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The Offer
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2025-01-15 23:31:19The icy breeze from the height whipped against Scarlet's face, carrying with it the faint, hollow hum of the city below. Her breath itched, and she squinted against the sudden intrusion of the low, gravely voice that pierced the solitude.
“Is this your final decision? Your last option?”
Scarlet jerked, her heart racing, her head snapping toward the sound.
A dark figure stood just beyond the faint light of a streetlamp nearby, shrouded in shadows.
Her pulse quickened as she stammered.
“W-what?”
The figure titled his head slightly, stepping closer, though the shadows still clung to him like a second skin.
“I asked, is this it for you? What's taking you so long to jump? You've been standing there for a while now. Cowardice, perhaps?”
Scarlet stiffened, his words cutting like glass.
“Who are you?”
She demanded, her voice trembling but firm.
The man ignored her question, his movement deliberate as he stepped forward with an unnerving calm.
The light caught his features, revealing a tall, commanding figure.
He carried himself with a poise that bordered on predatory.
Scarlet's gaze involuntarily took in his chiseled features, his jet-black hair that caught the faint glow of the moonlight, and the most striking of all—his icy blue eyes that seemed to see straight through her.
Her breath caught.
There was something in the way he moved that made her shiver. Shoving his hands casually into his pockets he smirked.
“Scarlet Elle Sinclair. Once the darling of Stardom Heights. Started young, catapulted to fame by 18. The face of countless brands, beloved by millions. And now?”
He paused, his tone sharpening.
“Disgraced. Penniless. Branded a fraud and liar.”
Scarlet frozen, her stomach twisting.
How did he know so much about her?
“What do you want?” She whispered, her voice almost lost in the wind.
He ignored her again, his gaze unwavering.
“Tomorrow, the headlines will read, ‘Scarlet Elle Sinclair commits suicide.’ And then what? You vanish into nothingness, and the people who did this to you—they get to celebrate their victory. That's your legacy.”
Scarlet tried to speak, but the words got caught in her throat.
She swallowed hard, her voice breaking as she finally spoke up.
"None of this concerns you. It doesn't matter anymore. No one cares anyway."
The man stepped closer, his presence growing more and more overwhelming.
"I care," he said, his voice calm and firm.
"Because seeing you like this—it's pathetic. This isn't the Scarlet the world admires. You're a fighter, and not someone who gives up.”
She gave a harsh, contemptuous snort and shook her head.
"Just leave me alone,” she whispered, trying to hold back her tears.
"Then jump,” the man said, his voice cold and without emotion.
Scarlet looked up at him feeling both defiant and scared. The idea of jumping terrified her.
"Go ahead,” he continued, his voice steady and icy.
"Jump. End it all. Give them what they want—a final reason to laugh at you. Let them celebrate your death. Let them win. "
His harsh words hit her like a punch.
Scarlet's fists were clenched as her whole body shook.
"You don't know anything!" she exclaimed in an agonizingly painful voice.
He kept staring, showing no emotion.
“I tried!” She cried, her voice breaking.
“I tried to fight, but no one would listen. No one believed me. My parents–”
Her breath hitched as fresh tears spilled down her cheek.
"Even my parents abandoned me. Max…Sydney…They—"
Her knees felt weak, but she steadied herself.
The weight of sadness and embarrassment sat on her chest like a wall that would crush her anytime.
“I have no one, ” she whispered. "No one to turn to. No one.”
For a moment, the stranger remained silent.
All he did was stare with those cold icy blue eyes, showing no emotions.
Then, with a voice quite steady, he said, "I believe you."
Scarlet blinked, surprised by how simple his words were.
"I know you're innocent, " he continued.
"I know they are the ones who hurt you. You trusted them and they let you down. "
She momentarily forgot her tears as she turned to face him fully.
“You don’t even know me,” she said quietly, her voice trembling.
“Don’t I?” he retorted, questioning her with his head tilted slightly.
Her brows furrowed and her confusion grew.
“Who are you? What do you want from me?”
The man shrugged, his smirk returning.
“What I want doesn't matter. What matters is what you want. Do you want to let them win? Or do you want to fight back?”
Scarlet stared hard at him, her mind racing.
She couldn't trust him—how could she?
