Chapter Eleven

Exactly one week had passed since Zoey Scandova proposed the ambitious sales promotion as part of her strategic push toward qualifying for the IPR. Business had been running smoothly, and her numbers were looking solid. Orders were coming in steadily, customer reviews were glowing, and her leadership within McKrapper Foods Company was being praised by both employees and board members alike.

To cap it off and gain a public relations win before the IPR selection committee began their evaluations, Zoey pitched a limited-time promotion to the board: Buy five products and get one free. The idea was to drive bulk purchases, increase visibility, and show the market that McKrapper wasn't just catching up—they were innovating.

The board had loved it. Mr. Dominic, especially, had stood up during the meeting, adjusting his glasses and nodding with visible pride.

"This is bold, Zoey," he'd said with a soft smile. "Exactly the kind of edge we need before the IPR review. Let's go full throttle."

The team had immediately sprung into action. Billboards were shot with Zoey front and center, clad in corporate chic, holding a tray of assorted McKrapper delights. The ad campaign had been finalized, social media posts scheduled, and even Corelle had helped coordinate influencer partnerships to give it that viral touch.

But just when everything seemed picture perfect—Sanchez Premier Foodz dropped a bombshell.

It started with a ping in the company group chat. Corelle had sent a news link with the subject line:

"Umm… y'all might want to see this ."

The headline read:

"Sanchez Premier Foodz Launches Buy-Two-Get-One-Free Campaign Ahead of IPR Season"

And below that: "First to Drop a Promo Deal This Quarter – Customers Already Reacting Wildly!"

Zoey blinked, then refreshed the page. Twice.

"Oh no… oh no no no," she whispered, her heart thudding in her chest.

She sat frozen in her chair, the glow from her laptop screen making her feel small. The room, once filled with confidence, now felt like it was closing in. The worst part? This wasn't just some random competitor. Sanchez Foods had history—and power. They had qualified and dominated in past IPR seasons and gone on to win five IPDC Awards, the highest recognition in intercontinental product distribution. They were already shipping to Malaysia, Singapore, and even had trial runs in parts of Australia.

"Zoey," Corelle said gently as she entered the office. "I know what you're thinking. But don't spiral. You thought of this first. You just didn't hit publish fast enough."

Zoey shook her head, tapping her nails anxiously on the desk.

"That's not the point. Sanchez is giving away more with less. Their deal is 'Buy two, get one free.' Ours is five for one. That's literally double the spend. How are we supposed to compete with that? People will go where they feel like they're saving more."

Just then, Mr. Dominic walked in, the latest email printout in hand. "I saw the Sanchez announcement," he said calmly. "And I want to hear your thoughts."

"We're thinking of… maybe terminating the promo," Zoey admitted. "Or at least adjusting it. We can't launch ours like this—not when Sanchez already looks like the hero of the quarter."

Dominic raised an eyebrow. "Are we chasing Sanchez, or building McKrapper?"

There was a pause. The question hung in the air like perfume. Zoey looked up slowly.

"We're building McKrapper," she said quietly, then stronger. "But I won't let us look like we're riding on their fumes. If we still launch the promo, it has to look like ours. Better. More meaningful."

"Well then," Dominic said, placing the paper down on her desk. "Find your edge. Don't back down. Adjust if you must,but lead. That's what got you this far, Zoey."

And with that, he left.

Corelle placed a hand on Zoey's shoulder. "You're not out. You're just being tested."

Zoey looked back at her laptop. Her billboard image stared at her—confident, radiant, unstoppable.

No. She wasn't going to terminate the promo.

She was going to rework it, reframe it, and make McKrapper the talk of the town—even if Sanchez started first.

Because queens don't copy. They redefine the game.