CHAPTER 42: PRS 42

Since morning, the atmosphere in the MIO Entertainment building had been tense. Twenty-two-year-old Isabella Clark stood in front of the main meeting room with a firm but calm expression. She had arrived with Siva, her personal secretary, after ensuring all the documents regarding the violations were ready for the legal team.

Today, she would clean up all the dirt that had been eating away at the company—especially Tamara and her cronies, the people planted by Mr. Heru and Petra to manipulate the system from within.

"Tamara, Petra, and all of you involved in the embezzlement," Isabella said flatly but sharply, "starting today, you are no longer part of MIO Entertainment. I have gathered all the necessary evidence. You have no place here anymore."

Several people sitting in the meeting room immediately erupted in commotion. Tamara glared at her, tapping the table with her red-hot fingers. "You think a young girl like you can just fire us like that? You’re only a few months old in this industry! Do you know how long we’ve been working here? Do you know who’s protecting us?"

Isabella smiled slightly. "I’m not firing you. You’re firing yourselves through your actions," she said calmly, placing a stack of documents on the table. "I’ve submitted all evidence of embezzlement, contract manipulation, and abuse of authority to the legal team. But..." she looked at them each in turn, "I’m still giving you a chance to leave honorably. If you don’t, you can face the authorities. The police are ready to be called at any time. Choose now."

Tamara, who had been trying to resist, now seemed to lose color. Petra lowered her head, while the other two staff members trembled with fear.

"This isn’t fair!" Petra exclaimed in a high-pitched voice. "We were only following Mr. Heru’s orders! We’re just ordinary employees following our superiors’ instructions! Why should we have to bear all this? This isn’t fair! Mr. Heru ordered us to do all this!"

"Anyone’s orders are meaningless if they violate the law," Isabella replied coldly. "I will not tolerate corruption under my leadership. MIO Entertainment will be cleaned up starting today. You have a choice: leave honorably, or I will hand this evidence over to the police and you will face criminal law. Embezzlement of company funds could land you in prison for years."

There was nothing else they could do. After realizing the complete and irrefutable evidence, they signed their resignation papers with angry faces. Tamara even slammed the folder before leaving the meeting room.

In addition to being dishonorably discharged, their names were immediately blacklisted by the company—not just MIO Entertainment, but all domestic entertainment companies thanks to the Phoenix System’s integrated network. Those who had previously been arrogant now cried with regret, realizing that their careers were over.

After they left, Isabella breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, now we can start over," she said, looking at the remaining staff.

She then announced a new policy—giving promotions to honest and high-achieving employees. This move drastically changed the atmosphere. Many appeared excited, especially those who had worked hard but were never recognized due to the old, corrupt system.

"Those with dedication and creative ideas will get equal opportunities," Isabella stated firmly. "I don’t care who your parents are, your family, or your connections. Under my leadership, only hard work and results are valued. There will be no more unhealthy seniority systems. No more favoritism. Those who work hard will be rewarded accordingly. That’s my promise."

Some artists who were accustomed to relying on the well-known names of shareholders now bite their lips. They used to be able to act as they pleased, receiving preferential treatment without significant achievements. But now, everything has changed.

"What makes someone special isn’t connections," Isabella said, "but their performance. So from now on, prove your abilities. Show that you deserve to be here."

Although this was her first time managing an entertainment company, Isabella’s intelligence allowed her to adapt quickly. She grasped the intricacies of management, contracts, and promotional strategies in a short time. The Phoenix System in her head worked quickly, processing all the information like a professional analysis machine.

That afternoon, she was reviewing several artist and brand ambassador contracts. Her eyes landed on a thick file labeled "Chika Jewelry Collaboration."

"Ana," he called to his secretary standing near the desk, "why was the contract with Chika Jewelry awarded to Thania, even though the product description should have suited Reina?

I see from the client’s brief that they’re looking for a model with an elegant and natural image. Thania doesn’t fit that criteria."

Ana looked down, slightly nervous. "Actually, Chika Jewellery did want Reina as the main model, Miss. But Thania... she insisted on the project. She even threatened to leave the company if she wasn’t given this contract. And the old management was afraid of losing her because of her popularity."

Isabella sighed softly. "I suspected that. This company has been controlled by artists who think they can choose their own projects for too long." She looked at Ana sharply. "Contact Reina now and tell Chika Jewellery that the contract with Thania is canceled. The company decides who is suitable, not the artist. We have to be professional. The client has certain criteria, and we have to give our best according to their requests."

"But, Miss..." Ana hesitated. "Thania is Xander’s family. We can’t offend them. If Xander’s family gets angry, our partnership with their company could be jeopardized."

Isabella paused for a moment. "Xander’s family? What’s their relationship with them?" Since when did he have connections to such a large family?"

