A Christian suspense novel with a hint of romance and an overdose of mystery! What would you sacrifice to gain the world? "Money makes the world go round, kid," the agent guided their eyes to the Platinum award. "Giving them what they crave is how you make it in this industry. It's that simple." Celebrity artist, Luke Chase, returns home after a two year tour. Upon request, the label grants him a final performance in his city before they renew the contract. His agent doesn't agree with this decision nor does he give an explanation why. Local artists begin to show up with each not only knowing the celebrity personally, but parts of his past that could completely derail his career. And if it isn't Luke's gang infested city that's the problem, then what dark secrets is the agent trying to keep from his most successful client?
Chapter 1 Prologue
Who won?
The packed stands waited in anticipation, yet the MC glared at them as if they were to reveal the answer. One name was in the envelope, and it grabbed more attention than the two rappers on each side awaiting their destiny.
The winner would be given a contract by Decep Records.
The loser would be given a handshake by misery herself.
They both dreamed of making it, but faced the hard truth that only one of them would get to live it out. The judges weren't giving anything away like they themselves were anxious to know who won.
DJ Smacks kept all on edge with the score he had floating in the background.
The MC gave the contestants one more glance, but their eyes were firmly on the crowd as he slowly revealed the name to himself.
Were they not friends? These two rappers . . . if they didn't show any signs of knowing one another now. How much more so when one was touring the world, while the other toured the daily nine to five routine of life?
"And the winner is . . ." the MC's face expression sparked murmurs amongst the crowd.
Was it a draw? If so, would the record label give contracts to both finalists? Or was he completely surprised at this year's winner?
"Luke Chase . . ."
"Give it up for this year's winner, Luke Chase!" DJ Smacks yelled over the silence.
The rapper to the MC's left had a huge cloud burst of movement! Complete opposite to the amount of energy used in the MC's announcement. Winning this competition meant Luke clearly had the talent to go far in the industry, but the same couldn't be said about his dancing. Nevertheless, the vibe was contagious and like a virus the cheers spread throughout the arena.
The MC overcame his shock in time to apply the protocol of checking the loser to his right. His kid had faded backstage already.
The MC's body temperature rose and made him light headed; sight became a magnified mirror. He blew his cheeks as if the heat would exit his mouth like what his kid spat. The noise of the crowd blurred out like everyone else around him. Only his wife sprinting towards her son was within his sight.
He was forced to announce that his kid lost the battle, but felt it to be the complete opposite. Had the judges got it wrong, or was this just a parent thing?
"Welcome to Decep Records, Luke Chase," the agent pulled up on stage with a smile that one would normally see on a proud father. "Now let's conquer the world!"
Chapter 1 Prologue
17/03/2021