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Chapter 3: The Offer
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2025-01-15 23:31:19A strong cold wind from up high raked against Scarlet's face. This icy kiss, sharp and cold, carried with it a thin, hollow rumble of life from the distant city acting as a persistent reminder of the world she momentarily had no part in.
She caught her breath with a sharp, cold sting and squinted at the unexpected intrusion into her solitude, a low voice growing powerful and disrupting that fragile peace she had felt.
“Is this your final decision? Your last option?”
Scarlet jerked, her heart racing, her head snapping toward the sound.
A gloomy person stood near the slight glow of a road post, hidden in obscure darkness.
Her pulse quickened as she hesitated to speak.
“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? Taking you so long to jump. A coward, aren't you?”
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 brought out his features, tall and imposing. With a predatory attitude, he moved forward. He had a well-sculpted appearance, his black hair was glowing in the dim light of the night, and his icy blue eyes seemed to follow her closely.
Her breath caught.
The way he moved left her feeling uneasy.
Putting his hands in 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?
Scarlet whispered, her voice lost in the wind.
“What do you want?”
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.”
She tried to speak, but words failed her.
Finally, she inhaled.
"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 that the world loves. You're a fighter, you don't just give up.”
She snickered, her mouth twisted.
“Please go,” she murmured, trying not to sob.
“Then jump,” the man said.
No sympathy.
No emotional response.
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 words struck her like a fist.
Scarlet's body shook, her fists clenched.
"You don't know anything!”
She wailed, with excruciating agony.
He continued to stare, with 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 forgot her tears for a moment as she faced him fully.
“You…don’t know me,” she said quietly.
He titled his head as he replied sharply.
"You think so?"
Her eyes narrowed, and she felt more lost.
“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?
But, with his confidence and the ease with which he carried himself, Scarlet paused.
"What do you mean?" she asked with care.
"I mean," he said, moving in close.
“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 ask more, he dug into his pocket and took out a thin, black card. He gave it to her, his eyes firm.
"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 left her there, the card in her hand, a choice to make.
As her still-shaking hands turned the card over, a chill ran down her spine while thousands of thoughts raced through her mind.
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 at 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 Chapter 4: A Partnership of Revenge
Scarlet faced the huge glass building of Titan Holdings, its modern exterior glimmering in the midday sunlight. The name itself carried meaning: a symbol of strength and power, an empire built of tempered steel and ambition.Titan Holdings built the cities of the future, and its elusive owner, Grayson, was said to possess the kind of power that could destroy or resurrect nations.Scarlet’s fingers clutched the black card Grayson had given her as she peered up at the towering 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 to her.Scarlet pulle
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-01-15The Fame Paradox Chapter 5: The Return
Two years.That’s how much time Scarlet had been absent, disappearing from existence as if she had never been there. The public's intrigue had diminished, supplanted by harsh ridicule, their attention shifting to more recent controversies and newer personalities. The period had been a furnace, consuming her former self and creating someone completely different. Sitting with her legs crossed in the luxurious leather seat of a private jet, she leaned a neatly manicured hand on her chin, looking out at the expansive sea of clouds. Even though the jet officially belonged to her fake husband, it was now hers, a component of the life she had been constructing since vanishing from the spotlight. The marriage had been finalized few months back, 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 ha
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-10The Fame Paradox Chapter 6: Crown Jewels
