Behind The Spotlight Chapter 55
Collin and his family were watching television in the cozy living room after a nice dinner that Evelyn had prepared. Collin had spent most of his days out of the apartment and could only enjoy his mother's cooking at breakfast before heading to work.
As for lunch and dinner, Collin rarely had the chance to eat Evelyn's freshly prepared meals because his schedule barely allowed him to return home. It was even rarer for him to have dinner with his family all gathered around the table, like in the old days... If his father were still alive, everything would feel better. The family would feel complete again.
After the pleasant dinner, the three spent hours watching television, occasionally laughing and commenting during commercial breaks. Their old TV still worked despite being old, and both Aida and Evelyn had talked seriously with Collin about not buying a brand-new one, even though he had offered multiple times. They said the same thing about their other appliances, which were still functioning after years of use.
"I just remembered, my friends have been talking about this show with a high school drama that's been getting really famous lately."
Aida grabbed the remote from the small table and changed the channel, a curious expression on her face.
"What's the title?" Evelyn asked, leaning forward slightly.
"I'm not sure. I think it's called High School Love, or something like that."
"Are you talking about My Pure Innocent High School Love?" Collin asked after a moment of thought.
"Yes, that's the one! I guess you know it because you work in the same industry as the people who make these shows."
"Well..." Collin scratched his head awkwardly. That wasn't actually the reason he recognized the title.
"I know the title, but I don't know anything about the plot or characters. I don't have time to watch shows unless it's for work."
"Yeah, you're always working with no rest... Let me think, if I remember correctly, the story is about the female lead genuinely loving her boyfriend but cheating on him because of temptation, or something like that."
"Damn..." Collin muttered in disbelief.
"I think she also slept with her boyfriend's older brother, who's kind of a bully and a jerk that's been hurting her boyfriend a lot."
"Damn..." Collin repeated, more stunned this time.
"She also cheated on her boyfriend by sleeping with his dad, which is just... insane."
"Damn... That's the third time I've said that in the last three minutes and I might say it again."
"Also, she had sex with her own brother somewhere around episode six, I think."
"...Is this even allowed on TV?" Collin's voice rose in shock.
"Nah, they censored the sex scenes, so it's considered okay for network standards. But yeah, the plot is seriously messed up and people still watch it."
"Damn..." he said again, now nearly speechless.
Collin didn't know what to say as his brain tried to process the show's content.
'So, as long as explicit scenes weren't shown, this kind of story could air on television and no one would raise a fuss?'
And apparently, the lead actress came from a wealthy family with ties to the production company and pressured her parents to invest in the show, just so she could star in this? A show like that?
"Oh, it's starting!" Aida said with excitement as she turned up the volume.
Collin and Evelyn decided to watch the show just to see what all the hype was about, curious as to why it was already in its second season.
After watching the episode, they realized the show was filled with unbelievable levels of depravity but the heavy material was censored, with most of it only implied through suggestive dialogue and cutaway scenes.
Did this mean people watched the show because it offered depravity disguised as innocent teenage drama? Were viewers secretly craving illegal or taboo thrills as the characters were in high school?
The cast were clearly adults in their late 20s or 30s, playing high school students involved in inappropriate acts.
'What's next? They'll make another show like this, with even more outrageous content and call it something like Euphoria? When I was in high school, I just played dumb games and held hands with my girlfriend like an innocent fool. This is definitely written by people trying to fetishize high school to attract the worst kind of audience.'
Collin grimaced.
"The show is..." Evelyn shook her head slowly, disapproving but slightly curious. Both of her children were adults now, and she couldn't stop them from watching questionable content.
"But the female lead's best friend is gorgeous, though. She totally stole the spotlight. She's more beautiful than the female lead in every scene. And for some reason, I feel some bad tension between the female lead and her best friend," Aida said, turning off the TV and yawning as she stretched her arms. It was getting late.
"She is stunning. I wonder what her name is." Evelyn nodded thoughtfully.
"Her name is Madison Morgan. She's half Mexican, half Italian. Her features are really striking."
"Oh, you know her?" Evelyn blinked in surprise.
"Yeah, sort of." Collin didn't bother explaining their past professional relationship.
Madison had been his client during his early days as an agent. Based on her current situation and the role she landed, it looked like her decision not to renew her contract had worked out well for her career.
Honestly, Collin was happy for her, even if a small part of him felt regret. He'd been disappointed when both Madison and Landers left after their contracts ended. They hadn't given him time to grow. They didn't give him a chance to prove himself. But back then, he had been inexperienced.
Still, he held no grudge. He wished them well and silently rooted for their success from a distance. As long as they didn't disturb him or his current clients, he had no issue with them.
Now that Madison had landed a recurring role in a TV show entering its second season and gaining traction, Collin wished her all the best. Still, he hoped they wouldn't cross paths again. Though in this industry, that was unlikely.
"Okay, I'm off to bed. I've got things to do tomorrow and class starts early." Aida yawned.
"Wait, Aida. I have something to talk to you and Mom about before you go."
"What is it? Don't tell me you're giving me money or something. Haha, I'm just joking."
"..."
Collin didn't know how to respond because she was exactly right.
"Collin, don't tell me I got it right and you're actually serious."
"Let's all sit down so I can explain this properly."
Evelyn and Aida found their seats, slightly puzzled. Collin sat across from them, clearly with something on his mind.
Collin had earned $5.4 million from the movie's success and had no idea what to do with it now that it was sitting in his account. He had known The Accidental Wedding Crashers would be a hit, but he hadn't thought much about what that success would actually bring.
Now, he was faced with a dilemma, which was how to handle the money responsibly.
A portion of it would be invested under the advice of a financial advisor. The rest would remain in his bank account for emergencies and future plans. But even then, he didn't know how to spend the remainder. He didn't have any big desires or personal wants.
Collin was cheap by nature. He rarely spent money on himself and avoided luxury. He didn't buy expensive watches or flashy cars when his current ones worked just fine. As long as something served its purpose, he was satisfied. The car, the phone, and the apartment were all practical purchases, he only spent on what he needed.
However, Collin had one soft spot... pampering his loved ones. He was known for quietly saving up just to buy birthday gifts for his parents and sister, even when he barely had money himself. That trait was the same reason his ex had taken advantage of him. He had helped her finish college while he was working as a model, believing that's what love meant.
Now, that weakness was acting up again, stronger than ever. Since he didn't know how to spend money on himself, he decided to spend it on his family because they deserved it.
He placed two credit cards on the table and gently slid them forward.
"This one's for Aida, and this one's for Mom. I already activated both. Each card has a $5,000 monthly limit, so you won't accidentally overspend. If you want to buy something for yourself or for the house, just use the card."
Collin explained calmly but earnestly. Aida and Evelyn stared at the cards, stunned.
"No, I won't take it even if you're serious. Collin, you don't have to give us anything. We're doing fine. Besides, $5,000 is too much. I don't trust myself with that kind of limit." Aida shook her head, firm but grateful. She was uncomfortable with the idea of such a large allowance.
She knew herself well. She loved shopping. And she feared what she might become with too much money freely available.
"Son, I don't need money to be happy." Evelyn gave a short but heartfelt reply, her voice filled with maternal firmness.
Collin sighed. He had expected these responses.
He had an idea this would happen.