Syren vs. Selena Frost vs. Glory Braddock

[Braddock]

1 of 2
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April 12th, 2025
Miami, Florida
Off Camera
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After weeks of being seemingly ignored or forgotten about by CHBK and SCW management, after weeks of getting no notice, of sitting in catering with nothing to do, Glory Braddock decided to call her own shot and declare for the Taking Hold of the Flame. In doing so she ended up in a confrontation with two other Taking Hold of the Flame competitors; Selena Frost and Syren. This got the attention of CHBK and now The British Bombshell finally has a match. She has been wanting a match, any match, for the past few weeks but has been ignored. Now she has a marquee match against two SCW heavyweights at Rebirth with a lot on the line. The winner of the triple threat will get the coveted number forty spot in Taking Hold of the Flame. The final and last entrant will have the decided advantage of being the freshest competitor in the battle royal, a match that will decide who challenges for the SCW World Championship at Rise To Greatness. But whoever gets pinned or is made to tap out? That person will start the Taking Hold of the Flame at the number one spot, putting them at a decided disadvantage, forcing them to go the distance. The number one entrant will face the greatest odds to overcome and win the coveted championship match. The British Bombshell can see beyond just the materialistic stakes in this match. Selena Frost already has a guaranteed rematch that she loves to flaunt. She doesn’t need it. As far as Syren goes; The British Bombshell views Syren as a cancer to SCW and wrestling as a whole. Braddock doesn’t believe Syren deserves to be anywhere near the World Championship again and, making it more difficult for her to win Taking Hold of the Flame, would be ideal. Glory Braddock, on the other hand, has only one SCW World Title win to her name and it lasted barely fifteen minutes. Braddock desperately wants to fix this, she wants to right that wrong, and Rebirth could be the first step to ensuring she gets the job done. Rebirth is what The British Bombshell would rather focus on. Her huge triple threat match with so much on the line is what she would be thinking about right now. Instead she finds herself in an arena that she is never comfortable with; a fancy, upscale restaurant in Miami, Florida, hosting her friend and business partner, Frances Taylor, and Frances’s new boyfriend.

The crystal chandeliers above cast a warm, ambient glow across the dining room, scattering flecks of gold over the polished wood tables and rich, velvet upholstery. The restaurant was the sort of place where conversations were kept to a dignified murmur and every detail was tailored to the elite. Glory Braddock sat at a table draped in fine linen, her legs crossed neatly beneath her, a practiced smile resting on her lips but not quite reaching her eyes. She wore a sleek, dark burgundy evening gown that clung to her silhouette a little too perfectly, the kind of outfit designed to impress rather than express. Her long hair, usually kept in a quick bun or ponytail when she was running her empire, was styled into glossy waves cascading over one shoulder. The effort it had taken to prepare for this dinner irritated her more than she let on. Glory had always preferred the simplicity of sharp slacks and a clean blouse. But anything involving her friend Frances Taylor demanded the finest of the fine, the most luxurious of luxury, and that meant a restaurant such as this upscale place in Miami. Across from her sat her husband, Kurt Logan, his broad frame neatly fitted into a tailored charcoal suit. He looked at ease, confident, and entirely comfortable in the opulent surroundings, sipping slowly from a crystal glass filled with bourbon. He, like Glory, isn’t exactly a big fan of this, but his poise in high society settings came naturally, unlike Glory, who always felt like she was wearing a mask at these sorts of gatherings. Their table sat near a wide, arched window overlooking the city skyline, the view breathtaking enough to almost distract her from the knot forming in her stomach.

“You know what’s so damn frustrating about this?” Glory asks Kurt through gritted teeth, her frustration almost sounding like that of a pouting child. Kurt, who is very much used to this by now, just chuckles

“The fact that you have to wear a dress?”

“Shut up.” Glory snaps.

“You look stunning, by the way.”

“Still shut up.” Glory remarks. “I’m frustrated because I finally called my shot, I forced CHBK to give me a match and it isn’t just any match, it is a high profile match with high stakes. Me, Selena Frost, and Syren. We’ve already declared for Taking Hold of the Flame and the outcome of this match will impact all three of us entering the rumble. I have the opportunity not only to win the match and earn myself the coveted last entry spot, giving myself the best odds of the whole thing, but I also can pin Syren or make her tap out in the process and virtually end her chances of winning Taking Hold of the Flame.”

