The Greatest Showman #1049 - Transfixed

For a moment, Andy Rodgers needed silence.

The entire Los Angeles office was in chaos.

Within the past hour, reports from over 600 media outlets had been reprinted—not from random online blogs, but from respected, mainstream news organizations. The ripple started in the United Kingdom, spread across Europe, then to North America and Asia, and finally reached Oceania, albeit a bit slower. Only Africa and South America hadn't yet caught wind of the story—entertainment news didn't reach them as quickly.

Six hundred media outlets—this was just the beginning. As Hollywood's hottest actor of the moment, Renly Hall had already created a stir in the first half of the year, with Edge of Tomorrow reaping box office success. But this exclusive scoop—an announcement about his noble heritage—was beyond anyone's expectations. It was the kind of story that made jaws drop.

Inquiries and interview requests flooded Andy's office, with calls from all corners of the world hitting every line, and still, the four extensions were overwhelmed. Even other agents from Creative Artists Agency were asking questions. The entire agency was buzzing in disbelief.

A real "fryer" of a story.

But why? Did it need a reason?

Just look at the Hollywood elites: Harvey Weinstein, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Meryl Streep... The list could go on. These were the titans of the industry. Even the heads of major film companies, directors, and producers, all of them coveted one thing: recognition from the royal family. It wasn't just an honor, it was a symbol of status—a symbol of true power. It wasn't about money or awards; it was about being part of the top percent.

Hollywood was a land of vanity, and in that game of fame and fortune, aristocratic titles were the crown jewels, irreplaceable and yearned for by all.

Rumor had it that Harvey Weinstein had spent years trying to earn a British royal honor. He had yet to receive one, though he was recently awarded the French Legion of Honor. It was a step forward, but still a long way from entering the aristocratic circle.

Now, this bombshell news: Renly Hall's surname wasn't just a name, but a genuine title with deep noble origins. His family's legacy was real, breaking all preconceived notions. He hadn't just stepped into the aristocracy; he had been born into it. It was like unlocking a cheat code in a game, leaving everyone else green with envy.

This news storm was only beginning, and the aftershocks were impossible to predict.

Even within Creative Artists Agency, jaws had dropped. Three of the agency's top partners had already called Andy to confirm the authenticity of the news. His phone buzzed nonstop with messages and calls. Eventually, he had to turn off his work phone.

But Andy needed a moment of peace.

He inhaled deeply, then exhaled. He reminded himself that, yes, he was working with a nobleman. But, still—"Damn it!" Andy muttered. The smile that had lingered at the corner of his mouth faltered, turning helpless and empty.

"Andy, is this real?" Nathan Press, still stunned, swallowed hard, his voice betraying his anxiety.

A bitter smile crept across Andy's face. "I wish I knew."

Roy Lockley, who had been silently observing, folded his arms and finally spoke. "I knew it," he said quietly. Both Andy and Nathan looked at him, confused. Roy shrugged. "I mean, I knew something was off the first time I saw him. There was something different about him."

He paused, then let out a frustrated sigh, smacking his forehead. "God, I feel like I completely missed it. How did I not see it sooner?"

Nathan was dumbfounded. "So, what do we do now?"

Andy spread his hands. "I don't know. I guess we figure out how to navigate this. Who knew I'd be the one to bring in a nobleman as a client?" The statement was so simple, yet Andy couldn't help but feel a strange sense of joy. "Honestly, everyone in the company is jealous right now. Who else gets to work with someone of noble birth? Ha!"

Looking back, everything that had seemed strange now made sense. All the confusion, the questions—they now had answers. It was like solving a puzzle. Looking at the pieces now, everything clicked into place.

"Andy," Roy said, his curiosity piqued, "I heard you were hesitant when you first signed Renly. What was that about?"

Andy chuckled, rubbing his stomach. "I don't know. Maybe I was under some kind of spell, like Voldemort cast a charm on my brain. I just felt something wasn't right."

Their laughter broke the tension in the room, but then—

Knock, knock.

The door opened, and a staff member poked their head in. "The program recording is temporarily paused. You have five minutes. Just five."

"Got it. Thanks," Andy nodded, raising an "OK" sign.

They were in Burbank for the recording of The Ellen Show, promoting Edge of Tomorrow and Renly's philanthropic efforts through The Heather Cross Foundation. Ellen DeGeneres was always passionate about charity, and Renly was there alone for the recording.

But then, in the middle of the afternoon recording session in Los Angeles, news from Empire magazine exploded. It was everywhere within an hour. Yet, official confirmation from Renly was still pending. Andy and Roy were as confused as anyone else.

The program had to pause while they figured things out. They needed time to sort through the mess and determine the truth before resuming the show.

Knock, knock.

The door opened again, and Renly walked in. "I was told you needed to discuss something urgent. What's going on?"

He looked at the three men, sensing something strange in the air. Andy was grinning in a playful way, Roy seemed to be sizing him up, and Nathan looked like he wasn't sure what to say but was clearly nervous.

No one responded.

Renly raised an eyebrow, feeling the tension. "Why does this feel like a courtroom scene? Is this 'Twelve Angry Men' all of a sudden?"

He stopped by the sofa, putting his hands in his pockets. "Alright, let's cut to the chase. What's going on?"

Roy exchanged looks with Andy. It felt like there was a change in the air. Even Renly's posture now seemed different—more regal, somehow.

Andy nodded. "Maybe those rumors are true."

Renly frowned. "What rumors?"

Nathan, unable to hold it in any longer, blurted, "Renly, Empire magazine reported that you come from a noble family and hold a hereditary title. Is that true?"

It was the question no one had dared ask directly.

Renly smiled, a knowing expression crossing his face. "A little late to the party, huh?"

When Renly had decided to return to London's West End, he knew it wouldn't be long before the truth came out. He had expected the news to leak after the Les Miserables premiere, but it seemed that Empire had beat everyone to the punch.

Renly raised his eyebrows. "Empire? Really?" he said, a touch of surprise in his voice.

Nathan could barely believe it. "That's not the point, Renly!"

Andy paused, processing the news. Then, he gave a short laugh. "So... it's true?"

Renly nodded, smiling. "Yes, it's true."