Zane's POV
"How can people come here claiming they have an appointment letter to meet Adam? Such lowly tricks," she sneered.
"Excuse me, I did have a letter—it was you who deleted it," I shot back.
Her hand slammed onto the table as she stood up, visibly enraged.
"What do you mean by this? Are you saying I'm lying? I know people like you very well—those who just come here to get attention from the actors," she snapped, her voice trembling with anger.
"Oh really?" I replied.
"What's happening here?" The moment the voice reached my ears, I immediately knew who it was—Arin.
His face twisted as he saw me, and he moved toward me quickly.
"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you followed me here after Mom and Dad threw you out!" he shouted.
His voice was loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. People passing by stopped and stared at us.
"Don't act so proud of yourself. I have an appointment with someone, that's why I'm here," I said calmly.
"Oh really? Who do you have an appointment with?" he asked, suspicious.
"With Adam," I replied.
The moment I said that, he burst into laughter—and the girl standing in front of the counter started laughing too.
I knew why—they think I had no idea who Adam really was. He wasn't just any actor; he was the only actor to win a Best Actor award for his first film. After that, he quit making movies and devoted himself to helping his friends in the company.
But it was true that Adam had met me after the staff member introduced us. He had seen my performance and told me I had the potential to become a legendary actor.
And this time, I would really become an actor. No one could stop me now.
"Arin, you know he doesn't even have an appointment letter. How can I let him in?"
"Yes! Don't let people like him in. Who knows what he might do?"
I smiled and went back to sit on the waiting sofa, sending a message.
[Zane: Since people aren't letting me in, I don't think I can meet you today. I thought the time had come, but no—they say I was lying about meeting you, and they even deleted the appointment letter.]
After sending the message, I glanced at both of them. They were staring at me, their eyes wide.
Just then, the telephone on the counter rang. The girl answered, and her expression changed immediately—she looked shocked, unable to believe what she was hearing.
"What happened?" Arin asked her.
"Mr. Adam said to send this guy to his office," she replied.
I smiled and stood up. She gave me directions, and I took the elevator to Adam's office. Just as the doors were about to close, Arin stepped inside.
His expression said he was planning something, but I didn't care. I got off on the 4th floor, and Arin followed me.
When I reached Adam's office, he went in before me. I froze for a moment, shocked by his audacity.
"Mr. Adam, I'm here to meet you," Arin said.
I entered and saw Adam sitting at his desk, focused on his laptop. When he noticed us, he looked up.
"Oh, Zane! You're here. Come, have a seat," he said with a gentle smile.
I sat down in the chair across from him, and Arin sat beside me.
"Why are you here, Arin?" Adam asked, his gaze sharp and assessing.
"I just wanted to ask why you called Zane here," Arin said. Then, suddenly, he leaned forward toward Adam.
Since Arin was wearing a crop top, bending forward revealed his chest. It was a bold move, almost provocative, and I couldn't believe he would act like that in front of Adam—as if trying to show off.
"Mr. Adam, you know I'm such a great actor, so why are you asking why I came to meet you? I was just worried about you since I haven't seen you in months," Arin said, his tone both proud and pleading.
I glanced at Adam and then around the room, unsure what else I could do. Arin had completely lost it—I could see the madness in his eyes.
"So why are you telling me this? And don't ever come to see me when I have an appointment with someone else," Adam said calmly, his words sharp and final.
Arin's eyes welled up with tears. Without another word, he turned and ran away, as if someone had hit him hard in the chest.
As Arin left, I glanced ahead and saw Adam smiling.
"So, are you ready to start acting?" he asked.
I nodded.
"Can I ask what made you change your mind?" he continued.
"Actually, I want to become an actor on my own now. I don't want to be tied down by anything," I replied.
He shared with me all the recent changes in the company and even said that my acting was so good, I didn't need any formal classes. Of course, I would still have to audition, but everything else seemed clear. After discussing everything with him, I was ready to leave.
"Okay then… if everything is settled, can I go now?" I asked.
"Wait," Adam said, his eyes drifting behind me. "There's someone else who specifically wants to meet you. He's the CEO of this company."
Hearing him, I glanced back and saw the door to another room inside the office open. Viktor stepped out.
I stood up, my eyes widening in shock. I couldn't believe Viktor was here. My gaze shifted to Adam, my face full of questions.
"Meet Viktor Blair, the CEO of our company—the hidden face of the CEO," Adam said with a small smile. "Looks like this."
I froze. Viktor… the CEO? But I remembered all the interviews and public appearances—Adam had always been the one representing the company. The CEO had never been seen in public. Why hadn't he shown himself to anyone before? And more importantly… why was Adam telling me the truth now?
"Wait… why are you telling me this secret?" I asked, and just then, I realized Viktor was standing right in front of me.
"See… we meet again, cutie," Viktor said, reaching out to touch my cheek. I quickly jerked away, pulling my face back from his hand.
I was completely shocked—I couldn't understand anything. But then Adam explained.
"When you were coming to meet me today, I showed your picture to Viktor. That's when he wanted to meet you," Adam said.
"Wait… did you two meet before?" adam asked, trying to piece it together.
"No," I said quickly.
"Yes," viktor corrected with a teasing smile.
I glared at him. "Mr. CEO, hello," I said, putting on a polite tone, as if this was truly my first meeting with Viktor.
Just as I was about to ask more, my mobile rang. Viktor nodded toward me, signaling that I should answer. I picked it up.
(Zane) "Yes, Ken?"
(Ken) "Bad news… your fiancé has come here and took Nico by force. I tried to stop him, but he stabbed me. Nilo is safe with me now."
My eyes widened, and the phone slipped from my hand, clattering to the ground.