UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Chapter 6

I gripped my water glass, my fingers burning, my mind full of her open shirt and that flicker of lace.

I tried to focus on what she was saying, but every move she made strummed my nerves.

“So… don’t you ever get tired?” I asked, my voice so low it sounded like I was talking to myself.

“Tired?” She gave a soft laugh, rose, stepped to my side, and leaned over to straighten the files on the desk.

Her collar dipped, the view across her chest laid bare. Her perfume hit me—sweet and heady enough to make me dizzy.

I held my breath, my body stiff as a board, terrified I’d do something I couldn’t take back.

She seemed not to notice, a hint of self-mockery in her tone:

“Of course I’m tired. But you keep going anyway. Ethan, in this business there’s no absolute right or wrong—only the lines you can live with. Find your balance. Don’t let yourself sink too deep.”

Her words landed like a hammer on my heart.

I thought of Serena’s weary eyes. Maybe she was looking for her own line, too.

Monica sank back into her chair, her gaze softening. “Come by my office tomorrow. I’ll teach you some basics. A manager isn’t just a runner; you have to read people and read the room. Learn to be smarter.”

“Thank you, Ms. Chase,” I said honestly, my voice a little hoarse. “Talking to you tonight… I’m not as panicked anymore.”

She waved it off, smiling with an edge, her eyes probing:

“Don’t thank me. You’re young—plenty of time to wipe out. I think you’ve got potential, but don’t be impulsive. Impulse will wreck you.”

She stood, gathered the files; her shirt swayed, the lines of her chest even more tempting under the light.

She walked over and patted my shoulder. The warmth of her fingers bled through the fabric like a spark, sending my heart into a gallop.

I nodded and stood, my legs a little weak. At the door, I looked back at her.

She stood by the desk, the light sketching a flawless profile—tired yet unyielding, like a solitary queen.

I suddenly felt there was something irresistible about Monica, a pull I couldn’t deny, but her eyes held a thousand secrets—inviting and untouchable all at once.

Stepping out of the office tower, the night air cleared my head. Her words echoed in me like a shot of adrenaline, giving me just enough courage to keep going. The industry is a maze, but I’m not walking it alone. Maybe, with her around, I can find my own way.

Mr. Warren’s office was a haze of smoke. I stood in front of him, a freshly printed schedule crumpling in my fist, my heart pinned beneath a slab of stone.

“Ethan, don’t screw this up. Serena’s got a shot at the third female lead in a streaming series, Starlight Romance. The money’s coming from Mr. Zane. He wants a private meeting to talk about the role.”

Mr. Warren squinted, his tone carrying a warning that left no room for argument.

My stomach dropped. Those two words—private meeting—were a viper, snapping me back to that last drinking session.

Mr. Zane’s greasy stare, Serena’s helpless smile—still vivid.

I hesitated and asked quietly, “Does it have to be private? Can’t we discuss the contract at the office?”

He shot me a glare, his voice spiking:

“What the hell do you know? Nothing in this business is that simple. If Zane’s putting up the cash, we go his way. You set the time and place—and don’t run your mouth.”

He paused, his tone easing only to turn mocking.

“Ethan, you’re still green. This isn’t just looks and acting chops. Leverage and relationships—that’s the real currency.”

I bit my lip and nodded, eyes down. “Understood.”

But inside, everything turned over—sweet, sour, bitter, all at once. Serena was already exhausted. I didn’t want to push her into another filthy bargain. But what could I do? I’m a junior assistant, barely keeping my footing. Who am I to challenge the rules of this game?

Casting Lines