“Uh, actually, it was just a coincidence everything happened around the same time.The game was already in development for more than two years.My agency only went full-time a year ago.Though, honestly, the supermodel title is all thanks to that game.”I chuckle with a bright smile.
“How could it not?You became an inspiration for women from all walks of life to dare to dream through that game.”The host gives a soft round of applause.
“Thank you.”I smile as my cheeks warm up.
“Was it hard to build your agency from scratch?Was it as smooth as in the game?”
“Oh, gosh, no, it was pretty rough in the early years.In the game, you have a checklist, missions, things to complete.In reality, I had no idea what I was doing.It was a total mess.”We all laugh as I throw my hands beside my head.
“I heard about the case that’s still dragging your old agency.Did that make things harder?”
“Oh, yes, for sure.I built my agency to help friends who lost their jobs because of that case.”I sigh softly, remembering the gloomy faces when Gene’s office shut down.
“I felt like I didn’t have enough capacity to be a CEO.And with the case trashing my name, it was brutally hard to build Everdream Management.I wouldn’t be here without my husband and my BFF slash agent slash our COO, Jessy Ronald.”
“Is he here?That him?”The host points toward Jessy, who’s giggling behind the cameraman.
“Yes.Come up here, Jessy.You deserve some spotlight.”I wave him over as the host also urges the crew to nudge him forward.In swift motion, they attach mic to his shirt.He sits beside me and grips my hand.God, his hand is freezing.
“Oh, I’m an introvert.This is wrecking my nerves.”Jessy fans his face with wide eyes, showing panic for the show.
We burst into laughter again.The conversation turns even more lively with Jessy’s quips that brighten the whole room.After an hour of chatting, we finally reach the end of the show.
“What are your plans after this, Fenella?”the host asks.
“My first priority right now is giving birth to my child and showering him or her with all the love they deserve.The way my mother fought for me, I’ll fight for them.”
“Must be exciting to have a small family with your husband, right?”
“Yes, absolutely.”I nod with excitement.
“Will the company be run by Jessy while you’re on maternity leave?”
“Um, not entirely.That’s the challenge of being a CEO.You can’t fully let go whenever you want.Jessy will take over most of the operations during my leave, while I still handle all the tough decisions to keep it all running smoothly.”
“But Jessy will help take care of the baby while you work, right?”
“Of course.I’ll be thebest nannyin the world for my godchild.”Jessy jumps in with a proud grin.We all laugh again at his enthusiasm.
Epilogue
Revenge Served
Fenella
Three months later…
“The Court will now announce its decision in Case Number 24-721.”
The Marshal’s voice echoes across the chamber.I sit in the audience with my heart pounding and my feet restless.The rows behind us fall silent, reporters lifting their cameras, waiting for the Justices to take their seats.
I squeeze Laird’s hand to steady my nerves.He leans in and whispers that everything’s going to be okay.I nod and give him a small, hopeful smile.
This is the last appeal at the Supreme Court.After this, they can’t take the case anywhere else.Two long years of motions, hearings, and delays, starting from the Federal District Court to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.The lower courts sentenced them to twenty years in prison and ordered all their assets forfeited.If the Supreme Court agrees, it seals their fate.If not… no.I don’t want to think about the other option.
The Justices enter.Everyone rises.My breath catches somewhere between my ribs.The Marshal declares the Court in session, and then we sit again, the benches creaking under the weight of tension.
Justice Barrett adjusts her glasses and begins reading the Court’s summary of the opinion.She moves through the pages with a calm, steady voice, outlining the issues, the arguments, the holdings below.Time crawls.My eyelids grow heavy, even as adrenaline keeps my spine stiff.
