he asked, handing her a mug.
Crystal hesitated before answering. “I don’t know. This is all amazing, beyond anything I ever imagined. But…it’s a lot. I keep thinking about home. My family. My mom…” Her voice trailed off.
Jadon sat beside her, his tone gentle. “It’s normal to feel this way. New York can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time this far from home. But you’re not alone in this. You’ve got us. And trust me, your mom is going to be so proud when she sees what you’ve accomplished.”
Crystal smiled faintly. “Thanks, Jadon. I needed that.”
*****
That night, after everyone had gone to bed, Jadon sat on the balcony with his phone. The cool night air helped him decompress from the whirlwind of the day. He called Nadia, who answered on the second ring.
“Hey,” she said softly, her voice immediately grounding him.
“Hey, babe. Just wanted to hear your voice,” Jadon replied.
“How’s everything going over there?”
“Good. Really good,” he said. “The studio session was amazing, and the artists are settling in. It’s all moving fast, but I think we’re on the right track.”
“I’m so proud of you,” Nadia said. “You’ve worked so hard for this. How’s everyone handling it?”
“Nikki’s loving every minute. Marcus and Lyric are soaking it in, too. But Crystal…” He sighed. “She’s missing home. I get it. This is a big change for her. I’m trying to remind her she’s not alone, but I know it’s hard.”
“Jadon, just keep supporting her. She’ll come around.”
“How’s everything on your end?”
“Same old. I miss you, though.”
“I miss you too. But I’ll be back soon. And we’ll figure out the visa stuff.”
“I’ll be right here waiting,” she said.
“Love you,” Jadon whispered before ending the call, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
*****
The next day, the group attended their first meet-and-greet with industry executives. Jadon stood back as his artists introduced themselves, proud of how they carried themselves. One executive leaned toward Jadon and said, “You’ve got something special here. Crystal is the obvious star, but this group… there’s something about their chemistry. They’re raw, but the potential is undeniable.”
Jadon smiled. “They’re going to change the game.”
As the evening wound down, Jadon couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride. Reverie Entertainment was officially in motion, and the dream he’d fought hard to realize was now a reality.
Part 70: A Strategic Partnership
Jadon leaned back in his chair, his phone pressed to his ear as Malcolm's voice filled the room.
“Hi Jadon, I’m checking in to see how things are going. I’m also calling to remind you of your financial obligations to Reverie,” Malcolm said, his tone calm but firm. “I’ve given you a timeline, and the clock is ticking. What’s going on with the financing?”
Jadon sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “I know, Malcolm. I’m working on it.”
“I’d hate to see this partnership fall apart before it even begins,” Malcolm added. “Look, if you want I can connect you with some excellent financiers to help close the gap.”
Jadon straightened up, his voice resolute. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ve already got a lender lined up. I’ve got it handled.”
“Fair enough. I’m footing the lease on the loft, per our agreement, in addition to the $1.5 mil, so do your part,” Malcolm said, though Jadon could hear the doubt in his voice. “Don’t waste time, Jadon. Skyline Entertainment isn’t in the habit of waiting.” As the call ended, Jadon exhaled deeply, staring at the numbers in front of him. Initially, he had planned to invest $500,000 of his own money, but now he figured it would be smarter to finance the entire $1.5 million. It would preserve his liquidity, but it also came with its own risks.
Malcolm's words lingered in Jadon's mind, the weight of the conversation pressing down on him. He couldn’t shake the urgency or the underlying threat in Malcolm’s tone. Frustrated and restless, Jadon decided he needed a break to clear his head. Pushing the stack of papers aside, he stood and paced the room before grabbing his phone. Without overthinking it, he scrolled to Nadia’s name and hit call.
Jadon smiled as he dialed Nadia’s number. “Hey, beautiful. How’s your day going?”
“Hey, you,” Nadia answered warmly. “It’s been pretty good. How about you? How’s my dreamer holding up?”
Jadon chuckled. “Your dreamer’s got a lot on his mind. It’s been one of those days. You got a minute to talk?”
“Always, Jadon. What’s going on?”
Jadon sighed. “So, I got this offer today from Stellar Horizons Capital. They’re willing to finance the full $1.5 million I need for Reverie.”
Nadia sounded impressed. “Wow, that’s huge! You’ve been looking for funding for a while. What’s the catch?”
“That’s the thing,” Jadon said. “They want a ten percent equity stake in exchange. If I take it, I’d be left with only a forty-one percent share of Reverie.”
“Wait, forty-one percent? I thought you had more than that,” Nadia said, her voice tinged with concern.
“I did,” Jadon replied. “But I’ve already had to give up forty-nine percent to Skyline, leaving me with fifty-one. The deal is that Malcolm will relinquish an additional ten percent to me in five years if Reverie surpasses a certain financial threshold. If I take this deal with the investor, I’d lose majority control.”
