A week later, Maya walked into Gotham Networks' sleek offices.
Janine Holt sat across from her, confident, expecting an easy signature.
Instead, Maya slid a revised contract across the table.
"I'm in," she said, "but on my terms."
Janine raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Maya kept her voice steady. "Full editorial control. No watering down our message. I choose the guests, the topics, and my team."
Janine smirked. "You're negotiating like a mogul."
Maya smiled. "Because I am one."
Janine flipped through the contract, then nodded. "Deal."
Maya shook her hand.
Concrete Roses was coming to television.
And Maya Alvarez was officially a media powerhouse.