The boardroom at Crown Entertainment was a place of influence and aspiration. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided an unobstructed view of the sparkling Bayhaven Heights skyline, highlighting the industry's impact and dominance. The large glass table, encircled by elegant leather chairs, was the site of choices that influenced worldwide entertainment. At the front of the table was a man, Beckett Flynn, the CEO. His blonde hair was carefully styled, and his piercing black eyes indicated a man who observed everything yet disclosed nothing. Clad in a flawlessly fitted suit, his impressive demeanor exuded power. Each word he uttered held significance, and every movement was deliberate, giving him an aura that made it easy to accept he led the entertainment empire. However, hidden beneath Flynn’s strength was an enigma. 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, rumo
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-11The Fame Paradox Chapter 7: 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 extended years, Scarlet Sinclair had lived like a ghost—her name merely emerged in fleeting conjecture and hushed gossip. But today, for the first time in ages, she was finding the light again.Journalists, reporters, photographers and industry insiders filled the atmosphere with excitement.The camera sounds like firecrackers, bink, bink, bink, displaying light in the room for just a moment, the sound of whispers and applause.The sleek, modern design of Crown Entertainment —glass walls and polished chrome, insured by the Crown insignia—was the graceful backdrop of a long awaited event.Scarlet perched nervously backstage, her face a composed mask, but the weight of t
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-11The Fame Paradox Chapter 8: 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 hea
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-11The Fame Paradox Chapter 9: 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 show
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-11The Fame Paradox Chapter 10: The Master Plan
High above the glittering madness of Bayhaven Heights, Grayson sat in his office, an absolute marvel of power and intrigue. A dim light glided across mahogany furniture while the distant city noises made background sounds.The light reflected on his amber drink as he sat back in the leather chair. The rippling analytical pattern of his calculating icy blue gaze swept across the sprawling, horizon—wide plane of the city as if it contained the answers to questions only he had the nerve to ask.The press conference had gone precisely as he anticipated it would.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 couldn’t help but be fascinated with, whether it welcomed her or not.Grayson smirked to himself.He hadn’t invested in Scarlet simply because she was talented—b
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-12The Fame Paradox Chapter 11: The Space Between
In the quiet penthouse dining room, the clinking of cutlery on fine china was audible, a serene yet lonely setting for the two people sitting at its far end chairs. A large and long table, draped in a white linen cloth with utmost precision and adorned with an intricate floral arrangement that created symmetry between the two. Grayson occupied the front seat, his posture firm and commanding, while Scarlet positioned herself at the far end, her gaze fixed on something but her disposition composed. 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 only the two of them, a dynamic she had demanded when she moved to the penthouse. Grayson had, to be fair, respected her wishes, yet it frequently made the room seem more vacant than it should be.
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-14
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The Fame Paradox Chapter 34: The Backlash
The internet was a battlefield.Sydney Harper and Max Davis’s interview on Let’s Talk With Laura Show had done exactly what it was meant to—ignite a firestorm of controversy. Social media was ablaze, with people dissecting every single word they had said.Hashtags #TeamSydney and #TeamScarlet dominated Twitter trends, fueling endless debates. Every clip, every smirk, and every carefully rehearsed response was analyzed frame by frame.On one side, Sydney’s supporters praised her for her “grace” and “honesty.”“Sydney is so strong. You can tell she wanted to say more but held back. That’s real class.”“Sydney is so classy. You can tell she really cared about Scarlet once. She’s just worried about her.”“Scarlet has always been a mean girl. This just proves it.”“She didn’t drag Scarlet, but let’s be real—she COULD have. Sydney took the high road, and I respect her for that.”“Not Sydney being the bigger person while Scarlet hides? LMAO.”But Scarlet’s defenders weren’t backing down.“Y
The Fame Paradox Chapter 33: Shaping The Narrative
