Love Rose

Rose sat in a corner of the makeshift lounge, looking half-annoyed, half-exhausted as she nursed a cup of tea. As Crew members were effectively shuffled equipment into vans.

"Lex, they're still following me," she said, gesturing toward a nearby camera crew who were packing up but clearly keeping an eye on her. "My mom lives for it, though. She thinks it's adorable when they film me helping out in the mornings."

Lex smirked, leaning against the table. "Your mom's getting her own reality show at this rate."

Rose rolled her eyes. "Great. Just what I need—her talking about my laundry habits to the world."

Her expression softened as she toyed with her cup. "I miss working with Mikey and Benny, though. They made it feel… private. Benny's so polite, and Mikey doesn't treat me like a product. I liked that."

Lex's phone buzzed sharply, pulling him away from her words. He glanced at the screen: Adam Lee.

"Hold that thought," he told Rose, stepping a few paces away before answering. "Adam."

Adam's voice came through with its usual energy. "Lex, you're not going to believe this. The buzz around Rose? It's insane. RIZZ downloads are spiking in New York."

Lex smirked faintly. "Not bad for a week's work."

"It's more than 'not bad.' It's a gold rush," Adam said. "But we need to keep the momentum. I want to send Rose to a few top clubs in the city—exclusive events tied to RIZZ promotions. It'll cement the image we're building for the app."

Lex's smirk deepened. "I'll get her to a places or two. Where are you thinking?"

"I'll send you the invite." Adam said. "Its open to when you have time. Just let her take photos at the events and post on social. Just let her be Real."

"I'll do that," Lex replied, ending the call.

Turning back to Rose, he said, "Change of plans. We're going to a bar for a drink or two. You need to see what you've done."

Rose blinked at him, surprised. "I'm not exactly dressed for it."

"You're fine," Lex said. "You need to look comfortable, anyway. Authentic."

She sighed but stood, tossing her tea cup into the trash. "Alright. Lead the way, boss."

It wasn't long before they were at a da

The bar was buzzing—loud enough to feel alive but not obnoxious. Low amber lights flickered across polished countertops, and the faint hum of music made the space feel warmer than it should have on a Wednesday night.

Lex sat at the corner booth, whiskey glass untouched inside was gin of course. His eyes scanning the room like he was waiting for something to happen.

And something was about to happen.

Rose wasn't wearing silk this time—just dark jeans, a fitted black top, and confidence wrapped around her like armor. The kind of look that made people turn their heads without realizing why.

Lex didn't look away from Rose as she leaned against the counter, stirring her drink with the faintest flick of her wrist.

Rose fit the space. She wasn't some polished influencer or socialite pretending to blend in. She took a selfie and posted it was simple and effortless just

Lex approached the counter just as Rose set her empty glass down, eyes flicking toward him with a raised brow.

"Took you long enough," she teased, twisting the glass idly. "I thought you were brooding in that corner all night."

Lex smirked. "I was letting you work."

Rose arched a brow.

Lex guided Rose back to the corner booth, where they had a clear view of the room. The energy was electric—groups of friends laughing, couples leaning close, and, at the bar, a cluster of young professionals scrolling on their phones.

"Look at them," Lex said, tilting his chin toward the crowd. "You're the reason they're here. Rizz is selling exclusivity, and you're making it believable."

Rose glanced around, unsure. "They don't even know I'm here."

"They don't have to," Lex said, his voice calm but certain. "They've already bought into the idea because of you. The line outside? That's real. The app downloads? Real. This is you."

Rose frowned slightly. "What if it's too much?"

Lex's gaze met hers, steady and reassuring. "It won't be. Because we're controlling the narrative. You're not a puppet. You're a player."

She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "You always make it sound so easy."

"It's not," Lex admitted, taking a sip of his drink. "After this we'll be picky. Choosing only the best choices."

The hum of the bar carried on as they sat in comfortable silence, each lost in thought. For Lex, the night wasn't just about the success of RIZZ or Rose's rising star. It was proof that the pieces of his plan were finally falling into place.