Calvin's Industry

Chapter 4: Secrets and Threats.

Nathan had leaned so close that Calvin could smell his cologne. It had the scent of expensive leather mixed with the stench of gunpowder and fresh dollar bills.

"Don't forget that you came into my family with nothing. I gave you a contract, a chance to prove you were more than the child star with anger issues. I gave you a chance to make your life worth living, yet all you've done in the past two years is waste every opportunity I've given you."

Then he straightened up and stepped back.

"But my weakness is that I care for my daughter, and out of respect for her, I'll give you one last chance to remember your place. Think of it as a gift from one man to another."

Calvin nodded his head as if he agreed with Nathan.

"That was quite a show, and you're quite good at it. But usually, when someone gives you something good, it has to be something worth having. All you've given me is a first-class ticket to the Titanic, so I'll pass."

"You're a businessman who destroyed his company through wrong decisions, and now you're trying to blame everyone else because you can't admit you're the problem."

Then Calvin looked away from Nathan. He stared at Stephanie across the table.

"But hey, what do I know? I'm just a nobody who married your daughter, right?"

The silence was deeper now. No one in over a decade had ever called Nathan out like this.

The ones who did a long time ago became horror stories told among circles that feared him the most. But Calvin didn't care.

Nathan shook his head.

"Like I said, it's not your fault. Young men with colorful family histories always do the stupidest things."

Calvin frowned, almost looking upset.

"What do you know about my family's history?"

"Everything I need to know," Nathan replied.

"By today's standards, it's normal for bastard children of criminals and worthless escorts to think they can teach real men how to conduct business."

Calvin looked angry.

"Oh, did I hit a nerve?" Nathan asked.

"Yes, Mr. Harrington," Calvin replied.

"Yes, you did. But I don't throw tantrums over little insults. Instead, I'll do you a favor by telling you why your company is failing."

Nathan couldn't hold back his laugh. It was so loud that it almost echoed through the boardroom.

"Alright, bastard," he said.

"By all means, tell me what I don't know."

Calvin ignored the insults and stood up.

"Your artists want to feel alive. They want to create something real that comes from their hearts. But your corporate machine and manipulative tactics crush their dreams before they can bloom. That's why they rebel. That's why your rappers get involved in endless violent scandals. It's why your singers always get into trouble and bring shame to the label."

While he was still speaking, Nathan waved his hands dismissively.

"Alright, I'm done listening to your nonsense. Either sit down and shut your mouth or get out of my building."

But Calvin didn't stop.

"Think about Jason McCallister, Gabriella Santos, and Marcus Thorne. These are three good artists who could have been superstars in less than a year. But they all got caught up in illegal substances, fights, and public meltdowns. You know why? Because you treat them like circus animals instead of human beings."

He had raised his voice loud enough. Calvin gained strength with each word.

"Artists aren't machines, Mr. Harrington. Ronald can bring on the best writers and computer programs to create the next boring hit, but the performers you sign aren't like that. They have souls. They have dreams. They have what it takes to make good music. But you ruin everything with your greedy contracts and corporate desire for control."

"I said that's enough!" Nathan yelled, but Calvin refused. He slowly pulled out the now-smaller candy from his mouth and pointed it at Nathan.

"You have insulted my wife and dishonored my mother's memory, Mr. Harrington."

He took a deep breath. Calvin knew the gravity of the next set of words he was about to say.

"And for those reasons, I declare war on your label."