UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Chapter 8

My heart kicked into overdrive, blood rushing to my head. I took an involuntary step forward.

“Mr. Donovan, Serena’s exhausted, and she’s got a full slate tomorrow. Shouldn’t we call it a night?”

Mr. Donovan narrowed his eyes, his gaze like a blade, laced with mockery.

“Liam, playing the loyal guard, huh? Some things are above your pay grade. Stand there and stay out of it.”

He turned to Serena, his smile deepening. “Ms. Serena, what do you think?”

Serena gently brushed his hand away, her smile light and effortless. “Mr. Donovan, please don’t make things hard on Liam. He’s young, still learning. I trust you’re a man of principle. Our partnership will go smoothly.”

Her tone was soft, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

Mr. Donovan froze for a beat, as if he hadn’t expected that response.

He withdrew his hand, smiling a little too broadly. “Ha, Ms. Serena, you are indeed a smart woman. All right, let’s leave it here for tonight. We’ll talk details another day.”

He stood, clapped me on the shoulder—heavy, like a warning. “Liam, pay attention. This industry isn’t something you survive on passion alone.”

By the time we wrapped, it was ten at night.

Serena slid into the car, the weight seeming to fall from her shoulders. She leaned back, eyes closed, long lashes casting fine shadows in the light.

Her gown caught the glow with a faint shimmer. The neckline fell open just enough to show the curve of her collarbone—so alluring it set my pulse racing.

I couldn’t help asking, “Serena, Mr. Donovan… is he trying to push you into something you don’t want?”

She opened her eyes, complicated and tired all at once. “Liam, you’re still too naive. You’ll learn the unspoken rules of this industry in time. You’ve already helped me a lot today—don’t overthink it.”

Her voice was weary, yet warm.

Heat surged in my chest and I blurted, “Serena, I’ll protect you. I may be weak now, but one day I’ll make sure you never have to swallow this kind of crap again.”

She gave a faint smile, her gaze unreadable. “Liam, you’re a good guy. But remember, you don’t conquer this business on hot blood alone. Learn to protect yourself. Plant your feet first—then talk about protecting others.”

Her words rang like an alarm bell, silencing me.

Back at my apartment, I lay on the bed replaying the night. Mr. Donovan’s sleazy grin, Serena’s tired eyes, and the moment she pushed his hand away—protecting me, almost. I clenched my fists and told myself: Liam, grow up, fast. Otherwise you won’t even protect yourself, let alone anyone else.

Mr. Donovan’s call hit at dawn like a bomb, rattling my nerves. “Liam, set Serena up to meet me tonight. I’ve got important business with her.” His voice was low, edged with impatience, like he was ordering a servant.

My gut tightened. Last night’s scenes unspooled again, like a nightmare that wouldn’t end. I ventured, “Mr. Donovan, Serena has bookings today—she may not have time.”

He chuckled coldly, the threat plain. “Don’t play games with me, Liam. I know her schedule. Try anything and kiss your job goodbye.”

His words slid in like a knife, chilling my spine.

When the call ended, a wave of helplessness hit.

I’d seen what his reach could do. He could end a career with a flick of his wrist. Me? I was just a junior assistant—no leverage, no room to fight back.

I sat in a corner of the agency hallway, mind in knots. Chloe’s words echoed in my ears: “Find your balance. Don’t let yourself get in too deep.”

But I wasn’t even sure where my line was.