“It doesn’t necessarily end her chances.” Kurt points out grinning. “It just means she has to enter at number one.”

“And the likelihood of her, or anyone, entering at number one or number two and running the gauntlet to win it all isn’t very great.”

“This is true. Still, as a former wrestler myself, I would suggest you focus on winning the match, not necessarily winning by pinning Syren.” Kurt says. “Someone as crafty as Selena Frost could easily take advantage of that.”

“I know and I get that.” Braddock nods her head. “But my point is that I finally got a match from SCW and instead of preparing for it I am here, all dolled up to impress my friend Frances and her boyfriend.”

“We didn’t have to meet them at a place like this.” Kurt points out. Braddock nods her head.

“I know but Frances insisted. You know how she can be; she loves luxury.”

“And you hate it.”

“Exactly. But she’s not only my friend but a business partner, she works for me as the president of my company, I feel obligated to keep her happy. You know?”

“You shouldn’t feel obligated to keep anyone happy.” Kurt shakes his head. “Especially a friend of yours who happens to be…um…late?” Kurt checks his watch and then looks back up at his wife, smirking. Braddock sighs and nods her head.

“Who knows where she is? Probably this new boyfriend of hers has gotten her all worked up to the point that she can’t decide what to wear.”

“Must be some guy for her to keep us waiting like this.” He chuckles. “What do you know about him, anyway?”

“Honestly, I know just about as much as you.” She snickers. “Well, actually, I do a few things about him; his name is Dominic Sterling and that he comes from money.”

“Another millionaire?” Kurt scoffs. “I miss the days when I was wrestling…on the road all the time, living out of my car or in not so nice motel rooms. It kept me grounded. I love you, babe, but this lifestyle has spoiled me.”

“I’m sorry.” Glory winks playfully.

“Where did this Sterling guy get his money from? What’s his business?”

“I don’t know if he even has a business, to be honest.” Braddock shrugs her shoulders. “Frances just said that he didn’t really earn his money, he inherited everything from wealthy relatives.”

“Sounds like a great guy.” Kurt says sarcastically. Glory nods her head.

“Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of.” Suddenly her eyes light up. She puts on her forced smile and whispers under her breath just so Kurt can hear. “Here they come.”

Sure enough, it isn’t long until the gorgeous blonde haired Frances Taylor comes walking into the scene arm in arm with a tall, lean, gentleman with jet black hair. That obviously must be Dominic Sterling. Frances is wearing a dress similar in design to the one worn by Glory, only Frances’s dress is black and she has matching black heels. Dominic Sterling’s suit is black and white and fitted, making him look a bit more built than perhaps he really is. Frances is grinning from ear to ear, enjoying the attention she receives from the other patrons but especially from her new boyfriend. The smile on Dominic’s face is deceptive, as if there is something else beneath that facade of glamor.

“I apologize for being so late…” Frances begins. Sterling quickly cuts her off.

“It was my fault.” He insists. “I was driving a little slow.”

“You were being cautious, Dom.”

“Fair enough.” He says.

“So this is the famous Dominic Sterling you have been telling me about?” Glory chimes in. Frances quickly nods her head.

“Yes, I apologize for not introducing you right away.” She points to Glory and Kurt. “Dominic, this is Glory Braddock…my friend since we were children…and her husband, Kurt Logan. Glory and I work together at Glorious Golden Enterprise.”

“It a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Braddock.”

Dominic takes Glory’s hand and kisses it. It is obvious that he is laying his charming gentleman act on thick. Braddock takes it in stride, nodding her head and thanking him. Frances and Sterling then take their seats at the table. Shortly after the couple sits down at the table a server arrives. She is a young brunette wearing an all black restaurant uniform. She has a bright, friendly smile on her face.

“Welcome! May I get you something to drink?”

“Pinot Noir for me.” Frances responds instantly. Dominic chuckles and shakes his head.

“Just water for me, thanks. Someone has to be the designated driver between the two of us.”

“Oh hush.” Frances giggles. “I’m not going to drink that much.”

Glory Braddock cannot help but feel a little awkward. Frances and Dominic have been talking nonstop since their arrival. She has to admit, they definitely have strong chemistry together. Perhaps this will be a good thing for Frances going forward?