The vibrant lights of Let's Talk With Laura Show illuminated the sleek, contemporary set while the crowd burst into applause. The camera moved over enthusiastic faces, capturing the thrill in the room as the show resumed after a commercial break. The excitement was palpable — everyone realized this was the interview they had long anticipated. The cherished hostess Laura Hollis rested in her signature velvet chair, her inviting yet keen expression just as it ought to be. She bent forward, smiling at the camera. "Welcome once again to the Let's Talk With Laura Show! Now, tonight’s guests need no introduction—fashion’s reigning queen and one of Stardom Heights' most sought-after actors. Please give a big welcome to Sydney Harper and Max Davis!”The crowd stood up and clapped when they saw Sydney and Max come on stage. Sydney was in a white silk dress that clung to her perfectly, her long blonde hair hung down her back.She greeted, very confident, in her signature smile and painted
The Fame Paradox Chapter 32: Under Fire
A phone call woke Scarlet with a jarring noise early in the morning. Daylight creeping through the curtains made her moan while she extended her hands to find her phone.She stumbled over the sheets before finally catching hold of it.It was like a torrent had hit her screen, missed calls, messages, notifications— they swept over her page like an avalanche.She narrowed her eyes at the caller ID.Darren.“Hello?” Her voice was groggy, thick with sleep.“Scarlet, have you seen what’s going on?” His voice was tense.Scarlet sat up, rubbing her eyes. “No. What are you talking about?”Darren hesitated. “It’s bad. It’s best if you don’t look.”Her gut clenched. "Darren, what's wrong?”A long sigh. “Just…stay off your phone for now.”That only made her more curious. As soon as their call ended, another notification popped up—a text from Alina.Alina: Stay strong. No matter what. They can’t bring you down.Scarlet’s pulse quickened. She clicked on Twitter, her name sitting at the top of
The Fame Paradox Chapter 31: Shades of Jealousy
Sydney Harper sat in her apartment with a delicate champagne glass between her fingers while the city lights glimmered against the gold liquid. Her phone sent nonstop vibrations on the marble table but she knew every aspect of the ongoing discussions without checking her Twitter notifications or screen. Scarlet Sinclair.And worse? They weren’t just talking about Scarlet. They were talking about them. Together.Suffice to say, it was a shocker.When she initially got the invitation to walk for Maison Rouge, and saw Scarlet’s name there, too, she laughed aloud.It had been ages since she last saw Scarlet face to face. And yet, here they were, about to share a runway as if the past two years had never happened.Sydney had to act unbothered, had to hold her own when she finally saw Scarlet at the fitting. But inside? She had raged.Because Scarlet looked good. Too good.Jealousy. Rage. Envy.It was always about Scarlet. Scarlet. Scarlet.Sydney released a steady breath, her
The Fame Paradox Chapter 30: Runway Rivals
In the lead-up to the Maison Rouge fashion show, there were fittings and rehearsals and styling sessions. The atmosphere in the brand’s private studio was electric. Designers dashed between racks of couture, tailors deftly pinned and adjusted fabrics with geometric precision, and stylists huddled regarding the perfect accessories.The air reeked of luxury — fine silks, wistful perfumes, wrinkle-free clothes.Scarlet entered the changing-room, welcomed by the buzz of sewing machines and muted conversations.She was taken to a private chamber, full of breathtaking clothes — silk, sequins, stiff corsets, feathered flourishes.Each piece was designed to shock on the runway.As she stroked the fabric of an intricate beaded bodice, the energy in the room changed.A different presence occupied the space.Scarlet recognized the presence without needing to turn around.Sydney Harper.A hush swept through the stylists as Scarlet caught Sydney’s reflection in the mirror. The pair stared each ot
The Fame Paradox Chapter 29: The Invitation
A vibration of an email notification beeped on Scarlet’s phone. Stretched out on the couch, she was perched against a cozy warm blanket, viewing one of her old favorites on TV. It was one of the first films she had done, a memory of having a long way to come and all she had to undergo to be back in the industry. She absentmindedly picked up her phone, in the hope that it was a call from Grayson or something on social media.Her eyes skimmed over the sender: Maison Rouge Official.Maison Rouge?Her heart missed a beat. The brand ranked among the most prominent luxury fashion houses, known for its spectacular runway presentations and celebrity clientele. Scarlet's interest was aroused when she opened the mail. “Subject: Exclusive Invitation – Maison Rouge Fashion ShowDear Scarlet Sinclair,We are excited to announce an exclusive opportunity to walk in our featured Maison Rouge Fashion Show! Your elegant grace, stature and beauty match precisely what we are designing for this upcom
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
