Behind The Spotlight

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 94

"I'm sorry, but I think I'm going to leave now," Wyatt said quietly, admitting defeat to himself. He realized that bars like this just weren't for him.

"Wait, what? But I thought we were having a good time?" the woman asked, visibly shocked, her eyebrows twitching in disbelief. She had planned to use Wyatt to land a role or at least secure a valuable connection.

On top of that, she hated being rejected, especially by someone like him. In her eyes, a fat guy like Wyatt shouldn't have the audacity to say no to her. It bruised her ego as an attractive woman.

'Fatso, I'm giving you a chance here. Don't waste it. You can have sex with me. I know you probably won't last long in bed since you're fat, and I know I won't enjoy it. So I'm already a saintess by giving you the chance to tap my ass.' She scoffed inwardly, masking her irritation behind a forced smile, her teeth clenched behind it.

"I'm sorry, it's just me. I don't think I belong in places like this. Going to parties, meeting strangers, having one-night stands, it's not the kind of lifestyle I should be chasing. If I keep walking this path, I'll ruin myself. Fortunately, I realized that just now... before it's too late."

Wyatt apologized sincerely and began walking away, his steps slow and heavy. The woman tried to grab his arm to stop him, but the crowd of dancers became a wall between them, blocking her way.

Outside, Wyatt inhaled deeply as the cool night air brushed against his face. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Smoking had become a habit during film productions, a coping mechanism against stress and emotional turmoil. Whenever things became too much, a cigarette helped him calm down. And right now, he needed it.

"... I just realized how hard it might be to find someone who will truly appreciate me for who I am, not what I can offer. Is there even someone out there who can truly love a person... and sacrifice everything?" he asked softly, as if the wind itself were the only one listening.

Someone had almost fit that description once, a long time ago. But he suffered terribly for it. Since then, that guy chose to trust only his family and closest friends.

Wyatt walked away from the bar, making a quiet promise to himself: never again would he look for love in places like that. Especially not in Los Angeles, where the nightlife crowd, men and women alike, were known for being promiscuous and opportunistic.

.........
......
...

Collin received a call from Axel, who told him he was at a high-class bar. The kind that played soft jazz music and offered a quiet calming atmosphere for people who wanted to drink in peace.

Collin and Axel had been friends ever since they first met. Their first conversation happened when both were tipsy, and despite being strangers, they opened up to each other like old friends. Axel shared how his ex-wife had betrayed and destroyed him, and from that moment, Collin felt a strong connection. A friendship forged through shared pain. In return, he shared his own story.

He told Axel about his ex-girlfriend, who had nearly convinced him to raise a child that wasn't his. He had almost gone through with the wedding, until the real father showed up at the reception, claiming the baby in her womb and exposing the lie in front of everyone.

It shattered him.

After that, Collin signed Axel not just for business reasons but because he believed in redemption. He saw himself in Axel, and helping him rise to fame felt like helping himself, too. It was more than professional, it was personal. Maybe, deep down, Collin wanted to prove that they could both come back stronger.

He arrived and spotted Axel sitting alone at the bar counter, rubbing the rim of a wineglass with his thumb, his eyes fixed on the swirling red liquid inside as if searching for answers at the bottom.

"Axel, what happened?" Collin asked, his voice low and careful to match the heavy mood.

Axel looked up slowly. He was far from okay.

Collin immediately recognized the pain in his friend's eyes. It reminded him of the day he learned he wasn't the father. That hollow, broken look, a face twisted by grief and betrayal.

"Collin, remember when you said you'd make me famous?"

"Yeah, I remember. We talked about it when I offered you the contract," Collin replied, sitting down beside him.

"Back then, I was skeptical and scared. I had already given up on my dream of becoming an actor. All I wanted was a job that paid well enough so I could send money to John... So he wouldn't end up living a miserable life like mine."

He let out a bitter smile.

"I got shot in the shoulder and leg when I was a soldier deployed to the Middle East, my second tour. After retiring, I was lost. I was broken. I didn't have a family. My parents abandoned me. They divorced and chose their own paths without me. But then I met Cynthia... and she changed my life. When John was born, I thought I'd finally found my home. I thought I had a place in this world."

Axel choked up, and Collin stayed quiet, letting him speak.

The bartender nearby watched silently, as if respecting the emotion unfolding in front of him.

"I can't believe she'd do this to me. She lied. She lied!" Axel's voice cracked, the pain raw and deep.

"I did my best, Collin. I swear to God, I did my best. I worked so damn hard, just to make sure I never missed a single child support payment. I thought... I hoped it would at least make John's life a little better."

He sobbed harder.

"But then he looked me in the eyes and told me he hates me. Do you know what that feels like? It's like a knife carving your heart out, over and over, and you can't even breathe."

"What's worse is that he said I abandoned them. But I didn't leave! I spent three whole years trying to find them! I begged the court, I knelt just to get information. And nothing helped. Night after night, I'd lie awake, thinking of my son, staring at the ceiling, pretending I was okay. But I wasn't. I was doing all of it for him. I love him... but when he looked at me like I was some monster, it destroyed me."

He clenched his fists, trembling.

"Collin, I did my best. I swear I did my best. So why? Why is this happening to me!?"

Axel broke down completely, sobbing uncontrollably. His shoulders shook with each breath, unable to hold anything in anymore.

Collin didn't say a word. He gently tapped Axel's back and sat with him in the silence, knowing that nothing he said right now could fix what had already been broken. But he could at least stay, so Axel wouldn't be alone.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 95

In the first place, when Collin experienced betrayal from his ex-girlfriend, he had no one to lean on. He endured the emotional pain alone and never showed weakness in front of his family, no matter how much it hurt. He didn't want them to worry. Because of that, he didn't know how to console someone going through the same kind of suffering.

All he could do now was gently tap Axel's back, a quiet gesture of support and silent understanding.

