Skylar was almost tempted to pull his hair out. How had things gotten so messy, so out of hand?
He looked down at the endless stream of social media posts and videos and cursed at the continuously flooding pictures that filled every corner of the screen.
Did Starlink really want to leave Elliott with no way out? He was their biggest cash cow, dammit! Even if they had wanted to push him out, they could have continued to do so slowly, carefully, letting the world adjust and maybe giving him some time to fade out.
What was this sudden rush about? Why were they moving as if someone had lit a fire under them?
He tried calling Clara to confront her, but of course, she had conveniently switched off her phone. Hmphf! Typical.
Skylar cast a worried glance at Elliott and then back at the videos that were already circulating among the crowd. What must he have endured with all those drunk women? They'd even torn off his shirt! And then to have ben drugged! The thought twisted uncomfortably in his chest. Thankfully, he'd managed to escape, otherwise, they would have had no way out.
In the entertainment industry, it was almost impossible for even girls to cry ra*e... if a man did it, he would be made into a laughing stock.
But even as he wondered how he had managed to escape and what Starlink was going to do about this, something caught his eye. A tattoo. His eyes narrowed. When had Elliott gotten a tattoo on his back?
Was he seeing that right? Elliott hated those things the most, said they were pointless. Yet here was a glaring mark inked across his skin, and not a small one either.
Before Skylar could question him, a new rising trend flashed on the screen and pulled his attention. Starlink Press Conference.
"Damn it!" Skylar swore. Elliott had guessed this correctly too.
Starlink had planned a press conference early in the morning. If things had gone according to their plan, by the time Elliott's drug had worn off, his fate would already be sealed. It was clear now-they were in a desperate hurry to get rid of him.
"Elliott. They're holding the conference at seven in the morning! Seven sharp! What do we do?" Skylar's voice rose with urgency.
Elliott only smiled and gave him a calm look. "What are you worried about?"
Skylar frowned. Why was he so relaxed? Did he know something that Skylar didn't?
Once again, he didn't get a chance to question him as Elliott stood and stretched. "Let's go to the Four Seasons now, before the fans and the press arrive. That way, it will be easier for us to intercept what Starlink is planning and set up our own attack…"
"And how are you going to attack, may I know?" Skylar shot back, unable to keep the edge from his voice.
"What's the time?" Elliott asked instead.
Skylar blinked. Was this really the time to ask about the time? With a scowl, he glanced at his watch, then looked up. "It's three a.m."
"Check your mailbox."
Skylar's frown deepened. "Mailbox? Of all things? Your fans are talking about how you're willing to sell yourself, how you swore you'd never get a tattoo and yet here you are with a glaring red one… but you're asking me to check my mailbox?"
Elliott frowned in irritation. "Just take a look and stop yapping."
Skylar bit back his retort and opened the mailbox. His stomach dropped. Damn it! There were already emails from the brands- sharp, cold, and merciless. Some were demanding explanations, others threatening action, and a few had already sent official cancellation letters drafted by their lawyers. The words stung worse than any insult.
These were the brands that promised to stay by the actor's side! They used the actor for maximum popularity and then, now that there was trouble on the horizon, they wanted to throw him away! Ha!
Slylar wanted to curse as he glared at Elliott, as if asking, "Is this what you wanted me to see…?"
Just as he was about to say the question out loud, the inbox pinged again. Another incoming mail.
Skylar's thumb hovered before he opened it, and when he did, his eyes widened. He looked from the screen to Elliott, back again to the phone. Was he dreaming? Could it be a hoax? He checked the sender twice, but sure enough-it was from a validated, verified ID.
His voice cracked as he spun around. "Elliott! This… How did you? When? Where? How?"
Elliott smiled and said," Now can we go? I'll explain the things on the way."
Skylar nodded at that. Yes. He wanted to go there immediately. In fact, he could not wait for seven am to arrive! Then he would like to see their faces.