Chapter 5
In my rush to leave, I hadn't yet found an apartment, so I ended up booking a hotel near the office. Back when I was managing Xavier Campbell’s endless responsibilities, staying up late had become second nature to me. Constantly worried about missing out on prime opportunities, even the smallest buzz from my phone could jolt me awake. Over time, this routine had frayed my nerves.
But now, lying on the hotel bed, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. For the first time in seven years, I enjoyed a deep, undisturbed sleep. When I finally opened my eyes, I saw several missed calls from Xavier. Guessing he had seen the termination agreement, I called him back.
As soon as the call connected, Xavier’s voice burst through, filled with excitement. “Phoenix, did you hear about it? There’s a huge talent show coming up in the States. I’ve already signed Selena up for it. You’ll handle the follow-up, right? With you managing her, she’ll definitely make a splash, and with her looks, she’s sure to become a star.”
“Hello?” I said tersely before hanging up without a response. Xavier seemed determined to launch Selena's career, leveraging insider information to enhance her chances. It was time for me to make my move, too. I had a spot saved—but it was for Ryatt Weaver.
Ryatt had debuted overseas, showcasing incredible talent in both singing and dancing, though he hadn’t gained much recognition in the States yet. My plan was to introduce him to a national audience. For this show, he’d be stepping up as one of the new mentors.
Despite my decision, Xavier kept calling and messaging incessantly. Irritated, I finally blocked him. In that moment, memories from our past made me pause. I recalled how he would lean on my shoulder, jokingly saying that I must never block him. But he was the one who ultimately buried our relationship.
Upon reaching the office, I found Ryatt practicing his dance moves in the studio. I knocked on the door, signaling for him to join me in my office. He was still catching his breath, his clothes drenched in sweat.
I got straight to the point. “There’s a talent show starting soon, and I want you to be one of the mentors.”
Ryatt stood frozen for a few seconds before suddenly leaping into the air. Watching him bounce around like an excited kid, I couldn’t help but smile. Then, without warning, he enveloped me in a hug.
“Thank you, Phoenix,” he said. “I know how rare this opportunity is, and I promise to make the most of it.”
His words made me freeze, a warm feeling spreading through me. Was I too overwhelmed by excitement, or was it something else? I felt dizzy, and just as I was trying to make sense of it all, darkness closed in around me, and I fainted against Ryatt’s shoulder.