“So what are you involved with, Mr. Sterling?” Kurt asks. Dominic shrugs his shoulders.

“Oh, a little bit of this and a little bit of that.” It was a dodge of an answer and Glory could tell. But before she could confront him, he turns his attention to The British Bombshell herself. “But you, Glory, I am really impressed with you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. You are balancing a corporate career AND a successful wrestling career simultaneously. That has to be extremely difficult and yet you seem to make it look easy.”

“Well you can’t credit me for all of that.” Glory shakes her head and then motions to Frances. “If it weren’t for Frances, I’m not sure what I’d do. She keeps the wheels turning in my corporate world. I know I can trust her to keep the ship afloat while I take care of business in the wrestling ring.”

“Glory is not a micromanager.” Frances pipes in.

“That’s right.” Braddock shakes her head. “I tried micromanaging and it failed miserably. I have people I trust to keep the company running smoothly. One of them is Frances.”

“Yes, well, let’s not forget that the company in question was dead until you brought it back over ten years ago. And it was your idea to expand from being just about wrestling to also include modeling. And we can’t forget that you made the necessary sacrifices and deals to ensure every employee has FULL health coverage.”

“It was nothing really…” Glory says, her voice trailing off.

“It’s impressive, Glory.” Dominic responds. “That’s what that is.”

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April 12th, 2025
Miami, Florida
Off Camera
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The night air in Miami carried a gentle warmth through the open-air patio. Glory Braddock leaned back into the deep cushions of a sleek, white outdoor sectional, her bare feet tucked beneath her as she cradled a glass of wine in one hand. The transformation from the restaurant to her own private haven was like shedding armor; her heels had been kicked off at the door, her earrings set aside on the kitchen counter, and her gown now hung more loosely as if even the fabric understood it no longer needed to posture. Across from her, Frances Taylor sat cross-legged on a matching lounger, her long coat draped casually over the armrest. she held a cocktail glass with the practiced ease of someone used to navigating luxury. The patio stretched along the rear of Glory’s contemporary home; lush hedges and tropical landscaping created a quiet cocoon while still preserving a breathtaking view of the world beyond. A low, rectangular firepit crackled between them, casting a golden glow across their faces, illuminating the subtle smiles and knowing looks passed back and forth.

“Thank you for having us over, Gloria.” Frances says warmly with a friendly smile. “Dominic and I really enjoyed this evening.”

“I’m sure you did.” Glory says flatly. Frances notices her tone and chuckles.

“Sorry, I forgot that you are not all that fond of the upscale environment, or of luxury…”

“Don’t forget these damned long gowns and heels.” Glory sighs out of frustration. “But when you go to a place like that, you know there’s a freaking dress code.”

“You’re wealthy, Gloria.” Frances points out. “You could have ignored the dress code. What are they going to do?”

“Ask me to leave? Or I’d just stick out like a sore thumb.”

“Places like that value wealthy patrons, no matter their taste. They likely would have just assumed you were rather eccentric and let you be. But yes, you would have stuck out like a sore thumb.” She winks. “But thank you for agreeing to go, even though it wasn’t your favorite.”

“Of course. Anything for you, Frances.” Glory says with a warm and friendly smile of her own. “I was excited to meet your new boyfriend. How did you meet him, by the way?”

“We met at a charity event.” Frances states. “He was so kind and such a gentleman.”

“You mean you weren’t attracted to his looks?” Glory smirks.

“There is a first time for everything.” Frances chuckles. “But seriously, what really attracted him to me was…well, it’s odd…”

“What?”

“Dominic he…” she sighs, with a smile on her face “...he helped me with my self-confidence.”

“I never knew you had any self-confidence issues.” Glory says, arching a brow out of curiosity.

“Visit me in Charlotte more often and you’d learn these things. But I had begun to second guess myself, doubt myself. I went from owning my own company to…well…working for you. Not that I have a problem working for you, you are my friend. But Dominic did remind me of what I am capable of. He gave me that confidence boost I needed.”

“Well I’m happy for you.” Glory sips on her wine. “But, uh, does he have a business of his own? Does he actually MAKE any money?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “Remember, he inherited everything he has from various deceased relatives.”

“That sounds a bit…shady? Don’t you think?” Glory asks. Frances shakes her head.

“Not at all. It happens all the time.” Frances states. “I know what it looks like but trust me, everything with him is on the up and up.”

