RAFAEL
I sat in the boardroom for ten days in the talk of one of my studio’s biggest film franchises. I initially planned to release the film to PeekFlix when Emilio signed. The premise would be based on the bestselling post-apocalyptic, fantasy, and science fiction book The Zion’s Code Trilogy. The books sold over one hundred million copies worldwide, so Adam suggested I read and consider them for a motion picture. I ended up liking it. With our best directors, scriptwriters, and a set of A-list actors, a big budget, the film should be huge.
Movies our studios had produced were listed as the highest-grossing films so far. We’d gained millions of followers globally, so I had a good feeling about it. So, each creative team and department presented schemes for new film productions, artist screenings, scripts, and music arrangements, as well as its events and conferences, in order to execute strategic initiatives.
After the series of meetings, I was behind my desk, allocating decisions, weighing the distribution of each project going to minor studios and subsidiaries, and signing multi-million budgets for new product lines. I watched each production’s competitive advantages closely for Sebastian Pictures and Sebastian Records.
However, I wasn’t busy enough to forget what the old man had told me two weeks ago. There were many things I did for him since my early teens. I grew up compelled to follow every single thing he wanted me to do. He shaped my life and chose everything for my future but still called me rebellious. But the truth was, I made a huge mistake as a kid. An unforgivable mistake. And the guilt that had been tied to it, I’d probably take with me to my grave.
I put down my pen and pinched my nose bridge. The fatigue was beginning to take over my sanity. I was trapped again with the strings put on me. My hands and feet were tied. This time, it wasn’t about just business or the responsibility of being the head of the family. It was about my life. Dad wanted me to settle down. Marriage was out of the picture because I didn’t want to be like him. But marriage was a must because I needed an heir.
If I was going to find a woman because of duty, I had already thought of ways to rectify that. I knew some women who would jump at the opportunity of standing next to a Sebastian. Women who seek more power and wealth with no strings attached—just titles and the ability to give me heirs. I wanted to detach myself from unnecessary feelings like love. It was an obstacle. That just wasn’t for me.
But then I remembered Savannah. Again. And numerous times after that night in the restaurant.
She wasn’t as sophisticated compared to women fitting my preferences, but she was a natural, so she ticked some of the boxes for me: her soft brown hair like silk, mysterious amber eyes, a small rosebud mouth was eminently kissable as I watched her speak, and a curvy frame in that tight white dress shirt. She was attractive enough to make my blood rush, but I couldn’t find any logical explanation for why she kept appearing in my head.
No, it’s definitely that wet dress shirt.
That damn thing barely covered her breasts and the poking buds underneath her bra. I had to give her my jacket so she could cover up because I was already picturing my mouth touching her skin. But it wasn’t enough that I still couldn’t get the images of her in my bed out of my mind. I couldn’t stop picturing her on her knees, torturing her with my tongue all night, and fucking her against the wall. It was frustrating.
“Mr. Sebastian?”
She was attracted to me too, but she kept space to herself, wasn’t assertive, but was confident in how she spoke and carried herself.
“Sir.”
“What?!” It was Filch, one of Wesley Allen’s associates in marketing.
“We just wanted to—”
“Don’t you ever knock?” I yelled.
He jolted in surprise. I didn’t mean to frighten him. There was just a lot going on in my head.
“I did. Twice.”
I cleared my throat. “What is it?”
Wesley cleared his throat. “Here’s what you asked.” He gave me his tablet and showed me the final marketing plans for PeekFlix. It was to be presented to PeekFlix’s creator in two days.
Two weeks ago, Carter went to see Sue Winkler, and she was impressed with the initial plan, and my offer captured Emilio’s attention. Of course he would be. He would still be the President. PeekFlix eliminated the seven other corporations, except Dragon’s Gate Entertainment and New Star Media.
It wasn’t a surprise James Lockhart, DGE’s CEO, made it at this point. The studio was Sebastian Entertainment’s biggest competitor. But how New Star Media was chosen was a mystery. Brett fucking Reed was a big piece of work. Ten years ago, he stole a huge product line and information from us by sending one of his people to my office. He was the real brain of the company, not its current CEO, Amara Reed. I was skeptical about how he convinced Sue. What kind of trick did he do this time?
“This is good. Tell Carter to proceed. I expect he will attend PeekFlix’s event tonight. Who will come with him?”
