Twisted Strategy

Twisted Strategy
\-Matilda-

Shock hit me hard when Blake said he was changing my script, words landing like a sudden blow, my breath catching quick.

Why now, so close to airtime? Something was wrong, no time to explain, but trust in him surged strong, I nodded slight, choosing to believe his move.

Director Quinn's voice cut through, sharp and furious. "McAllister, what exactly are you trying to do here?" His eyes narrowed, anger flashing clear.

Blake stood tall, gaze ice-cold, firing back. "Will you be glad to see a disaster displayed on the television screens of all viewers?" His tone was serious, stern look locking onto Quinn's eyes.

My stomach twisted tight. Disaster? Quinn's patience thinned fast. "Then explain in plain language!" he demanded, voice rising.

Blake took a deep breath, turning to me, eyes steady. "Her script has been changed, and if she goes live, it's going to be a disaster!"

His words hit like thunder, my mind reeling. Changed? How? "What, how's that possible? I just submitted it this morning!" I blurted, shock and confusion crashing over me, hands trembling slight.

The MCR voice crackled urgent in my earpiece. "The show starts in five seconds. Please, Ms. Lawson, get ready!" No time to think.

I rushed back to my seat, legs moving fast, sliding into place for the live presentation. Screen flickered on, script scrolling up, and it was mine, exactly as prepared, not a word altered.

Relief mixed with nerves, presentation shaky at first, voice catching brief, but I pushed through, finding rhythm, ending strong.

Cheers erupted loud, claps filling the studio, everyone rushing forward. Director Quinn approached, smile wide, shaking my hand firm.

"Great job, Lawson!" Ruby hugged me tight, joy bursting in her laugh. But unease lingered deep.

Why Blake's warning if script was fine? Something felt off, happiness hollow. I wanted to ask him why he tried to stop me, steps turning toward him quick, but Quinn's voice boomed sharp.

"McAllister, in my office now!" His face burned furious. Blake stood calm, eyes meeting mine brief, no words, then exited smooth for Quinn's office.

What's happening there? Worry gnawed as I headed back to the newsroom, Ruby beside me, her chatter light.

Halfway down the hall, Sofia blocked our path, sly grin twisting her lips. "Congratulations, you must be feeling like a champion now, right?" Her voice dripped mockery, eyes glinting mean.

No time for her nonsense, Blake's look stuck in my head, genuine worry clear in his gaze. Ignored her, kept walking, but she pressed harder.

"Too shocked by your little success to speak?" Bitterness coated her words, venom thick.

Before I could turn, Ruby's voice shot back from behind, fierce and sharp. "Only a dog keeps barking, especially when scared.

She's way out of your league, Sofia. Get away from her now!" Ruby stepped bold between us, anger blazing in her eyes, facing Sofia down.

Sofia's grin stayed sly. "Wow, her personal bodyguard. You both won't be this lucky always." She walked away calm, grin never fading.

Ruby grabbed my hands, smiling warm. "Babygirl, don't let that lowlife talk down to you. Always give it back!" Her fire lifted me, and I laughed soft.

"Thank you, Ruby. No need to talk back, I have you as my mom!" We burst into laughter, steps light back to our desks.

But worry crept back fast, not for me, for Ruby. Sofia's dangerous, capable of anything, her threat today wasn't empty.

Now I know her venom runs deep, and Ruby's boldness put her in the crosshairs. Must stay alert, protect her close from now on.

Blake's face flashed again, his silent worry before leaving. Something big was brewing, and he knew more than he said.

Needed to see him, talk clear, figure out his warning, the script scare. Why act so urgent if nothing changed?

Someone tampered, but who? Sofia's grin? Her father's hand? Steps slowed, mind racing.

Had to find Blake fast, get answers before Sofia struck again. Ruby chatted beside me, unaware of the danger I sensed growing. Protect her. Find him. Talk soon. Urgency burned hot, pushing me forward.

★★★

\-Sofia-

An hour earlier...

I stood just outside the studio at SCN, steps poised to enter and watch Matilda's downfall unfold, my plan set perfect to ruin her live on air.

Then Blake's voice cut through clear, talking to Matilda and Director Quinn about changing her script. Shock froze me cold.

He knows my plan? How? My stomach twisted tight, mind racing fast. Did he bug my phone? Someone talk? I grabbed my phone quick, fingers moving swift, texting my contact in the control room.

"Don't do anything again. Leave her script exactly as it should be." Sent it fast, heart pounding hard.

Had to stop this now, Blake's move threatened to expose everything. Why so accurate? If I let the script change happen, he'd look right, and I'd be caught.

Instead, I'd make him seem foolish, shouting about a problem that never came. Cover held, plan safe for now.

Needed to know how he found out, who leaked my steps. At least one win today, Blake looks like a liar, overreacting loud.

I slipped away from the studio door quiet, steps light, mind already planning next moves. Had to dig deeper, find the crack in our circle.

Back to the present...

I hurried to the SCN rooftop, needing air, space to think. Phone rang sharp in my pocket, Father. Knew he'd call, angry for sure.

I reached a secluded corner, wind brushing my face, and picked up quick. "You have a lot of explaining to do. What happened?" His voice boomed loud, anger thick, almost shaking me.

I steadied myself, words rushing out. "Blake came to work knowing our plans. He wanted to change her script for her.

I had to stop it to make him look stupid and cover our plan." Explained fast, hoping he'd see my quick thinking.

His voice calmed sudden, low and serious. "How did he find you out?"

My frustration spiked, anger mixing in. "I don't know, but he was so close, so accurate with everything he said. I just hope we don't have a betrayal among us." My voice trembled, pissed at the thought of a traitor.

"Don't worry, leave everything to me from now on," Father said firm, ending the call before I could reply.

Alone again, I gripped the railing tight, staring out at the city below, mind swirling. Blake outsmarted me today, but not for long.

Matilda's win burned bitter, she shined bright, stole my spotlight, made me second. No more. Father would handle the leak, crush whoever talked.

I'd play sweet with Blake, closer now, dig out his secrets while he thought me tame.

"Matilda, I will make sure to bring you down to nothing and that will be my greatest joy!" I whispered to myself with my eyes filled with determination and furry.