The actor began crying, and the other guests glanced at them with mixed expressions of curiosity and concern. The bartender continued serving drinks but didn't interfere. Axel needed to let it out. Otherwise, all that pain would bottle up inside until it broke him in a much worse way.

For people like them, crying meant exposing vulnerability. You could only cry in front of someone you truly trusted. The fact that Axel called Collin to hear his story meant he trusted his agent more than anyone else at that moment.

After pouring out all his frustration, Axel let out a faint, bitter laugh. He wiped his tears and apologized.

Collin didn't mind. Not at all.

"Axel, you have nothing to apologize for. We're friends. We'll find a way for you and your son to reconcile."

"Thank you, Collin. I don't hate John. I understand what's going on in his mind… But I don't think I can forgive Cynthia for all the lies she told him, for how she turned my son against me. All the love I had for her is gone."

"That's the spirit. I'll find the best lawyer for you. Someone who can walk you through this step by step until we fix it."

"I'm glad I have a friend like you, Collin. But I'm not sure if Cynthia will stay in one place. She might have heard about me from John. I feel like she's avoiding me, and for obvious reasons. It's frustrating just thinking about it."

"Then we'll hire private investigators. We need to know where she is and what she's been telling your son."

"I don't care how much it costs. I just don't want to carry this painful regret anymore. I want to change my life for the better… I want to be free," Axel added.

"Collin, I'm sorry. We just established a foothold in Hollywood, and now all our hard work might be at risk because of this mess. You always warned us to stay away from scandals, no matter how small."

Axel felt guilty. He knew this could spiral into a scandal if not handled carefully.

Collin had always reminded his clients to avoid doing anything illegal or reckless, because the media never forgives. He warned them about paparazzi, stalkers, and scammers, things that could ruin their lives.

…But none of his clients ever listened.

Why? Because you can't force people to change unless they truly want to.

He had told Wyatt to avoid one-night stands, warning him about possible exploitation or blackmail. And yet, the director kept doing it. He almost walked right into a "trap", if you know what I mean.

He warned Lawrence to stay away from wild parties and drugs to protect his image and health. But the actor didn't listen either.

He even told Jennifer to stop swearing… and you can guess how that went.

As an agent, Collin made sure to constantly remind his clients to stay away from scandals and dangerous people. But you can't make people give up the things they're addicted to, especially the thrill of bad habits. At the end of the day, Collin was just a talent agent, with limited power over personal choices.

The best he could do was to prevent things from spiraling out of control.

It didn't help that Collin was always busy. He supported them from behind the scenes while juggling multiple responsibilities. He looked for promising projects that could advance their careers. He traded favors to get good scripts. He even befriended people he didn't like just to open doors of opportunity.

He built favors. He built a network. He wasn't sitting idly.

If Collin had just moped around, none of his clients would've been successful in such a competitive industry. Lawrence wouldn't be a superstar. Wyatt wouldn't have gotten a chance to direct a film. Jennifer wouldn't be a host on a singing competition. And Axel? He wouldn't have found work at all.

If Collin did nothing, none of those achievements would've happened.

People aren't perfect. And if you expect perfection, you'll never find it anywhere in this world.

"If you're worried about a potential scandal, our team will take care of it," Collin said. "You just need to stay strong. And don't forget, you still have an action movie to film. Focus on your role and don't stress over things you can't control. You have to trust me."

"I'll do my best. I feel better now that I've said everything out loud. Thank you, Collin. I feel like something inside me has changed... though I can't explain it."

The next day, Collin began looking for lawyers and private investigators, particularly family lawyers who specialized in custody battles.

Now that Collin had heard the full story from Axel, he understood that this was a serious matter requiring professional legal intervention. It was clear that John was not in a healthy environment to grow up properly. Axel made the decision to fight for custody and reopen the case to correct the injustice that had been done to him.

Determined to give Axel a fighting chance, Collin set out to find the best family lawyer in Los Angeles, no, in all of California if he had to.

After many days of combing through law firms and scrutinizing the words floating above each lawyer's head while meticulously comparing their records, he finally found someone. It had taken a long time, but Collin didn't regret a single second of the effort he poured into the search. If they were going to hire a lawyer, it should be the best.

At last, he found the fourth person who had the Golden Talent.

-- Zaul Greatman

-- Ultimate Legal Expertise(Gold)

Even better, Zaul Greatman's fee was within Axel's budget. Zaul had been practicing family law for two years and had won nearly all of his cases. He was still a rising star, so his rate wasn't too expensive yet.

Collin informed Axel about Zaul, and the actor decided to trust him without hesitation. He knew Collin always had his best interests at heart. In this situation, he trusted his agent more than anyone else.

As for the private detective, unfortunately, Collin could only find someone with a Yellow Talent. Not the best, but still reliable.

.........

......

...

"Cut—!"

Lee Kim, holding his megaphone, called for a break in his usual tone. He was the director of Face: Swap, a Korean filmmaker who had made it to Hollywood through perseverance and a bit of luck.

The movie revolved around an FBI agent and a terrorist swapping faces. It was backed by Touchpebbles Pictures, a studio under Wash Dismay created to produce mature-themed live-action films aimed at older audiences.

Lee Kim had been working on the project for over a month and was starting to see something truly impressive emerge from one of his actors.

He walked over to the tall actor, Axel Gunner.

"Axel, you're doing great. Keep it up."

"Thank you."

Axel appreciated the compliment. Just like Lee Kim, he also felt that something in him had shifted ever since that emotional night.

'At first, I was skeptical about casting this actor because he's taller than the character I imagined, which might've affected the visual dynamic. Even his audition was just average and didn't stand out. If not for his recent popularity and affordable fee, I wouldn't have chosen him for the role. But now...'

Lee Kim reviewed the footage they had just filmed. In the scene, Axel grinned like a madman while threatening the male lead, vowing to destroy his face. The scene was breathtaking. Lee Kim felt chills run down his spine.

