<b>Chapter </b>444
Just as Caitlin was about to take the business card, a long, stander hand reached out and interceptedá
Sebastian took the card, nced at it, and casually wrapped an arm around Call’s diddor
“My girlfriend stained your jacket apologies. We’ll get it cleaned and return it to you?
Not giving Abel a chance to speak, Sebastian led Caitlin away.
Abel turned and watched them leave, his eyes harrowing
If he wanted to get close to Caitlin, he’d first have to get past Sebastian.
Back in the private room, Sebastian tossed the jacket and the business card onto a nearby chair.
“Stay alert around men like that. Don’t give them any opening”
Caitlin chuckled. “What kind of opening? You think that guy did it on purpose just to get close to me?”
“Can’t say for sure.”
Sebastian sipped his wine. “In my eyes, any man who talks to you–aside from me–probably has questionable motives.
“You think I’m some sort of universal heartthrob? That every man’s into me?”
Caitlin teased, and Sebastian leaned in, gently lifting her chin with his fingers.
“Absolutely. You’re a treasure everyone wants, but only I get to have.”
His voice was soft, eyes deep with emotion. He wasn’t interested in the food anymore–only her.
They lingered in that romantic bubble far longer than the meal itselfsted.
Finally, Sebastian pulled away with reluctance. “If we didn’t have ns after this, I’d never let you go.”
They stood to leave. Outside, Xavi was waiting. Sebastian handed him the jacket for dry cleaning and left the restaurant with Caitlin,
The premiere was being held at New York’srgest theater. The film, “Euphoria Voyage, starred Yates. Though PE wasn’t the distributor, they were one of the investors.
Caitlin and Sebastian arrived low–key and met up with Yates in the backstage lounge.
“Boss! Boss! You being here for my premiere is such an honor!”
Yates rushed over, grinning ear to ear–not even trying to act like aposed actor. He was clearly fanboying hard.
Sebastian cleared his throat softly, signaling him to dial it back.
But Yates wasn’t the least bit intimidated. “Thank you, boss, for bringing your wife to support my big night! This is a major milestone for <b>me</b><b>. </b>Please, take your seats–the premiere’s about to start. Afterward, drinks are on me at Club No. 8!
Yates was thrilled and clearly eager to impress Caitlin with his performance.
Just then, a man walked in. “Yates!”
<b>TV </b><b>24</b>, <b>thu </b><b>17 </b><b>BUI </b>
Yates turned, surprised. “Abell Man, what are you doing here?”
“Just got back from overseas. Heard tonight was your premiere, so came to show bona suponit”
They hugged.
“Word is you’ve been doing well—running your own filmpany now? That’s impress
“Just a small gig.”
“Come, let me introduce you to our boss.”
Yates beamed and proudly brought Abel over. “This is my old friend, Abel. We go way back. Abel, met my Geeshan, and has dele Caitlin.”
“So you’re Abel? I think we crossed paths at the restaurant earlier.”
Sebastian recognized him. Abel smiled politely. “Mr. Vanderbilt, I’ve heard a lot about you. And you must be Catlin? We did meet now–small world.”
“You’ve already met?” Yates looked surprised.
The group made small talk. Abel was smooth and casual, hiding any deeper motives well.
Yates saw Abel as a close friend. But for Abel, that friendship had soured long ago.
He had never let go of the resentment from years back–if Yates hadn’t stolen that audition from him, he would be the one with the wards
and the fame. Not Yates.
After a few more exchanges, Sebastian and Caitlin went to find their seats while Abel and Yates stayed behind to chat until the premere began.
Before the screening, there was a red–carpet event and a round of interviews. Yates, as the lead actor, appeared with the director and other
key cast members, answering questions and engaging fans.
The atmosphere was lively and electric. To support Yates, Caitlin and Sebastian even sent a massive congrattory bouquet.
When the interviews and interactions ended, the movie began.
It was a romanticedy with nostalgic undertones, very different from Yates’s past work. But his acting was wless–he really was born for this industry, as proven by his two Best Actor awards.
Throughout the 90–minute film, the audience was captivatedughing, cheering, even tearing up. When the credits rolled, thunderous apuse filled the theater.
But just as the premiere concluded, several uniformed officers entered the screening room. They shed their badges.
“Mr. Yates, you’ve been reported for possession and use of illegal substances. We need you toe with us for questioning.”
One officer reached for him. Yates resisted. “didn’t! You’ve got the wrong person!”
The theater erupted into chaos. His fans sat frozen in shock, watching as their idol was taken away.
In the crowd, Abel watched calmly, a faint, sinister smirk curling on his lips.
A scandal like this, hitting right at Yates’s peak–he’d never recover from it. Not in this lifetime.
<b>Chapter </b>444
Yates’s <b>protests </b>could still be heard echoing down the hallway. Caitlin <b>turned </b><i>to </i>Sebastian, her expression Day
<b>“</b><b>Go </b>see what’s going on–now.”
<b>“</b><b>I’m </b>on it.”
Sebastian got up immediately and followed the officers.
They hadn’t taken Yates away just yet. First, they wanted to search his belongings and dressing room.
In his bag, they found a small packet of white powder. Field testing confirmed it was drugs. An officer held it up.
Yates was frantic. “I don’t know what that is! Why was that in my bag? Get my agent! Call my assistant!”
“Mr. Yates, regardless of your status, if you break thew, you’ll be held ountable. You can exin at the station. Take him.
“I didn’t do it! I swear I never touched that stuff!<b>” </b>
Yates was in disbelief. He had never used drugs–so how did it end up in his things?
Sebastian arrived as they were leading him out. He rushed over.
“Yates, what the hell happened?”
“Sebastian, I didn’t! I swear I didn’t…”
He was on the verge of breaking down–wrongfully used, with no way to prove his innocence.
“I believe you. Stay calm. I’ll get to the bottom of this.”
Yates nodded weakly, trying to hold it together.
The police took him away. Sebastian turned to the lead officer.
“Officer, àre you sure there’s no mistake here?”
AD
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