“Still, I’m worried about you.” Glory states. “It doesn’t matter how much money he inherited, money will eventually run out unless has a way of making more. You do see what I’m saying, don’t you?”

“Of course, and so does he.” Frances nods her head. “Trust me, Gloria, he understands the situation he is in and he has a plan to secure his future.”

“That’s well and good, Frances, but if you need any help, either of you, let me know and I would be glad to help you out.” Glory says. Frances grins from ear to ear upon hearing this. She nods her head.

“I am happy to hear you say that, Gloria, because there is something you can help me with. It is the real reason I wanted to come and visit you here in Miami.” She smirks. “You didn’t think I came all the way down here just to show off my boyfriend, did you?”

“Knowing you, I figured there was an ulterior motive.” Braddock chuckles. “So what do you need?”

“Simple…give me free reign to operate as President of Glorious Golden Enterprise.”

“Huh?” This request shocks Braddock. Frances instantly nods her head and begins to expand on it.

“The president of any corporation or company is a very powerful individual. But me? I have little to no real power, little to no sway or influence at all. You have placed so many restrictions on what I can and cannot do as president of your company. You even have my day to day activities at the office monitored. But what really takes the cake, friend, is that you named a lunatic like Aphrodite Noel to be the second most powerful person in the company. She has the kind of power, sway, and influence that the president…namely me…should have.”

“You….you want Aphrodite’s job?” Glory asks. Frances sighs out of frustration and shakes her head.

“No, I just want you take the shackles off. I want to be free to do my job without restrictions. I want to be the second most powerful person in the company next to you. I think I’ve earned it based on our friendship and not to mention the loyalty I have given to your company.”

“Look…” Glory shakes her head “...I get your frustration, I really do, but you need to understand why I did what I did. You speak of loyalty? Your own shady dealings behind my back when I did give you free reign nearly got me into legal trouble. And when I trusted Henry Van Stanton to have free reign over the company, his actions nearly caused me to lose the company. Those restrictions are not just for you but there are for everyone and they are there to make sure that nothing happens that will get myself or the company in trouble again.”

“So are you telling me no?” Frances asks. Glory sighs.

“Sorry, Frances, but I cannot let anyone, not even you, have the kind of power you are requesting.”

A tense moment passes between these childhood best friends as they stare into each other’s eyes. Glory Braddock tries to read Frances but she is currently unreadable. She worries that she angered her, upset her. But then Frances smiles, and Glory cannot tell if the smile is forced.

“I understand.”

“Really?”

“Yes, of course.” Frances stands up. Glory stands up too. “You are doing what any smart businesswoman would do. Of course I am disappointed but I do understand.” Frances approaches Glory and embraces her in a hug. “Thank you for the wonderful evening.”

“Yeah, of course.” Braddock says, smiling. “We should do this again soon.”

“I agree.”

And with that Frances Taylor breaks the embrace and begins to make her exit. Glory Braddock watches her walk away and cannot shake the feeling that something is off, that something is wrong.

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April 13th, 2025
Miami, Florida
Off Camera
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The British Bombshell certainly had several misgivings about the events of the previous day. Not only did Frances Taylor’s new boyfriend, Dominic Sterling, give her some bad vibes, but also the strange request Frances made of her after the dinner; Frances wanted near total control of the company. Despite knowing her own track record of shady business dealings, Frances still had the nerve to ask Glory Braddock to put her in charge of the company. Frances had messed up before, many times in fact. If she weren’t her friend, Glory would have fired her. There is a good reason why Frances has so many restrictions placed on her and she knows it, yet she still wants off the leash. Glory of course rejected the request and while Frances appeared to take it well enough, Braddock still felt uneasy. She felt as if something was up, that the other shoe was about to drop anytime now. Perhaps that time for the shoe to drop is this next morning? The British Bombshell received a call from Frances Taylor, insisting that they meet in the lobby of the hotel room where she is staying in Miami. Now Braddock’s nerves are through the roof. What is this about? What is wrong with Frances?

