Chapter 4 : Training

L&M's training facility buzzed with activity as athletes from both companies arrived for the first joint training session. The facility, a state-of-the-art complex with glass walls overlooking the city skyline, was about to host some of the biggest names in sports—along with two CEOs who could barely tolerate being in the same room.

Laurene stood near the entrance, clipboard in hand, her sharp gaze assessing the incoming athletes. Each one was a walking endorsement of their respective brands, wearing either L&M's or The Kings gear. She was proud of her team’s professionalism, their focus. Across the room, she spotted Sebastian chatting with his athletes, his easy charm drawing laughs and high-fives.

He caught her staring and flashed a grin.

“Impressed?” he called out, sauntering over.

“Hardly,” she replied, not looking up from her clipboard. “Are your athletes ready to follow a real training program? Or do they plan to wing it like their CEO?”

Sebastian laughed, unbothered. “Don’t worry about my team, Ms Ashford. They’re ready to give your lot a run for their money. Speaking of which, where’s the grand plan?”

Laurene handed him a printed schedule, perfectly color-coded. “Here. The next three weeks are mapped out—training sessions, nutrition plans, media appearances. Everything they’ll need to peak for the event.

Sebastian scanned the document, his brow furrowing. “This is... thorough.”

“It’s efficient,” she corrected.

“It’s rigid,” he countered, tossing the schedule onto a nearby table. “Athletes need flexibility. You can’t treat them like machines.”

“And you can’t treat them like buddies,” Laurene shot back. “This isn’t a game. It’s their careers—and ours.”

Their argument was interrupted by the whistle of the head coach, signaling the start of the first warm-up. The athletes began assembling on the field, their competitive energy palpable.

“Why don’t we let the results speak for themselves?” Sebastian suggested, stepping closer. “We’ll split the training sessions. I’ll run things my way for the first week, you take the second. Best results win.”

Laurene’s eyes narrowed. “This isn’t a competition.”

“Of course not,” he said with mock seriousness. “But if it were, I’d win.”

Before she could respond, the head coach called them both over. The athletes were ready, waiting for direction.

“Fine,” Laurene muttered. “But don’t come crying to me when your way flops.”

Sebastian grinned. “You might just be surprised.”

The next few days were a whirlwind of drills, strategy meetings, and, inevitably, clashes between Laurene and Sebastian. Sebastian's approach was unorthodox—encouraging camaraderie through group challenges, spontaneous scrimmages, and even team dinners. To Laurene’s annoyance, the athletes seemed to thrive under his leadership.

Meanwhile, Laurene’s week brought structure and precision. She introduced data-driven performance tracking, personalized training regimens, and intense focus on discipline. Her athletes excelled, pushing their limits in ways even she hadn’t anticipated.

By the end of the two weeks, the results were undeniable: both methods had merit. The athletes were stronger, faster, and more cohesive as a unit.

“You know,” Sebastian said one evening as they watched the team from the sidelines, “we’re actually not half bad at this.”

Laurene glanced at him, surprised by the genuine tone in his voice. For once, there was no smirk, no teasing.

“Maybe,” she admitted grudgingly. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

He chuckled. “Too late.”

As the athletes wrapped up their final session for the day, Laurene couldn’t help but feel a twinge of something unfamiliar. Maybe, just maybe, working with Sebastian wasn’t the disaster she’d feared.

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