“There’s nothing wrong with the track–since youposed it with Tristan’s style in mind, why not just add it to the album? What do you think?”


    “If Tristan’s willing to sing it, I’d be more than happy.” The producer, a bit particr himself, grinned.


    “My brother’s track is always wee. It’s been, what, a year since ourst coboration?”


    “Yeah, this one was originally custom–made for you. But Candace said she wanted


    it as the lead single on Fitch’s new album, so I rewrote it for him.”


    “Well, guess what’s meant to be mine will always find its way back to me.”


    That got augh out of the producer, his eyes crinkling.


    “All right, that settles it. Tristan, take the demo and the sheet music next door to practice. We’ll start recording in an hour–sound good?”


    “Perfect.” Tristan didn’t waste a minute. At their level, not only was their talent unquestioned, but every second was literally worth money. Deadlines were deadlines–no matter how tough, you gave it everything.


    Maybe otherpanies yed it loose, but at A&C Entertainment, cking off wasn’t tolerated. If an artist ever stepped out of line, they’d get a warning; ignore it, and your contract was terminated–no fuss, no drama.


    Fans even made a leaderboard, joking that A&C Entertainment had the most “scandal–proof” artists in the business. After all, if anyone was about to blow up their reputation, A&C would drop them first.


    “All right, let’s check your range first. Come on, let’s hit the recording booth.”


    “Sure.”


    Two hourster, the team gathered in the conference room.


    “The new track is almost done, and the choreography’s ready to go,” Alessia said, spinning a pen between her fingers. “Lillian, coordinate the schedule and make sure Tristan has time for rehearsal. I’ll assign another manager for Liam’s daily stuff, but he’ll still be mainly your responsibility. Is that all right?”


    “No problem,” Lillian replied.


    “As for your new album,” Alessia continued, turning to Tristan, “the n is for


    <i>you </i>to


    14:47


    write the lead single yourself and co–write the rest with Jason. Sound good?”


    “Sounds good.” Liam was still amazed at how fast everything was moving. Watching Alessiamand the room, he felt a strange sense of awe.


    “For the next three months, you’ll have a dedicated dance coach and music instructor. Besides your regr sses, there’ll be a series of artist training sessions. The schedule’s packed, but can you handle it?”


    “I can.”


    “One thing, though–if you don’t pass the assessment in three months, your debut will be postponed. A&C doesn’t let underprepared artists embarrass thepany.”


    Alessia never softened up, even with her own people. That was how she


    “Understood.” Liam straightened, catching her seriousness.


    “Good. Lillian, you handle the rest of the arrangements,” Alessia said, her tone rxing now that the important matters were settled.


    “Will do.”


    “Anything else?” Alessia rested her chin on her hands, ncing around at the others. No one spoke up–they just shook their heads.


    “If we’re all set, Jason, could you show my brother around? And bring Candace and the new kid in when you’re done.”


    “Sure thing.” Jason exchanged a look with Liam–they both knew they weren’t


    needed for the next part and slipped out without protest.


    “Should I leave too?” Tristan asked, half–heartedly, not moving an inch.


    “Stay if you want. After all, our next guest is little Tristan.”


    Tristan caught the teasing in Alessia’s voice and rxed even more into his chair. There was no way he’d miss this.