The studio was silent, but Liam's mind was a storm.
The folder from Everline sat unopened on the desk beside him. Its smooth, unblemished surface reflected the overhead lights—clean, crisp, and full of promises. Too clean.
Nova sat cross-legged on the couch, camera slung over one shoulder, watching him like she was waiting to capture his downfall—or his decision.
"You going to open it?" she asked, tone casual but eyes sharp.
Liam shook his head. "Not yet."
He stood, pacing the room. "I don't want to be a puppet, Nova. But what if this is the only shot I get?"
Nova leaned forward. "Then make it yours. Don't let them tell you what your story is."
Liam stopped pacing. "That's the thing. I don't even know what my story is yet."
The door opened again, and Dex walked in holding a brown bag of takeout. "Studio food sucks. I brought tacos."
He froze when he saw the folder. "Oh… so we're in that part of the story."
Liam gave a humorless laugh. "Yeah. Apparently."
Dex plopped onto the couch, unwrapping a taco. "You sign that, you get fame. Clout. Everything you've ever wanted—except control."
He took a bite. "But hey, at least the taco truck won't charge you full price anymore."
Ace re-entered quietly, his eyes scanning the room, then landing on the untouched folder.
"Still unopened?" he asked.
"Still deciding," Liam replied.
Ace nodded. "Good. It means you're thinking like a king, not a pawn."
He stepped forward and tapped the folder gently. "You sign this… you get the crown."
Then he looked Liam dead in the eye.
"But every crown comes with chains."
The End of Chapter 12