He hadn't expected Axel to deliver such a powerful performance with terrifying intensity. It was a complete departure from the goofy roles Axel had taken in those lackluster comedy films that wasted his true potential. He wasn't meant for such forgettable comedies that masked his real talent!

.........

......

...

A few minutes later, Collin arrived at the Face: Swap filming location. With him was the private detective they had hired a month earlier to investigate Cynthia's whereabouts. Zaul Greatman had advised them to gather more evidence to strengthen Axel's case in court.

Collin scanned the area and saw that the crew was filming a dramatic confrontation scene. The cameras were rolling, and the entire set was silent with anticipation. Only Axel and the lead actor were speaking, their lines filled with emotion.

In the scene, Axel held a shard of glass close to his face, grinning like a man with nothing to lose.

"Wow, I can't believe Axel can act like that. He's improving fast," one crew member murmured in awe.

Collin heard the remark but didn't pay much attention. His focus was elsewhere, he was locked onto something above Axel's head that he hadn't expected to see that day.

'You got to be kidding me,' he thought, blinking in astonishment.

-- Axel Gunner

-- Adapting like a Chameleon Actor (White turning to Yellow)

The words above Axel's head were white, slowly blending into yellow. His talent was evolving so rapidly, it was visibly changing before Collin's eyes.

He was speechless. He hadn't anticipated this outcome.

 

[Internetholic]

Wait, I'm confused. I thought talent was a person's inborn ability. People were just born with different talents and in varying levels from the start. So does this mean that everyone in that world can train their average/mediocre ability (White) into a super extraordinary one (Gold) as long as they work hard enough? After all, natural born talent is different from skill. Or is it like a celebrity raising game and only Colin's talents can change their inborn talent and train them up like a skill as well? Feel free to call me out if my question doesn't make sense as I am a bit uncertain on how to word it better.

 

[Pujimaki]

Wait, I'm confused. I thought talent was a person's inborn ability. People were just born with different talents and in varying levels from the start. So does this mean that everyone in that world can train their average/mediocre ability (White) into a super extraordinary one (Gold) as long as they work hard enough? After all, natural born talent is different from skill. Or is it like a celebrity raising game and only Colin's talents can change their inborn talent and train them up like a skill as well? Feel free to call me out if my question doesn't make sense as I am a bit uncertain on how to word it better.

Click to shrink...

A talent can be awakened, but Collin also learned that in this chapter.

 

[Internetholic]

A talent can be awakened, but Collin also learned that in this chapter.

Click to shrink...

Oh, I see. So if a person in that world pushed themselves to the limit in certain fields like in this situation, it's acting, there is a certain chance that they would have a eureka moment/inspiration when challenging themselves on a difficult role for them. Thus, it would lead to talent awakening. Did I understand that right?

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 96

The talent above Axel's head was different and completely unexpected from anything Collin had seen before. In fact, this was the first time he'd ever seen Axel possess such a clear and visible talent in acting.

'There's a lot to unpack here,' Collin thought.

First, this confirmed that a person could develop a talent from scratch, even if they seemed completely talentless before. However, the criteria for how and why this happened remained unclear.

Was it tied to a person's mentality? Or was it due to constant practice and years of accumulated experience?

Second, Collin had no idea that a talent could evolve. He always assumed the color of a talent was fixed for life, an unchangeable trait set in stone.

There were only three levels of talent: White, Yellow, and Golden. Each level represented potential.

Yet the fact that Axel's white talent now had a hue of yellow softly glowing through it meant that talent could, in fact, level up under certain conditions.

Did this also mean a talent could deteriorate if someone gave up or lost their spark? What factors influenced this, and could it be prevented?

Collin tried to recall recent events in Axel's life. The only major turning point he could think of was Axel meeting his son, getting heartbroken, then choosing to fight for custody despite the risk.

That single decision might have helped Axel awaken a dormant talent in acting. Collin couldn't help but grin, feeling both guilty and proud at the same time. He admitted it was a little devilish to smile at such a painful turning point in Axel's life. But from a professional standpoint, this discovery was undeniably worth it.

'If this event helped my client awaken a talent and even level it up, then it's worth it. It means this whole lore has weight, and it contributes meaningfully to Axel's character development.'

Collin felt a surge of excitement. At last, he had found Axel's route to stardom.

'But what does "Adapting like a Chameleon Actor" even mean? Does it mean Axel can easily adapt to any role? If so, that's a powerful, long-term talent. It'll protect him from being typecast and stuck playing the same roles forever.'

Typecasting was when an actor was repeatedly cast in the same kind of role until they became a stereotype. Collin knew this was a real problem. Sooner or later, the audience would tire of the same faces in the same roles and begin to crave something new.

Lawrence, for example, excelled as a romantic lead thanks to his charm and strong on-screen chemistry. But this same advantage might trap him. Without variety, he could become permanently stuck in the romance genre. Fortunately, Lawrence also had a Comedy Actor talent, which gave him the flexibility to shift between genres if needed.

Wyatt, on the other hand, was a director and would be fine sticking to his niche. His reputation wouldn't suffer as much, especially if he only directed a film every couple of years. Unlike Lawrence, he wasn't constantly under the judgement of fans.

"I say this whole canon event is worth it from my standpoint."

Collin muttered weakly while rubbing the back of his neck. He knew it sounded cold and heartless from a human perspective, but he was a talent agent first and foremost. Discovering talents was what he loved most.

In fact, he'd already been scouting for a new client to sign, but none of the prospects he'd seen lately had met his standards.

Once the filming wrapped, Collin and the private detective approached Axel.

"Sir, this is the information I gathered from the address you provided. Based on what I found, it seems your son hasn't spoken about your meeting. They haven't changed their location or done anything unusual."

"I see. Thank you for your hard work."

