"My name is Roxanne Vilx. I am the only daughter of the Vilx industrial family, which has dominated the entertainment industry for centuries. Tonight, I want to make a confession."
Like a robot, Roxanne stared at her livestream, which currently had over 20,000 viewers.
Roxanne wasn't just an elite student at Alexander High School—she was also a prominent figure in the entertainment world. As the heiress of Vilx Industries, she had grown up surrounded by actors and actresses. Naturally, she had amassed a massive following on social media.
She was an influencer without trying to be one.
Ironically, Roxanne had never wanted to be part of the entertainment world. That's why she worked so hard to get into Alexander High. Still, her reluctance didn't stop people from following her every move.
However, she had never posted anything—much less doing a livestream—until today.
Nichole Paxar, a top teen model and Roxanne's childhood friend, was currently in Paris, working on a movie. She was having breakfast when a notification popped up on her phone.
"Oh? Roxy is livestreaming?" she thought.
For years, Nichole had begged Roxanne to join the entertainment world.
"You're gorgeous and smart! You're totally wasting your talents!"
"No. I want to be a lawyer. Besides, I don't want my private life to be a spectacle."
"Ehhhh... Baddy~!"
Remembering that conversation, Nichole found it amusing that Roxy had finally decided to go live.
"Well, well, little Roxy. Let's see what you've got. I'll be a good friend and donate you tons of bits," she thought.
When the camera turned on, a dimly lit room appeared. Roxanne's pale face could barely be seen.
"What is she doing? A horror-themed stream?" Nichole murmured.
"My name is Roxanne Vilx. I am the only daughter of the Vilx industrial family, which has dominated the entertainment industry for centuries. Tonight, I want to make a confession."
"…What… What's going on?" thought Nichole.
"For the past year, I've been working under the orders of the Council, specifically the fourth member, Lex Levier. As for my duties... it's better if I show you."
Roxanne clicked something on her laptop, and an image appeared on the screen.
It was a list.
A detailed list of names, addresses, parents, ages…
And…
Among everything else…
There were numbers. Prices.
"Every single student has a price. Whatever the client is willing to pay—we accommodate. Our selected clients have a wide variety of... demands. So we, as providers, must comply. The one in charge of this entire operation is Mr. Lex, who acts both as the head and the main distributor of resources to the Council members. I am in charge of finances… and delivering the 'goods' to the clients.
We don't know the real names of the clients. They made sure to leave no trace. But we did manage to identify their representatives. Here is the list."
A moment later, names and photos of various individuals filled the screen.
"The names of the victims and the clients will be available in the link I'm showing now."
"Thank you for listening."
With that, Roxanne ended the stream.
Nichole, who had watched everything, dropped her coffee. Her hands were trembling, and her mind refused to process what she had just seen.
RINGGGG
Her phone rang, snapping her out of the daze. She glanced at the caller ID.
"…Hello, father…"
"Nichole. I assume you saw what Roxanne did."
"…Yes… I saw."
"Good. From now on, you don't know her. You never did. And if anyone asks—you don't speak."
"But… Father—"
"There's no 'but', Nichole. Do as I say and come back home. I've already secured you a flight in an hour."
"What about the movie…?"
"The director already replaced you."
"…I see."
"See you soon."
The call ended. But Nichole could feel the desperation in her father's voice.
"Roxy… what did you do?" she whispered.
After ending the livestream, Roxanne blinked, her eyes coming back to life. She shuddered and fell from her chair.
"What… What did I just do? Why did I…?" she muttered, confused.
She checked her phone—35 missed calls.
RINGGGG
She saw the name on the screen and began to tremble.
"Father…" she thought.
She answered and put the call on speaker.
"Dad—"
"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU JUST DO, YOU STUPID PIECE OF SHIT?!"
"Dad, please, listen to me—"
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA THE HELL YOU'VE THROWN ME INTO?!"
"I—I can explain—"
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT! YOUR MOTHER IS IN THE HOSPITAL—SHE HAD A HEART ATTACK WATCHING YOU! DON'T YOU DARE SHOW YOUR FACE TO US EVER AGAIN!"
"DAD! PLEASE, WAIT—"
TU-TU-TU
Roxanne tried calling him again. Nothing went through.
He blocked me.
TAMPTAMP
Before she could mourn, she heard footsteps approaching.
Lex walked into the room.
"You fucking whore."
"Mr. Lex, please! I know you're angry, but you have to listen—"
"Ruined."
"Everything is ruined…"
"Everything…" he muttered like a zombie.
"And it's all…"
Lex lunged at her and grabbed her by the neck.
"It's all your fault! ALL YOUR FAULT!"
Without hesitation, he began strangling her.
"I—cough—please—"
As Roxanne slipped into unconsciousness, her eyes caught a man standing behind Lex. He wore glasses, and on his face was a twisted smile, watching her with delight.
She reached out, desperately pointing.
"De…mo…n…"
Those were her final words before she closed her eyes…
Forever.