He Had $17, One Broken Guitar, and Nowhere to Sleep — Then America’s Biggest Band Called His Name
CHAPTER 6
Victor offered Ethan a permanent position.
The money was more than Ethan had ever imagined.
A house.
A car.
A private studio.
Worldwide tours.
Everything.
But there was one condition.
Victor wanted control of Ethan’s songs.
“Why?”
“Because you’re talented.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
Victor leaned back.
“You’ve been famous for five minutes.”
“I wrote those songs.”
“And we’ll make them valuable.”
Ethan pushed the contract away.
“No.”
Victor smiled.
“You’ll change your mind.”
“I won’t.”
Victor stood.
“Everyone does.”
That night, Daniel warned Ethan.
“Don’t sign anything.”
Ethan looked at him.
“Why?”
“Because Victor doesn’t manage careers.”
“What does he manage?”
“People.”
Daniel paused.
“And he doesn’t like losing control.”
Ethan looked at the photograph.
“What happened to my father?”
Daniel went silent.
“Tell me.”
“I can’t.”
“You knew him.”
“Yes.”
“You played with him.”
Daniel looked away.
“For a while.”
“Then why did he disappear?”
Daniel’s voice became quiet.
“Because he trusted the wrong person.”
“Who?”
Daniel didn’t answer.
Ethan realized the truth.
“You.”
Daniel looked at him.
That one word hurt more than an accusation.
“I didn’t betray him.”
“Then tell me what happened.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
“Not yet.”
Ethan walked away.
Behind him, Daniel whispered:
“I’m sorry.”
But Ethan didn’t hear him.