Axel nodded and entered his trailer alone, needing privacy to process the contents of the documents.

Collin didn't know what information the detective had found, he didn't want to invade Axel's emotional space.

Half an hour later, Axel emerged from the trailer, his eyes slightly red.

"Collin, I want to contact Zaul Greatman. It's impossible to settle with Cynthia peacefully or reasonably. She deserves to be kept far away from my son for good."

Axel was clearly trying to stay composed, but the strain in his voice betrayed how hard that was.

"On it."

Collin nodded, but his eyes widened in shock as he noticed something new floating above Axel's head.

"Also, I want you to help me talk to the director and producer. This issue might affect the project, and I don't want to cause trouble. It's better to be honest from the start."

"Axel, you don't need to worry. We'll overcome this as a team. Your career won't be negatively affected in the long run."

'Especially now that your talent just turned yellow in front of my very eyes! Dude, how are you evolving this fast? What did you find in those documents that made your talent jump instantly?'

Collin screamed internally but kept a professional face. This just proved further that the canon event had been worth it despite the emotional damage.

Helping a client discover a talent was exciting enough, but watching it improve in real time? That was on a whole other level. It felt like being a mentor watching a student grow day by day.

If he had to compare it to something, it would be Pokémon. It felt way better evolving a starter Pokémon through consistent training than catching a Legendary Pokémon that was already powerful before you even met it. Watching that growth firsthand? That was the thrill.

"You don't have to worry. Even if you get kicked out of this project, I'll find more for you. I'll fight for your place in the industry. Your career will flourish, just like it was always meant to. I'll make sure of it."

"Now I feel better hearing that. Thank you, Collin, for standing by me. You really are a great friend."

With that, the private detective excused himself. His next task was to gather more evidence to strengthen Axel's custody case.

As for Collin and Axel, they had to talk to the producer and director as soon as possible.

Normally, it was the agent who faced these "tyrants" alone, using a tough skin and negotiation skills to shield the client. But this time, Axel chose to be present, wanting to explain everything personally, with sincerity and accountability.

Initially, Zaul Greatman preferred to settle things quietly, avoiding court to protect Axel's reputation from gossip and scandal. Axel and Collin had also assumed this wouldn't explode into a major issue.

But when more evidence surfaced, Axel realized he had no choice but to pursue justice through court.

"What the fuck did you say? Am I hearing this right or is this some kind of sick joke?"

The producer's voice rose in disbelief and anger. Even with the trailer door closed, nearby crew members heard him clearly.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 97

Producer Lewis gritted his teeth and glared at Axel and Collin, deep hatred boiling inside him.

"You just said this two months after the filming started!? You bastards, I want to fucking kill you right now, I swear I want to kill you!" His voice cracked with raw fury, echoing inside the trailer.

Axel didn't avert his gaze despite the hatred radiating from Lewis, and neither did Collin.

"Fuck! Why did you have to cause a scandal like this?"

"It's not a scandal. First of all, nothing has even happened yet. We just want you to know that my client will file a case against his ex-wife and fight for custody of his son," Collin explained in a calm but firm tone.

"Okay, alright, I'm going to calm down." The producer facepalmed and rubbed his temples, clearly trying to suppress the migraine forming.

Director Lee Kim was listening, but he didn't speak for a long while. He was contemplating the balance between artistry and practicality...

As a director, he saw that Axel was perfect for the role, and it would be a huge disappointment to lose him. Furthermore, they had already filmed 30% of the script, with Axel appearing in most of the emotional scenes. Replacing him would require more money to reshoot everything with a new actor.

However, Lee also understood that Axel was breaking the contract, or at least on the verge of doing so.

"You said that he still hasn't filed a case. Can you postpone it for a year or something? Just don't touch this project."

He looked at Axel seriously, practically begging him not to ruin the film's future. But the actor shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Lewis, but I can't. My son is getting abused, and I can't turn a blind eye to that."

"..."

Producer Lewis also had a son, someone he loved more than anything in the world. On a personal level, he could understand Axel. Still, it was painful to accept.

"Fuck!"

He took a deep breath to suppress the rising urge to explode again.

"You have to pay for the damages. The contract states that if Axel causes a scandal that affects the project, he must pay $5 million. I'm giving you a chance here, don't break the contract. We can act like nothing happened."

This time, Producer Lewis looked at Collin with pleading eyes, hoping the agent would talk some sense into his client.

"Axel is still new in this industry, and $5 million is not something he can afford. Collin, don't destroy your career. Touchpebbles Pictures is under Wash Dismay Studio, a studio that could blacklist you with a single phone call. I can assure you, your clients will get blacklisted if you go through with filing the case."

Collin shook his head and apologized.

"I'm sorry, Lewis. I will support my client."

"You and your client should fucking die. Do you understand what you're doing? With this decision, you could destroy the lives of many people. The employees who rely on this movie, what about them?"

"Our decision still stands, and we're prepared to face the consequences."

"... Sigh. At least you told us before everything became impossible to fix. Well then, I guess we'll never see each other again. Pay the damages and we're done."

"How about we continue filming instead and let Axel keep his role?"

This time, it was Lee Kim who spoke, showing surprising support.

"Lewis, we both know that Axel is perfect for the role."

"Lee, don't tell me you're siding with them? You're just a fucking immigrant. You might not understand what you're saying. Even your accent is fucking stupid."

"Act civil. I know you're mad, but there's no reason to keep cursing and resorting to personal attacks."

"There are a lot of reasons to keep cursing. The situation we're in is fucked."

"Listen to me. Axel is perfect for the role. Instead of firing him, why don't we help him with his lawsuit? Just like you said, we're part of Wash Dismay Studio. They have strong influence and connections that could make this go away quietly."

"Is it even worth helping someone like him?"

"You saw his performance. Tell me, is he perfect for the role or not?"

