Chapter 9: Momentum

The moment Nate hung up the phone, he knew—things were moving fast.

Getting a role in Shadow District wasn't just another gig.

It was a game-changer.

Adrian Holt was a rising force in Hollywood. His films weren't just critically acclaimed—they built careers. If Nate nailed this, it could launch him far beyond just being another promising actor.

But before he could celebrate, he had to handle something just as important.

---

Most young actors would blindly accept any role a major director offered.

But Nate?

He knew better.

He called Claire immediately. "I got the part."

She let out a breath. "I had a feeling. This is big, Nate. Really big."

"I need you to go through the contract carefully," he said. "Make sure I'm not getting screwed on the backend deal."

Claire paused. "You sure you want to push for backend points? You're still a newcomer—"

"Claire," Nate interrupted. "This movie is going to be a hit. I don't just want a paycheck. I want a piece of the profits."

A moment of silence. Then—Claire chuckled. "Alright, you're serious about this. I'll negotiate."

"Good," Nate said. "Also, check if they're locking me into an exclusivity clause. I don't want to be tied down if another big opportunity comes up."

Claire whistled. "You're really playing this smart, huh?"

"I've seen too many actors get trapped by bad contracts," Nate said. "Not me."

Claire laughed. "Alright, Hollywood shark. I'll handle it."

Nate smirked. One step ahead. Always.

That night, as Nate was reviewing the script for Fading Echoes, his phone buzzed.

Serena Vale.

He smirked. Took her long enough.

Serena: "Heard you landed another role already. Impressive."

Nate: "Word travels fast."

Serena: "It does when people are paying attention to you."

Nate leaned back, fingers tapping against his phone.

Serena wasn't just texting for small talk.

She was testing the waters.

Nate: "Gotta keep things interesting."

Serena: "Speaking of interesting… free for dinner tomorrow?"

There it was.

The invitation.

Nate smirked.

Serena Vale was going to be a star.

And she wanted to get to know him better.

Why not?

Nate: "Sounds like a plan."

The next morning, Fading Echoes had another intense filming day.

But this time, Nate noticed something different.

People were treating him differently.

Crew members were more respectful. Some of the other actors—who barely acknowledged him before—were suddenly friendly.

Even the director, Greaves, was paying closer attention to him.

Hollywood was predictable. Once you had momentum, people started taking you seriously.

At lunch, Lucas sat down across from Nate. "So, I hear you booked Shadow District."

Nate raised an eyebrow. "You keeping tabs on me, Lucas?"

Lucas smirked. "People talk." He leaned forward. "That's a big move, man. Holt's got real pull in this industry."

"I know," Nate said simply.

Lucas studied him for a moment. Then he chuckled. "You're playing the game well."

"You have to," Nate said. "It's not just about talent. It's about positioning."

Lucas nodded. "Yeah. You're gonna go far, man."

Nate just smiled.

Damn right he was.

....

The Hollywood game was simple—once people saw you as valuable, everything changed.

Before, Nate had just been another young actor.

Now?

People were watching him.

But momentum was only useful if you kept building on it.

--

That evening, Nate arrived at an upscale restaurant in Beverly Hills. Serena had picked the place—exclusive, elegant, and filled with industry elites.

She was already waiting when he walked in, dressed in a sleek black dress that turned heads.

"Right on time," she said with a smirk.

Nate pulled out a chair, settling in. "Wouldn't want to keep a rising star waiting."

She arched an eyebrow. "Flattery? You don't seem like the type."

He chuckled. "I only say things that are true."

The waiter came over, and they ordered drinks. Serena twirled her wine glass between her fingers, studying him.

"So," she said, "you land a role in a major film, and suddenly, everyone wants to talk about you. How does it feel?"

Nate shrugged. "Expected."

Serena smirked. "Confident."

"Realistic," he corrected. "In Hollywood, people act like success is some mysterious force. But it's not. It's just about making the right moves at the right time."

Serena leaned forward, intrigued. "And what's your next move?"

Nate took a sip of his drink. She was testing him.

But he wasn't here to chase her. If anything, she was the one interested.

"I keep doing what I'm doing," he said. "Building my reputation, getting the right roles, making the right connections."

Serena smiled, clearly enjoying his confidence. "Smart. Most guys in this town would just enjoy the attention and burn out."

"I'm not most guys."

She tilted her head, amusement in her eyes. "No. You're not."

---

As dinner went on, the conversation shifted from industry talk to more personal topics.

Serena was sharp, witty, and surprisingly down-to-earth when she wasn't surrounded by cameras and fame-hungry people.

By the time dessert arrived, she leaned back in her chair. "You're interesting, Nate Carter."

He smirked. "Took you this long to figure that out?"

She laughed. "You free this weekend?"

Nate raised an eyebrow. "Depends. What's the plan?"

She leaned forward slightly, her voice lower. "There's a party at one of the producer's houses. Small, exclusive. The kind of place where real deals happen."

Now this was interesting.

Hollywood wasn't just about talent—it was about being in the right rooms with the right people.

Serena was offering him a shortcut.

"You in?" she asked.

Nate met her gaze.

An exclusive party. The perfect place to make connections, get future roles… and maybe something more with Serena.

He smirked. "I'm in."

..

The next morning, as Nate was getting ready for another day on set, his phone rang.

Claire.

"Good news," she said the moment he picked up. "I negotiated your Shadow District deal."

Nate leaned against the counter. "And?"

"You're getting backend points. It's not a huge percentage, but if the movie does well, you're walking away with way more than just a paycheck."

Nate grinned. "Perfect."

"Oh, and one more thing," Claire added. "They're already considering you for another project after Shadow District. Your name's starting to get traction, Nate."

He exhaled, feeling the rush of everything falling into place.

His plan was working.

He wasn't just in the game anymore.

He was playing to win.