Marcus walked through the streets, deeply embarrassed by how he looked and smelled. He hid his face with his jacket as he rushed toward the nearest bathhouse."How childish. He did this to me just because I approached him? I didn't even challenge him or anything,” he grumbled. “Pablo, you made a huge mistake. I'll give you nightmares for throwing filth at me."Inwardly, he seethed with anger, the night's events reminding him of Pablo Rusto's betrayal. Pablo had sided with Reyster during their university days, abandoning Marcus when he needed a friend the most."That f*cking traitor," he spat under his breath.As he hurried along, memories flooded back.He recalled the days when he and Pablo had been close, sharing dreams and aspirations. But everything changed when Reyster and his gang started targeting Marcus. Instead of standing by him, Pablo joined the bullies, enjoying the newfound popularity it brought him."I heard he got into Magic Entertainment because of Reyster. Is this the
Jesse insisted on accompanying Marcus, her fingers tracing delicate patterns on his cheek. Despite his discomfort, Marcus couldn't help but notice the concern in her eyes."Is she pitying me? She’s blatantly looking down on me while she’s this drunk," he wondered, considering how Jesse had witnessed all the pathetic things that happened to him tonight."I'll be your comfort," Jesse said with a smile."No need to feel bad for me. I’m fine.""Oh gosh! You shouldn't be used to people threatening you like that! It’s frustrating!""Seriously, Jesse, you don't have to do this," Marcus said, gently taking her hand away from his face. "I'll be fine."Jesse pouted, her eyes sparkling with feigned inebriation. "But I'm worried about you. It's not safe for you to be alone after everything that happened tonight.""Jesse, you should really go home and rest. It’s late." Marcus sighed, realizing Jesse wasn’t going to leave him alone easily."But I don’t want to be alone tonight. And I really do enjo
Marcus couldn’t resist any longer. The heat between them grew unbearable, and despite his better judgment, he gave in to the temptation. The night became a blur of passion and urgency as Marcus and Jesse surrendered to their desires.He knew it was wrong, but at that moment, he gave in to the temptation, compounded by the effect of alcohol.When he woke up in the morning, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow on Jesse’s sleeping form.“Oh f*ck,” Marcus muttered.Reality hit him like a punch to the gut. He sat up, his head in his hands, feeling the weight of his actions crash down on him. He had crossed a line that couldn’t be uncrossed.“Marcus Xu, what have you done?” he told himself, slapping his cheeks lightly. “I am still nothing. I haven't built my foundation strong yet. What if she suddenly sues me or controls me with what happened last night?”Jesse stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open.She looked at him with a sleepy smile,
Marcus completed the contract that would protect him and his career in case Jesse had any ill intentions. He handed it to her and nervously watched her read it."We can change it if it doesn't suit you," Marcus said hesitantly, unable to discern any reaction from her face."Hmm, it's fine. You wrote this well. Very detailed and... considerate," Jesse said calmly, signing the paper before putting it in her bag. She admired how Marcus had crafted a fair contract. "I'll have my lawyer notarize it. I'll send you a copy once it's done. Also, you don't have to worry about confidentiality.""Thank you so much. You should call someone to pick you up here too.""I will. Hmm... hasn't Magic Entertainment given you a better place to stay?"Jesse sat comfortably in the creaky chair, finally taking in the state of Marcus's apartment now that she could divert her attention from his handsomeness."We have a dorm to stay in. It's much better and bigger than this, but I can't take you there. I'm sorry
Marcus felt a surge of anger and frustration. The unfairness of it all made his blood boil. His fists clenched at his sides as he tried to contain his rage."Steal his sponsors? How am I supposed to do that? I come from a poor background," he said bitterly, his curiosity piqued despite his anger. He couldn't help but listen to Jesse, who seemed so confident in her plan.Jesse leaned in, her eyes gleaming with determination. "You can do it, Marcus. I'll be your first sponsor," she revealed, her voice steady and reassuring. "I believe in your talent and potential. I'll use my influence to bring more wealthy individuals to support you."Marcus stared at her, his mind racing. "You'd do that for me?" he asked, a mix of disbelief and hope in his voice."Yes," she replied firmly. "I see something special in you, Marcus. With the right backing, you can rise above all this. Pablo's sponsors won't stand a chance against the combined support I can gather for you."Jesse's unwavering confidence i
After accompanying Jesse Harp-William to the CEO’s office, Marcus went to his manager’s office to gather more information about Pablo. Although he had rejected Jesse’s offer, he still couldn’t forget his need for revenge against Pablo.“Luther, can you—”“Sorry, Marcus, I’m busy. Sheila is over there. Talk to her if you need something,” Luther said, too preoccupied to pay him any attention.“Why is he so busy?” Marcus wondered. He looked around the office and realized it wasn't just his road manager who was swamped. Everyone in charge of his affairs seemed occupied.“What’s going on?” he asked Sheila, who was just as busy as everyone else.“The election period is about to begin,” Sheila replied, filing documents before finally facing him.“What does that have to do with me?”“Your story moved the public a lot; so many candidates want to use you to improve their image.”“Oh, do I need to endorse a politician? I just want to act,” he said, frowning at the thought.“Don’t worry. CEO Joe
At a filming set near the beach, Pablo Rusto breathed fire, just as Marcus had guessed.The filming crew and his managers just watched him throw a tantrum, not stopping him from making a mess of the set because it was easier to wait for him to tire out than to stop him.“What made him that angry? Did he lose at the casino again?” the director asked Pablo’s manager.“I don’t really know. He just received a call from his junior, and he suddenly threw a fit like that,” the manager said exasperatedly, feeling as if working with Pablo was shaving a decade off his life.“He probably lost a woman to his junior,” the director said. “He should compensate for everything he breaks today. Twice the original price, as usual.”“Yes, we will. Just send us the list.”“Okay. We’ll be having snacks over there. Call us once he’s done.”“Sure. Thank you and sorry for this.”“No need to apologize. I’m used to him.”Everyone remained calm and ignored Pablo’s fit, while Pablo himself was too angry to notice
Back at Marcus Xu, he left the Magic Entertainment headquarters, feeling a sense of satisfaction after successfully causing chaos for Pablo, Resyter, and the club. He had a busy day ahead, but first, he needed to head back to Margarette’s penthouse.Opting for public transportation, he walked to the nearest bus stop, ready for the commute. As the bus rolled through the bustling city streets, Marcus stared out the window, lost in thought. His mind replayed the day's events and the plans he had set in motion.Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a sight that made him sit up straighter. Two small children were wandering around the sidewalk by themselves. Recognizing the children immediately, Marcus's eyes widened in surprise. It was Jesse Harp-William’s children, Rose and Leilani. They were only four and six years old, far too young to be wandering the busy streets alone.Concerned, he quickly pressed the button to signal the bus to stop. As soon as the doors opened, he dashed out and he