"I admit he's good at acting, but that doesn't mean he's worthy of being protected."

"Lewis, if you fire him, this movie won't be perfect anymore. His absence could lead to a box office failure."

"His scandal could cause a box office failure."

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"I can't believe you're trying to convince me to help these bastards."

Producer Lewis sat down and let out a deep sigh. He thought about it seriously. Firing Axel was the safest move for avoiding a scandal. It would cost more, but the project could be salvaged.

Still, he couldn't deny Axel's performance was the best in the cast. The guy had improved so fast, it was almost unnatural. Like he was on steroids or something.

Even the director, the brain behind the project, said Axel's performance elevated the movie.

"You didn't lie about what you said, right? Your son is really getting abused and you want to protect him?"

"From the bottom of my heart, everything I said to you is real. I have the evidence here."

"No, you don't have to show it to me. I don't like getting into someone's private life."

Producer Lewis waved his hand, his expression heavy and conflicted.

"You won't get your remaining salary," he muttered in defeat.

Axel and Collin were surprised. They had expected worse, Axel especially thought his role was gone.

"I'm alright with it."

According to the contract, Axel's salary was $1.8 million. He had already received half after signing. The remaining $900,000 was supposed to be paid once he finished filming. Now, that was gone, like dust in the wind.

At least it was better than getting fired and paying millions in damages.

"Thank you, sir. I promise I'll work hard and give this role my all until the very end."

"And now you're calling me sir? Get out of my sight. I need to figure out how to explain this to the boss."

Axel thanked him again before leaving with Collin.

Lewis knew this wasn't the right decision from a business perspective. It might even come back to bite him. Still, he chose to help Axel. Not as a producer, but as a fellow dad who just wanted the best for his kid.

"God, I hope this decision won't cost me my job."

With that, Axel reopened the custody battle. But this time, he came prepared. Armed with undeniable proof, he was finally ready to bring justice.

It didn't take long for the custody trial to happen, and the result was...

+++++

[Author's Note: The PDF of Chapter 1 to 50 has been posted in Discord. You need to be a Patreon member to access it. Also, I want to say thank you for all your support.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 98

"Fuck you, Axel! I hope you fucking die! How can you do this to me!?" Cynthia's voice cracked with rage and despair.

She screamed in court as the police handcuffed her. The woman was painfully thin, clearly addicted to drugs. Her cheeks were hollow, and her arms were dotted with needle marks. Almost every part of her body was covered in tattoos, even her face bore crude symbols and names.

"Haha! You think you won!? No! John is not your son! He is not your son!" Her voice had become manic.

"Cynthia, you should try a better lie. I did a DNA test when John was still young. He is my son."

"...Fuck you! Go to hell!"

The courtroom fell silent as Cynthia was dragged away by the officers, her curses growing distant until they faded completely.

Zaul Greatman had proven to be everything they had hoped for in a lawyer. The money Axel paid him was worth every cent, all to ensure that justice was finally served.

The actor sat down and sighed deeply, overwhelmed by the emotional toll of the trial. At last, the ordeal was over. Zaul had completely dismantled Cynthia's case in front of everyone. He didn't even give her room to breathe.

They had taken advantage of the fact that John never mentioned meeting Axel. That gave the private detective more time to gather critical evidence behind the scenes.

By the time Cynthia received the court summons, Zaul Greatman had already prepared everything, witnesses, photos, a full record of abuse, and a well-organized timeline that painted the truth.

Cynthia tried to weaponize Axel's rising fame against him, but Collin's PR team had already anticipated that. They launched a strategic campaign that portrayed Axel as a responsible father. Wash Dismay Studio also stepped in, using its media connections to help protect Axel's reputation.

Because of this, even though the media covered the case, it didn't gain enough traction to significantly harm Axel's image. In fact, the narrative that emerged was clear: Axel was the caring father, while Cynthia was the abuser, the addict, the liar, which was the truth.

Coincidentally, a much bigger scandal took over the media at the same time.

Jackson Mike had been accused of sexually harassing children.

The news exploded across headlines and talk shows, dominating the public discourse for weeks. Everyone was in shock. No one had expected something like this from the King of Pop. Jackson Mike had always been seen as a kind and gentle soul. Now, there were rumors that he liked children inappropriately.

Was it true?

There was no hard evidence, though some family members testified against him. Eventually, the media storm died down, but Jackson Mike's once-legendary reputation was permanently stained by the accusations.

Collin, a fan of Jackson Mike, believed the man was innocent. He thought Jackson was being targeted for becoming too powerful, too influential in both music and business. Some people couldn't control him anymore. And perhaps his race played a part in it. Jackson was Black, and that might have made some powerful elites uncomfortable with his growing influence.

It was true that racism no longer held the same power it once did. It couldn't stop someone from achieving their dreams the way it used to. But it still existed, in many forms.

Despite his feelings about the injustice Jackson Mike faced, Collin was relieved. The scandal had overshadowed Axel's custody battle. As a result, Axel's case stayed under the radar, his reputation remaining largely intact. In fact, public sympathy started to grow for him. The abuse evidence against Cynthia was irrefutable.

Axel didn't want to share the custody case with anyone, especially not the public. He wanted to protect John as much as possible. But he had no choice. He had to defend himself against Cynthia's lies and the dangerous narrative she tried to create.

So came October 1997, the date of the court trial. Zaul Greatman destroyed Cynthia in court, and the judge sentenced her to two years in prison without parole.

After the trial, Axel rushed to see his son. In the next room, he found John sitting quietly, looking confused, timid, and fidgety. The little boy stared at Axel, unsure how to process everything that had happened.

Axel had written a letter to John, hoping the boy would understand his feelings... but John couldn't read. At five years old, he hadn't even been enrolled in school. Thankfully, a kind officer volunteered to read the letter to him.

That was when John realized the truth, that everything he believed about his father was a lie.