The lobby was elegant and expansive but never cold, modern without losing its sense of warmth. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long, shifting patterns across the marble floor, where soft beige tones met swirls of sand-colored veining. Sculptural palms in oversized planters stood between cozy seating arrangements, and a quiet instrumental jazz track played overhead, barely audible beneath the occasional murmur of conversation and the gentle clinking of coffee cups from the nearby café. Glory Braddock sat in one of the low, cushioned lounge chairs tucked near a fountain installation that bubbled quietly, a glass of iced water sweating on the end table beside her. She was dressed for comfort, not effect: a fitted royal purple t-shirt, clean dark jeans, and low-profile sneakers. Her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and she wore no visible makeup. She checked her phone, briefly, then glanced toward the grand staircase that curved down from the mezzanine level. Her eyes caught a flicker of movement until she saw her. Frances Taylor descended with the measured grace of someone who knew she was being watched, even if she pretended otherwise. Her outfit was subtle, but polished: a lightweight, cream-colored blouse tucked into tailored slate-gray slacks, heels just high enough to assert presence but still comfortable for walking. Her hair was perfectly styled, falling in gentle waves that framed her face, and a single silver pendant rested at her collarbone. She looked like a woman in control. As Frances approached, Glory straightened slightly in her chair but made no move to stand. Her expression was unreadable, save for the faintest lift at the corner of her mouth. Frances returned the look with a soft, knowing smile of her own before taking the seat opposite her.

“I came as soon as you called.” Glory says. “I heard this was important. What is it? What’s wrong?” There is a hint of nervousness in her voice. Frances did indicate that this was important and, after their tense conversation last night, Glory can only imagine what this is about.

“I am glad you came, Gloria.” Frances says, nodding her head. “And thank you for stopping by so early this morning, because yes, this is very important…for you, for me, and for your company.”

This isn’t sounding good. Glory Braddock was afraid that Frances didn’t take the rejection very well. She furrows her brow out of confusion. “What is it, Frances?”

“I am leaving Glorious Golden Enterprises.” Frances states flatly. “I am resigning.”

“Wait, what?” Glory is stunned at this news. “Seriously?”

“I’m serious.” Frances nods her head. “I’m leaving.”

“But I don’t want you to leave. I value what you do for me, for the company, and for all of our employees. If it’s a raise you want I can always increase your pay, but don’t just leave…”

“It is not about the money, Gloria.” Frances sighs and shakes her head. “The problem here, between you and I, is the lack of trust. Specifically the fact that you do not trust me.”

“I do trust you, Frances…” Glory is cut off before she can finish her thought.

“If you trusted me then you wouldn’t have placed so many restrictions on me. You would let me do my job with free reign. If you trusted me and valued my work as much as you claim you do, you would have made me the second most powerful person in the company just as I requested last night. But you refused.”

“I already explained why I can’t do that.” Braddock insists. “I have been burned way too many times by giving people…even people I trust…too much power.”

“Yet that lunatic Aphrodite is in such a position of power.”

“Even she has restrictions!” Glory exclaims. “She is not as influential within the company as you think! Too often I came close to bankruptcy, people tried to steal the company from me, and I cannot take the chance that will happen again.” She sighs and shakes her head. “I’m sorry.”

“So you don’t believe in me.” Frances states coldly.

“I never said.”

“You didn’t have to, I can read between the lines. But do you know who does believe in me? Dominic. He believes in me to the point that he is willing to use his wealth to fund and rebuild my company, the one that has been near collapse for so long…Taylor Enterprises.”

“How?” Glory asks, dumbfounded. “You said it yourself, your company is near collapse and Dominic may be wealthy but he isn’t actually MAKING any money. You will go through his funds very quickly and then what?” Braddock sighs. “I want to help you, Frances. Don’t do this.”

“I don’t need your help.” Frances insists. “I have Dominic and trust me, he has a plan. Together we are going to rebuild and then challenge YOUR corporate empire.” Frances stands up and smirks knowingly down at Glory. “You could have had me working by your side.”

“I want to work with you!”

“It’s too late.” Frances shakes her head. “You have made your decision. Now I must make mine and my decision is to bring you and your company down.”

Frances turns and starts to walk away. Glory wants to call out after her but she knows it would be pointless. The British Bombshell knows that was right about last night. Something was indeed wrong, so very wrong. Frances Taylor wanted more power and now that she realizes she won’t get any from Glory, she is going to challenge her using her new boyfriend’s wealth. But how? How can she challenge her with Dominic’s clearly limited funds? There is far more here than meets the eye, she just needs to get to the bottom of it and, hopefully, do so without losing her friend.