Collins expected the knock at his office door to herald the arrival of some high–ranking executive, so he was surprised to see it was just a fellow agent.


    But not the friendliest one.


    Narrowing his eyes, Collins‘ voice came out distant and cool, “What do you want?”


    Cory, the embodiment of smug superiority, nced at Collins, sauntered past him into the office, and casually said after a brief pause, “Oh, right. Close the door, will you? We need to


    chat.”


    The flippant request floated over from behind Collins, causing a slight furrow in his brow. Nevertheless, he shut the door quickly, pivoted, and returned to his desk.


    Cory sprawled out on the couch like he owned the ce, leaning back in a rxed pose. His gazended on Leo, who had managed topose himself and adopt his usual icy demeanor by the time Collins had opened the door. Now, under Cory’s scrutiny, Leo couldn’t help but scowl.


    “Such a shame,” Cory tsked, shaking his head with a hint of mock pity. “A bright future potentially dashed to pieces. Yet you two seem… oddly calm.” –


    With a leg nonchntly crossed over the other, Cory’s overt confidence didn’t falter as he spoke, clearly unafraid of ruffling feathers.


    Collins approached, his expression unreadable. “Spit it out, Cory. No need to beat around the bush.”


    “Everyone at thepany knows about Leo’s injury. He can’t perform on stage anymore. I just came to show some concern, buddy. Why the hostility?” Cory’s smile was carefree.


    Cory and Collins were thepany’s top agents. Cory had always been in Collins‘ shadow, especially with Leo being Collins‘ ace. Now that Leo was sidelined, Cory was curious to see how Collins would fare without his star.


    Of course, Collins knew Cory was here to kick them while they were down, so he didn’t take the bait. Flicking his finger nonchntly, he drawled, “Seems my boy Leo’s just too hot to handle. Envy’s an ugly beast, eh? Starts all kinds of rumors.”


    Suddenly, Cory stood, the sarcasm on his face dissolving quickly. “Let’s cut the crap, Collins. We both know the score with Leo’s injury. Out of professional courtesy, I could help you keep the lid on your little secret.”


    Collins‘ lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze steady on Cory, aware that the real proposition was about to be unveiled.


    “Just have Leo step down as the lead of the Neon Paradox, and I’ll squash all the rumors for you,” Cory said slowly as if proposing a simple business deal.


    Collins‘ eyes narrowed, his expression darkening in an instant. “Are you dreaming?”


    Cory shrugged. “Given your client’s current predicament, it’s better to step down gracefully than be stripped of the position by thepany. At least you can maintain some dignity, right?”


    He paused. “Think it over. Give me a call when you’ve made up your mind. Opportunities like this don’t wait around.” With those flippant words, Cory didn’t wait for a reply, striding confidently towards the exit. As he left, he even had the courtesy to close the door behind him.


    Collins, steam practically billowing from his ears in anger, couldn’t contain his temper any longer. “That backstabbing jerk! How dare he even suggest you give up the lead of the Neon Paradox?”