Betrayed Spotlight

Sarah was still basking in the glow of her vindication when she heard a car pull into the driveway. She looked out her bedroom window and saw Mason getting out, dressed in another perfectly tailored suit. Hadn't he gone to work yet?

Even from a distance, she could see the confident way he carried himself.

A few minutes later, she heard a knock on her door.

"Coming!" she called back, quickly running a brush through her hair and putting on a simple but elegant dress. She wanted to look put-together when she thanked him for clearing her name.

She opened the door and the maid informed her that Mason awaited her In his study. 

He was sitting behind his large wooden desk with several documents spread out in front of him when she walked in. He looked up when she entered, and she noticed his expression was more relaxed than it had been the night before.

"Good morning," he said, gesturing for her to sit in the chair across from his desk.

"Good morning," Sarah replied, settling into the chair. "Mr. Liu, I wanted to thank you for what you did. Clearing my name, I mean. I know it was you."

Mason's expression didn't change. "I told you I would handle it, Mrs. Liu." he replied and Sarah blushed.

"But how did you do it so quickly? The evidence, the investigation—" She hurriedly changed the topic.

"I have resources," he said simply. "When I want something done, it gets done."

Sarah felt a flutter in her chest at his matter-of-fact tone. This man could move mountains when he set his mind to it.

"There's something else we need to discuss," Mason continued, picking up one of the documents from his desk. "Your career."

Sarah leaned forward. "What about it?"

"You turned down Diamond Sound Entertainment this morning."

Sarah's eyes widened. "How did you know about that?"

Mason's lips curved into the slightest smirk. "I know about everything that concerns you, Sarah. It's my job to know."

The way he said "my job" made her heart skip a beat. There was something possessive and protective in his tone that she found both thrilling and unsettling.

"You made the right choice," Mason continued. "They don't deserve you after how they treated you."

"I agree," Sarah said firmly. "But I'm not sure what my next step should be. I want to make a comeback, but I want to do it right this time."

Mason slid the document across the desk to her. "That's why I've arranged something better."

Sarah picked up the paper and her eyes widened as she read it. It was a contract with Stellar Entertainment Group, one of the most prestigious talent agencies in the country. They represented A-list actors, Grammy-winning musicians, and international superstars.

"Mason, this is… this is incredible," she breathed. "But how? Stellar doesn't just take on anyone."

"They do when I ask them to," Mason said. "I've also arranged for you to work with Zachary Wen. He's the best manager in the industry."

Sarah's jaw dropped. "Zachary Wen? The Zachary Wen who managed three artists to Grammy wins last year?"

"The same one."

Sarah stared at the contract, hardly believing what she was seeing. Stellar Entertainment Group was offering her a deal that was better than anything she'd ever dreamed of. Complete creative control, a massive promotional budget, and a team of industry experts dedicated to her success.

"There's a meeting this afternoon," Mason said. "Zachary wants to discuss your comeback strategy."

Sarah looked up at him, feeling overwhelmed. "Mr. Liu, I don't know what to say. This is too much."

"We had a deal, it's what I must do," he said simply. "Your talent was actually never the problem. You just needed the right people supporting you."

Before Sarah could respond, her phone started ringing on the desk where she'd placed it. She glanced at the screen and felt her stomach drop when she saw the name: Dad.

Mason noticed her expression change. "Aren't you going to answer it?"

Sarah stared at the phone as it continued to ring. She hadn't spoken to her father since the day he'd told her to confess to things she hadn't done and disappear from public life. The day he'd chosen Hannah over her.

"Sarah?" Mason's voice was gentle.

The phone stopped ringing, but almost immediately started again. Dad. Again.

This time, Sarah picked it up and answered.

"Hello, Father," she said, her voice carefully neutral.

"Sarah! Thank God you answered," her father's voice was excited and relieved. "Sweetheart, I just saw the news. Everything's been cleared up! This is wonderful news."

Sarah felt her jaw clench. "Yes, it is."

"You need to come home right away," her father continued, his voice taking on the commanding tone she remembered from her childhood. "We need to plan your comeback properly. I've already spoken to several reporters who want to do exclusive interviews with you. Plus, what's this I hear about Mason Liu? Come home quickly let's discuss."

"Home?" Sarah asked coldly.

"Of course! This is a huge opportunity. We can turn this whole situation into a positive story about how you overcame false accusations if you come home. It'll make you more popular than ever!"

Sarah looked across the desk at Mason, who was watching her with sharp, attentive eyes. She could see the tension in his posture, as if he was ready to take the phone from her if necessary.

"And Hannah?" Sarah asked. "What about Hannah?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "What about her?"

"Is she still living in my house? Still playing happy family with you while I was being destroyed by lies?"

"Sarah, that's… that's complicated. Hannah made some mistakes, but she's still your sister."

"No," Sarah said firmly. "She's not."

"Sarah, don't be dramatic. Family is family. Now come home so we can—"

Sarah ended the call and immediately turned off her phone. She placed it face-down on the desk and looked up at Mason.

"You're not going," he said. It wasn't a question.

"No," Sarah said, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "I'm not."

Mason nodded approvingly. "Good. You don't need them anymore."

Sarah felt tears prick her eyes, but they weren't tears of sadness. They were tears of relief and freedom. For the first time in her life, she was truly free to make her own choices.

"So," she said, picking up the Stellar Entertainment contract again. "Tell me about this meeting with Zachary Wen."

Mason's expression softened slightly, and Sarah caught a glimpse of something that might have been pride in his eyes.

"He's expecting us at two o'clock," Mason said. "I'll drive you there."

"Us?" Sarah asked.

"I'll be there as your… advisor," Mason said carefully.

Sarah smiled, feeling excitement bubble up in her chest. This was it. This was her chance to rebuild her career the right way, with the right people supporting her.

"Then let's go make me a star again," she said.

Mason's smile was small but genuine. "You were always a star, Sarah. Now the whole world will remember why."