SuperStar!

Ethan sat in the sleek, ultra-modern office, its glass walls offering a panoramic view of Hilversum's skyline. Beside him, Bill sat composed, a stark contrast to Ethan's nervous energy. Across from them sat a man whose very presence seemed to command respect—Lucian Grainge, the CEO of Universal Music Group. Ethan found himself momentarily lost in a daze, reflecting on the series of events that brought him here.

Just weeks ago, he was on a video call with Julia, an A&R representative from the label, discussing his music. Then, as soon as lockdown restrictions lifted, Bill had shown up at his house, fresh from getting vaccinated. What began as a casual discussion suddenly escalated into life-changing plans. Before Ethan knew it, he was bidding his family goodbye, boarding a first-class flight to the Netherlands.

The flight had been an eye-opener. First-class was another world—no crying kids, no cramped seats. Ethan still marveled at the luxury. "The rich really do live differently," he thought. Upon landing, a black limo was waiting to whisk him away to a high-end hotel, where the pillows felt like sleeping on clouds. This morning, he had dressed in a $2,000 tailored suit that Bill and his sister Precious had insisted he buy, completing the look with a $20,000 Hublot Big Bang Unico Titanium watch he splurged on both himself and his dad a while back. Now, he sat here, in front of one of the most powerful men in music, trying to steady his racing thoughts.

"Good morning, Ethan. I've heard a lot about you," Lucian began, his voice calm but commanding, pulling Ethan out of his reverie.

"Good morning, sir," Ethan replied, his voice shaky. Sensing his client's nervousness, Bill stepped in smoothly.

"Morning, Mr. Grainge," Bill said with a polite nod.

"Good morning to you as well, Mr. Miller," Lucian replied, his eyes briefly narrowing as they flicked to Bill. The pleasantries out of the way, Lucian leaned back, exuding confidence.

"Alright, let's cut to the chase. I'm a straightforward guy. When I see something, I like, I go for it," he began, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Ethan, I've been keeping an eye on you since last year, when you dropped Shape of You. Let me say, you're one talented young man."

"Thank you, sir," Ethan managed, his confidence returning in small waves.

"No need to thank me; I'm just stating the truth," Lucian said with a smile. "You're the real deal." Ethan's cheeks flushed at the praise, unsure of how to respond.

Bill stepped in again, steering the conversation. "Thank you, Lucian. That means a lot to both of us."

Lucian's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. Why did he have to have an agent? he thought. When he first learned that Ethan had representation, he assumed it was a friend or family member—a rookie mistake that the company could easily sidestep. But Bill was clearly a professional, and considering the meteoric rise of Ethan's social presence over the past few months, he seemed to know what he was doing. Lucian mentally shelved his initial irritation.

"Alright, here's the deal," Lucian continued, sitting forward. "Universal Music Group wants to sign Ethan Jones. We believe in your talent, Ethan, and we want to help you take over the market. You have the looks, the voice, and the potential to be at the top."

Ethan's pulse quickened. This was it—the moment he had dreamed about for years.

"We'd like to start with an album," Lucian added. "There's already so much buzz around you, and your fans are eager for more. A debut album would be the perfect move. Great job building that hype, by the way."

"Thank you. It's all for my client's benefit," Bill said, nodding. "But before we dive into any album plans, there's something Ethan is very particular about. He wants full creative control over his music."

Lucian paused, studying Ethan for a long moment. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes sparkled with interest. Ethan felt the weight of the gaze but didn't look away.

"Creative control, huh?" Lucian said, leaning back in his chair. "That's a bold ask. Most artists your age wouldn't know what to do with that kind of freedom."

"I know what I want," Ethan said, finding his voice at last. "I've written every song I've released so far. They're a part of me. I don't want to lose that."

Lucian's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "Fair enough. Let's see what we can work out."

For the first time in the conversation, Ethan felt like he was holding his ground. This was his music, his passion, and he wasn't going to let it slip away without a fight.

The conversation continued, each side negotiating the finer details of the potential contract. Ethan sat back and listened closely as Bill and Lucian discussed terms and strategies. He could almost see the future stretching out before him—a world where his songs topped charts and his name lit up arenas.

This was his chance, and he wasn't going to waste it.