The days turned into weeks, and Reo's vision was becoming a reality. Aika's career was skyrocketing. The world was beginning to see her not just as a singer, but as a force—a brand. Her name was everywhere: on billboards, in the hottest magazines, and the most exclusive parties. Her social media was flooded with millions of followers, all hanging on every word she spoke. The narrative they had crafted together was taking shape, and people were starting to idolize her.
But, as with any empire, there were always those who watched from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Reo sat in his office late one night, scrolling through some reports on his tablet, when a message notification popped up. It was from his trusted assistant, Kaito.
> "There's a problem. A rival company is making moves in the same space. They're targeting Aika's image, trying to create a controversy around her. They've already started a smear campaign on social media. What should we do?"
Reo's fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he typed his reply.
> "Bring me everything on them. I want names, positions, and their weaknesses. We'll strike first. This isn't just about Aika anymore—it's about showing them that no one can challenge me."
He put his phone down, leaning back in his chair as the weight of the situation settled in. A rival company wasn't just a nuisance—it was a threat to his carefully crafted empire. Reo had anticipated something like this, but the time had come sooner than he had expected. He needed to strike decisively and make sure that no one dared to challenge his supremacy.
---
The next day, Kaito arrived at his office, a thick folder in hand. "Here's everything we have, Reo. The company is called Lunar Entertainment. They've been growing steadily over the past few years and have a few influential figures in the media industry backing them. The person behind this particular smear campaign is a man named Daiki Kuroda. He's the head of the marketing division at Lunar Entertainment."
Reo took the folder from Kaito, flipping through the pages. Daiki Kuroda was known in the industry for his sharp instincts and ruthless tactics. He had made a name for himself by creating scandals around up-and-coming stars, breaking them down before they could ever rise to prominence. He was dangerous—no doubt about it.
Reo's eyes narrowed as he read the details. Lunar Entertainment was a competitor, but they were still small in comparison to his own empire. However, that didn't mean they weren't capable of causing damage. If they were targeting Aika, that meant they recognized her potential. They had to be stopped, but Reo knew better than to rush into things without a plan.
"You said they were targeting Aika's image?" Reo asked, his voice calm but full of intent.
Kaito nodded. "Yes. They've started a rumor that Aika's rise is due to underhanded tactics, that she's using manipulation and false promises to climb the ranks. They're also suggesting that her relationships with some of the biggest names in the industry are purely transactional. It's damaging, Reo."
Reo stood up, walking to the window. "They want to break her down and discredit everything we've worked for. They think they can just tear apart a star and move on to the next. They're wrong."
He turned back to Kaito, his expression hardening. "Prepare a counterstrike. We'll take their narrative and turn it against them. If Daiki Kuroda thinks he can play dirty, then I'll show him what true ruthlessness looks like."
---
Reo's mind raced as he put the pieces of the plan together. He knew how to fight back in ways no one expected. Aika's image needed to be protected, but it also needed to be strengthened. Instead of letting the smear campaign tear her down, he would use it as an opportunity to further cement her position in the public eye. He needed to flip the narrative completely.
Later that week, Aika's next public appearance was carefully orchestrated. The event—a high-profile charity gala—was going to be broadcast live. But Reo had planned something more subtle than just showing up in front of cameras.
Aika was interviewed by one of the most respected journalists in the country, a seasoned veteran named Haruto Sakamoto. The interview was set to be aired right before the gala. Reo had carefully scripted the questions to subtly challenge the rumors without directly addressing them.
As the interview aired, Haruto's calm voice filled the screen, speaking to Aika as if she were already an established star.
"Aika, your rise has been meteoric. Some say you've earned your place with talent and hard work, but there are also whispers of controversy surrounding your success. How do you respond to that?"
Aika, sitting confidently, replied with a poised smile. "I've worked hard every day for this career. Yes, the pressure is intense, and no, it hasn't always been easy. But I've always believed in my own ability, and I've always worked to be the best version of myself. The only thing I owe anyone is my effort."
Her words were measured, yet powerful. But what Reo had carefully crafted in the background was a subtle suggestion that the rumors were not only false but politically motivated—aimed at breaking her because of how quickly she had risen. The very fact that she was successful made her a target.
The interview went viral.
Within hours, social media erupted. Fans rallied behind Aika, defending her honor. The smear campaign had backfired. The more people saw the interview, the more they rallied to her side. Her strength, her intelligence, and her resilience made her even more adored.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, Lunar Entertainment's reputation began to take a hit. The same people who had supported their smear campaign now questioned their methods. The backlash against Daiki Kuroda's underhanded tactics was swift and harsh. What Reo had done was subtle—nothing obvious—but it was brilliant. He had turned the tables, painted his rival as the villain, and elevated Aika to new heights.
---
A week later, Reo stood in his office again, watching as the latest reports came in. Aika was more famous than ever, her brand now virtually untouchable. And Lunar Entertainment? They were in disarray. Daiki Kuroda was facing pressure from all sides. The backlash had forced some of his partners to reconsider their positions, and rumors were already swirling that Kuroda's next move would be his last.
Reo knew that this battle wasn't over yet, but it was only a matter of time before he crushed Lunar Entertainment completely. No one dared challenge him, not in this game. He had already proven that.
But, as Reo looked at the cityscape outside, he couldn't shake the feeling that a new, even greater rival was watching. Someone who wouldn't fall so easily.
The empire he had built was strong, but it had just begun to attract attention. The game was about to change.
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