Chapter 6: External Challenges
Scene 1: The Sponsorship Dilemma
Setting: A sleek corporate office. Ava and Ethan sit across from a potential sponsor, Mr. Bradford, a wealthy but notoriously difficult philanthropist. He reviews their proposal with a critical eye.
Mr. Bradford, setting the folder down:
"Your gala sounds promising, but I'm not convinced it'll generate enough media attention to justify my investment."
Ethan, leaning forward confidently:
"With all due respect, Mr. Bradford, this event will be the talk of the season. Exclusive VIP experiences, celebrity endorsements, and a cause everyone can rally behind—your name will be at the center of it all."
Mr. Bradford, raising an eyebrow:
"Celebrity endorsements? I don't see any confirmed names on this list."
Ethan's confidence falters slightly, and Ava jumps in.
Ava, calmly:
"That's because we're focused on securing genuine partnerships, not just flashy appearances. This event is about making a real impact, and your support will help us achieve that."
Mr. Bradford, nodding slowly:
"Impact is important. But so is visibility."
He stands, signaling the meeting is over.
Mr. Bradford:
"I'll think about it. Impress me, and I'll consider contributing."
As soon as they leave the office, Ethan groans.
Ethan:
"'Genuine partnerships'? We needed to sell him on the glamour, not give him a heartfelt speech."
Ava, glaring:
"Excuse me for trying to appeal to his humanity. Not everyone can be swayed by empty promises."
Ethan, frustrated:
"And not everyone cares about being genuine, Ava. This is a business."
They walk in tense silence, their earlier understanding replaced by fresh frustration.
Scene 2: Sabotage at the Venue
Setting: The event venue. Ava and Ethan arrive for a routine inspection, only to find chaos. Decorations are missing, several pieces are damaged, and the lighting system has mysteriously malfunctioned.
Ava, horrified:
"What the—? This wasn't like this yesterday!"
The venue manager approaches, wringing his hands.
Venue Manager:
"I'm so sorry. We had a break-in last night. They didn't steal much, but they caused a lot of damage."
Ethan, frowning:
"Convenient timing. Who even knew we were storing supplies here?"
Ava, muttering:
"Someone who doesn't want this event to succeed."
They spend hours assessing the damage and brainstorming solutions. As they work together, their usual bickering fades into a shared determination to fix the mess.
Ethan, rolling up his sleeves:
"Alright, what's salvageable?"
Ava, sighing:
"Not much. The centerpieces are ruined, and the lighting rig will take days to fix."
Ethan, smirking slightly:
"Good thing you've got me, then."
He pulls out his phone and makes a few calls, arranging replacements for the lighting system. Ava watches him, grudgingly impressed.
Ava:
"Okay, I'll admit it—you're good in a crisis."
Ethan, grinning:
"Don't let it go to your head, Harper. We've still got a long way to go."
Scene 3: Media Trouble
Setting: A local news station. Ava and Ethan are invited for an interview to promote the gala, but things take an unexpected turn when the host brings up the venue incident.
Host, smiling but probing:
"Rumors are swirling about sabotage at your event venue. Care to comment?"
Ava, carefully:
"There was an incident, but we're handling it. It won't affect the gala or its purpose."
Ethan, jumping in smoothly:
"If anything, it's motivated us even more. This event isn't just happening—it's going to be unforgettable."
The host presses further.
Host:
"Some say the tension between you two might be causing issues. How are you managing as co-leads?"
Ava and Ethan exchange a glance.
Ava, smiling tightly:
"We have our differences, but we're both committed to making this gala a success."
Ethan, smirking slightly:
"Let's just say our passion keeps things… interesting."
The host chuckles, but the tension between Ava and Ethan is palpable. After the interview, Ava confronts Ethan in the station lobby.
Ava, angrily:
"'Interesting'? Are you trying to turn this into a soap opera?"
Ethan, shrugging:
"Relax, Harper. A little drama keeps people engaged."
Ava, glaring:
"We don't need drama. We need results."
Despite their argument, the interview sparks renewed interest in the gala, with tickets selling faster than expected.
Scene 4: A Growing Bond
Setting: Late night at Ava's office. Ava and Ethan work side by side, finalizing plans. The earlier tension has faded, replaced by a quieter camaraderie.
Ethan, glancing at Ava's sketches for the seating arrangement:
"You've got a good eye for this stuff. It's… impressive."
Ava, surprised:
"Was that a compliment?"
Ethan, smirking:
"Don't get used to it."
Ava, smiling faintly:
"Thanks. And, for what it's worth, your ice sculpture idea is growing on me. A little."
They share a rare laugh, the walls between them starting to come down