"You didn't leave me?"

"No, John, I searched for you."

"Then, I..." The child looked away, uncertain.

From a young age, he had been told by his mother that his father had abandoned them. That Axel never paid child support and never wanted to be part of his life. Cynthia had always said Axel was a piece of shit.

John had blamed Axel for everything: his loneliness, his hunger, the bullies, every birthday spent alone. He knew his mother was cruel, but he held more resentment toward Axel for never being there.

Now, he was confused. John knew Cynthia had lied. She was a liar. Deep down, he always knew.

But he couldn't just accept Axel as a good person, not yet. Not right away. Axel was still a stranger to him.

"I know we didn't have a chance to form a bond. But I promise you this: from now on, I will protect you. You will have a father you can trust and depend on."

Axel knelt in front of the confused child, holding back tears as he looked up at John's expression.

John didn't know how to respond. After a moment, he reached out his hand.

"Okay... You'll be my Dad."

Axel chuckled and sniffled, quickly wiping away a tear before it fell. Father and son shook hands.

That day, Axel asked John where he wanted to eat. The little boy said he had always dreamed of eating at McDonaldo after seeing a commercial. The fast-food chain was currently offering Pocket Monsters kiddie meals.

Axel bought every version of the meal, just to see his son smile.

.........
......
...

Now that Axel's situation had been resolved, Collin turned his attention to another matter that required just as much focus.

"It's nice to meet you, Collin. Honestly, I didn't expect you to be Axel's agent too. I thought you only represented Lawrence and Wyatt. Those two are your main money-makers, so they're the only ones I knew about. I just recently heard about Axel."

Jeremiah Sullivan extended his hand, and the two shook hands before sitting across from each other at a sleek, upscale restaurant in Los Angeles where major business talks often took place.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Collin replied calmly, his voice polite but his eyes sharp.

This time, Collin had to negotiate with Jeremiah Sullivan, the producer of Bride Runaway.

"First of all, shouldn't you thank Wash Dismay Studio for helping protect your client's reputation?"

"I believe it was a mutually beneficial arrangement. So, I don't think a thank-you is necessary," Collin said, still smiling.

"As expected... agents really are shameless."

---

If you want to read more, you can check out my Patreon. It has:

15 chapters of Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad

38 chapters of Behind The Spotlight

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki

 

[Internetholic]

And good riddance to trash. Child abusing drug addicts makes my blood boil with the amount of damage they wreck on their family. Both irl and in fiction. Hope she never appears in this story again. I'm worried that after being released from prison in 2 years, she would try to ruin Axel and their son's life again.

Honestly, I still love this work and would always continue reading this but Axel's whole story arc was just triggering my minor trauma button about this issue with how well it's written. Hope she never appears again and if she does appear 2 years later in this story, I'll probably just skip all chapters involving her.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 99

Wash Dismay Studio protected Axel from the scandal because he was part of the cast of Face: Swap. From Collin's perspective, their decision to step in wasn't out of goodwill, it was calculated. Based on that, he knew the studio was merely protecting their projects and long-term investments. Axel just happened to be in the right place at the right time to benefit from the situation.

He admitted that Wash Dismay helped a lot with PR (Public Relations) by providing timely media responses, but he couldn't acknowledge that during the negotiation. Especially since this negotiation involved Lawrence's salary.

Collin couldn't afford to show weakness. One wrong word could cost millions. Admitting that Wash Dismay protected Axel would imply dependency, and Jeremiah would undoubtedly use that to his advantage.

"I guess I understand why you decided to be a talent agent. You're a heartless person," Jeremiah laughed.

When he met Collin earlier today, Jeremiah was genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected the agent to be attractive, he even looked like he could be an actor. Not gonna lie, the guy had leading-man charisma.

"So let's talk about Lawrence. He's currently working on Trapping the Parents, right?"

"His scenes will be done within three weeks. You don't have to worry, it won't affect his schedule for your project."

Lawrence's filming was going as planned, and he would be free to work on Bride Runaway next month without issues. Unless, of course, unforeseen circumstances caused delays.

Lawrence had auditioned for the lead role three days ago. Both Director Nelson and Producer Jeremiah were impressed by his performance and presence. He had absolutely nailed the audition. Hence, this negotiation.

"That's great to hear. We don't want Lawrence's attention divided. Well then, let's talk about his salary. You have to understand, Lawrence's box office appeal still needs further evaluation. And don't forget, Wash Dismay Studio helped you deal with Axel's issue."

"I also remember that you haven't paid my client his remaining $900,000."

"You should talk to Touchpebbles Pictures, not us. Besides, your client technically broke the contract by causing a scandal."

"But Axel still worked on the project. That means the studio didn't consider the contract broken, since they continued production and used his performance."

Collin was frustrated that Axel hadn't earned the remaining half of his balance, especially now that filming was done and post-production had already begun.

"Again, talk to Touchpebbles Pictures, not me. We're separate companies."

"But Wash Dismay owns Touchpebbles Pictures."

"It doesn't matter."

"Alright, then let's talk about Lawrence. What you said earlier is simply false. Lawrence's box office appeal is undeniable. His first film, The Accidental Wedding Crashers, grossed over $350 million. His second movie, Passionate Island, became the second film in history to gross over $1 billion. How dare you say his box office appeal needs further studies?"

"I stand by my opinion."

"Indeed. Producers are shameless."

"Nah, I'm not," Jeremiah shrugged.

"Lawrence's salary should be $13 million, plus 5% of the North American box office."

"Do you even hear yourself right now?" the producer frowned.

"Yes, I cleaned my ears this morning, in case you're wondering."

"And I'm the one who's shameless?"

"What are your offers, then?" Collin spread his hands, inviting a challenge.

"$10 million salary."

"If you add 5% of the North American box office, we'll agree."

"Box office share is not part of the negotiation."

