Dayo walked back into the studio and immediately called Valery and Wayne.

They both turned when they saw his serious face.

"So," Dayo began, "I was talking with Luna, and she mentioned something that shocked me. She said Urich got laid off because of the Vivaina issue."

Both Wayne and Valery froze.

"What?!" Wayne shouted.

Valery frowned, "How did that even happen?"

Dayo sighed and leaned against the soundboard. "That's what I'm trying to figure out. Urich did more than just run UCL Records. That label was like his child — he built it from nothing and trained everyone there like family. To see them drop him like that… it just feels wrong."

Wayne shook his head slowly. "If Urich was still there for another few years, he would've pushed UCL into the top five labels. They really shot themselves in the foot."

"Exactly," Dayo said. "Now with their issues with Michael, the label's bound to lose its balance. It's only a matter of time before things start falling apart."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "I called you both here because I'm thinking of bringing Urich into our management team. His experience would mean a lot for us. I can run the label if I want to, but being both an artist and a manager would be too stressful. I'd rather have someone like him help lead JD Records."

Valery looked at him thoughtfully. "But why hasn't anyone else hired him? A man like that shouldn't be sitting at home."

"Because of Michael," Dayo replied calmly. "Everyone knows about the fight between them. Most people in the industry are scared to touch Urich because of that. They either want to wait it out or avoid him completely."

Wayne rubbed his chin. "So you want to take that risk?"

Dayo nodded. "Yeah. Michael already sees me as a threat, so adding Urich doesn't change anything. If anything, it makes us stronger."

Valery exchanged a look with Wayne. "You know that Lois thing? Urich was part of the collateral damage. He got caught in the middle of it."

Dayo sighed. "Yeah. And that's exactly why I want him here. He's good — too good to be sitting around because of Michael's ego. We both have something in common now — we've been burned by the same man."

Wayne leaned back in his chair. "Are you sure about this, Dayo? This could make things worse with Michael."

"I know," Dayo said, smiling faintly. "But there's no fixing things with Michael. The best I can do is build my own ground and surround myself with the people he's hurt. People who want to win, not destroy."

Valery looked at Wayne again. They both nodded.

"We trust you," Valery said simply. "Whatever decision you make, we're with you."

Dayo blinked, a bit surprised. "That's it? No arguments?"

They both burst out laughing.

"So the almighty Dayo can look surprised too," Valery teased.

"Yeah," Wayne added, grinning. "To be fair, most of your decisions so far have worked out well for all of us. So yeah, we trust your judgment."

Dayo chuckled. "You two never fail to surprise me."

He sat back in his chair for a moment, thinking. "Speaking of which… what do you think about adding Alice to the management too?"

Valery's eyes widened. "Alice? As in the Alice from The Global Competition?"

"The very same," Dayo replied. "She's a genius when it comes to media, hype, and storytelling. She was the production head during my season, and I'm pretty sure she's the reason I gained so much attention back then. She knows how to shape a story — how to make people care."

Wayne whistled softly. "That's huge. If you can get both Urich and Alice, JD Records could blow up faster than we expect."

Valery nodded. "If she's willing to come, I'd be thrilled to have her."

Dayo smiled. "Then it's settled."

He didn't rest after the meeting. Instead, he went back into the recording room to review the track he'd finished with Luna earlier.

Wayne and Valery shook their heads as they watched him go.

"That man doesn't know how to stop working," Wayne said with a tired laugh.

Valery smiled. "Yeah, but that's why we follow him."

Inside the studio, Dayo sat down at the desk, opened his laptop, and pulled up his messages. He took a deep breath, then began typing the first one.

---

Message to Urich

> Hey Urich,

I heard what went down at UCL, and honestly, man, I'm still trying to process it. You didn't deserve that. You gave that label your all, and seeing them toss you aside like that doesn't sit right with me.

I also know I kinda played a small part in how things turned out, and trust me, that's been on my mind. I really hope you're not holding that against me, 'cause you know it wasn't out of spite. I just did what I had to do back then.

Anyway, staying home must be boring as hell for you. You're not the type to sit still. So here's what I'm thinking — I'm building JD Records, and I'd really love to have you on board. You've got the experience and leadership that could take this label to another level.

I know JD's still small for now, but we're growing fast. Plus, you already know me — we don't play politics here. Michael and I are already at odds, so adding you won't make any difference. If anything, it'll make us stronger.

Think about it. If you're up for it, let's talk. I'd really like to work with you again.

— Dayo

He read it over once, nodded to himself, and hit send.

Then he started the next one.

---

Message to Alice

> Good morning, Alice,

I've been meaning to reach out, but I wasn't sure how to start this message because it's not easy putting my thoughts into words. First, thank you — sincerely. I know how much of what I achieved at the Global Competition came from your hard work behind the scenes. You made me stand out, even when others were doing amazing things too.

I also know you were the one who sent me the full video of my performance — and I can't thank you enough for that. I understand what that decision cost you, and I'll never take it for granted.

I've been building my label, JD Records, and I want to ask if you'd consider joining the team. I believe in what we're creating — something honest, something new — and I know someone like you could help make that vision real.

I'm not asking for an answer right away. Just think about it. If you're open, I'd love to sit down and talk about how we could make something great together.

— Dayo

---

Dayo leaned back after sending both messages, rubbing his eyes. He knew it might take a while before they replied, but deep down, he felt confident.

He smiled to himself and whispered, "If this works out, JD Records will never be the same again."

Then, with a stretch, he turned back to his screen and hit play on the track he'd been working on with Luna — the start of another long night.

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