Chapter 37: The Hidden Path
Ethan couldn't shake the strange feeling that had settled in his chest after his meeting with Liam. The revelation that shadowy figures controlled the entertainment industry was one thing, but the possibility that they were watching his every move made his skin crawl. If he was going to survive, he needed more than just fame—he needed power.
And the system was the key.
Later that evening, Ethan sat in front of his laptop, his mind still racing. He opened the system panel, his eyes scanning through the tasks. Among them, a new task blinked in gold, standing out against the others.
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**[Ding!]**
*New Task Unlocked: The Path to Influence*
- **Objective:** Attend the exclusive Red Velvet Gala and establish contacts with key figures in the industry.
- **Reward:** 10,000 System Points + Unlock the Hidden Network.
---
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't just another task—it was an opportunity. The Red Velvet Gala was one of the most prestigious events in the entertainment world, known for hosting the most powerful celebrities, producers, and behind-the-scenes influencers. If he could get in, it could change everything.
But there was a catch. The invitation to the gala was by referral only, and Ethan wasn't exactly swimming in connections—yet.
He leaned back, thinking hard. The system had given him the **Luxora's Prestige Card** earlier, which could grant him access to exclusive events. Maybe that would be enough. He didn't have time to waste.
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**The next night…**
The Red Velvet Gala was being held at a massive mansion on the outskirts of the city. Every corner of the estate oozed luxury, from the glittering chandeliers to the valet-parked luxury cars lining the driveway. Ethan adjusted his tie, his nerves bubbling beneath the surface. This wasn't just a party—it was a battlefield, and he had to play his cards perfectly.
As he approached the entrance, a guard stopped him. "Invitation?"
Ethan flashed the **Luxora's Prestige Card**, holding his breath. The guard scanned it, nodded, and waved him in. Relief washed over Ethan as he stepped inside the mansion, greeted by a wave of opulence he'd never experienced before.
The room was filled with celebrities, each more dazzling than the last. But tonight wasn't about being starstruck. It was about making connections.
His eyes scanned the room, searching for someone who could help him unlock the next level. That's when he spotted her—Serena Ashford, the reigning queen of the silver screen. Her rise to fame had been meteoric, and the rumors swirling around her hinted at a secret connection to the powers controlling the industry.
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**[Ding!]**
*Side Task Unlocked: Befriend Serena Ashford*
- **Objective:** Establish a relationship with Serena and gain her trust.
- **Reward:** 5,000 System Points + Exclusive Insider Information.
---
Ethan's pulse quickened. Serena wasn't just a star—she was a potential ally. But how to approach her without looking desperate? He had to be strategic.
Grabbing a glass of champagne, Ethan casually made his way toward the group Serena was talking to. She was laughing at a joke someone had made, her confidence radiating like a spotlight. He waited for a lull in the conversation before stepping forward, his expression cool.
"Serena, right?" he said, flashing a smile. "I don't mean to intrude, but I just wanted to say that your last film was incredible. You've got a way of bringing characters to life that's really inspiring."
Serena turned to him, her sharp eyes assessing him. For a moment, Ethan thought she might dismiss him as just another fan, but then her smile softened.
"Thank you," she said, her voice smooth. "It's always nice to meet someone who appreciates the craft."
Ethan's nerves eased a little as they continued talking. He kept the conversation light, focusing on her work, but steering it toward the industry's challenges. To his surprise, she opened up more than he expected, even hinting at some of the difficulties of navigating Hollywood's darker underbelly.
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**[Ding!]**
*Progress: Befriend Serena Ashford: 40% Complete.*
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As they talked, Ethan noticed a figure standing in the shadows, watching them intently. It was a man in a sharp suit, his expression unreadable. Ethan's stomach twisted. Was this one of the shadowy figures Liam had warned him about?
Before he could think further, Serena leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Careful who you trust here, Ethan. Not everyone's playing by the same rules."
Her words sent a chill down his spine. Ethan nodded, his mind racing. This was bigger than he had anticipated. And if Serena, one of the biggest stars in the world, was warning him, it meant he was already in over his head.
But that wasn't going to stop him. If anything, it only fueled his determination. He was going to crack this industry wide open—no matter who tried to stop him.