SuperStar!

Bill Miller leaned back in his chair, a rare smile softening his sharp features. The morning sunlight spilled through the windows of his Beverly Hills home, casting a warm glow over the cozy room. For the first time in weeks, he had managed to carve out some time for himself and his wife, Stephanie.

Stephanie lay curled up beside him, her head resting comfortably on his chest. Her auburn hair caught the light, a reminder of the fiery energy that had first drawn him to her all those years ago.

"You've been MIA lately," she said, her voice a blend of affection and reproach. "I was starting to wonder if I needed to hire an agent to book time with you."

Bill laughed, the sound deep and genuine. "I know. Things have been insane lately, but I'm here now. Just us."

Stephanie smiled up at him, her green eyes twinkling. "Good. Because I've missed this. It's been way too quiet since Paul left."

Bill's expression softened at the mention of their only child. "He couldn't wait to go back to school. Remember what he said? 'I've had enough parent time for a lifetime.'"

Stephanie laughed, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his arm. "Can you blame him? The lockdown wasn't exactly his idea of a good time."

"He'll come around," Bill said with a grin. "Besides, we raised him right. He's smart, he's determined, and he's got a good head on his shoulders."

They fell into a comfortable silence, enjoying the rare moment of peace. But, as always, work had a way of intruding. Bill's phone buzzed on the bedside table. He groaned but reached for it, seeing Jessica's name flash across the screen.

"Duty calls," he said apologetically before answering. "Hey, Jess. What's up?"

"We need you at the label," Jessica's voice was brisk and to the point. "It's about Ethan's pay for the tour."

Bill sat up, his demeanor instantly shifting to business mode. "Money talk? Say no more. I'll be there in an hour. Where's Ethan?"

"He's in an interview right now," Jessica replied, naming a well-known host and show.

"Got it. I'll call him on my way." Bill ended the call and turned to Stephanie with a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry, love. I've got to go."

Stephanie arched an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Of course you do. Go make your millions. But don't forget to leave your credit card behind as a peace offering."

Bill chuckled and handed her the card. "Try not to max it out."

A few minutes later, Bill was behind the wheel of his black Porsche Panamera, the engine purring as he navigated the winding roads of Beverly Hills. As he drove, he couldn't help but reflect on how much his life had changed since signing Ethan. The young artist was more than just a client; he was a once-in-a-lifetime talent, and working with him had been the smartest decision of Bill's career.

The upcoming tour contract was set to be the biggest payday yet, not just for Ethan but for everyone involved. Bill grinned as he hit the hands-free button and dialed Ian Roberts, his financial advisor and longtime friend.

"Ian, it's Bill."

"Morning, Bill. What's the word?"

"After today, I'm bringing Ethan to see you. We need to go over everything—streams, social media earnings, and now the tour profits. The label's payout from the last show is coming in soon, and I want you to cross-check the numbers."

"Sounds like a plan," Ian replied. "I'll be ready."

Ending the call, Bill immediately tried Ethan. The call rang out, unanswered. "Busy with the interview, I guess," he muttered, then tried Rebecca, Ethan's publicist. She picked up, but the noise in the background was deafening.

"Rebecca, can you hear me?" Bill shouted.

"Barely!" Rebecca yelled back before the call cut off.

By the time Bill arrived at the label's headquarters in Los Angeles, he was already strategizing. Parking his car, he strode into the sleek building and headed straight for the conference room. Jessica was waiting inside with a group of men in sharp suits.

"Where's Ethan?" Bill asked as he entered. "I couldn't get through to him or Rebecca."

Jessica exhaled, looking a little frazzled. "The interview got crazy. Fans found out the location, and things went sideways. But they're safe and heading here now."

"Good," Bill said, his tone clipped but relieved.

Jessica slid a stack of documents across the table toward him. "This is the tour contract we've drafted."

Bill picked up the papers, his eyes scanning the pages as his mind shifted gears. He knew this was it—the moment that could redefine Ethan's career and cement his own legacy in the industry.