Page 86 of Holly Jolly Heat
I kept going, not giving myself time to panic.
"I know this raises legitimate questions about professional ethics. About boundaries between managers and clients. About whether I can objectively manage Lucas's career when we're pack-bonded." I looked directly at the camera. "Those are fair questions. Questions I've been asking myself. Questions the industry will definitely ask. So I want to address them head-on, with complete transparency."
RegularViewer: this is so professional
CozyFan22: she's literally addressing everything
HolidayVibes: TRANSPARENCY
"First, the timeline matters," I continued. "I became Lucas's manager almost three months ago. Before we scent-matched. I've been working with his production team, including Ro, for six months. The professional relationship existed first. The pack bond came after. We didn't know we were fated mates when we entered into our professional agreement."
"Second," Lucas took over, "the pack bond doesn't change the fundamental facts, Michelle is an incredible manager. She's brilliant at strategy, fierce in negotiations, and completely dedicated to her clients' success. The pack bond doesn't make her less professional. If anything, it makes her more motivated to see me succeed, not because of pack, but because that's who she is."
Through the bond, I felt his sincerity. He meant every word.
"Third," I added, "we're committed to transparency and ethical practices. We're not hiding this relationship. We're acknowledging it openly and establishing clear protocols for handling potential conflicts of interest."
StreamSniper: what kind of protocols?
CozyFan22: yeah tell us
HolidayVibes: this is so thorough
"Good question from chat," I said, allowing myself a small smile. "Our protocols include, Lucas having the right to seek outside counsel on any major decisions. I will recuse myself from negotiations where there might be a conflict between pack interests and professional interests. We're documenting everything to maintain transparency. And critically, Lucas's career comes first. If this arrangement ever compromises his professional success, we'll reevaluate."
Lucas squeezed my hand. "Which isn't going to happen, by the way. Michelle is staying as my manager because she's the best. Pack bond or not."
RegularViewer: he's so protective of her
CozyFan22: THEY'RE SO PROFESSIONAL ABOUT THIS
HolidayVibes: other creators should take notes
"I also want to acknowledge," I continued, feeling more confident now, "that we might face backlash for this. Some people might think we can't maintain objectivity. Some sponsors might not want to work with us. Some industry professionals might question our ethics." I paused. "That's their right. But we believe that transparency, clear communication, and genuine professionalism can address those concerns."
Ro stepped into frame, just as we'd planned. This was his moment.
"Hi, I'm Ro, Lucas's producer and part of the pack Michelle just mentioned." He looked at the camera with his characteristic intensity. "I want to add something from my perspective.I've been Michelle's professional contact for six months. I've watched her negotiate deals, handle PR crises, manage Lucas's career with complete objectivity. She's never been anything less than utterly professional."
He glanced at me. "The pack bond didn't change her competence. It didn't change her ethics. It didn't change the fact that she's one of the best managers in the industry. All it did was make official what was already true, she cares deeply about Lucas's success. And honestly? That's what good management looks like."
RegularViewer: RO DROPPING TRUTH BOMBS
CozyFan22: the whole pack supporting each other
StreamSniper: this is beautiful actually
HolidayVibes: they really thought this through
"Chat's asking great questions," Dex's voice came from off-camera. He was monitoring the feed, highlighting key comments. "Someone wants to know how your other clients are reacting."
"I notified all my clients before this stream," I said. "Most have been supportive. Some are taking a wait-and-see approach, which is fair. A few are concerned, and we're having ongoing conversations about how to address their concerns while maintaining our professional relationships."
"And if they leave?" Lucas asked, though we'd scripted this question.
"Then they leave. I won't compromise my pack to keep clients. But I also won't compromise my professional standards because of pack. Both things can be true. Both things are true." I looked at the camera. "I'm committed to being the best manager I can be, forallmy clients, pack-bonded or not. Anyone who works with me deserves nothing less."
CozyFan22: SHE'S SO GOOD AT HER JOB