Yet, in the surety of his confidence and the coolness with which he carried himself, Scarlet hesitated.
"What are you saying?" she asked cautiously.
“I’m saying,” he said, closing the gap. “I can give you a second chance. A way to rebuild everything you've lost. To make them pay for what they've done to you."
Her breath caught.
"Why would you help me?"
“Because," he said, his voice lowering, "we have something in common. And you deserve better than this."
Scarlet narrowed her eyes trying to read him. But his expression gave nothing away.
Before she could press him further, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black card. He held it out to her, his gaze steady.
"You have a choice," he said.
“Take this card, and you'll get the chance to take your life back or…"
He pointed to the edge of the cliff.
"Jump."
Scarlet wavered, fingers trembling as she took the card from his hand.
The man receded into darkness, his voice cutting through the dark a final time.
“This is a one-time offer, Sinclair. Think carefully. Don't let them win. Take back what's yours. Make them pay.”
He departed, leaving Scarlet alone with the card in her hand and a choice to make. A chill went up her spine as she flipped the card over with her shaking hands, her thoughts racing.
The surface was smooth and cool, black, the edges sharp against her skin.
The only thing inscribed on its surface was a symbol she didn’t recognize, deep and intricate, almost hypnotic. She looked at it, her mind a jumble of confusion and terror.
The stranger’s words hung in the air, not letting her alone.
"Take back what’s yours. Make them pay."
Her jaw went tight, their teeth compressed. A new pulse of rage coursed through her chest, cutting a knife through the sadness that had smothered her for weeks.
How dare he even appear here, on the worst night of her life, and treat her pain like it was somehow a challenge she had thrown at him?
And yet…
Scarlet’s eyes drifted to the city below, its lights twinkling like a thousand stars. She had once loved this view — back when she was on top of the world.
Now, it mocked her.
Each shining light felt like a flame mocking her to everyone that had laughed as her downfall, every single person that had turned their back on her.
She could feel the weight of choice in the card, heavier in her hand.
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The Fame Paradox A Partnership of Revenge
Scarlet stood in front of the immense glass building of Titan Holdings, its modern façade sparkling in the midday sun. The name alone held significance: a representation of force and influence, an empire constructed of steel and ambition.Titan Holdings was known for reshaping cities, and its enigmatic owner, Grayson, was rumored to wield the kind of power that could topple or resurrect nations. Scarlet's fingers tightened around the black card Grayson gave her as she looked up at the massive skyscraper.She had done her research. Grayson of Titan Holdings. That’s what he was known as. No last name, no personal details. Just Grayson. A billionaire so private and elusive that even the most prying tabloids could only speculate about his life. Yet, last night, that same man had found her, offered her a lifeline cloaked in mystery. Now, standing at the edge of this monumental decision, Scarlet wondered if she had lost her mind.But she couldn’t walk away. Not after what they did t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15The Fame Paradox The Return
Two years.That’s how long Scarlet had been gone, vanishing from the world as though she had never existed. The public's curiosity had waned, replaced by cruel mockery, their interest flickering to newer scandals and fresher faces.The time had been a crucible, burning away her old self and forging someone entirely new.Sitting cross-legged in the plush leather seat of a private jet, she rested a manicured hand against her chin, gazing out at the vast stretch of clouds. Though the jet technically belonged to her fake husband, it was hers now, part of the life she had been building since disappearing from the public eye.The marriage had been finalized three months ago, but the foundation of their arrangement had been laid two years earlier, when Grayson pulled her back from the brink of ruin.The time away had not been idle. Grayson had ensured that.She closed the tabloid on her lap, her jaw tightening as her hair glinted under the soft overhead light. The headline mocked her:"Sy
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-10The Fame Paradox Crown Jewels
The boardroom at Crown Entertainment was a temple of power and ambition. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered an uninterrupted view of the glittering Bayhaven Heights skyline, a reminder of the industry’s reach and influence. The massive glass table, surrounded by sleek leather chairs, was where decisions were made that shaped global entertainment.At the head of the table sat a man, Beckett Flynn, the CEO. His sandy blond hair was neatly combed, and his sharp onyx eyes revealed a man who saw everything but revealed nothing. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, his commanding presence radiated authority. Every word he spoke carried weight, and every gesture was measured, lending him an air that made it easy to believe he ran the entertainment empire.Yet, beneath the surface of Flynn’s power lay a mystery. No one truly knew who ran Crown Entertainment Group. The head of the empire itself, the true owner, remained hidden. After the previous owner had passed away, rumors had circula
