UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Chapter 32

Mia’s earnestness moved me and weighed on me at the same time.

I knew her innocence was a double-edged sword in this industry; I had to protect her from being swallowed by its dirty rules.

That afternoon, Ms. Carter called me into her office.

She wore a fitted white blouse, the top two buttons undone, revealing a delicate collarbone and a hint of deep cleavage—an aura so commanding it was hard to meet her eyes.

She handed me an itinerary, voice calm:

“Liam, take Mia to an audition tomorrow. It’s a commercial. Don’t let her lose her composure again.”

I took the file and said quietly,

“Yes, Ms. Carter. I’ll be careful.”

She smiled, gaze razor-sharp:

“Liam, I heard you chatted with Serena last night? Looks like you know how to charm women.”

I froze for a beat, then gave a wry smile:

“Please don’t tease me, Ms. Carter. I’m just trying to set things right.”

She stood, walked to my side, and lightly tapped my shoulder. The warmth of her fingers burned through the fabric, and my heart skipped.

“Liam, this industry isn’t short on women. Learn who’s a pawn and who’s a player. Serena’s a good woman, but don’t let her tie your hands.”

Her words struck like a warning bell.

I nodded, Serena’s smile from last night flashing through my mind—the moment she said she didn’t mind ‘sharing,’ seeping into my blood like poison.

Leaving the office, I felt a pressure I’d never known before.

Serena’s love, Mia’s purity, Ms. Carter’s warning—all three like ropes coiling around my chest.

I knew I had to learn to swim in these murky waters—keep myself afloat, and keep them from being dragged into the abyss.

That night, I got a text from Lisa:

“Baby boy, heard you smoothed things over with Serena. Come by if you’ve got time—big sis can teach you a few new tricks.”

Her tone was flirty, teasing.

I smiled helplessly and replied, “Thanks, Lisa, but I’ve got to focus on work first.”

I set the phone down and lay on the bed. Serena filled my head—the slip of her robe, her soft moan, and that loaded word: “share.”

I knew the road ahead was long, but I was ready for whatever came.

Mr. Warren’s office was still a haze of smoke. Squinting, he tossed me an ad contract, a touch of pride in his voice:

“Liam, big deal. Allure Angel lingerie, targeting eighteen-year-old women. The brand specifically named Mia. Take her to coordinate. Be sharp—don’t trash our reputation.”

I took the contract, excitement and unease tangling in my chest.

Serena’s explosive rise had given me a small name in the business—some were calling me an ace assistant—but I knew how deep these waters ran. Especially in commercials—there’s always a shadow of the unspoken rules.

I skimmed the contract and nodded. “Got it, Mr. Warren. I’ll handle it.”

When Mia heard, her eyes lit up like stars. She practically danced with excitement:

“Liam, this is my first big ad! I’ll do my absolute best!”

Her smile was as pure as morning dew. It made me proud—and wary.

This industry is brutal to girls like her. I had to keep my eyes on everything, so she wouldn’t repeat the past Serena barely escaped.

The next day, I took Mia to Allure Angel’s set, a modern soundstage on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

The space was simple but professional—soft lighting, a pink-and-white, girlish backdrop—and the faint air of perfume everywhere.

Pawns and Players