[ NOA Grand Ballroom Entrance ]
The sleek black limousine glided to a stop, its polished surface reflecting the dazzling lights that illuminated the red carpet.
A hush fell over the crowd as the chauffeur, dressed in an impeccable black suit, stepped out and moved with practiced grace to the rear door.
*Click…*
With a soft click, the door swung open, and Brandon emerged, his tall frame cutting an impressive figure in a bespoke midnight blue tuxedo.
The blazer hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, its shawl collar adorned with subtle diamond accents that caught the light.
His silver-grey hair was artfully tousled, giving him a roguish charm that contrasted with the elegance of his attire.
He paused for a moment, drinking in the scene before him.
Brandon's breath caught in his throat.
The massive archway loomed over the entrance of the NOA's grand ballroom, its intricate carvings and gilded gold encrusted details the silent gatekeepers for those worthy to enter .
Brandon's heart raced as he took in the spectacle before him. The flashing cameras, the excited chatter of the crowd, the palpable energy in the air—it was all so familiar, yet entirely new.
'I've got this! I've done this a thousand times before,' he thought, his inner voice steady despite the butterflies in his stomach.
'Different body, different world, but the game's the same.'
He closed his eyes for a brief moment, memories from his past life flooding back. Red carpets, award shows, galas—he'd attended countless events as a superstar producer albeit hardly ever in the limelight.
With that thought, a calm settled over him.
The nerves faded, replaced by a cool determination.
Turning back to the limo, Brandon extended his hand, a gentlemanly smile playing on his lips.
Bailey stepped onto the red carpet, a vision in a shimmering silver gown that seemed to dance with every movement.
The dress, with its daring thigh-high slit and intricate beadwork, perfectly complemented her vibrant personality. Her silver hair with its distinctive purple highlight , styled in playful waves, bounced as she took in the scene with wide-eyed excitement.
Her eyes widened at the spectacle before her, a mix of awe and excitement dancing in their depths.
As Bailey moved to stand beside her brother, Brandon once again reached into the limo. This time, Elise's hand met his, her touch sending a jolt of electricity through him.
She emerged with effortless grace, her stunning gown shimmering under the bright lights.
Elise's arrival on the red carpet stunned the crowd.
Her gown, a midnight blue masterpiece with silver accents, hugged her curves before flowing outward like stardust.
A high slit revealed glimpses of leg, while silver heels sparkled with each step. Her Regalia Couture jewelry, mesmerizing pear-shaped diamond earrings and an intricate choker, completed the look.
Standing between Brandon and Bailey, Elise exuded quiet confidence, her usually cold exterior softened by a subtle inner warmth. The trio's contrasting styles created a striking tableau.
Camera flashes erupted in a near-constant strobe, creating a dazzling lightshow that seemed to set the very air ablaze. The air was filled with the excited murmurs and shouts of paparazzi and fans alike, their voices blending into a cacophony of admiration and curiosity.
"Mr.Blackstone! Over here!"
"Ms. Oppenheimer, is that a Regalia Couture piece ?"
"Ms.Blackstone, who are you wearing?"
The questions came rapid-fire, but the trio remained poised, offering polite smiles and waves to the crowd.
The trio posed for pictures, their smiles dazzling under the flashing lights. Brandon stood tall and confident, his arm around Elise's waist, while Bailey beamed as she clung onto his other arm.
They were the picture of elegance and power, capturing the attention of everyone present.
Suddenly, an over-zealous reporter's shout sliced through the din like a knife, cutting off the polite chatter and causing heads to turn.
"Brandon Blackstone, in your last interview with the press, you've labeled the superstars of today 'marketing gimmicks' and 'tone-deaf idols'. Are you saying that the millions of fans that love them are deaf and stupid?"
The question hung in the air like a heavy cloud, causing a momentary hush to fall over the crowd.
The atmosphere crackled with tension as everyone waited for Brandon's response.
His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of irritation crossing his face, but his composure remained unshaken.
With deliberate slowness, he turned to face the reporter, his voice clear and steady as he responded, each word carefully chosen.
"I'm saying that for the longest time the fans have had no other option. The current music industry and their hounds, such as yourself, through the most disgusting of methods have stunted the growth of our music culture as a whole just to gain a quick buck."
Brandon paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, his voice gaining strength and passion with each syllable.
"But Blackstone Music Group and I are here now, to speak up for the people tired of having over-produced cookie-cutter rubbish shoved down their throats, to support real artists who won't bend to the industry's demonic agendas. We are waging war against the corrupted, the immoral and the incompetent."
A murmur rippled through the crowd like a wave, a mix of shock and admiration at Brandon's bold statement.
Some nodded in agreement, while others exchanged worried glances.
Without missing a beat, Brandon pulled out his phone with a fluid motion and snapped a photo of the reporter who had asked the loaded question.
The flash momentarily illuminated the journalist's face, capturing his growing discomfort.
His voice took on a dangerous edge as he addressed the now-pale reporter, each word dripping with barely concealed threat.
"I hope the bribe you took to put me on the spot was worth it, because after tonight... heh."
He left the sentence hanging, allowing the implications to sink in.
The reporter's face paled, his earlier bravado evaporating under Brandon's intense gaze.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he realized the gravity of his situation. His hands trembled slightly, but he steeled himself, gathering what little courage he had left.
"Are... are you threatening all of us in the press?" he stammered, his voice wavering despite his attempt to sound defiant.
Brandon's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing in their depths.
His voice was low and controlled, each word carefully measured as he responded.
"I'm making a promise."
"Constructive criticism is always welcomed. I'm human, so I will make mistakes, but I'm also a Blackstone. Come at me with your little shady industry shenanigans if you want, but consider carefully if you can bear my wrath."
The crowd around them had grown silent, hanging on every word.
Even the constant click of cameras had ceased, as if the photographers themselves were too enthralled to continue their work.
Brandon's voice grew stronger, filled with passion and conviction.
"I'm not your average music exec. I cannot be bought. None of you can afford me. I'm weathering these... inconveniences cause of my pure passion for this art form, and under my leadership, BMG will free listeners from the tyranny of the system."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled press. Some looked intrigued, others worried, and a few seemed outright hostile.
But all were captivated.
"We music lovers will take back what was stolen from us and BMG will be on the frontlines of this war!"
Brandon declared, his voice ringing with passion as he pumped a fist in the air.
The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and gasps, cameras flashing in a frenzy to capture the moment.
But as quickly as it had appeared, the fierce determination in Brandon's eyes melted away, replaced by a charismatic smile that could charm even the most cynical reporter.
With a playful wink that sent a ripple of excitement through the gathered press, he casually waved as if he were just passing by on a leisurely stroll.
His demeanor oozed confidence and nonchalance, a stark contrast to the revolutionary words he'd just uttered.
Without missing a beat, Brandon smoothly pivoted, leading Elise and Bailey into the grand ballroom.
The elegant trio glided past the gawking onlookers, leaving a wake of whispers and speculation in their path.