Behind The Spotlight Chapter 286
"Do I look like someone who can't keep his promises?" Collin chuckled.
"I don't know, you tell me." Jennifer shrugged. Her mood lately had been on a downward spiral. She had lost her job, her boyfriend had broken up with her, and the public viewed her as a washed-up actress who had ruined her own career.
Yet despite her depressive episodes, Jennifer still believed in Collin. She knew he had ways to help her.
"You don't have to worry, I've got you."
"I won't even worry."
Lila sat quietly, observing their interaction while keeping a low profile so as not to interrupt.
Jennifer brushed back her hair and started teasing Collin as their conversation continued.
"Since you're already here, read this document. This is my assignment for you. It's not really a massive project, but it's still a job nonetheless."
Jennifer curiously read through the pages. It was for a single-episode special on a cable channel focusing on conspiracy theories surrounding the Bermuda Triangle.
Collin wanted her to host the special and interview various experts with deep knowledge of the mystery.
"Jennifer, you're not just a regular talk show host anymore. I believe your comeback is going to be phenomenal."
"Collin..." Jennifer smiled slightly. Truly, this was why Collin was considered the best talent agent in the business. He always believed in her when virtually everyone else had lost hope. Aside from her parents, he was her most steadfast supporter.
"Thank you," she said genuinely.
"Well then, you can head over to the production studio for an audition. Considering your high profile coupled with your current lower asking price, they're very likely hire you for the special."
"Are you mocking me?" She frowned.
"I'm just stating facts."
"Tch."
"Also, your talent agent will accompany you. He needs to be there since negotiations will likely take place on the spot."
"Wait a minute, my talent agent? You're not going to handle me personally anymore?" Jennifer asked, shocked.
"I'm still your agent in the sense that I'll always hunt for career opportunities, but the person representing you and handling the negotiations will be someone else. Don't worry, I can assure you he's fantastic at negotiating salaries."
'He has a yellow talent for convincing people,' Collin thought.
"..." Jennifer fell silent. Indeed, Collin wasn't just a regular talent agent anymore. He was the owner of GSG, and he had far more important responsibilities on his plate. Even if he didn't sit in on her direct negotiations, he would still profit from it. The junior talent agents would take a 4% commission while GSG pocketed the remaining 6%. Collin would always make money whenever a deal closed.
"All right, we'll see if this new agent is actually worth my time." Jennifer accepted the arrangement.
She looked between Collin and Lila, who had remained silent the entire time, and bid them farewell. Tomorrow, she would meet her new agent and head to the production studio for her audition.
"Um, Lila, why are you smiling?"
Once Jennifer left, Collin turned to Lila.
"Nothing. I'm just proud of you," Lila said softly. "Let's go out tonight. I want Italian food."
"All right."
"I'm going to wear something nice, so you should dress up too." She adjusted her glasses, a light blush on her cheeks.
"You look beautiful no matter what you wear. But either way, I'd love to see you in a nice dress."
"You better. It's a celebration." Collin checked another mental box, leaving Lila thoroughly satisfied.
...
...
...
A few days later.
September 11, 2001.
A historic tragedy unfolded.
"Oh my God!"
Aida covered her mouth in absolute shock as she stared at the television screen. Her vision blurred as the news broadcast replayed horrific scenes of fire and explosions.
"I can't believe this is happening. No, no, please tell me they're lying." Aida burst into tears, and Evelyn rushed over to hug her. Evelyn's eyes were reddened, but she fought back her own tears.
Even Collin was stunned. Evelyn had invited him over for dinner at their Beverly Hills home, an invitation he had gladly accepted. Collin had actually wanted to invite Lila and introduce her to his family, but she had declined, explaining that she wasn't quite ready to meet Collin's mother and sister yet.
And so, the three family members had been quietly eating dinner while the television running in the background.
Right as they finished their meal, an emergency news bulletin flashed across the screen, delivering shocking news no one expected to witness tonight.
Aida sobbed openly as the news anchor detailed the fiery crash that had blown Princess Diane's car to smithereens. Footage showed the wreckage burning on the pavement, claiming the lives of both Princess Diane and her husband... British police initially treated the crash as a tragic accident, suggesting a mechanical failure involving the spark plugs.
Princess Diane was an icon idolized by women around the globe. An ordinary woman who had stepped into royalty by marrying a prince, her life hadn't necessarily grown easier afterward, instead, she found herself trapped in the suffocating web of royal politics.
Yet despite the dark realities of the monarchy, Diane had dedicated herself to humanitarian work and charity. She had even famously shaken hands with HIV patients, a profoundly courageous act back in the 1980s and 90s when medical science still struggled to understand how the virus transmitted. That single gesture defined the kind of person Princess Diane truly was.
She was an extraordinary woman beloved by millions.
Unfortunately, the prince she married had failed to appreciate her worth, triggering a cascade of painful struggles.
Now, even though Princess Diane was divorced and living as a private citizen once again, no one could have anticipated a fiery explosion would cut her life short.
Aida remained in tears as the news anchor continued parsing the details.
Collin understood just how devastating this night was... and his thoughts instantly drifted to Lila back at her office. He immediately pulled out his phone to check on her and ensure she was safe.
"Collin, why are you calling? Is dinner with your family already over?" Lila sounded surprised yet delighted to hear from him.
Collin let out a sigh of relief. It was clear Lila didn't know what had happened yet. He remembered that Lila had also been a great admirer of Princess Diane.
[Thank you for reading this novel.]