Director Nelson and Jolyne Robs had already asked for box office shares, and Jeremiah had agreed reluctantly, but necessarily. Unlike them, Lawrence was still relatively new to the industry. Nelson and Robs had already proven their worth.

Jeremiah couldn't afford to give away more box office shares if he wanted the studio to keep its profits intact.

"I'm sorry, but $10 million is too low. If box office share is off the table, then how about $18 million salary instead?"

"Collin, don't overstep your boundaries and expect miracles."

"That's why I compromised and settled for a higher upfront salary instead."

Jeremiah closed his eyes for a moment, considering the offer seriously.

Lawrence Terrence was wildly popular right now, with a fanbase growing across continents. Wash Dismay Studio needed him in Bride Runaway to secure international sales.

"$15 million. Take it or leave it."

Collin grinned and extended his hand for a handshake.

"It's nice doing business with you, Mr. Sullivan. I hope we work together again."

Sullivan reluctantly shook his hand, silently swearing he wouldn't let the agent win next time. Since Collin was Wyatt's agent, they'd probably cross paths again.

With that, Lawrence signed a contract to star in Bride Runaway for a salary of $15 million.

.........

......

...

"Cheers!"

Collin and Arnold clinked their wine glasses, both smiling from ear to ear while celebrating at a luxurious bar.

Arnold, Jolyne Robs' agent, had secured a great deal for her role in Bride Runaway.

Likewise, Collin had locked in a massive deal for Lawrence.

Both agents were thrilled, they had just earned hefty commissions. Despite being curious about each other's clients' salaries, they kept their questions to themselves out of professional courtesy. They knew discussing client earnings was an invasion of privacy and crossed a line.

Of course, each had a rough idea. After all, they'd been in the business long enough to make accurate guesses.

Jolyne Robs earned a salary of $17 million plus 5% of worldwide box office earnings.

Lawrence earned $15 million.

"Life is great."

"Life is indeed great."

They nodded, glasses in hand and smiles of victory on their faces.

"Man, I can't believe Lawrence is going to act alongside Jolyne. The age gap is insane, Jolyne's 8 years older than him."

"Hey, don't make fun of my client."

"My bad."

"Besides, Lawrence isn't perfect either. He's got feminine features. Put a wig on him and he'd look like a woman."

"Hey, don't make fun of my client."

"My bad."

The two laughed and ordered another round from the bartender. They were in a high-end bar, celebrating the success of their negotiations and the money that came with it.

"I found myself a girlfriend," Arnold announced proudly, grinning wide.

"Pfft—You did what?"

"Hey, why'd you spit in my face?"

"Sorry, I'm just surprised." Collin handed him a tissue. He genuinely didn't expect Arnold to have a girlfriend.

"Don't look at me like that. Of course I can have a girlfriend. I'm better than you. You're handsome, but can't even find one."

"I'm focused on my career. No time for a girlfriend right now."

"Yeah, right. Just admit you're still traumatized."

+++++

[Thank you for your support.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Author's Note:

First of all, since we've reached 100 chapters, I want to celebrate by offering a 50% discount on my Patreon, where you can read advanced chapters of [Behind the Spotlight] and [Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad]. This discount will end once ten people subscribe.

After receiving a lot of criticism, I've decided that I will continue writing Behind the Spotlight no matter what. So far, I'm satisfied with what I've accomplished in terms of character interaction and depth. Unlike Hollywood What If, where I couldn't really explore the characters' attitudes and behaviors freely, I feel Behind the Spotlight delivers on that front.

However, I also admit that Behind the Spotlight explores some of the darker sides of the industry and that's intentional. That's how I view the entertainment world: an industry full of lies and dirt. Why do you think people like Epstein, Weinstein, and Diddy were able to thrive in Hollywood before the truth eventually came out? In a way, I want this novel to serve as a reminder that Hollywood isn't always the glamorous place it appears to be.

If you want to support and motivate me, here are some ways you can do that:

1. Comment on every chapter. Whether it's positive or negative, I respect everyone's opinion. You can even say the most outrageous things!


2. Vote with power stones on Webnovel. I'd love to see this novel compete in the weekly rankings. That alone would be a huge motivation for me.


3. Add this novel to your reading or collection list. Higher numbers help increase this novel's visibility.


4. Subscribe to my Patreon. This is the biggest way to support and motivate me. I was able to finish [MC's Not Part of the Story] and [Hollywood What If] thanks to my patrons. If you want to see how this novel ends, Patreon is the best place to do that.


I'm really happy that this novel has reached 100 chapters. Please continue supporting me!

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Behind The Spotlight Chapter 100

"So, tell me more about your girlfriend?"

Since Arnold had opened up about his love life, Collin decided to listen with genuine curiosity.

"She's so sweet. She's a high school teacher. We met at a Homie Depot. She was confused about which screw to use to fix her furniture, and I stepped in to help her pick the right one. Since then, we exchanged numbers and kept in touch. We've been dating for three months now, and it's been an amazing journey so far."

"That's great. I'm happy for you," Collin said sincerely, raising his drink in a subtle toast.

Just like him, Arnold was also a workaholic. His last relationship had ended a few years ago. His ex-girlfriend had been insecure about the fact that Arnold worked in the showbiz industry and met hot and gorgeous women every day, most of whom were confident, attractive, and ambitious. That only made things worse for a jealous partner.

"Yeah, she's really sweet. I love her."

The two clinked their glasses and drank another round as the atmosphere became lighter.

"I recall you talking about the creepy producer from Jolyne's last project. What happened with that?"

Last year, Arnold had mentioned a producer who had acted suspiciously around Jolyne Robs.

"Nothing happened. I asked Jolyne about it, and she didn't say anything. I guess I'm just being paranoid."

'Although something is strange about Jolyne lately.' Arnold wasn't comfortable sharing his client's personal life with other people, even with his best friend.