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11The Fame Paradox A New Chapter
The Crown Entertainment Group press conference was all anyone in the industry could talk about. News outlets buzzed with speculative headlines:“Scarlet Sinclair Makes a Comeback After Two-Year Disappearance Due to Scandal”“Scarlet Elle Sinclair Signs with Crown Entertainment Group: Is This Her Redemption Arc?”For two long years, Scarlet Sinclair had existed as a specter—her name only surfaced in passing speculation and whispered rumors. Today, for the first time in forever, she was reclaiming the light.The room was abuzz with the excitement of a melting pot of journalists, reporters, photographers, and insiders. Flash of cameras erupted like fireworks, momentarily lighting up the room, and the low hum created by voices ranging from whispers to cheers filled the atmosphere.Crown Entertainment's sleek, contemporary design—a marriage of glass walls and polished chrome, insured by the iconic Crown insignia—formed the elegant backdrop of an event deeply anticipated.Scarlet perched n
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11The Fame Paradox Battle Lines
Scarlet Sinclair's press conference sent shockwaves through the industry, impacting boardrooms, social media, and gossip columns across Stardom Heights. Her name, once just a whisper linked to scandal for the past two years, is now front and center. It's the main topic of conversation, grabbing attention and stirring up controversy everywhere.Within hours, the entertainment world’s biggest players dissected every word and gesture from her return. In high-rise offices and dimly lit backrooms, producers, agents, and executives weighed her potential against the risk.“She’s bold, I’ll give her that,” said an agent at a rival agency, his voice dripping with skepticism. “But can she still deliver? That’s the real question.”“Crown Entertainment is playing a dangerous game,” another executive muttered during a private meeting. “If she fails, they’ll lose credibility. But if she succeeds? She could redefine what it means to make a comeback in this industry.”Scarlet’s return sparked he
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11The Fame Paradox Burning Bridges
At the sleek, glass-fronted headquarters of Skye Management, chaos reigned. The morning buzz of phones and hurried conversations had been replaced with the sharp edge of unease that followed any seismic shift in the industry. Scarlet Sinclair’s return was more than a ripple; it was a tidal wave. And Sydney Harper, the agency’s brightest star, was not handling it well.Sydney stormed through the executive offices, her stilettos clicking like gunfire against the polished marble floor. Her perfectly styled blonde hair bounced with each determined step, though her features betrayed nothing of her usual composure. Her blue eyes, narrowed with a venomous rage, cut through anyone who dared cross her path. Junior agents and assistants pressed themselves against walls or found sudden excuses to disappear, unwilling to become collateral damage.Skye Management wasn't just any agency; it was where Scarlet Sinclair's career took off before they abandoned her during her scandal. They had sho
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11The Fame Paradox The Master Plan
Grayson's office was an oasis of power and mystery, sitting high above the glittering bedlam of Bayhaven Heights. The low light painted languorous shadows across the dark mahogany furnishings, and the soft hum of the city buzzed gently in the background. He leaned back in the leather chair, the amber liquid in his tumbler glinting quietly in the trace of light as he swirled it absently. His cold, calculating icy blue eyes raked over the sprawling skyline as though it contained the answers to questions only he dared to ask. The press conference had unfolded exactly as he had predicted. Scarlet Sinclair had taken her tentative first steps back into the fizzling limelight, her confidence so carefully curated to conceal the raw fragility he knew still lay underneath. She stood effortless, enigmatic—a goddess among mere mortals, a human of wonder the world could not help but be fascinated with, whether it welcomed her or not.Grayson smirked to himself. He’d invested in Scarlet not jus
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-12The Fame Paradox The Space Between
