UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Chapter 25

The café’s warm light fell across her face, tracing the fine lines of her features.

Suddenly, she wasn’t a distant star anymore, but a woman who needed warmth.

I took her hand, the heat at her fingertips kicking up my pulse. “Serena, I’m not afraid of falling. If you want me here, I’m here.”

She didn’t answer, just squeezed my hand back, her gaze complicated, as if weighing something.

That afternoon, Charlotte called me into her office.

She sat behind a broad desk in a sharp black suit, her presence so strong it was hard to look her in the eye. She handed me a document, voice even.

“Alex, this is the contract for Starlit Love. Carter’s out. The investors have changed. Serena’s role is safe. You did well.”

I took the file, a weight finally lifting from my chest.

“Thank you, Ms. Chase. Without you and Lisa, I wouldn’t have pulled it off.”

She smiled, eyes razor-sharp.

“Don’t thank me. Alex, this town never runs out of guys like Carter. You helped Serena, but you made enemies too. From here on, be careful.”

I nodded, flashes of Mr. Wallace’s dark stare, and those hungry eyes from the parties lingering on Serena, flickering through my mind.

Charlotte stood and came to my side, her fingers tapping my shoulder. The warmth bled through my shirt, making my heart skip.

“And don’t forget last night’s favor. I helped you. You owe me one.”

Her tone turned sultry, a hint of tease curling at the end.

I swallowed, masking my unease. “I won’t forget, Ms. Chase.”

Leaving her office, a strange exhaustion settled over me.

Carter had fallen, but the game was just beginning.

I had to learn to swim in this murky water—keep myself from going under, and keep Serena and Mia from being dragged into the depths.

That night, back at my rented place, a text from an unknown number lit my phone. “Nice work, Alex. But tell me—haven’t you noticed you’ve already lost something important?”

A jolt shot through me. A dozen faces flashed by—Wallace? Director Lewis? Or some power broker I’d never met?

No name. Just fog. It sent a chill down my spine.

I clenched the phone and told myself: Alex, you’ve come this far. No backing down. This industry is a maze, but if Serena’s here, I’ve got the courage to keep going.

I opened the window. Los Angeles night air spilled in, humming with neon.

I drew a long breath. Serena’s smile rose in my mind, Mia’s innocence, and the teasing from Charlotte and Lisa.

The road was long, but I was ready for every storm.

After Starlit Love premiered, Serena’s performance blazed across the internet.

Every glance, every movement carried a dizzying allure. Within a few episodes, Twitter’s trending list lit up with her name.

Fan chats and subreddits exploded. Gossip blogs and promo accounts crowned her the new rising starlet. Even Wallace’s greasy face managed something close to a genuine smile.

The whole company basked in the glow. The celebration was set at an upscale downtown hotel, the entire penthouse ballroom reserved.

The ballroom gleamed in gold, crystal chandeliers washing the room in warm, suggestive light. The air was thick with the sweet blend of champagne and perfume.

Serena wore a deep red, low-cut gown, the skirt hugging her curves; the neckline dipped low, framing a delicate collarbone and a suggestive shadowed cleft. Each step she took felt like a spell.

Her red lips parted in a painted smile, pure seduction—born a queen.

Men’s eyes clung to her like wolves eyeing prey, while the women whispered, equal parts envy and resentment.

Neon Labyrinth