Chapter 172

Chapter 172:

“Yes!” Sierra’s enthusiasm burst forth, followed by a conspiratorial smile. “Though if I’m honest, today’s mission is really about finding the perfect welcome gift for you, Janice.”

“A gift for me?”

“Absolutely! Now come on!” Before Janice could protest, Sierra had seized her hand, pulling her eagerly into the mall’s gleaming interior.

As their laughter faded into the bustling shopping center, a sleek luxury van glided into the underground parking lot. Carman emerged, his designer outfit demanding attention despite his obvious attempt at anonymity.

His security detail materialized around him like well-trained shadows. Though his face remained hidden behind sunglasses and a mask, the tension in his shoulders betrayed his discomfort. Had anyone stripped away those barriers, they’d likely find his features twisted in barely concealed distress.

Yesterday’s beating from Vernon’s bodyguards had left his entire body aching, despite them avoiding his face. He’d wanted to take the day off, but the company insisted he attend this event.

His recent lack of hit songs meant he had no choice but to participate in such events to maintain his public presence.

“Yvonne, are the event’s security measures reliable?” Carman asked the woman beside him.

She stood in her early thirties, projecting competence and intelligence in her gold-rimmed glasses and tailored suit.

“Don’t worry. Beyond the event’s security, we have our own people in place. You’ll be completely safe.”

Carman nodded, finding some comfort in her words.

After offending Vernon and losing all his endorsements, he’d angered many people. Who knew if someone might try to harm him when he least expected it? What a bunch of fair-weather friends! Their regret would be sweet once his next hit dominated the charts.

“Carman, I know these events aren’t your favorite, so finish that new song quickly. That track you recorded earlier? Barely passable—certainly not lead single material for your new album.” Yvonne adjusted her glasses, regarding him with professional detachment.

Behind his dark lenses, Carman’s face drained of color, though Yvonne couldn’t see it.

“I’ve been running low on inspiration lately…” The excuse died on his lips as he met Yvonne’s glacial stare.

“Don’t worry, I’ll have something ready in the next couple of days.”

“Alright.” Yvonne’s curt nod matched her tone. “It’s about time. The venue awaits.”

Frustration coiled in Carman’s chest like a trapped snake. His battered body protested at the mere thought. How was he supposed to craft a hit song in two days?

There was only one solution that had never failed him: complete isolation. Whenever his muse abandoned him, retreating into the solitude of his home had always been his salvation, sparking that magical burst of creativity that birthed hit after hit.

Sierra eagerly guided Janice into an upscale jewelry boutique. A smile tugged at Janice’s lips as she recognized the logo—a Freak Design branch.

“Janice, what are you up to?”

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