Tyler sat in the conference room of Black Gold Records, leaning back in his chair, trying to mask his anxiety with a calm exterior.
His low-cut fade was freshly lined up, the tattoos on his left arm visible beneath the short sleeve of his fitted shirt. Across the table sat Kiana Monroe, the once-dominating pop star whose fall from the charts had been as dramatic as her rise.
Despite her struggles, she looked every bit the star she once was—confident, elegant, with piercing green eyes that hid an unspoken determination.
Next to Kiana sat her manager, Cynthia, a sharp-eyed woman who never missed an opportunity to make her presence felt.
Beside Tyler was Jamal, who had just recently stepped into the role of his manager, learning the ropes but determined to do right by him. The atmosphere in the room was thick with expectation.
Sandra, Miles Carter's ever-efficient secretary, was moderating the meeting. She stood at the head of the table, her tablet in hand, ready to guide the discussion.
"Alright, everyone, let's get started. This project is crucial for both of you. The label sees this as an opportunity to give Kiana the push she needs to get back to the top and to further establish Tyler as a rising star in the game. We're hoping for synergy here—something that will benefit you both."
Tyler glanced at Kiana, catching her eye briefly. She offered a small smile, which he returned, though inwardly he was still unsure about this whole collaboration.
Jamal leaned forward, breaking the silence. "Ty's ready to put in the work. He's been in the studio non-stop since 'Heart on a Sleeve' dropped, and he's got more heat in the vault. This collab could be huge."
Kiana nodded in agreement. "I've been waiting for something real, you know? I've been through the whole industry machine—singles forced out, sounds that weren't me. But with Tyler... I think we can make something authentic. The streets are talking, and I want to be part of that conversation."
Cynthia immediately interjected, her voice firm. "Authenticity is important, but let's not forget the commercial side. We need a hit, something that's not just for the streets but for everyone. Pop appeal is still vital."
Tyler clenched his jaw slightly. The tension between artistry and business was always there, but he was determined to stay true to his sound.
Before he could speak, Sandra stepped in. "We understand both sides here. That's why the label believes this partnership is so perfect. Kiana, your experience, and Tyler's fresh energy—it's the balance we need."
Sandra clicked something on her tablet, projecting a visual onto the screen. It was a timeline of the project's rollout—recording sessions, video shoots, promotional events, and release dates.
"The plan is to record remix Tyler's single first, with potential for an EP depending on how well it performs. We'll start by tapping into the organic buzz around Tyler's recent release, building from the streets up while leveraging Kiana's existing fan base. We'll handle the promotion, but we need you two to bring the heat."
Tyler finally spoke, his voice steady. "I'm down to work. I've got ideas for the track, but I'm not about to force anything. It's gotta come naturally."
Kiana nodded. "Same here. I know people expect pop from me, but I'm ready to show a different side. I think we can surprise everyone."
Jamal glanced at Tyler, sensing his cautiousness. "We'll need to keep control over the sound, though. Ty's not looking to compromise too much. If this collab's gonna work, it's gotta feel authentic."
Cynthia smiled thinly. "Of course. We're all on the same page about that."
Sandra smoothly transitioned, maintaining her professional demeanor. "Good. Now that we're aligned on the creative direction, let's talk logistics. Kiana, Tyler—you'll both have studio time blocked off over the next two weeks. The label wants a rough draft of the single by then. We'll review it and start planning the rollout."
Tyler sat back in his chair, considering everything. He caught Kiana's eye again, and for a brief moment, they exchanged an unspoken agreement. Whatever this collaboration turned out to be, they were in it together now.
The meeting started to wrap up, and as Sandra outlined the final details, Tyler's mind wandered slightly. He was wary of the sudden fame and how it was pulling him deeper into the public eye. Paparazzi, gossip, people from his past—like Rico and Carlos—he had always known the dangers of being recognized. And now, working on a high-profile collaboration with Kiana would bring even more attention.
He reminded himself to stay sharp, not just in the studio but in his personal life. "I've come too far to let the past catch up," he thought.
As the meeting adjourned, Jamal leaned over to Tyler and whispered, "You good with all this?"
Tyler nodded. "Yeah. Let's make it work."