The media frenzy trying to unmask Lucid only fueled the artist's popularity, with "Outcast" gaining more traction by the day. Ironically, many people dismissed the idea that Lucid could be Lucas Knight, criticizing the media for grasping at straws:
"No way LK is Lucid. Their voices are totally different. Lucid's got his own thing going on, and LK's voice is unmistakable."
"Lucid is probably just some guy in his dad's garage, having a laugh while making sick beats."
"Media's really scraping the bottom of the barrel with this one. Next they'll say Beyoncé is secretly Adele."
"If Lucas Knight had time to be a secret musician between all his movies, I'd be impressed. But nah, Lucid's his own person."
In his home, Lucas scrolled through the comments, a smirk playing on his lips. He watched as "Outcast" racked up tens of thousands of new listeners, all thanks to the media speculation.
Lucas felt confident in his disguise. He'd been careful to alter Lucid's tone just enough to throw people off the scent. The slight differences he'd incorporated between Lucid's voice and his own known vocal style were paying off.
As far as he was concerned, the more the media speculated, the more secure his secret identity became. People were so busy arguing against the possibility, they couldn't see the truth right in front of them.
"Let's see if Marshmello's made his debut yet," Lucas mumbled, opening his laptop.
He'd been periodically searching for "Marshmello" on Google for weeks now, knowing the DJ would emerge sometime in 2015. Lucas was determined to collaborate with him before he hit the big time.
Typing "Marshmello" into the search bar, Lucas expected the usual confectionery results. Instead, a SoundCloud link caught his eye. "Well, well," he murmured, clicking through.
There it was - Marshmello's first track, sitting at a modest play count. Lucas hit play, leaning back as the beats filled his studio.
"Not bad at all," he nodded appreciatively, tapping his foot to the rhythm. The track was raw but promising, with a unique sound that Lucas knew would soon captivate millions.
As the song ended, Lucas's mind raced with possibilities. Here was his chance to work with Marshmello before the world caught on. A collaboration between Lucid and this up-and-coming DJ could be groundbreaking.
Grabbing a notebook, Lucas began scribbling lyrics, letting Marshmello's beats inspire his words. He could already envision the music video - two masked artists, merging their styles into something entirely new.
Lucas set his pen down after finishing the first verse. He paused, reconsidering his approach. "Better reach out to Marshmello first," he muttered, turning to his computer to draft an email. The ball would be in Marshmello's court after that.
He wanted to gauge Marshmello's interest before diving deeper into his film commitments, particularly the upcoming "Arrival" project. Paramount had shelled out a cool 17 million for his involvement - a testament to how badly they wanted him on board.
As he typed the email, Lucas's mind wandered to the source material for "Arrival." Ted Chiang's "Story of Your Life" had really resonated with him. While the film adaptation wasn't a carbon copy, he had to admit it held its own merit.
He appreciated how it maintained the essence of Chiang's work while adapting it for the big screen.
The involvement of 21 Laps Entertainment added another layer of interest. Having worked with them on "Stranger Things," a project he'd invested in heavily, Lucas felt a sense of familiarity and confidence in the production.
He hit send on the email to Marshmello, then leaned back in his chair. Between the potential music collaboration and the "Arrival" shoot, the coming months promised to be interesting.
Lucas's phone rang, an unknown number flashing on the screen. He answered cautiously, "Hello?"
"Lucas, it's Ivan," came the hushed voice of the private investigator he'd hired to look into Diddy's victims.
"Ivan, what's the status?" Lucas asked, sitting up straighter.
Ivan's voice was strained. "It's not good. The victims... they're terrified. Won't say a word."
"There must be something we can do to reassure them."
"You don't understand," Ivan cut in, his voice trembling slightly. "Sean... he knows. I think he's onto us. This is bigger than I thought, Lucas. I... I want out."
A chill ran down Lucas's spine. "Are you sure? We're so close-"
"I'm sorry," Ivan interrupted. "It's not worth it. My family... I can't risk it."
Lucas took a deep breath, processing the implications. "I understand. Your safety comes first. Don't worry about our agreement."
"Thank you," Ivan said, relief evident in his voice. "And Lucas? Watch your back."
After hanging up, Lucas sat in silence for a moment. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him. He couldn't risk becoming another mysterious casualty in the industry.
"Time to beef up security," he muttered, reaching for his phone again. He wasn't about to let this investigation put him in danger.
Determined not to let the investigation drop, Lucas fired off a text to Cassie:
"C, need more names. The ones you gave won't talk. Any other leads?"
Cassie's reply came quickly: "Not surprised. Diddy's reach is big. He's scaring people into silence."
Lucas frowned, typing back: "We can't let him win. There must be someone brave enough to speak up."
