Chapter 2

Shaun faltered for a second. Then, as if remembering his newfound resolve, he said in a low, firm voice, "Don't blame me, Mr. Hayes. All I want is to walk my own path. I don't want to be controlled by you anymore, and I won't let you."

I simply nodded. The studio heads around me all chuckled.

"Mr. Lee seems exceptionally bold tonight," one remarked. "Have you already found a new backer?"

Meeting my gaze, Shaun instinctively took two steps back and gave an awkward smile. "Of course not. I'm just planning on taking a break and becoming my own boss."

I nodded. "Good for you."

My calm reaction caught him off guard. He clearly didn't expect me to accept it so casually, but he wasn't ready to let it go. "Mr. Hayes, I came over to let you know that from now on, I won't be taking any more orders from the agency!"

"Understood. Anything else?"

Stunned by how easily I dismissed him, he pressed on, "From today on, I don't have to put up with anyone's demands. I'll secure all my own projects, and I believe in myself!

"You've always been my role model. I hope that one day, I can become someone just like you."

I looked up, truly studying him for the first time in a while. In ten years, the frightened boy had grown into a bankable leading man. But he seemed to have completely forgotten that his success was entirely manufactured by me.

He only got to play the lead because I allowed it. Without my blessing, he would have remained nothing more than a plaything for the wealthy.

The entertainment industry was never a place where someone like him could survive on their own. He thought standing tall for so long meant he finally had a seat at the table. Little did he know, to people like us, talent was merely a commodity.

I gave a faint smile, then waved my hand. My assistant appeared instantly. "Mr. Lee, your seat is in the back."

Shaun bit his lip hard. "I will succeed! Just you watch!"

Seeing his indignant expression, I didn't say a word. The executive beside me scoffed, "Reaching for the stars with a paper-thin foundation. He actually thinks he got here without resources backing him up. Without us, he wouldn't even have a foot in the door!"

"If someone doesn't listen, just replace them," another added. "Austin, you really backed the wrong horse this time."

I replied indifferently, "He chose his path. He can crawl through it himself.

"I've made more than enough off him anyway. If any of you want to pick up his contract, be my guest."

The group burst into laughter. "Take on an ungrateful rebel? Not a chance!"

"The market's only so big. He wants to flip the script and become a player? Who is he trying to compete with?"

"All ambition and zero leverage—who'd be stupid enough to sign him?"

Just like that, his grand delusions were about to hit a brick wall.

Once everyone was seated, the ceremony kicked off. I checked my phone; my assistant confirmed that everything had been arranged.

Once his contract expired, it wouldn't be renewed. Every brand deal and project negotiated during this period would recast him immediately. I genuinely hoped Shaun was ready for what was coming.

After all, those doors were opened by me. If he didn't want them, someone else would gladly take his place.

Soon, the awards started rolling out. From Best Screenplay to Best Score, right down to Supporting Actor and Actress, talent from my agency swept half the categories.

The surrounding executives offered their congratulations one after another.

"Austin's sweeping the board again tonight!"

"You're too kind. Congratulations to you as well."

I smiled politely, my eyes drifting toward Shaun.

With his head held high, he took the stage as a presenter, handing a trophy to a young child actor.

Moments later, I was called up as a guest presenter myself. Seeing the two of us on the same stage, the host deliberately held us back.