If something was going on with Jolyne, then that was all the more reason not to spread the story, unless Arnold needed help or the situation escalated to something he could no longer ignore.

'For some reason, she started acting strange when she found out I'm dating someone,' Arnold thought as he stared absentmindedly.

Anyway, he disregarded that thought. If Jolyne didn't personally ask for help, then Arnold wouldn't invade her privacy or make assumptions that could damage their professional relationship.

Arnold had worked hard to help Jolyne reach her status as one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood. He had even gone as far as kneeling in front of producers and talking to countless executives and directors back when she was still a nobody.

With that, the two continued happily talking about life.

"Fuck SAG-AFTRA!"

After more liquor shots, Collin's inner frustrations began to surface. This time, he vented about the changes SAG-AFTRA had made without any filter or restraint.

"Shh! Why are you raising your voice? You might get in trouble if someone from the guild hears you."

"Am I not allowed to share my opinion?"

"Just don't say it too loud, especially in public places."

"Alright." Collin sighed and slumped into his seat.

A few months ago, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and many agencies had reached an agreement that agents could only get up to 10% commission from their clients. This reform aimed to eliminate predatory contracts.

The announcement had triggered big changes in the representation industry. Many agents were forced to alter their contracts abruptly, often under pressure and scrutiny.

Actors loved this change because they got to keep more of their earnings, while agents hated it for obvious reasons. A 10% commission cap significantly cut their primary source of revenue. For those who had previously enjoyed 15–20% or more, it was a painful downgrade.

Still, the guild had made this move to protect actors in the industry. Agents charging excessive commissions hurt the talent, so SAG-AFTRA stepped in to establish new ethical standards and level the playing field.

Because of this, Collin also had to revise Lawrence's contract. The signing had been a bit awkward, but the two went along with it. Collin could tell that Lawrence had been skeptical about the original 15% commission and wanted to renegotiate. Then SAG-AFTRA's reform gave Lawrence a valid reason to change it without coming off as ungrateful or confrontational.

Lawrence was now uncomfortable with getting less money taken from him, especially since he was earning more from deals, endorsement gigs, and acting fees. Sure, he owed a lot to Collin, but money was money. Numbers didn't lie in this business.

If Lawrence was happy, then Collin was the one losing out. He now earned less commission from Lawrence. Still, they remained professional, and their working relationship stayed intact. Nothing really bad happened.

"My 15% commission..." Collin sighed again, his voice heavy with resignation.

"You should look at it from a different angle. At least you get a personal 5% from that 10% cap. Me? I only get 3%. The other 7% goes to the agency and the representation team, even though I'm the one doing most of the work."

"Really? You only get that much?" Collin was surprised. It was the first time they'd discussed their commission rates in such detail.

"Yeah, I'm getting screwed. Honestly, if not for the influence and brand strength of ANT, I might have had to start my own agency. But I'm not sure if my clients would follow me. Jolyne might, but Brody and my horror director? They're tougher to convince."

The reason many celebrities wanted to be represented by ANT was because of its wide network and strong foundation, which practically guaranteed exposure and connections.

After a fun night of drinking, the two called a taxi to take them home. When they woke up the next day, they silently agreed to forget everything they had talked about the night before, as if it had never happened.

.........
......
...

A European woman was singing on a stage, and her voice was amazing. It was crisp, powerful, and filled with raw emotion.

The audience cheered for her with growing excitement, some even standing up from their seats.

However, the four judges still hadn't pushed the button to turn their chairs. They were holding back, listening carefully to see if she could maintain her pitch and control.

Jackson Mike was one of the panelists. Despite being at the center of scandals, he had joined this show in an effort to repair his reputation and rebuild public trust.

When the woman hit the high note, three judges including Jackson Mike, finally pushed the buttons. Their seats turned, and they saw the female singer for the first time.

"Alright, looks like you're lucky! Three of the judges pushed their buttons."

After the performance, Jennifer Randon appeared, holding a red microphone to host the show.

The European woman smiled and nodded, blinking back tears.

"First, you must introduce yourself and tell us about your life."

"I'm Maria Maria. I was born in Texas, but my parents are from UK. I love singing... Sniff, sniff..."

The woman started crying as she recalled a painful childhood memory.

"Aww, why are you crying?"

"I just remembered a sad tragedy in my life."

"Why don't you share it with us?"

"When I was in elementary school, I was bullied. The kids said I had a big nose."

"That's very sad. I can't believe they said that to you..." Jennifer glanced at her, particularly at her nose, which indeed stood out quite a bit. Yes, the singer had a big pointy nose.

"Well then, since you shared your sad story and gained the sympathy of the audience and the three judges, let's hear what they have to say. But first, we'll take a quick commercial break!"

Jennifer pointed at the camera and winked with practiced timing.

The show wasn't live, but they still added these bits to give the illusion of a live performance. The audition rounds were pre-recorded, but the knockout rounds would be broadcast live to maximize tension and viewer engagement.

 

[Internetholic]

Keep it up dude! This story's still great as ever.

Also, is there a way to pay through patreon with my debit visa card without needing any of my card details being permanently saved there just to maintain membership? Another thing that I would like to know is if I can disable the automatic deduction from my bank account. I honestly don't mind even paying $10 a month for my current favorite novel even when I'm still broke but I'm very vert very reluctant on saving my card details anywhere online and I don't do automatic deductions on my account. I'd rather just pay manually per month.

 

[Internetholic]

After googling the payment process and details of the Patreon website, I'm not sure if I can actually go through payment there but I'll definitely do number 1-3 (comment, power stones and collection) as a token of my support. Fighting!

 

[Pujimaki]

After googling the payment process and details of the Patreon website, I'm not sure if I can actually go through payment there but I'll definitely do number 1-3 (comment, power stones and collection) as a token of my support. Fighting!

Click to shrink...

Thank you