The gentle sound of silverware on delicate china echoed in the quietness of the penthouse dining room, a beautiful but solitary theater for the two people located at its farthest chairs. The long table dominated the room, impeccably covered with a snowy linen cloth and crowned by an artfully designed floral display that forced a broad chasm between them.Grayson occupied the head seat, his posture straight and commanding, while Scarlet sat at the far end, her gaze distant but her composure poised.The stillness was almost oppressive. Scarlet had grown used to this routine—dinners shared in silence, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of unsaid words. Privacy was her preference, a decision she’d made early on. No maids bustling about, no assistants fluttering in the background. It was just the two of them, a dynamic she’d insisted on when she moved into the penthouse. Grayson, to be fair, had honored her requests, but it often left the room feeling emptier than it ought to be.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-14
Bab terbaru
The Fame Paradox Chapter 28: Toxic Ties
Standing outside the expensive restaurant with her hands in her coat pockets, Scarlet stood. She focused solely on her racing heartbeat as the wind blew and cars made muffled sounds in the background.Two years.She hadn't seen her mother for two whole years. Two years had passed since she escaped from the restrictive life that had governed her existence through most of her years. Septic texts had been neglected for weeks until she eventually consented to meet. The large hat and big sun shades occupied her hands while she took deep breaths to steady herself. The stakes were too high to permit any mistakes from her side.She was already dealing with enough without the media adding another problem to the mix. Before Scarlet came to the restaurant she remembered what Grayson had said. ‘She didn’t owe them anything.’She kept repeating those words in her head as she stepped into the restaurant. The warm and tranquil parts of the building stood opposite its frosty exterior. F
The Fame Paradox Chapter 27: A World of Speculation
The internet was on fire. Scarlet’s appearance at Alina’s event had set off another round of speculation, and this time, it wasn’t just about her. Now, people were analyzing every detail—every glance, every interaction, every second she’d spent with Darren and his sister.‘Is she trying to get close to Darren’s family?’‘Is this her way of making their relationship public?’‘Scarlet Sinclair is playing the long game, and we’re here for it.’‘Why else would she attend such a personal event for Alina Flores?’Entertainment news sites dissected every detail, fueling speculation with side-by-side photos of Scarlet and Darren from the event."First, they star in Glass Roses together, then they land the Améline Couture campaign, and now she’s showing up for his sister’s big night? Connect the dots, people.""There’s no way Scarlet would have attended if she wasn’t close to Darren. She’s never been one to do things without a reason.""This is classic Stardom Heights. Keep it low-key, let the
The Fame Paradox Chapter 26: Facing The Music
The internet frenzy did not appear to be letting up. The Scarlet and Darren rumor had grown overnight, taking over all gossip sites, news outlets, and fan boards. Photos from their Améline Couture campaign shoot were analyzed like evidence in a courtroom. Clips from Glass Roses resurfaced, fans dissecting every glance, every touch, every unscripted moment between them.It was absurd. No matter how many times she had made it clear that her marriage was private, people refused to accept it. She could handle the rumors, but what about Darren? It wasn’t fair for his name to be dragged into this mess.Her phone buzzed. A message from Alina."Scarlet! I hope you can still make it tonight. I'm super happy! Don't mind the loud noise. Can't wait to see you there.❤️”Scarlet looked at the text for a bit, then put her phone aside.She was going. A rumor wasn’t about to dictate her choices.She found Grayson in his office, lost in work.He had on a close-fitting black dress shirt with rolle
The Fame Paradox Chapter 25: Rumors and Reputations
Scarlet awakened to the low droning of the television and the soft, muted light of morning flooding her curtained room. Stretching, she cleared the sleep from her eyes, and picked up the remote. One click raised the volume, and the soft room was flooded by the familiar sounds coming from a music channel.She listened to it in the background while she entered the bathroom, her body ached somewhat from the exhaustion of running all these weeks.Warm water rushed over her body and she sighed, aware of the text messages she hadn’t been answering. Her mother. Again.‘Should I meet them?’Scarlet had spent the last two years pretending her family didn’t exist, convincing herself she had no reason to look back. But the weight of those unread messages lingered like an invisible chain around her neck.Life was exhausting enough without adding family drama into the mix.Shaking the thought away, she finished up and stepped out, wrapping a towel around her damp body. She picked up another to
The Fame Paradox Chapter 24: A Life Unraveled
