The Tycoon's Odyssey

In the grand, well-decorated room of Starlight Entertainment, a tall, strikingly handsome man with his sharp eyes shadowed by dark circles gazed over an array of display screens.

Aaron, the President of Starlight Entertainment, controlled a large chunk of the entertainment industry.

He held an undeniable influence in the entertainment industry—a true powerhouse capable of making or breaking careers with a single call.

Yet, today was supposed to be his day off, a rare chance to escape the pressures of his high-stakes world. But the chaos unfolding on the screens before him had robbed him of any hopes of peace, yanking him awake at dawn.

Glaring at the scandalous headlines erupting across social media, his expression darkened, and he let out a furious snarl. "What is this nonsense? Do these people have nothing better to do?"

His voice carried a mix of disgust and anger as he scrolled through the toxic comments and mocking memes that were flooding the internet.

Gina, his sharp-witted secretary, who stood nearby, crossed her arms and let out a weary sigh. "Unemployment is at an all-time high," she said dryly, gesturing to the ridiculous speculations. "Looks like everyone has found a new hobby."

Aaron's brows drew into a hard line. "Did you contact the media and tell them to stop this garbage?" he demanded, his tone icy.

"I did, sir. But they won't budge. Seems they've been well-fed and funded by others to keep this going," Gina replied, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Aaron's jaw clenched as he considered the implications.

"It has to be that woman… Suri's stepmother," he muttered, almost to himself.

"Over the years, Suri has made enemies who would never dare to cross her because of us. But now… why now?"

Suri was more than just an actress or a face on Starlight's roster. Years ago, she'd invested billions in the company, reshaping it from a struggling studio to one of the most respected titans in the industry.

Her influence was woven deeply into its foundation. And as a half-owner, she was both the star and the strategic mind driving the company's success. The respect she commanded ensured that no director, producer, or rival could easily threaten her and would remain at bay. Despite her public image, few knew the true extent of her control behind the scenes, and they had always underestimated her power.

"Gina, I want a list of everyone involved in this mess on my desk. Especially anyone from our team," Aaron said through gritted teeth. "And tell the PR and security teams to prepare a response. We're not going to let her reputation go up in flames."

But before he could finish, his phone rang sharply. Gina glanced at the screen, her eyes widening. "It's Suri," she said before quickly connecting the call to a video feed.

The screen flickered to life, and Suri's face appeared, her features calm, but her gaze ice-cold. Even over the video, Aaron could feel the intensity of her rage, making him swallow as he steeled himself for her wrath.

"Have you seen what's happening?" Her voice was as chilling as the winter wind.

Aaron's face fell. "I have, Suri. I'm sorry for not containing it sooner. Who knew these vultures would strike in the dead of night?"

"Don't worry, I will try my level best to finish things as soon as possible and clear out your name. After all, we can't let anyone blemish or stain your name," Aaron spoke resolutely.

Gina at the side also nodded in agreement.

Suri stayed silent for a few moments, her gaze steady. Then, unexpectedly, a faint, enigmatic smile tugged at her lips, sending a shiver down Aaron and Gina's spine, as they sensed a bad premonition.

"Let it be."

Both Aaron and Gina blinked, taken aback. "What?" Aaron stammered.

"Suri, this isn't like you. We can fix this. Don't let it get to you. Scandals pop up every year. We can handle this. Don't act like a newbie."

"Hey, both of you calm down now. You are misunderstanding something. I haven't given up."

Suri's smile remained, but there was an unyielding glint in her eyes. "I'm going to retire."

Aaron's face went ashen.

"Retire? Why?" His voice was almost a whisper, filled with dread.

He swallowed his saliva and wondered what would happen to them if she were to retire.

"Because I want to," Suri replied simply, her voice steady but unyielding.

"But... this isn't you. You've fought battles far worse than this. Why now?" Aaron's tone held an almost desperate edge, the mere thought of her departure had struck a note of dread within him.

Suri's gaze turned colder, her expression resolute. "Let them say what they want to. Focus on running the company and take care of the traitors within our walls. That's all."

"You know my dream. I have earned enough to last a lifetime and my investment would keep running and providing me with money. Now, all I want is to live a peaceful life away from all the hassle." Suri paused and looked at the two beyond the screen. Chapter Enjoy:

"I hope you two respect my decision."

And before Aaron could respond, the call disconnected, leaving him and Gina staring at the blank screen in stunned silence.

Aaron slumped back into his chair, disbelief in his eyes. "Did… what just happened?"

"It's unbelievable." Gina, still wide-eyed murmured, nodded, "It is."

"Seems so. She's… actually going to let them talk?"

They exchanged glances, both shaken and puzzled. For a woman known to retaliate at even the slightest provocation, this sudden withdrawal was unlike anything they'd ever seen from Suri. Yet, it didn't seem like resignation, they'd seen it in her eyes and it wasn't something far more calculated as if she had a plan, rather she simply looked tired.

Both of them had known her for years and knew that she had her share of struggle beyond that serene, pretty smiling face.

Hiding her struggles, and acting like she was fine was just a facade. She worked harder than anyone else in the industry. She had a sharp eye for business and a knack for investing in good movies and drama. She had invested in those that others avoided. And her efforts had always paid off.

Thinking all this, Aaron rubbed his head and let out a sigh, "It seems things are gonna be tough for us without her."

"Yeah, we will certainly miss her presence," Gina agreed with a nod.