Tears welled up in Emily's eyes, but she held them back. "I'm stating that I will not allow you to control my choices. I will not allow you to undercut my efforts unduly. It's okay if it leads to a rift between us."
It's not like they have something remarkable. The only thing that separated them was contract after contract and an agreement to form friendships with benefits.
Emily may be reckless about this. Her family is the most important thing to her, and she would ensure their future once she is gone.
Jake would not understand since he is unaware she has a limited life expectancy.
The final words lingered thick in the air. Jake started to answer, but their family patriarch, Grandfather Moore, entered through the door.
He immediately demanded attention, and Emily and Jake turned to face him.
With a calm yet commanding voice, Grandfather Lewis replied, "I couldn't help but overhear. "It seems there's a misunderstanding between the two of you."
Attempting to restore her calm, Emily dabbed at her eyes. "Grandfather, I—"
To hush her, however, Grandfather Lewis raised a hand.
"I've witnessed enough disputes in my time to understand this direction. It will cost you since you are both too obstinate for your good." His face was sad as he sat between Jake and Emily on the sofa.
Jake dropped his gaze, feeling reprimanded. "Grandfather, I'm just trying to do what's best for the company."
Grandfather Lewis said, "And in doing so, you're forgetting what's most important. Family is more important than business in this situation. The two of you must collaborate rather than oppose one another."
Emily's heart ached as she raised her gaze to their grandfather. "But he's asking me to compromise everything I've worked for. We had been working on this for months before I came; now that it's almost a done deal, he intervenes. What am I supposed to do?"
With a sigh, Grandfather Lewis moved in closer proximity to his granddaughter-in-law.
"And Jake is pleading with you to comprehend where he stands. To discover common ground, you must learn to listen to one another. This can only be successful in that manner."
A prolonged quietness ensued while Jake and Emily processed his remarks, realizing the gravity of the circumstance. Jake finally spoke, his tone becoming softer.
"I never intended to belittle you, Emily. All I wanted to do was make sure the initiative was successful."
Emily turned to face him as her rage gradually subsided. "Jake, I understand. And I'm ready to collaborate with you, but not at the expense of my moral principles."
Sensing the tension dissolve, Grandfather Lewis grinned. "That's the beginning. What if you both stood back, reconsidered your stances, and devised a solution that benefits everyone?"
Jake turned to Emily and nodded, his look more earnest now. "I apologize to Emily. Together, let's solve this problem."
That they were at last in agreement gave Emily a rush of comfort. "All right, Jake. Let's carry that out."
They started resolving their disputes with Grandfather Lewis's help, eager to find a way ahead that respected their love and career objectives.
Because of their newfound devotion to one another, they believed they could conquer any hurdle, even if they had a difficult path ahead.
***
With Emily and Jake sitting across from one another and the document, they would sign publicly on the table between them, the air in the conference room was purposeful but uneasy.
Despite not being physically present in the room, Grandfather Lewis's presence was felt.
Both felt enormous pressure to impress him and make MY Group and M. Entertainment's cooperation successful.
Emily spoke out, breaking the silence with a calm but firm tone. "Jake, I've paid attention to everything you said and am eager to collaborate on this project to ensure we're on the same page. However, there is one issue that cannot be negotiated."
Jake gave her a hesitant look, knowing he would likely find it difficult to agree to anything Emily said. "What is it that you cannot negotiate?"
Emily declared unequivocally, "Karla Wright can't be in the movie, whether as the main or in a supporting role. I've already assigned the lead to another star from Country B. We need this actress's star power and worldwide appeal to make this project a success."
Jake tightened up as Karla's name was mentioned. Karla was one of the most promising possibilities under the Lewis Group's supervision and his supposed fiancee'.
Therefore, he had been counting on this opportunity to further her career so she would stop bothering him. It is something he promised her to keep her mouth shut about their deal.
But Emily had made her stance clear, and he could see by the determined expression in her eyes that she would not back down.
Jake said, clearly annoyed, "Emily, you're asking me to push Karla aside for someone else—someone who isn't even part of our company." "How am I supposed to consent to that?"
Emily leaned forward slightly, her gaze fixated. "Jake, this isn't about throwing Karla aside. It all boils down to finding the best solution for the task. This film will succeed significantly because of the actress's expertise and fan base. We seek someone who can take our business to new heights."
Jake groaned as he brushed his hair. He could understand Emily's rationale, but it didn't make it easier to accept. He responded: "You know how much I've invested in Karla's career. Her big break was supposed to come from this."
Emily softened, but not significantly. "Jake, I understand. Furthermore, I am not saying Karla will not get more chances. However, we must consider other crucial aspects of this endeavor."
'But not in my time; you can do whatever you want with your woman when I'm gone.' she said inwardly, not letting Jake see what she was thinking.
"We must consider what is best for the firm, partnership, and future, " she added with a sweet smile.
Jake contemplated what she'd said, and the room fell silent. He was aware of her precision.