The penthouse was poorly lit, no surprise considering the bright, chaotic day Scarlet had just had. The distant roar of the bustling city outside felt muted, leaving behind only the soft creaking of the penthouse settling in the night.With a sigh of relief, she kicked off her heels and exhaustion took over her like a heavy blanket.She tossed her bag onto the nearest chair, then ran a hand through her hair and rolled the stiffness out of her shoulders.The campaign shoot was hard—it ran on for hours under bright lights, and there was a lot of stress on her. Now, she just wished for some time alone to relax.She thought she'd be on her own.But as she looked over at Grayson's office, she saw a soft light coming out into the hall.That was unusual.Intrigued, she stepped closer, and looked through the open door.Grayson was surrounded by papers on his desk while his laptop screen showed through his glasses.Grayson wore a black T-shirt tapered around his defined muscles which combined
The Fame Paradox Chapter 23: The Face of Ambition
The announcement took the world by storm. Scarlet Sinclair, the new face of Améline Couture. Even Scarlet was shocked when she first heard it. She had known about the discussions, the initial talks of a possible partnership, but she hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly—or so publicly.Améline Couture, the epitome of high-end fashion, blending vintage sophistication with modern glamour, had officially chosen her to be the face of their newest campaign.Their press release swept across the industry within minutes:“Over the years Améline Couture has maintained its ongoing legacy of delivering elegance through powerful transformation. Scarlet Sinclair perfectly represents all the qualities which Améline Couture stands for. She represents power through acting skills while embodying strength and elegance and transforming self. We are honored to welcome her as the newest face of Améline Couture, alongside Darren Flores, as we redefine fashion for the modern generation."Social media expl
The Fame Paradox Chapter 22: A New Connection
The party had already begun. A triumphant buzz permeated the private lounge of a city's most exclusive venue, accompanied by music and laughter. As her crew, co-stars, and Crown Entertainment executives gathered around her, Scarlet found herself in the middle of it all. After Glass Roses shattered expectations, they deserved to treat themselves tonight. Once again, she raised her glass to celebrate their triumph. Glancing around, she could feel the crisp champagne on her lips as she thanked the people who had labored so hard with her. There was nothing but pure delight—no invasive photographers, no annoying questions—for a change. Next to her, on the table, her phone shook. Scarlet stole a quick look at the screen.A message from Grayson."Remember, you earned this.”Scarlet let out a sigh, tilting her head slightly with a faint grin. His absence wasn't surprising to her, but his recognition was. Grayson wasn't one to send lengthy, emotional texts, yet he consistently ensure
The Fame Paradox Bitter Rivals
The air conditioning hummed softly in the dim light of the room. Papers, magazines and photographs from Scarlet’s triumphant premiere were spread on the long mahogany table.Headlines declaring Glass Roses a resounding success stared back at them, the bold print practically taunting their failure to bury her. The TV in the small room showed Scarlet on the red carpet, glowing as lots of cameras flashed.While looking at Sydney Harper, Matthew Fletcher was at the end of the table with his hands clasped together, and his blue eyes were dark and difficult to read. A clock-like sound echoed as her heels hit the ground."We thought we had stopped her," Sydney said, her tone full of hate."We thought we had ended her career, her good name—all of it! But look at her now! She's coming back, and it's bigger than any time before!"Matthew looked still, but his voice was sharp with a hint of threat.“Sydney, be patient. We’ll get our chance to strike back.”Sydney whirled to face him, her eyes
The Fame Paradox Beyond The Headlines
Glass Roses had finally hit theaters worldwide, and the response was nothing short of electric. Scarlet Sinclair was in her living room, her phone kept buzzing with loads of alerts. Her team sent her 'well done' texts, her colleagues sent kind words, and her fans kept sending lots of love to her screen. She scrolled through social media, watching as #GlassRoses and #ScarletSinclair dominated the trending charts globally.Her heart raced as she scanned the reviews. The box office numbers had been released earlier that day, and the movie was already shattering records, surpassing all expectations. Glass Roses had not only cemented her comeback but had also placed her squarely at the forefront of Stardom Heights' elite once more.Scarlet opened Twitter, her eyes widening as she read the glowing reactions from fans and critics alike:“Scarlet ate that role so well! A villain?! This is her stepping out of her comfort zone to slay something entirely different!”“Oh my god, screaming! Mel
