Ash's phone lit up just as the three dots blinked again.
RINGING.
The name flashing on his screen made his stomach drop:
INT Entertainment — Headquarters.
His thumb hovered between the call and the unread message from Noah, heart pounding.
He picked up.
"Ash here."
A clipped voice answered. Corporate-smooth, urgent.
"We need Kai back. Immediately."
Ash stood up, startled. "What? I—I'm sorry, but he's—he's still on hiatus—"
"That break is over. The board just voted. We're making the announcement of Neon-Hype's return. Full-on. New album. World tour. The press release comes out next week."
Ash blinked. "You can't be serious. He's not ready."
The voice turned cold. "Whether he's ready or not, this is business. If he doesn't comply, we'll look into restructuring the group. Do you get it?"
Restructuring.
That meant cutting Kai. Replacing him.
Destroying everything they worked for.
Ash clenched his teeth. "I'll. I'll tell him."
The call ended. Cold. Last.
