Chapter 106
Meanwhile, Brian and his team continued to intensify the public narrative and momentum they had initiated. Confident in their control of the situation, Brian headed to Phoebe’s office. Phoebe and Brenda were casually watching the reality show livestream.
Sure enough, the tone in the live comments had shifted completely. It went from condemning Gwen to rallying in her support. Gwen’s performance on the show had exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Seeing Brian enter, Phoebe greeted him with a smile. “Take a seat.” Brian held back his excitement as he sat across from them, updating Phoebe on their operational progress. She nodded in approval and smiled. “You’ve done excellent work.”
After a pause, Brian asked, “Ms. Jenkins, now that we’re putting pressure on Jenkins Entertainment, do you think they’ll take action against Leon?” The Jenkins brothers held nearly absolute control over Jenkins Entertainment, and Brian wasn’t sure if Ollie would actually sacrifice his brother to appease the shareholders.
But Phoebe reassured him. “Trust me. Knowing Ollie, he’ll make sure Leon is held accountable for the company and the public. But that doesn’t mean they’re backing down.”
She explained, “Ollie’s set to move up to Jenkins Group in the future, preparing to take over the chairman position, while Leon has been groomed to eventually lead Jenkins Entertainment.” She added, “Right now, they must keep the shareholders happy to secure those roles in the long run. So, they’ll throw Leon under the bus to calm things down.” Leon’s two artists will be fired as well and likely face repercussions.
She glanced at her watch. “Within the next half-hour, Jenkins Entertainment’s official Twitter will definitely post the disciplinary actions against all three.”
Brian nodded, impressed. “So, does this mean Leon’s career is finally finished?” Phoebe shook her head. “Not quite. Once things die down and the heat subsides, Ollie will likely reinstate him. Their loyalty runs deep. They’re fiercely protective of each other.”
Brian’s frustration was understandable. Anyone who’d been burned by Leon’s scheming would want nothing less than complete retribution. Seeing his reaction, Phoebe added, “Don’t worry. Our counterattack has already impacted both Jenkins brothers’ reputations.”
She smiled. “If we keep this up a few more times, no matter how connected Leon is as the chairman’s son, his chances of taking over Jenkins Entertainment will be slim. And Ollie’s move to Jenkins Group won’t look as strong on paper either. Whether he successfully inherits the group is still uncertain.”
She would continue to influence events from behind the scenes, ensuring their path wasn’t easy, just as they had tried to make hers. Brian relaxed. Successfully forcing Jenkins Entertainment to fire Leon was already a significant achievement in the industry. Leon’s reputation had plummeted, tarnishing his status as a top agent.
Brian and Phoebe chatted for a while. Brenda checked her phone. “Everything’s happened just as Phoebe predicted. Jenkins Entertainment has released a statement on Twitter, detailing the disciplinary actions and even apologizing to Gwen and the public.”
Phoebe nodded in satisfaction. “Ollie’s the sharpest of the brothers. By taking swift action to discipline and apologize, he’s lessened public scrutiny on the company and will appease many people’s anger.”
Brian asked, “Should we keep pushing forward?” Phoebe replied, “No need to go against them further. If we cross the line, Jenkins Group might retaliate. We don’t have the strength to.”
She added, “Besides, public interest won’t last indefinitely. They’ve issued apologies and dealt with those involved. If we keep targeting them, it might backfire.”
Then, her tone shifted slightly. “But we can keep an eye on Leon. With his personality, he’ll probably avoid the company for a while to vent his frustrations after being humiliated like this.”
She added, “Most likely, he’ll be hitting up various clubs and bars. And his dear sister Sienna. She’ll probably rush to comfort him as soon as she…”
“If they’re spotted together, call the paparazzi. They’ll make sure to capture some valuable shots. No need to invest in further PR ourselves. Just sit back and watch.”
Brenda chuckled. Perfect timing. The second episode of Phoebe’s show airs next week. We can give Sienna a bit of extra attention. Phoebe is right.
Brian laughed with admiration. “We’ll follow Ms. Jenkins’s lead from now on.” Phoebe’s tactical genius amazed him. Not only did she stay one step ahead, but she also knew how to strike precisely where it hurt the most.
If the paparazzi caught Leon and Sienna together, it would add a whole new level of drama.
Phoebe said, “Tomorrow night, I’ll book a restaurant and invite the whole studio team. We should all enjoy a meal together. Everyone has worked hard these past few days.”
Brian smiled, “I’ll make sure to pass on the word.” Working under Phoebe was rewarding. Not only was the “battle” thrilling, but she genuinely respected her team.
Meanwhile, in Elliot’s office, he was sharing coffee with a close shareholder, Darius Odom. He was a powerful manager in the corporation.
Darius asked, “Elliot, did you hear about what happened at the entertainment division today?” Elliot, who had been following the developments closely, nodded. “Yes, I’m aware.”
With a smile, Darius remarked, “You’ve certainly raised an impressive daughter. She has a strong grasp of strategy.” Of Elliot’s children, he favored Ollie, finding him capable and fit to lead. He’d once had a fair opinion of Leon as well, seeing him as talented, though not on Ollie’s level. But this recent incident had changed Elliot’s perspective. Phoebe stood out more than any of the sons.
Her meticulously timed responses and decision to cut things off when the moment was right showed remarkable foresight and restraint. Elliot smiled wryly. “I underestimated her. She’s turned the tide and won in this sibling rivalry.”
He hadn’t anticipated this situation. It turned the Jenkins family into a joke. Sibling rivalry escalating to this extent was a rare occurrence in the industry.
Darius laughed. “You’ve got a talented daughter. She might be ideal to lead Jenkins Entertainment someday. Her understanding of the entertainment industry could be a significant asset.”
Darius was aligned with Elliot’s interests, so he felt comfortable sharing his opinion candidly. Jenkins Entertainment, though just one division, brought in substantial profits, comprising nearly a third of the annual shareholder dividends. Naturally, he wanted the division to thrive.
After this incident, Elliot’s impression of Phoebe drastically improved, and he felt a new respect for her capabilities. But he sighed. “She holds quite a bit of resentment toward the Jenkins family. I don’t know if she’d be willing to take on a role at the entertainment division.”
Jenkins Group had been passed down from his ancestors, and he had dedicated himself to its growth. Whether it was Leon or Phoebe, either of them leading Jenkins Entertainment well would satisfy him.
Although Elliot was now more inclined toward Darius’s suggestion, he worried about Phoebe’s reaction. Darius was aware of the Jenkins family’s dynamics. He pondered for a moment before offering advice. “Maybe as her father, if you make the first gesture, she’d be willing to meet you halfway.”
Then, giving Elliot an excuse to reach out, he added, “I heard she’s quite skilled at horoscopes. Perhaps you could ask her to take a look at my fortune.”