“His new assistant and Mr. Allen, sir.”
“Diana’s replacement?”
“Yes. She just came today.”
I sighed. I just hoped they found someone more competent this time.
“She said she’s from New Star Media. Amara Reed’s executive assistant,” he added.
What? That made me freeze. “And Carter employed her. Why?”
“It was surprising at first, but it is actually Mr. Allen who endorsed her, and Mr. Sebastian was impressed with her profile.”
I nodded. “Name?” One couldn’t be too careful. This could be one of Brett’s dirty schemes.
“It’s, uh, Savannah Gibson.”
Savannah? That name again. Was that a common American first name?
“Alright, Filch. You can leave.”
He gestured a slight bow, then stormed out of my office.
I tapped my fingers on my desk. My thoughts about Savannah now went deeper than they should. Her face flashed in my mind. Her round mesmerizing irises, her soft ivory skin, and her beautiful smile.
I had her phone with me for days, but I hadn’t asked for her number. That would be the first time.
SAVANNAH
“Attention! I just need a minute of your time.” My best friend clapped his hands while standing in the middle of the cubicles of two dozen employees. Everyone on the floor stopped whatever they were doing and shifted their attention to Wesley.
“I just want to introduce our chief’s new executive assistant. This is Savannah Gibson.” Everyone’s eyes were on me. Some were surprised, others were smiling (mostly men), but most employees were attentive.
“She will be Diana Emerson’s replacement,” Wesley continued, “so her authority and duties will be as is. She’s already experienced in our field of work, but she will need our help while adjusting to a new working environment. I’m sure you already heard which company she came from. Her position is as important as mine, so you can go to her if Carter and I are unavailable. She will help you.” Wes clapped again. “Now, get back to work.”
I waved to the employees, grinning. A few smiled and waved back before they went back to their duties.
“What an introduction.” The handsome, youngest Sebastian appeared from the back and stood at my side with his hands resting on his waist.
Carter Sebastian was as tall as Wesley, obviously charming with a picture-perfect smile, and wore a black dress shirt with no ties, which made him look more approachable. He seemed pleasant to work with.
“Carter.” Wes patted his boss’ shoulder. I didn’t believe him when he told me they were close. I thought he was just bragging.
“Hey, man,” the boss greeted back, then pivoted to face me. “Hello, Savannah.”
It wasn’t the first time I met the man. He interviewed me for ten minutes last week, asked mostly about what I did with Amara Reed, and hired me on the spot.
“Hello, Mr. Sebastian.”
We shook hands. “Call me Carter. That’s just in the interview. I’m not used to formal titles.” He leaned over and whispered, “Except for the juniors.”
I smiled. “Just call me Savi, then.”
“Alright, Savi.” He rubbed his palms together. “Are you ready for tonight?”
“Party?”
He looked at Wes. “You didn’t tell her.”
“Not yet, no,” Wes answered, crossing his arms at his back. “I was going to giver her a tour and show her office first, but, hey, Savi.”
“Yep?”
“You’re coming with us to PeekFlix’s Director’s Club afterparty tonight. You in?”
“The streaming platform?”
“Yes, that,” Wes answered.
“That’s big.” Sebastian Entertainment was eyeing PeekFlix, too? I gave Amara and Brett a few ideas for its marketing, but since it was too early, it was drafted. Amara didn’t bring it up again, so I guess they weren’t interested anymore.
“Sure, but why the afterparty?”
“We’re preoccupied until afternoon, so we can’t make it to the event,” Carter said while scratching his temple.
“What’s the event about?”
“Behind-the-scenes, first looks, never-before-seen footage, new trailers, and celebrity interviews. They will also announce the plans to merge with a US studio. Pretty much that. We’re hoping that’s us,” Wes explained.
“But tonight isn’t about business. We’re just invited,” Carter added. “My brother will be there, our CEO. You will meet him tonight. I suppose you need time to dress up?” He studied my outfit. I wore a short, tight black dress that was not too stylish but office friendly. Yep, totally not for parties.
“Yes, thank you. But can you guys tell me more about it?”
“Of course, while I’m giving you a tour,” Wes said.
“Good luck, Savi.” Carter shook my hand again. “Welcome to Sebastian Entertainment Group.”