Selena leaned back in her plush leather chair, eyes fixed on the screen glowing before her. The entertainment industry was a game of whispers and shadows — and she had perfected the art of setting fires no one could trace.

Her fingers danced across the keyboard as she uploaded the latest batch of photos to a private group chat filled with influencers, bloggers, and gossip columnists hungry for the next exclusive.

> “Cassian Rhys spotted near university dorms. Who is the mystery girl?”

Is this his rumored savior from years ago? Or is the golden boy finally seeing someone beneath the radar? 👀

No accusations. Just bait.

The chat exploded within seconds.

She watched names she didn’t even remember light up the screen with replies — some already connecting dots, others dragging up past interviews where Cassian had dodged relationship questions. One even pulled a screenshot of the talk show moment when he said he wanted to “meet someone again.”

Selena took a slow sip of her tea.

They were doing her work for her.

Next, she dropped an anonymous tip to a popular celebrity gossip site:

> “Rumor: Cassian’s perfect record might have a crack. He's been secretly seeing a girl who isn't from the industry. Family disapproves. Trouble’s brewing.”

It was delicate. Purposefully vague. Not a lie, not the full truth. Just the kind of wildfire you couldn’t smother once it started.

And the best part? He couldn't deny it without confirming it.

Her phone buzzed.

[Assistant: “It’s spreading faster than expected. Top comment section’s already over 2K replies. Your timing was perfect.”]

Selena’s lips curled into a knowing smirk.

Let’s see how loyal you stay when she starts drowning in your spotlight, Cassian.

---

Cassian’s POV

The door to the agency’s executive conference room clicked shut behind him.

He had barely stepped inside when he noticed it — the shift in tone, the stiffness in posture. The PR manager barely made eye contact. His manager looked like he’d aged overnight.

“What’s going on?” Cassian asked slowly.

His CEO, a steely-eyed woman with perfect posture and zero tolerance for nonsense, slid a tablet toward him.

“You’re trending,” she said curtly.

Cassian picked up the tablet.

Photos. Comments. Rumors.

He recognized one photo immediately — taken outside Elara’s building. The comments beneath it made his stomach twist.

> “So it’s true? The uni girl?”

“He’s got a secret girlfriend? She’s not even in the industry.”

“That girl doesn’t look like she could handle the spotlight…”

“He’s hiding her. There’s something shady.”

He clenched his jaw.

“What is this?” he asked, voice flat.

His manager looked sheepish. “Someone leaked it. No one knows who. But it’s gaining speed.”

Cassian didn’t need to guess. His thoughts went immediately to Selena.

He pushed a hand through his hair. “I’ve never mentioned her publicly. I’ve kept things discreet. How the hell did this get out?”

His CEO didn’t blink. “We’re not here to lecture you on who you see, Cassian. But we are here to manage the consequences.”

“There shouldn’t be consequences,” he snapped.

“Reality doesn’t care,” she replied calmly. “If this girl’s name leaks, the media will hound her. If she’s not protected, your reputation and hers will tank. Not romantically. Ethically.”

He exhaled slowly.

It wasn’t just about him anymore. It hadn’t been for a long time.