Nadia was silent for a moment. “Oh, Jadon. That’s… tricky. Reverie’s your baby. I know how much it means to you.”
“Exactly,” Jadon said, the frustration evident in his voice. “I need to maintain control, Nadia. This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the vision, the dream I have for what Reverie can be. If I give up majority ownership, I’m not sure I can make that happen the way I want to.”
“I get it,” Nadia said gently. “Losing control would change everything. But are there other options on the table? Maybe negotiate the equity percentage down?”
“Not yet! Besides, I already did that with Malcolm just to get the extra controlling one percent,” Jadon admitted, sighing again. “And let’s face it, the offer’s tempting. If I don’t take it, I might not get another one anytime soon. It’s just… what’s the point of building this if it’s not mine to lead?”
“You’re right to think this through,” Nadia said thoughtfully. “It’s a huge decision. But maybe this is also about balance. How much are you willing to give up to make Reverie a reality? And how much can you stand to keep fighting for total control?”
Jadon gave a dry laugh. “Yeah. That’s the million-dollar… no, the 1.5 million dollar question, isn’t it?”
Nadia’s voice softened. “Whatever you decide, I’m here. We’ll figure this out together, okay?”
“Thanks, Nadia,” Jadon said, his tone lighter. “I needed to hear that.”
Later that evening, Jadon’s phone buzzed, the caller ID flashing the name Cyrus Ambrose. Jadon frowned slightly. After a brief hesitation, he picked up.
“Cyrus, good evening,” Jadon greeted cautiously.
“Jadon! How’s it going?” Cyrus’s voice was warm, almost casual, putting Jadon slightly at ease.
“Not bad,” Jadon replied. “It’s been a long day, but that’s just part of the grind. How about you?”
“Oh, you know me,” Cyrus said, chuckling. “Always juggling a few things. The restaurant business never sleeps, and neither do the trucks. Keeps me on my toes.”
“Sounds like you’ve got your hands full,” Jadon said, leaning back in his chair.
“Yeah, but I like it that way,” Cyrus replied. “Keeps life interesting. Speaking of busy, I’ve been hearing about what you’re up to with Reverie.”
Jadon perked up slightly. “Oh? Word travels fast, I guess.”
“It does,” Cyrus said smoothly. “And from what I hear, you’re building something special. I think there’s potential for something really great here.”
Jadon nodded to himself, intrigued. “I appreciate that. Still a lot of work to do, though.”
“Well, that’s why I’m calling,” Cyrus continued. “Why don’t you come by my place tomorrow? I’d love to show you what I’ve got going on and talk about how I might be able to help you.”
Jadon raised an eyebrow. “Help me? In what way?”
“Let’s save that for tomorrow,” Cyrus said with a small laugh. “Sometimes it’s easier to show than to tell. Swing by, and I’ll give you the grand tour. You might find it... enlightening.”
Jadon paused, weighing his options. “Alright, Cyrus. I’ll take you up on that. What time works for you?”
“Morning’s best. Let’s say 10 a.m.? I’ll have someone show you around when you get here.”
“Sounds good,” Jadon replied. “I’ll see you then.”
“Looking forward to it,” Cyrus said. “Peace, Jadon.”
“Good night,” Jadon replied, ending the call. As he set his phone down, he couldn’t help but feel curious and cautious about what Cyrus Ambrose had in store.
The next morning, Jadon found himself stepping into Cyrus’s sleek, expansive office. The space exuded sophistication, from the polished hardwood floors to the towering windows offering a panoramic view of the city. The walls were lined with photos of Cyrus at high-profile events shaking hands with influential figures, standing beside city officials, and smiling alongside headlines touting his successes.
On Cyrus’s desk sat a glossy business magazine. The cover featured a striking photo of Cyrus in a tailored suit, arms crossed confidently, with the bold headline: Cyrus Ambrose: Businessman of the Year.
“You’ve built quite a legacy,” Jadon said, picking up the magazine and studying the cover.
Cyrus grinned as he walked in, a cup of coffee in hand. “It’s a work in progress,” he said modestly. “But I appreciate that. Come on, Jadon. I want to show you something.”
Jadon followed Cyrus out of the office and into a waiting car. Over the next several hours, Cyrus took Jadon on a whirlwind tour through Brooklyn and Queens, stopping at various businesses that were part of his growing empire.
At their first stop, a bustling fast-food restaurant, Cyrus gestured toward the crowded dining area. “I’ve got partnerships in twenty of these across the city,” he explained. “They’re not glamorous, but they’re steady. People always need to eat.”
