True Tycoon Her Empire, Her Rules

The local news station was airing a bulletin about a missing young woman. “…anyone with information is urged to contact the police immediately,” the anchor pleaded to the viewers. 

Bacchus was watching the TV, as a man of an older generation who still preferred the ritual of catching up with the world through the morning news. 

As for the newfangled streaming services that the TV kept prompting him to sign up for–that was a young person’s game, not a concern for the venerable gent. 

Winnie, fresh from her morning jog, walked in and poured herself a tall glass of water from the tap, methodically drinking it down to the last drop. Bacchus watched her with a soft, approving gaze. She had impressed him not only with her academic achievements but also with her disciplined habits. 

Since she had come to live with the Bryants, Winnie had adhered to a strict schedule: up at six, a round of calisthenics, a half–hour run, and at least eight glasses of water a day. Such orderliness was something Bacchus himself had only cultivated after retiring, yet for his young granddaughter, it was second nature. 

Her only peculiarity was her unusual hobby, which seemed to be more than just a pastime. Bacchus thought about the skills Horace had told him about, the ones that might one day bring a new kind of renown–or notoriety–to the Bryant family. His look deepened with intrigue as he watched Winnie. 

“Grandpa,” Winnie greeted, meeting his eyes with the proper decorum. 

Though not particularly close to acchus, she wasn’t distant either. Bacchus‘ demeanor towards her was gentle, but since her return, she had noted his tendency to watch the family dynamics unfold without intervening or taking sides. It was as if he was assessing her, deciding whether she was worthy of the Bryant name. 

Winnie wasn’t bothered by the scrutiny. As an outsider, she knew she was different from everyone else in the family, and she wasn’t about to start pandering for acceptance. 

Bacchus, perceptive of her detachment, simply smiled, “I’ve noticed your morning exercises are quite exceptional. Your cousins have grown a bit sluggish during their break. How about I make them join you from tomorrow? What do you think?” 

Winnie, unsure of Bacchus‘ sudden interest and mindful of Hobson’s antagonism, responded noncommittally. “If they’re willing, they can follow along.” 

She had no intention of playing the instructor. She had neither the time nor the inclination for that. 

Bacchus, unfazed by her response, assured her with a twinkle in his eye, “Oh, I’ll make sure they’re willing.” 

Winnie arched an eyebrow at that, recalling the last time she saw Horace putting her cousins 

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through their paces, It seemed like a veiled continuation of their training. She wasn’t 

Interested, but the thought of watching her cousins being put through the wringer had a certain appeal. 

As she was mulling this over, her smartwatch rang. She excused herself from Bacchus and stepped aside to take the call. 

“Hello, is this Winnie? I’m Balley, a producer from LimeLightVideos, came a courteous male voice on the other end. 

“Yes, speaking.” 

“We’re planning a new variety show called ‘Inspirational Adventures,‘ and we believe your look and academic background are a perfect fit for the vibe of our program. We would love to invite you to participate as a guest. Would you be interested?” 

Winnie’s first instinct was to decline. Show business held no allure for her, but then she thought of her master who was currently MIA and asked, “Will the show be aired across all platforms?” 

Bailey, momentarily taken aback by her question, quickly recovered, “The show will premiere as a live stream exclusive to LimeLightVideos but, given it’s one of our flagship projects, it will definitely be promoted across the web. If you’re interested, perhaps we could meet to discuss the details?” 

Bailey was adept at sensing potential interest, but before he could leverage that, Winnie cut him off, “Don’t bother a meeting, I accept the invitation.” 

There was a brief pause on the line before Bailey responded, clearly surprised, “You do?” 

“Yep.” 

Bailey was momentarily at a loss. “Don’t you need to discuss it with your family first?” 

Winnie simply replied, “Why would I need to?” 

Bailey was baffled; such decisions usually required family consultation, especially for a member of one of Emerald Bay’s illustrious families like the Bryants. Yet here was Winnie, agreeing without hesitation. 

The Bryants, though boasting a member in the entertainment industry, were a traditional bunch. Bailey had anticipated some resistance to the idea, but Winnie’s readiness was both a relief and a mystery. She was about to bring a whole new level of attention to the Bryant name, whether they were prepared for it or not. 

The Bryant family might have their reservations, of course. 

But from the other end of the line, Winnie’s voice was cool yet certain. “I’m of age, I make my own decisions.” 

Baily laughed awkwardly, “Right, we should set up a time to meet. There are a few details we still need to hammer out.” 

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Winnie wasn’t thrilled about another meeting, seeing it as a time–drain, but she agreed nonetheless, promptly setting up a time and place with the person on the other line. 

Springer was coming down the stairs just as he overheard her on the balcony finalizing the arrangements. His groggy brain snapped to attention, “Winnie, you’re heading out? I’ll tag along!” 

Winnie, not particularly fond of this boy’s newfound clinginess but not entirely bothered by it either, simply said, “I have a meeting.” 

Springer, persistent as ever, asked, “Who with? Can’t I come too?” 

Winnie replied. “A reality show producer.” 

With that, she didn’t give Springer a chance to keep pestering her and headed upstairs. 

Springer stood rooted to the spot for a long while before it dawned on him what she had said. 

“Reality show?? Winnie! You’re going to be on a reality show?!”