Chapter 1

John

Everyone is sitting around the table, staring at the screen.

Any moment now, the latest TV commercial we’ve created for one of our biggest clients will air. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation.

I stop myself from twirling the pen I’m holding. I reach for my glass and take a huge drink of water. The Americano I drank earlier is not helping with whatever it is I’m feeling right now at all.

This is already my nth campaign here at Line Ad Agency, but each time we're launching, it still feels like my first time. I'm never one to rest on my laurels. I always compete with myself to make sure what I'm doing today is better than what I did yesterday.

All of a sudden, the show segment ends, and the first few notes of our commercial rings through the speakers. Everyone focused their attention on what's playing. Even though I’ve already seen this final version, I watch it as if I’m seeing it for the first time.

It’s the longest thirty seconds of my life.

When it ends, everyone bursts into applause and loud cheers. Congratulations are exchanged with each other. All of the long nights we spent on this account are worth it. It might have cost our blood, sweat, and tears, but in the end, we take pride in what we've done.

Not to mention the generous payout we got.

The excitement dies down and I clear my throat, trying to get the attention of my colleagues. I raise my hand as I make a short speech.

“I’d like to thank my entire team who worked with me tirelessly to produce this. We couldn’t have done this without your dedication and teamwork. But, as usual, there’s more to come. So recharge yourselves quickly and be ready to get back into action.”

Another round of applause, then I leave the meeting room.

My phone rings as soon as I get to my office. To my surprise, it’s the vice president of operations of our client.

“I knew you could do it,” he tells me. “Congratulations on a job well done. The feedback we’ve been getting on social media is crazy. As soon as you’re able, I’d like to have a meeting with you so we can expand our contract and work on our next project.”

“Wow, thank you,” I reply. “I’ll have the meeting scheduled soon.”

We talk for a little bit more before ending the call. I immediately send an email to the bosses about the client’s requested meeting and the possibility of renegotiating our contract with them.

I can’t help but smile to myself as soon as I hit the send button.

Who would have thought in less than a year, I’ll already be at this position?

Coming from another ad agency, I applied here at Line Ad Agency with nothing but my experience and determination. I accepted the junior position they offered, promising them I’ll prove myself in no time.

The employees of this agency are very good, but they just don’t have enough clients to keep the business going. I did everything I could, and luckily, in my third month, I was able to land a deal.

I provided an outstanding advertisement to one of our local clients, which saved the plummeting business. It brought back Line Ad Agency to the roster of notable companies. One by one, we started to get noticed and clients began to come in.

Within six months, I got promoted to Immediate Supervisor. I now handle a team of ten, and I'm allowed to pursue and get deals on my own. The higher-ups started noticing my work and me.

Make no mistake about it, despite my last name, I don't leave anything to chance. Once I start working on a project, I put everything I have into it. I make a detailed plan and checklist, ensuring every little thing is covered.

I work well with my team, and I’m very open to any ideas they bring to the table. We brainstorm until we find the perfect solution. I'm very thorough with everything I do. In fact, sometimes I feel I'm bordering on being obsessive-compulsive.

***

It’s Tuesday morning.

I'm sitting behind my desk, checking the latest email a client sent me. All of a sudden, Paul, my personal assistant comes by.

“Hey John, how are you doing?”

“I’m good. Anything you need?” I ask.

“Well, Divine told me to tell you she needs you in her office as soon as you’re free.”

Divine Conway is the Operations Manager of the agency. Either this is great news or I’m totally fucked.

“Did she tell you why?”

Paul shrugs.

“Okay. Tell her I’ll be there in ten minutes. I’ll just send this email I’m writing for a client.”

“Got it,” Paul nods and he goes on his way.

I quickly finish what I’m doing then I walk to Divine’s office. I knock on the door and open it slightly.

“You wanted to see me?”

Divine looks up at me and gives me a hint of a smile.

“Ah, John. Yes, please sit down.”

“Were you able to see the email I sent regarding our client’s meeting request?” I ask.

“Yes, I’ll have that scheduled shortly. I called you for a different reason,” she says. “Do you know Isaac Roberts?”

I pause for a while, trying to recall the name.

“That’s the new guy who’s going to run for New York City governor, right?”

Divine hands me a folder and I browse through it. It contains the profile of the young aspirant.

“Sources tell me he’s looking for a new agency to pick up his campaign. I think he’s got potential, and I want you to get him to consider Line Ad.”

Yes, a new challenge!

“Consider it done,” I declare.

“Oh, if I may add. I know RB Works is going after this one too.”

Shit! Not Claire Simon again!