Chapter 3

"Let's get a quick word with Shaun and Mr. Hayes," the host said, grinning. "Earlier on the red carpet, Shaun mentioned he's planning to rely entirely on himself moving forward. Does this mean you're going solo?

"And Mr. Hayes, what are your thoughts on Shaun branching out on his own?"

The host clearly smelled drama, and the entire audience leaned in.

I smiled calmly into the microphone. "I respect all of his choices. Shaun has been with our agency for many years, and it's been a wonderful partnership. If he wants to go solo, I'll fully cooperate. The agency will hold an official contract termination ceremony with him shortly.

"We part as friends. Ending things on good terms is the best outcome for everyone."

Shaun's face darkened instantly. He hadn't expected me to announce his departure so bluntly on live television. Still, he quickly forced a professional smile.

"Yes. Once my contract is up, I won't be renewing. I'm looking forward to launching my own independent studio, and I hope everyone continues to support me."

"Will the two of you collaborate in the future?" the host pressed.

I sneered inwardly. Once you leave my roster, why would I care about you? Collaborate? You just want to keep leeching off my connections!

Dream on.

"Mr. Hayes runs the biggest agency in the business," the host pushed further. "Half the industry's prime resources flow through his hands! Surely Shaun will need his guidance after going solo."

I smiled faintly. "We'll see what the universe brings. Shaun is a very dedicated actor. If the right opportunity arises, of course."

Shaun's eyes flickered with mixed emotions. "Naturally. I also hope to see more original scripts coming our way."

He sure knew how to flatter himself. I shot the host a sharp, icy glare, warning him not to dig any deeper.

The host stiffened, casting a nervous glance at Shaun.

That single glance was all I needed to know they were in cahoots.

I smiled without saying another word and walked off the stage.

When the co-host announced that the Best Actor and Best Actress winners would be decided by a live public vote, with the first-row panel of studio heads casting the tie-breaking votes, Shaun panicked and looked straight at me.

I offered him a reassuring smile. Visibly relaxing, he pulled out his phone and sent me a text on Snapchat.

*Austin, forgive me for not discussing this with you beforehand. But I really need to live my own life. I can explain the contract situation later.*

*I understand,* I replied. *As for the contract, if you don't want to renew, then don't. I wish you all the best.*

Having ambition in this industry wasn't a crime, but lacking self-awareness was fatal.

Shaun desperately wanted this award. He assumed that because he was still technically under my wing and because I had built his entire career, I would naturally push him over the finish line for his grand slam.

While waiting for the results, his personal assistant had already begun blasting out pre-written victory press releases.

I didn't mind giving him a little push, letting the premature news leak everywhere.

His fanbase went into an absolute frenzy, declaring Shaun the greatest of his generation.

His industry rivals, however, pounced immediately.

"Is he serious? The votes aren't even tallied, and he's already celebrating? Popping champagne at halftime is the ultimate curse!"

"Shaun Lee is way too green."

"Disgusting. Does he actually think he bought every single vote?"

"It's a public vote this time!"

His fans grew anxious. In the past, whenever it came to voting, we never lost because I poured millions into running campaigns. But tonight, I wouldn't spend a single cent.

As the votes updated on the massive screen, the race grew razor-thin.

Shaun's confident smile slowly began to crumble.

At the very last second, Shaun and his rival, Sean Chen, were separated by exactly one vote.

The host announced, "We will now invite the heads of the four major entertainment agencies to cast their deciding votes! Each ballot holds immense weight!"

Of the other three, one voted for Sean Chen, while two abstained. Every pair of eyes in the venue snapped directly to me.

Shaun wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, looking at me with desperate, pleading eyes.

I took the microphone and spoke clearly into it: "My vote goes to... Sean Chen!"

On the giant screen, Shaun's smile froze completely. The camera zoomed in for an agonizing close-up, catching his utter disbelief before he even had time to mask his expression. He was paralyzed in his seat.