Chapter 90: Lois!!!
Tiffin sat quietly in the car as they drove through the busy streets of New york city. Beside her was one of Michael’s top associates, a calm but serious-looking man named Kelvin. They were both on a mission — to meet Lois.
Michael had been clear about what he wanted. "Get her under MM Label before the next stage of Global Competition"
The reason was simple he wanted to put Dayo at his place after he outsmarted his during the whole scandal situation.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Lois was already there with her agent, Clara. The place was cozy and quiet, with slow music playing in the background. Lois looked happy and bright, her smile showing how excited she was to meet them.
Tiffin smiled warmly. "Lois, thank you for meeting us today. My boss, Mr. Michael, asked me to tell you this — he believes you’re one of the brightest new artists in the industry."
Lois smiled proudly. "That means a lot to me. I’ve been following his work for a long time. He’s... he’s a legend."
Clara said nothing as she was suprised by this. She was studying the two people in front of her carefully, her arms crossed.
Tiffin continued, "Michael has seen what you did with your first album. Those numbers were impressive. He believes you can go even further — with the right label behind you as this is jist your first album as a rookie so your potential is almost boundless."
Lois nodded slowly, her face lighting up. "That’s what I want too. I want more. I feel like I’ve been stuck under someone who doesn’t see my full worth."
Clara looked at her in surprise. "Lois," she said quietly, "what do you mean by that?"
Lois sighed, her tone sharp but tired. "You know what I mean, Clara. JD Lable has been great, but Dayo... he treats me like I’m still learning. Like I can’t stand on my own. I worked hard too, but all anyone talks about is him. I want to prove I can shine without him."
Tiffin exchanged a brief glance with her partner then a smile appeared on her face it seems that all wasn’t well with Dayo and his artist so she pushed. "At MM Label, you’ll have that chance," she said confidently. "Michael believes you deserve your own spotlight. He’ll make sure the world sees you for who you truly are."
Clara forced a polite smile. "I appreciate the offer," she said calmly. "But Lois just had a successful album — her first big win. Isn’t it too soon to switch labels?"
Tiffin tilted her head. "Sometimes, success is exactly when you move. The window doesn’t stay open forever. Michael wants her before someone else does."
The table fell quiet for a moment. Then Clara turned to Lois. "Can I talk to you outside for a minute?"
They both stepped out into the hallway. Clara folded her arms. "You called me this morning, Lois. You said someone wanted to meet. You didn’t say it was another label."
Lois looked away. "Would you have come if I told you?"
Clara frowned. "Of course not. You’re still signed under JD’s label. And Dayo’s the one who gave you those songs — H.E.R, Un-break My Heart and so. You think anyone else would’ve given you that kind of shot and song?"
"I’m not saying he didn’t help," Lois snapped. "But it’s like he doesn’t believe I can do it myself. He’s always one step ahead, always the one people look at. I’m tired of being behind him."
Clara sighed deeply. "You’re not behind him, Lois. You’re growing. Look around you — those numbers, those fans. You think that just happened by luck? Even with all your talent, those songs helped you reach that point. You should be grateful, not running away."
Lois looked frustrated. "You don’t understand. I need more, Clara. I can’t stay under someone who doesn’t see my value."
Clara stared at her for a long moment, then her tone softened. "I do understand. You just don’t see the full picture yet." She paused. "But I’m your agent, Lois. If this is what you want, then I’ll do it. I’ll handle everything."
Lois nodded quietly. "Thank you."
They both walked back inside.
Tiffin smiled as they returned. "I hope everything’s fine?"
Clara nodded with a straight face. "Yes. Lois is ready to hear your offer."
The meeting continued with talks about contracts, schedules, and promises. But as Clara sat there, she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her chest.
Something about the way Tiffin and her partner looked at Lois didn’t feel right. It wasn’t admiration. It was hunger.
They didn’t want Lois because of her talent.
They wanted her for other reasons and she didn’t know what but she felt the power struggle.
She made a silent prayer hoping Lois doesn’t regret doing this.
****
Two days had passed since the performance. And all the contestants were well rested and it was now time to travel to the United state.
Dayo and the other contestants were asked to move towards the bus. Before leaving, he stepped out to the balcony of his hotel room, pulled out his phone, and called Luna.
She picked up after the second ring, her voice bright and warm. "Hey, superstar," she teased. "Back from saving the world yet?"
Dayo laughed. "Come on, Luna, you know what’s up."
"Yeah, yeah," she said, chuckling. "I’ve been watching. You’re really making waves out there."
"Trying my best," he said, smiling. "Guess what?"
"What?"
"We’re heading to the U.S. for the next stage," Dayo said proudly. "Feels good to be coming home."
Luna gasped softly. "Wait, really? That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you."
"Thanks," he said quietly. "It’s been a long ride."
There was a short pause, then Luna spoke again, her voice softer now. "So... that means I’ll finally get to see you again?"
Dayo smiled, leaning against the railing. "Yeah, that’s the plan. Been a while, huh?"
"A very long while," she said. "You’ve been too busy being a global star."
He laughed. "You make it sound like I forgot you."
"Well, you kind of did," she teased. "I barely get a call anymore."
"Luna," he said gently, "you know that’s not true."
She laughed lightly, but there was warmth behind it. "I know. I’m just messing with you."
Dayo’s tone softened even more. "Still... I’ve missed you."
There was a small silence on the line, then Luna replied quietly, "I’ve missed you too. More than you probably think."
He smiled, his heart a little lighter. "Then I guess I have to make up for lost time."
"We’ll see about that," she said, her voice playful again.
"Alright then," Dayo said, glancing at his packed bags. "I’ll see you soon."
"I’ll be waiting," Luna said softly before hanging up.
Dayo stood there for a few more seconds, staring at the city lights in the distance. A small smile curved on his lips as he whispered, "Soon."