Love And Spotlight

Renowned Player

The California sun, unobstructed by the floor-to-ceiling windows, transformed Lance Castellan's home office into a haven of warmth and light. Lance, his athletic frame sprawled in a leather executive chair, gazed absently out at the sparkling pool beyond. His striking gray eyes were unfocused, his thoughts clearly elsewhere despite the mountain of paperwork spread before him.

Across the desk sat Edith, Lance's ever-efficient personal assistant. Her short dark hair was neatly styled, and her hazel eyes darted between her tablet and Lance's distracted face. She cleared her throat, attempting to regain his attention.

"Mr. Castellan? Lance?" Edith's crisp, professional tone finally cut through Lance's reverie.

Lance blinked, his chiseled features arranging themselves into an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Edith. You were saying?"

Edith sighed, used to her employer's occasional bouts of distraction. "I was going over the quarterly reports for your real estate investments. The beachfront property in Malibu is doing exceptionally well, and the rental yields on your New York apartments are up 12% from last quarter."

Lance nodded, running a hand through his golden hair. "That's great news. What about the new development in Austin?"

"Construction is on schedule," Edith replied, swiping through her tablet. "We're looking at a completion date in early fall, barring any unforeseen complications."

As Edith continued her rundown, Lance found his mind wandering again. It had been days since Edwin Kasper's disastrous press conference, and the lack of news was unsettling. The media circus had died down, but the allegations of assault and infidelity still hung in the air like a toxic cloud.

"Lance?" Edith's voice cut through his thoughts once more. "Is everything alright? You seem... distracted today."

Lance sighed, leaning back in his chair. His perfectly sculpted physique, honed from years of professional football, tensed with uncharacteristic anxiety. "I'm sorry, Edith. I can't stop thinking about Edwin Kasper."

Edith's professional demeanor softened slightly. "The actor? The one involved in that scandal?"

"Yeah," Lance nodded. "I met him, you know. The night before that press conference. He was... he was a mess, Edith. Confused, scared. Nothing like the guy they're portraying in the media."

Edith's eyebrows rose in surprise. "I didn't know you were involved in that situation."

"I'm not, not really," Lance said, standing up to pace the room. His tall frame cast a long shadow across the polished hardwood floor. "I just... I can't shake the feeling that something's not right. And now, with the silence... I'm worried about him."

Edith watched her employer with concern and curiosity. "Have you tried reaching out to him?"

Lance shook his head, his gray eyes clouded with frustration. "I don't even know where he is. After the conference, he just... vanished. No statements, no sightings, nothing."

"Perhaps that's for the best," Edith suggested gently. "Given the circumstances, laying low might be the wisest course of action."

Lance stopped his pacing, turning to face Edith. The sunlight caught his golden hair, creating a halo effect that emphasized his already striking appearance. "Maybe. But what if he needs help? What if he's alone, dealing with all this by himself?"

Edith set her tablet down, recognizing that business matters would have to wait. "Lance, I know you have a big heart. It's one of your best qualities. But you have to remember, Edwin Kasper is a grown man with his own support system. You can't save everyone."

Lance's shoulders slumped slightly. "I know, I know. It's just... I can't help feeling like I should be doing something."

Edith stood, smoothing her professional attire. "Well, unless you plan on becoming a private investigator, I think the best thing you can do is focus on your own life and business. Speaking of which," she gestured to the neglected paperwork, "we still have quite a bit to go through."

Lance chuckled, some of the tension leaving his impressive frame. "You're right, as usual. Okay, let's get back to it. What's next on the agenda?"

As they settled back into their seats, Lance made a conscious effort to focus on Edith's words. But in the back of his mind, the image of a lost and confused Edwin Kasper lingered, along with a nagging feeling that this story was far from over.

After the meeting with Edith concluded, Lance called her back into his office.

"Edith, I have another task for you," Lance said, his tone serious. "I need you to compile a comprehensive media report on the Edwin Kasper case. Every article, every social media post, every TV segment - I want it all. And keep it updated daily."

Edith nodded, obviously taken aback, but her professional demeanor never wavering. "Of course, Mr. Castellan. I'll get right on it."

As Edith left, Lance took a deep breath and dialed Devin's number. His best friend picked up on the third ring.

"Lance, my man! Let me guess, you're calling about our favorite Hollywood mystery?" Devin's voice was light, teasing.

Lance couldn't help but smile. "Hey, Dev. Any updates from the PI?"

Devin sighed dramatically. "Sorry, buddy. Daniel says it's still a dead end. No smoking gun to clear your boyfriend's name just yet."

"He's not my boyfriend," Lance protested, feeling his face heat up. "I'm just trying to help him out."

"Uh-huh," Devin drawled, unconvinced. "And I'm just trying to become a world-class chef by ordering takeout every night. Come on, Lance. I know you. You don't go to these lengths for just anyone."

Lance ran a hand through his hair, frustration mounting. "It's not like that, Dev. I just... I can't shake the feeling that something's not right about this whole situation."

"Sure, sure," Devin said, his tone softening slightly. "But let's be real here. Is this really just about justice? Or is there something else going on? Maybe something to do with those striking green of his?"

Lance felt his heart skip a beat. "I don't... I mean, I've never..."

"Never been into guys before?" Devin finished for him. "Hey, there's a first time for everything. And if anyone could turn the great Lance Castellan, it'd be a Hollywood heartthrob."

"Do you really think I can fall for man?" Lance decided to ask.

"It's not about what I think, man. For a renowned player like you who doesn't seem to get the right pleasure from so many women. Who knows? Something with strong muscles might get the right excitement and satisfaction for you."

Despite himself, Lance chuckled. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"That's why you love me," Devin quipped. "Look, all joking aside, I get it. These feelings are new and confusing. But don't beat yourself up about it, okay? Just... be careful. He's still engaged and we don't know if he swings that way. This is a messy situation, and I don't want to see you get hurt."

Lance nodded, even though Devin couldn't see him. "I know. Thanks, Dev. For everything."

"Anytime, buddy. Now, want me to keep Mike digging, or should I tell him to back off so you can play knight in shining armor yourself?"

"Keep him on it," Lance said, his resolve strengthening. "We need to find out the truth, one way or another."

As he ended the call, Lance felt different emotions swirling within him. Devin's words had hit closer to home than he cared to admit. Maybe there was something to these strange feelings he'd been having. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside. The priority was clearing Edwin's name. Everything else... well, that could wait.

Lance turned back to his computer. If the PI couldn't find answers, maybe it was time for him to do some digging of his own. Whatever the truth was, he was going to find it. For Edwin's sake... and maybe, just maybe, for his own.