บท 13: Foundations
Before embarking on his journey to the Bahamas in search of new talent, including the rising star Rihanna, Jaxon Gale had a few critical tasks to complete back home. His plans for Imperial Records were moving forward, but there were still crucial elements that required his attention. The most pressing of those was overseeing the construction of his new buildings and expanding his media empire.
Jaxon had hired EcoBuild Solutions, a reputable construction company known for its environmentally friendly designs, to construct two iconic buildings. One would stand tall in Forks, Washington—his home base—serving as the headquarters for his record label, Imperial Records. This would be a state-of-the-art facility with recording studios, offices, and even living quarters. The second building, set to rise in New York's Broadway district, would act as a hub for both his music ventures and media endeavors.
Though construction had begun, the buildings wouldn't be completed for at least another year. In the meantime, Jaxon had rented temporary studio space to launch NNO—News, Not Opinions, his independent news network dedicated to honest, truth-seeking journalism. Tired of the sensationalism and bias in mainstream media, Jaxon envisioned NNO as a platform where journalists could report facts without external influence. To bring his vision to life, he had hired a team of passionate journalists who shared his commitment to integrity. The network was already building momentum online, and its first broadcast was scheduled for early April.
Additionally, Jaxon launched Horizon Publishing, a subsidiary of Imperial Records that would handle music rights, artist development, and branding. Horizon would ensure his artists had the support they needed, both financially and creatively.
Despite the weight of all his responsibilities, Jaxon made sure to prioritize what mattered most: Leah Clearwater, his girlfriend, and her family.
February 14, 2003
As Jaxon thought about the future of his projects, he couldn't help but smile at the memory of Leah's recent birthday. It was a night to remember, and he had gone all out to make it special.
After wrapping up his latest music tour, he took Leah and her family to La Royale, one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. The Clearwater family arrived at the lavish venue, with its gold-accented interiors and breathtaking views of the skyline. Leah's parents, Seth, and a few close family friends joined them for the occasion, making it a truly intimate gathering.
Jaxon had rented out a private room, ensuring their evening would be peaceful and private. The long, polished dining table was adorned with roses, Leah's favorite flower, and candles flickered in the dim lighting, casting a romantic glow over everything. A personalized menu, created just for the evening, featured all of Leah's favorite dishes—from fresh seafood to gourmet desserts.
As they enjoyed their meal, laughter filled the air. The conversation flowed easily, with Seth cracking jokes while Leah's parents expressed their gratitude for everything Jaxon had done for their daughter. The love in the room was palpable, and Jaxon couldn't help but feel like part of their family.
When the dessert arrived, Jaxon stood up, tapping his wine glass to get everyone's attention. "I have one more surprise for tonight," he announced, pulling a small velvet box from his jacket pocket. Leah's eyes widened in curiosity.
He opened the box to reveal a stunning diamond necklace. The pendant glimmered under the light, reflecting a rainbow of colors.
Leah gasped, covering her mouth. "Jaxon, it's beautiful!"
With a smile, he stepped behind her, fastening the necklace around her neck. "You deserve nothing less," he whispered. "Happy birthday, Leah."
As the evening came to a close, the Clearwater family expressed their appreciation for the night. It was the perfect balance of luxury and love—a moment Jaxon would cherish for years to come. The night ended with Leah resting her head on his shoulder as they rode home in the limousine, a soft smile on her face.
March 16, 2003
Jaxon Gale sat at the beachfront café in the Bahamas, sipping on a cold drink (coco-cola mixed with orange juice) as the ocean breeze carried soft notes of music from a nearby bar. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the water. This was supposed to be a scouting trip, a search for undiscovered talent. He wasn't here just for relaxation, though the tropical atmosphere was refreshing after weeks of company planning and structuring.
But today, his focus was different.
As the music grew louder, his attention shifted toward the bar's live performance. There was a girl on stage, her voice strong yet melodic, cutting through the noise of the crowd with ease. She had a raw, authentic sound that immediately caught Jaxon's interest.
Her presence was magnetic, the way she commanded the small crowd without effort. Jaxon watched closely, feeling that familiar spark of recognition in his gut that he always felt when discovering something special. The girl had something beyond talent — she had star quality.
He stayed until the song ended, waiting for a chance to approach her. She stepped off the stage, heading toward the bar, seemingly unaware of the impact her performance had on the crowd — and on Jaxon.
Without wasting time, Jaxon made his way over, standing near enough to catch her attention without coming off too strong. "You've got a unique voice," he said, casual yet intrigued. "I could feel the whole place shift when you started singing."
She turned to face him, a slight smile on her lips. "Thanks," she said, clearly used to getting compliments but still genuine in her response. Her accent hinted at the Caribbean, and her casual confidence told him she wasn't someone who'd be easily swayed by flattery alone.
"I'm Jaxon," he introduced himself, his tone polite yet carrying weight. He was known, especially after his world tour, but he didn't assume she knew who he was.
"And I'm..." she paused for a moment, her eyes studying him before she decided to reveal her name, "Robyn."
Robyn?, OMg so this is how Rihanna looked before the fame? he thought shocked. Jaxon's curiosity deepened.
"Well, Robyn, I'm here in the Bahamas looking for new talent. Ever thought about making it big?"
She raised an eyebrow, half-amused but also intrigued by his approach. "I mean, yeah, that's the dream, isn't it?" she replied, brushing off the statement as though it were obvious.
Jaxon chuckled. "It's more than a dream if you're ready. I'm starting a record label — Imperial Records — and I think you have what it takes."
Her skepticism was clear, but she wasn't dismissing him. "And what makes you think I'd be interested in that?"
"I don't know," he admitted, "but I know talent when I hear it. If you're interested, I'd like to talk more about what we can do together."
Robyn was quiet for a moment, her eyes flicking back to the stage as though considering the offer. "Look, it's not just about me," she finally said, her voice softening. "I have family, responsibilities here."
Jaxon nodded. "I understand. I wouldn't ask you to uproot your life without offering something real in return. I'd like to meet your family, talk things through with them too."
That seemed to catch her attention. She hesitated but eventually nodded, "Alright, I'll think about it. We'll see."
---
Later that week, Jaxon found himself sitting in Robyn's family home, a modest but comfortable place filled with warmth and laughter. Robyn had brought him to meet her parents and siblings, and while they were skeptical at first, Jaxon's genuine approach started to win them over.
He reassured them about the contract terms — Robyn would keep 80% of future earnings, while Jaxon's label would take 20% for production, management, and marketing costs. He also promised that she wouldn't have to worry about living arrangements, as the new buildings for Imperial Records would be ready by the following year. Her first major appearance was slated for mid-2004, giving her time to prepare. The contract was set for five years, with an option to renew after that period.
By the end of the conversation, the family seemed more at ease. To show good faith, Jaxon handed them $100,000 as a signing bonus — something to demonstrate that this was a serious opportunity. Robyn's eyes widened at the sight of the check, and for the first time, he saw genuine surprise on her face.
"You really are serious about this, aren't you?" she asked, her tone soft, almost disbelieving.
"I am," Jaxon replied, his voice steady. "This is just the beginning."
Robyn smiled, a mixture of excitement and gratitude in her expression. "I guess I'm in then."
Jaxon grinned. "Welcome to Imperial Records, Robyn."
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