Ana looked afraid to answer. "They say... he’s a distant cousin of Mr. Alesio Xander. He often mentions that name if anyone dares to oppose him. That’s why everyone fears him."

Isabella frowned. "I want to clarify things directly. If it’s true, we must respect it. But if it’s a lie, he must be held accountable." She took out her cell phone and dialed Alesio Xander’s personal number—the owner of a large company and also a business partner of MIO Entertainment.

Tuut... tuut... until finally the line connected. "Hello, Miss Isabella," a deep, authoritative voice sounded on the other end. "Can I help you? It’s rare for you to contact me directly."

"Sorry to bother you, Mr. Alesio," Isabella replied politely. "I wanted to ask you something. Do you have a relative named Thania? She’s an artist at my company, MIO Entertainment. She often mentions the Xander family name to get special privileges at the company."

There was a few seconds of silence. Then Alesio chuckled coldly. "Relative? No. I only have a grandfather and a nephew named Putra. That woman has often used my family name for personal gain. If she’s in trouble, just take action. I will fully support you. If necessary, I can even send an official letter stating she’s not part of the Xander family. Don’t hesitate."

A satisfied smile appeared on Isabella’s lips. "Thank you for the clarification, Mr. Alesio. I will follow up immediately. This is very helpful to me."

But before hanging up, Alesio spoke again, his voice softer this time. "Miss Isabella, you happen to be in the capital, right? If you have time, I’d like to meet you tonight. We can discuss the delayed Phoenix collaboration project. I’ve been wanting to discuss this with you for a long time. How about it?"

Isabella checked her schedule on her tablet. There was nothing important on the agenda tonight. "Okay, Mr. Alesio. Just set a time and place, and I’ll be there. I also want to discuss some new proposals we might be able to work on together."

The voice on the other end of the line was holding back a chuckle. "Okay, my secretary will contact you later." See you tonight, Miss Isabella."

As soon as the call ended, Isabella leaned back in her chair. Ana remained frozen in place, unable to believe that a man as cold as Alesio Xander could speak so gently to her.

"Did you hear that, Ana?" Isabella said. "Thania is no one from the Xander family. So, from now on, don’t be afraid of her using that family name to pressure people. She’s just a liar who uses other people’s names for personal gain."

Ana immediately nodded firmly. "Yes, Miss. I will immediately rearrange the Chika Jewelry contract for Reina. I will also contact Chika’s side to explain the situation."

It didn’t take long for the news to spread throughout the production floor. Reina’s manager, Roi, immediately called Ana, his voice filled with joy. "Thank you so much, Ana! Reina must be so happy. Finally, justice has been served! This is truly the best news of the day!" I can’t believe this is really happening!"

Reina herself shed tears of joy when she learned she was officially Chika Jewellery’s new brand ambassador. "I promise, I won’t let the company down," she said with emotion when Isabella met her. "This is the opportunity I’ve always dreamed of, Miss. I will work as hard as I can."

"You have great potential, Reina. Don’t waste it. I believe you can make MIO Entertainment even bigger," Isabella said with a gentle smile. "I’ve seen your portfolio. You’re incredibly talented. It’s a shame you haven’t been given the opportunities you deserve."

"Thank you, Miss Isabella. I will work hard. I promise I will make you proud," Reina replied, her eyes welling with tears.

"Good. Ana, give Reina a golden contract. From now on, she will be the number one artist alongside Dion. Prepare all the facilities. A dedicated manager, a professional styling team, and everything she needs to thrive."

Roi and Reina looked at each other, in disbelief. "A golden contract...? Number one artist?" Roi whispered, stunned. "Miss, this... this is too big for us. We never expected..."

Reina was speechless, her eyes welling with tears. "This is like a dream, Miss... I’m afraid I’ll wake up and find this is all just an illusion..."

"This isn’t a dream," Isabella replied softly. "This is the result of your hard work. You deserve it, Reina. Don’t ever doubt yourself again."

Reina signed her new contract with a smile filled with joy. She felt like her life had just begun. Seeing Reina’s enthusiasm, Isabella felt like she was seeing a reflection of herself. Luckily, she found this diamond quickly, before its charm and value could be diminished and sunk to the bottom of the ocean by the injustice of those who rely on the power of others to rise to the top.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Thania, upon hearing the news of her contract cancellation, raged in her room. "Bastard! Who is Isabella? She dares to block my path! Does she think she can do anything? I won’t stand still!" She kicked the dressing table, shattering the mirror.

But for Isabella, none of that was her concern. She stared out her office window, gazing at the clear blue sky of the capital. "Phoenix Systems," she whispered softly, "help me rebuild MIO Entertainment. We will make this company stand taller than ever."