As he waited for Cassie's response, his phone buzzed with a message from Neil: "Whiplash trailer just dropped. You need to see this ASAP."
Curiosity piqued, Lucas opened YouTube. The Whiplash trailer already had 50,000 views in mere minutes. He hit play, watching intently.
As the trailer ended, Lucas scrolled through the comments, a mix of shock and amusement on his face:
"Holy crap, did he actually slap Lucas Knight?! That looked real!"
"Who's this bald dude thinking he can manhandle my future husband? 😤"
"Lucas Knight in a serious drama? Sign me up!"
"That slap sounded like it hurt. Oscar nomination incoming?"
Lucas chuckled at the reactions. The intensity of the trailer seemed to have struck a chord with viewers. As he was about to reply to Neil, Cassie's text came through:
"Working on it. Stay safe, L. This isn't over yet."
Lucas typed out a reply to Cassie, trying to lighten the mood:
"Why do I feel like I'm Batman and you're Robin, investigating a supervillain?"
Cassie's response came quickly: "😁 Because we are. Though I think you're a real-life Batman."
She followed up with another text: "But be careful. You might be on his list already."
"That's why I'm increasing my security," Lucas replied, his smile fading slightly at the reminder of the danger.
***
In the luxurious Cavendish estate nestled in the exclusive Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, William Cavendish sat in his study, a frown creasing his forehead. He'd just received a report about his grandson's dangerous investigation.
"Mr. Cavendish," his assistant said, "Sean Combs' head of security is here to see you."
William nodded, "Send him in."
The man entered, looking nervous. "Sir, our boss respectfully requests that you intervene. Your grandson's investigation is... problematic."
William's eyes narrowed. "Tell your boss that if any harm comes to Lucas, all his dirty secrets will be exposed. Am I clear?"
The man nodded. "But sir, couldn't you just ask Mr. Knight to stop investigating?"
"I'll consider it," William said coldly. "You may go."
After the man left, William turned to his own security chief. "Contact Lucas. Invite him to the house. It's time we had a talk."
As his staff hurried to obey, William gazed out the window at the sprawling Los Angeles skyline. He'd always kept his distance from Lucas, but now it seemed he'd have to step in to protect his grandson from the darker side of Hollywood.
***
The next day, Lucas answered his door to find two well-dressed men standing on his doorstep. His security team had already cleared them, confirming they carried no weapons.
"Mr. Knight," one of the men said as they entered the living room, Lucas's security watching their every move. "We're here on behalf of your grandfather. He's requesting your presence at his home."
Lucas eyed them skeptically. "I appreciate the invitation, but I'm going to be busy in the coming days."
The second man stepped forward, his tone insistent. "It's very important, Mr. Knight. You should go."
For a moment, Lucas wondered if this was some kind of trap. But when the men produced their credentials, proving they indeed worked for William Cavendish, he found himself reconsidering.
After a brief internal debate, Lucas nodded. "Alright, I'll go. But my security comes with me."
The drive to William's residence was tense, with Lucas's mind racing through possible scenarios. As they pulled up to the impressive Bel Air estate, he couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Lucas was led through the opulent house to William's study. As he entered the room, he found himself face to face with the grandfather he barely knew, wondering what could be so important to warrant this unexpected summons.
William's face was etched with concern as he addressed Lucas. "Son, I care about you, but... you need to stop putting yourself in harm's way. It's not worth the risk."
Lucas feigned ignorance. "What do you mean?"
"Drop the investigation you're working on," William said bluntly. "It's bringing you nothing but trouble."
When Lucas continued to play dumb, William cut to the chase. "I know you're investigating Sean, Lucas."
The pretense fell away from Lucas's face. "No, I won't stop. I promised myself I'd make Hollywood a place for art and creativity, not a den of predators. That's exactly what I intend to do."
William's expression grew complicated. "Are you certain about this? You're inviting a world of trouble."
"I'm sure," Lucas said firmly. "If you're not with me on this, you're siding with the people I'm trying to take down. I'll have you investigated too if I have to."
Unexpectedly, William burst into laughter.
Lucas stared, bewildered, as his grandfather's laughter filled the room.
Finally, William's chuckles subsided. "Oh, you really are your mother's son," he said, his eyes twinkling.
Seeing Lucas's confusion, William explained, "Don't misunderstand. I'm not trying to stop you because I'm in league with Sean. My involvement with him is purely for connections."
William leaned forward, his gaze intense. "If you want to bring him down and finally rule Hollywood, I'll help you. I can assist with a proper investigation and get people to testify against him."
Lucas blinked, his mind reeling. 'Rule Hollywood? Is this old man misunderstanding something here?'