Chapter 10: The Hollywood Game Begins

Nate stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his blazer.

Tonight wasn't just any party.

This was one of those nights—where careers were made, alliances were formed, and where being in the right room could mean the difference between being a nobody and becoming a rising star.

And thanks to Serena Vale, he had an invite.

A small, exclusive party at the mansion of a top Hollywood producer.

He checked his phone. A text from Serena:

"Car's outside. Let's make an entrance."

He smirked. She knew how to play the game, too.

The moment Nate stepped out of his building, a sleek black luxury car was waiting.

Serena sat inside, legs crossed, looking effortlessly stunning in a form-fitting dress.

"You clean up well," she said as he slid in beside her.

"So do you," Nate replied.

She smirked. "Of course."

The drive to the mansion was quick, and as they pulled up, it was clear—this wasn't some Hollywood afterparty.

It was an industry gathering for the real power players.

High-profile directors, A-list actors, producers who controlled multi-million-dollar projects.

As they walked in, Nate could already feel eyes on him.

Some curious. Some intrigued.

The rising newcomer, stepping into the lion's den.

..

Serena wasted no time. She led him straight to a group of industry elites.

"Nate, this is Jordan Langston," she introduced, motioning toward an older man with silver hair and a sharp suit.

Jordan Langston. A producer responsible for some of the biggest blockbusters of the last decade.

Langston studied him. "You're the new kid everyone's talking about?"

Nate smiled, unfazed. "I'd like to think they're talking about my work."

Langston chuckled. "Good answer."

They spoke for a while, Langston asking about Shadow District, about Nate's approach to acting. It wasn't just small talk—he was testing him.

And Nate?

He passed with flying colors.

By the time the conversation ended, Langston clapped him on the back. "I'll keep an eye on you, kid. You've got the right energy."

That was huge.

Getting on a producer's radar meant more roles, better opportunities.

And Nate wasn't done yet.

A few hours in, the party was in full swing.

Soft music, expensive drinks, quiet conversations about upcoming projects.

Nate found himself on the balcony, enjoying the night air—when Serena slipped beside him.

"Making friends already?" she teased.

"Making moves," he corrected.

She smirked. "Good. You're going to need people like Langston in your corner."

She took a slow sip of her drink, watching him. "You're different from most guys in this industry."

"How so?"

"They either try too hard or don't try at all. You…?" She stepped closer. "You know exactly what you're doing."

The tension between them shifted.

It wasn't just business anymore.

She set her glass down, her gaze locked on his. "Tell me, Nate… are you always this calculated?"

He smirked. "Only when it matters."

Serena leaned in, close enough that he could feel the warmth of her breath. "And does this matter?"

This was Hollywood. Careers and relationships often mixed.

The question was—how far was he willing to go?

Nate looked into her eyes, his smirk deepening.

"Guess we'll find out."

As the night stretched on, one thing was clear—Nate Carter was no longer just another struggling actor.

He was playing the game. And he was playing to win.

Serena's gaze held a challenge—a mix of interest and expectation.

She wasn't just teasing him. She was testing him.

Would he take the bait? Would he hesitate?

Nate smirked. He had played this game before.

He leaned in slightly, just enough to close the space between them without actually touching her. "You tell me, Serena," he murmured. "Does this matter?"

Her lips curled into a smirk. "You're dangerous, Nate."

"Only if you let me be."

For a moment, there was nothing but the soft hum of the city below and the quiet tension crackling between them.

Then—she stepped back, swirling the wine in her glass. "Let's not make this too easy, shall we?"

Nate chuckled. Serena Vale wasn't the type to fall for just anyone.

But she was interested.

And in Hollywood, interest was everything.

---

As the night wore on, Serena introduced Nate to more key players.

A-list actors. Directors with awards under their belts. Executives who greenlit multi-million-dollar projects.

Nate knew how to navigate these conversations.

He wasn't some wide-eyed newcomer. He spoke with confidence, showed just enough ambition to make himself intriguing but not desperate.

People took notice.

One of them was Elliot Grayson, an older director known for gritty, award-winning dramas.

Serena nudged Nate toward him. "Elliot's been looking for a fresh face for his next project."

Nate extended a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Grayson."

The man studied him, sharp eyes scanning him like a director sizing up an actor for a role. "Serena says you're good."

"I try to be," Nate replied smoothly.

Grayson smirked. "Confidence. I like that. What's your range?"

"Give me the script, and I'll show you."

Grayson chuckled. "Serena, where'd you find this one?"

"On set," she said. "Told you he had potential."

Grayson nodded. "I'll keep you in mind, kid. Could use someone fresh for my next film."

Another door cracked open.

Another opportunity waiting to be seized.

---

As the party continued, Nate noticed something—not all conversations were about movies.

Hollywood wasn't just about talent.

It was about who you knew, who owed you favors, and who had the power to make things happen.

He overheard whispered deals about actors being replaced in projects. A studio head casually discussing how a journalist was "handled" after trying to leak bad press.

This was the real industry.

And Nate?

He wasn't just observing.

He was learning.

If he wanted to rise in this world, he had to be more than just a talented actor.

He had to be a player in the game.

---

By the time the party wound down, Serena and Nate were among the last to leave.

Outside, under the glow of streetlights, she turned to him.

"You handled yourself well tonight," she said.

"Did you doubt me?"

She smirked. "No. But I had to see if you could keep up."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "And did I pass?"

She tilted her head, eyes gleaming. "For now."

Then, before he could say anything else, she leaned in—just enough for her lips to brush against his cheek.

"Let's see how you handle what comes next," she whispered.

And with that, she slipped into her car and disappeared into the night.

Nate stood there for a moment, smirking.

This was just the beginning.

He wasn't just another actor trying to make it.

He was carving his own path.

And soon—Hollywood would know his name.