Chapter 134
Behind The Spotlight Chapter 134
Isabella and Chantal followed Collin meekly, their steps slower than usual, as if they carried an invisible weight. They knew they had made a mistake and felt guilty, so guilty that they didn't dare look him in the eye, afraid of what they might see in his expression.
They had never intended to sign a deal with the talent agent from AAC. They only wanted to gather information, test the waters, and see how others valued Chantal's talent. That was why Isabella had told Chantal to stay quiet, thinking it was harmless curiosity rather than a betrayal.
They had been in America for a month, and Collin had made sure they lived comfortably with decent meals, safe lodging, and a steady routine that eased the transition. They appreciated it deeply because they knew how tirelessly he worked behind the scenes, chasing contacts, arranging meetings, and sacrificing sleep. Yet Isabella had thought they could secure better deals by consulting another agent. The fleeting, horrifying thought of selling herself crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed it, it would be a last resort only if all other paths truly closed.
Still, she hadn't expected Collin to react with such raw anger and intensity. She clenched her fists on her lap, her throat burning, forcing herself to hold back tears. Chantal, however, weakly sobbed, repeating her apologies in a trembling whisper.
When they reached the car, the two women kept their eyes down, ashamed like children caught stealing. They knew they had done wrong, and words alone might not be enough to make amends.
Collin started the car and drove slowly, using the motion to calm himself. In the rearview mirror, he saw them struggling to maintain composure. He sighed, a long, weary exhale carrying frustration but also compassion. They were still young, but old enough to understand that careless mistakes could destroy them if they weren't careful.
"You guys are still young, so you probably don't understand," he said, and the women sniffled, pausing their sobs, listening intently to the weight behind his tone.
"I had a friend. He was scouted by our agent before me, and he had more experience, but we were the same age. We were both 19."