Unlocking the Vault

Lex sat across from Elias Marr, the family lawyer who had been handling Maddox business since before Lex was born. The office hadn't changed in years—dark wood, leather chairs, and the faint scent of cigars that no one smoked anymore.

Elias leaned back and peering at Lex over his square glasses. His hair neatly combed, gave him the air of someone who had outlasted more family drama.

"You don't exactly make small asks, Lex," Elias said, fingers laced in front of him. "Twenty million's investment isn't a sizable investment even by Maddox Standards. "

Lex leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

His tone was steady, but the determination in his eyes burned brighter than the sunlight streaming through the window. "I know the amount, Elias. There is nothing risky."

"Silent Crossings, I assume." asked Elias,

Lex nodded. "The film's a hit. Critics love it, screenings are packed, and streaming platforms are already circling for exclusive rights. I'm putting my share of the film up as collateral."

Elias frowned picking up the papers Lex had brought over.

Lex let out a small chuckle. "I'm not here to sell snake oil, Elias."

Elias flipped through the documents, taking his time. "Things can be too good to be true. The projections look promising. But you're asking for this loan before the money clears. Why not wait until the funds are in your account?"

Lex shifted in his seat. "Because I don't have three months to wait. There's an opportunity to buy into music catalogs—forgotten gems that could shape the next decade of the industry. Movie deals, scripts. Invest in startups. Games. In business if I don't move, someone else will."

Elias placed the papers down carefully, lacing his fingers as he leaned forward. "You realize what you're risking, don't you? If this doesn't pan out, the trust could end up owning your entire share of the film. You're putting a lot on the line here, Lex."

Lex met his gaze without flinching. "I didn't claw my way back to play it safe. Silent Crossings is my foothold, but the catalog deals? It's my shot at building something bigger."

Elias leaned back in his chair, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You sound more like your father every day."

Lex blinked at the unexpected comment. "Yeah? He played things differently, didn't he?"

Elias sighed softly, his expression thoughtful. "He did. Roger Latham always thought five moves ahead. But he played carefully, measured every risk like it was his last. You…" Elias tilted his head slightly. "You're bolder. Quicker to act. That's not necessarily a bad thing—but it's a dangerous game."

Lex gave a faint smile, leaning back in his chair. "I don't play recklessly, Elias. I play to win."

Elias studied him for a long moment, his gaze softening. "He'd be proud of you, you know."

Lex's smirk faded slightly, replaced by a more genuine expression. "You think so?"

Elias nodded, his voice quieter now. "I do. But he'd probably give you an hour-long lecture first—about patience, calculated risks, and the importance of not overextending yourself."

Lex chuckled. "I can hear him already."

Elias reached for his pen, holding it loosely between his fingers as he spoke. "Alright. Let's do this, but on one condition."

Lex raised an eyebrow. "Condition?"

"You listen to me," Elias said firmly. "I've seen enough in my years working for your family to know how quickly things can fall apart. Barnie's no fool, Lex. He's watching you. Don't give him an opening."

Lex's expression hardened at the mention of Barnie. "Let him watch. I'm not playing his game."

"That's exactly what your father used to say," Elias replied, his tone both fond and cautionary. He tapped the papers in front of him. "And we both know how that ended."

Lex's jaw tightened, but he didn't break eye contact. "This time, I'm already moving."

Elias studied him for another beat, then sighed and signed the documents with deliberate precision. He slid them across the desk, his tone softer now. "The funds will be in your account by the end of the week. Don't make me regret this, Lex."

"You won't," Lex said, taking the papers and tucking them into his coat.

As he rose to leave, Elias stopped him one last time. "Lex, before you go—just remember something."

Lex turned, one hand on the doorframe.

Elias's voice was quiet but steady. "Your father believed in you. And so do I. But don't let that belief blind you. Barnie's always been good at waiting for the right moment to strike."

Lex gave a faint, knowing smile. "He won't get that chance."

Elias nodded slowly, watching as Lex stepped out into the cool afternoon air.

Outside, Lex exhaled, the weight of the loan settling on his shoulders. Silent Crossings had opened doors, but this move would define the future.

Barnie was watching. But that didn't matter.

In three months, when the money rolled in, Lex wouldn't just be ahead.

He'd own the whole damn game.