Chapter Two: The Talents They Threw Away

Rumors of fights, arrogance, and locker-room sabotage appeared at once. Her name vanished from every tryout list. “Stellar Matrix is backed by Skyvault,” Tang said. “Su works nights at a dock warehouse now.” Lu remembered the drug placed in his body ninety-seven days ago. “Give me the address.” At midnight, Su scanned cargo labels with a motion so steady it looked mechanical. After hearing Lu’s offer, she removed her gloves. “Another owner who needs a headline. Play me five minutes, take a photograph, then tell the press you support equality?” “I want you taking the deciding shot.” “Why should I believe you?” Lu set the Embers’ official seal and a blank contract on a crate. “You write the clauses. Highest salary tier on the team.