Chapter 14: Cracks in the Spotlight

### Chapter 14: *Cracks in the Spotlight*

The days following his meeting with Lydia and Ava were a blur. Ethan found himself constantly checking the System for new tasks, rewards, or guidance—anything to keep him on track. But the pressure was mounting. Every task felt heavier, every reward harder to earn. The stakes had never been higher, and now, with Lydia's warning and Ava's concern, he was teetering on the edge.

The next morning, Ethan received a notification from the System.

**New Task: Secure Additional Investors for the Sequel. Deadline: 3 Days.**

Panic surged through him. Three days? How was he supposed to pull that off? He had already tapped every connection he could think of. The industry was abuzz with *Moonlight Serenade*, but rumors about its suspicious rise were starting to spread like wildfire. Investors were wary. The System's manipulations had worked too well, and now, everyone was questioning whether the success was real or manufactured.

He paced his apartment, running through his options. Then, the System pinged again.

**Optional Task: Attend Oscar King's VIP Gala. Reward: Investor Opportunities and Key Industry Contacts.**

Ethan's heart raced. Oscar King was a Hollywood heavyweight, known for his lavish parties and influential connections. If Ethan could get into the gala and impress the right people, it might be his ticket to securing the investors he needed.

But there was a catch. Oscar King didn't invite just anyone. His guest list was exclusive—reserved for the elite of the entertainment world. Ethan wasn't sure he'd be able to get an invitation, even with the System's help.

**Reward: VIP Access—Guaranteed. Accept Task?**

Ethan hesitated. The System had always come through for him, but each favor came with a price. The more he relied on it, the deeper he seemed to sink into the shadows of its influence.

But what choice did he have?

With a deep breath, he pressed "Accept."

---

The night of the gala arrived faster than Ethan expected. The venue, a sprawling estate high in the Hollywood Hills, shimmered with opulence. Lush gardens, intricate fountains, and grand marble staircases welcomed the industry's most powerful players.

Ethan's invitation had arrived as promised, along with a custom-tailored tuxedo and a sleek black car to ferry him to the event. As he stepped out of the vehicle, cameras flashed, and murmurs rippled through the crowd. The air was electric, filled with the scent of expensive cologne and the sound of quiet, whispered deals being made.

But Ethan wasn't here to schmooze. He had one goal—secure the investors and prove to Lydia that he could deliver. The System buzzed in his mind, guiding him toward his targets. Names appeared in his peripheral vision: investors, directors, producers—all high-value contacts.

He spotted Oscar King near the grand entrance, surrounded by admirers. The man was a legend, his empire spanning film, television, and music. Getting his attention could change everything.

As Ethan approached, the System whispered in his ear.

**Influence Oscar King: 40% success rate. Use System to boost?**

He froze, the temptation overwhelming. A 40% chance wasn't good enough. Not with everything riding on this. If he failed, he could lose his only shot at securing the sequel's financing.

But manipulating someone as powerful as Oscar King? It was dangerous. If Oscar realized what was happening, Ethan would be blacklisted from Hollywood faster than he could blink.

The System pinged again.

**Boost Influence to 80%. Warning: High Risk.**

Ethan clenched his fists. He had no choice. He accepted the boost.

---

Oscar King was surprisingly easy to approach. The crowd around him parted as if sensing Ethan's presence, and soon, the two were face to face.

"Ethan Cross," Oscar said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I've been hearing a lot about you lately."

"All good, I hope," Ethan replied, forcing a confident grin.

Oscar chuckled. "Let's just say you've been making waves. *Moonlight Serenade* has everyone talking, but not everyone's convinced it's the real deal."

Ethan's pulse quickened. The rumors had reached even Oscar King.

"I believe in the work I'm doing," Ethan said carefully. "The sequel is going to be even bigger, and with Leo Kensington attached, we're pushing boundaries."

Oscar raised an eyebrow. "Leo's a good start, but you'll need more than a name to keep the momentum going. The industry's hungry for fresh stories, fresh talent. What else have you got?"

Ethan's mind raced. This was his chance to sell not just the sequel but his vision for the future.

"I've got a whole slate of projects lined up," he said, thinking on his feet. "Innovative, groundbreaking stories that can redefine genres. The sequel is just the beginning."

Oscar studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Ethan held his breath, waiting for the System's influence to take hold.

Then, Oscar nodded slowly. "Interesting. Tell you what, Ethan. I'm hosting a smaller, private meeting with a few key investors after this gala. If you can convince them that you're the real deal, you'll have your financing."

Ethan's heart leapt. This was it—the opportunity he needed.

"Thank you, Oscar," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Don't thank me yet," Oscar replied, his eyes glinting. "This business is brutal, Ethan. You either rise, or you fall—hard. I suggest you make sure you're ready for the pressure."

With that, Oscar turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ethan standing alone. The System chimed softly in his ear.

**Task Complete: Access to Investor Meeting Secured. Reward: Industry Favorability Boost.**

Ethan exhaled, relief flooding through him. But as the night wore on, the weight of Oscar's words lingered. Hollywood was watching, and if he stumbled now, there'd be no recovering from it.

---

The private investor meeting took place in a sleek, high-rise suite overlooking the city. The attendees were some of the most powerful players in the industry—men and women who could make or break careers with a single decision.

Oscar King stood at the head of the table, his gaze shifting between Ethan and the investors.

"Ethan Cross," he began, "has a vision. He's already made waves with *Moonlight Serenade*, and now he's here to pitch something even bigger."

All eyes turned to Ethan. His throat tightened, but he pushed the anxiety down. This was his moment. He had the System on his side, but this time, he wanted to rely on himself too.

"I'm not just here to make one hit," Ethan said, his voice steady. "I'm here to build something lasting. The sequel to *Moonlight Serenade* is just the beginning. I'm working on projects that will redefine what's possible in film and television. Stories that push boundaries, challenge expectations, and captivate audiences across the globe."

He paused, watching the room. Some of the investors looked intrigued, others skeptical. But Oscar's eyes never left him.

"I know there's been talk about *Moonlight Serenade's* success," Ethan continued, addressing the elephant in the room. "But I believe in my work. I believe in the stories I'm telling. And I'm ready to prove that it wasn't a fluke. With your support, we can create something that changes the game."

For a moment, silence filled the room. Ethan's heart pounded in his chest. Then, slowly, one of the investors nodded.

"I like your confidence," she said. "I'm in."

One by one, the others followed suit. Ethan could hardly believe it.

As the meeting ended, Oscar King approached him with a rare smile. "Looks like you've got your financing, Cross. Now don't screw it up."

Ethan smiled back, the weight lifting off his shoulders—if only for a moment. He had won the investors over, but the System's warning still echoed in his mind.

The higher you rise, the harder the fall.