The next destination was an auto mechanic shop, where workers in grease-stained coveralls tended to a lineup of cars. “Two of these,” Cyrus said, nodding toward the busy garage. “It’s not just about fixing cars, it’s about building trust. Once people know they can count on you, they keep coming back.”
Later, they pulled up to a barbershop. Inside, barbers were chatting animatedly with customers, the buzz of clippers filling the air. “Eight of these,” Cyrus said with a hint of pride. “Barbershops are more than just businesses, they’re community hubs. People feel comfortable here, and that’s where the magic happens.”
As they drove to their final stop, Cyrus leaned back, his tone shifting to something more personal. “The crown jewel, though, is my delivery and shipping company. That one’s mine… no partners, no co-owners. I started it six years ago, and it’s been expanding like wildfire ever since.”
Jadon raised an eyebrow, impressed. “You’ve got a lot going on, Cyrus. How do you manage all of this?”
Cyrus shrugged, smiling. “It’s all about building the right team and staying focused. But I’ll be honest with you… my latest passion is angel investing. I’m not just looking to grow what I’ve got; I’m looking to help others build something incredible. That’s where you come in.”
Jadon glanced at him, intrigued. “You’re interested in funding Reverie?”
“Absolutely,” Cyrus said without hesitation. “I’ve been watching you, Jadon. I see your drive, your vision. We’ve gotten close, and I believe in sticking together. You’re not just building a company, you’re building a movement. I want to help make that happen.”
Jadon took a deep breath, overwhelmed by the offer but grateful for the support. Before he could respond, Cyrus continued.
“And it’s not just about you,” Cyrus added. “I know Nadia’s navigating some tough waters right now. If she needs assistance, I’ve got connections in Congress who owe me a few favors. I’d be happy to make some introductions.”
Jadon turned to him, surprised. “You’d do that? For Nadia?”
Cyrus nodded. “Of course. You two are good people, and I like to take care of my own. Besides, you’ve got enough on your plate. Let me lighten the load.”
As they returned to Cyrus’s office, Jadon couldn’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and cautious optimism. Cyrus Ambrose was clearly a man of many layers, and while his offer was tempting, Jadon knew he’d have to think carefully about the next steps.
Cyrus smiled, his confidence unwavering. “And I see the potential for you to do the same with Reverie. That’s why I’m offering to personally finance your endeavor.”
Jadon raised an eyebrow, leaning forward in his chair. “What’s the catch?”
“No catch,” Cyrus said smoothly. “I’ll structure it as a loan, low 5% interest rate, generous repayment terms. No equity involved. Reverie stays yours.”
Jadon hesitated, his fingers drumming against the armrest. “Why are you doing this?”
Cyrus met his gaze, his voice sincere. “Because I see something special in you, Jadon. I’ve been where you are… trying to make a name for myself, struggling to find the right support. Someone gave me a chance once, and it changed everything. I want to do the same for you.”
Jadon’s expression softened, though the weight of the decision was still clear in his eyes.
That evening, Jadon sat alone in his apartment, the phone pressed to his ear as he paced the room.
“I don’t know, Nadia,” he admitted. “It seems too good to be true.”
“Jadon, listen to me,” Nadia said, her voice firm but encouraging. “Cyrus isn’t asking for equity. This is a loan… a safe opportunity. You’d keep full control of Reverie. You wouldn’t have to give up any stake in the company.”
Jadon stopped pacing and stared out the window at the scatter of city lights below. He sighed. “I just can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to this. There’s a lot more to him than you know, Nadia.”
“Why would you say that?” she asked. “I’ve known him all my life.”
“Back in Barbados, when Roach…” He paused, reconsidered. “Never mind.”
“What?! What were you gonna to say?” Nadia pressed. “Look, whatever it is, Cyrus may be rough around the edges, but I know this much… he looks out for his people.”
Jadon hesitated. “Why would someone like Cyrus take a risk on me?”
“Because he believes in you,” Nadia said gently. “That’s my point. Just like I do. You’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this, Jadon. Don’t let your doubt hold you back. Take the deal. This could be exactly what you need.”
Jadon was silent for a moment, turning her words and Cyrus’s offer over in his mind. Finally, he nodded to himself. “You’re right. I’ll do it.”
The next day, Jadon returned to Cyrus’s office. They sat across the desk, reviewing the paperwork together. The terms were clear and fair, just as Cyrus had promised. With a deep breath, Jadon signed on the dotted line.
As they stood and shook hands, Cyrus smiled, his grip firm. “I’m glad I could help. I believe in you, Jadon. Now, go make Reverie into something extraordinary.”
Jadon left the office with a renewed sense of purpose. He clutched the signed agreement tightly, the weight of uncertainty replaced by determination. This was his moment. He was one step closer to realizing his dream and this time, he was doing it on his terms.
