Chapter 476: Stalker

At the end of the song, Slater had mesmerized everyone with not only his voice but also how he soulfully delivered the lyrics of the song. Even Penny was in awe and comforted, staring at him on stage. When Slater opened his eyes and smiled, the audience could only gape in stunned silence.

He was truly like an angel, not just with his appearance, but he sang like them.

They had heard the song many times before, but hearing it live was different. Some fans had even teared up, their faces now streaked with drying tears. It took them a moment to realize the song had ended, and when they did, the entire mall shook with their screams.

"That was... beautiful," Penny whispered, growing more accustomed to the crowd’s energy and excitement.

James smiled in satisfaction, nodding. "I know, right?"

"What am I going to do with this guy?" She sighed, shaking her head. "He’s just amazing... always has been."

James raised his eyebrows, glancing at her, assuming she was referring to the start of Slater’s career.

"He is," he agreed, looking back at Slater. "His diligence hasn’t changed from when he started his career until now. In fact, the more popular he got, the harder he worked."

Penny heard James, but she was thinking of something else. She wanted to tell him how much Slater had changed, not just as an artist, but as a person—especially compared to her first life. But who would understand that, right?

"James," she called as the cheers slightly subsided, with the host attempting to calm the crowd.

"Yes?"

Penny slowly turned her eyes to him. "Slater mentioned he’s been stalked before."

"Oh. He told you?"

"What does that mean?"

"Well, Slater’s been stalked multiple times. He didn’t want to worry his family, so I’ve handled everything privately."

"How bad was it?"

"Most were just fans trying to get close to him, even risking arrest. It’s normal. Those kinds of fans exist and there’s nothing we can do about it. But some... crossed the line," he explained. "I’m telling you this because it seems Slater’s already mentioned it to you."

Slater had briefly mentioned it, but without much detail. After watching him work today, Penny realized just how skillful Slater was in making things look easy.

"What do you mean by crossing the line?" she asked directly.

"Didn’t he tell you?" James furrowed his brows, only to notice the stern look on her face. "Uh... there’s one incident we’ll never forget. During a show, he was staying in a hotel. In the middle of the night, someone got into his room."

Penny squinted. "Someone?"

"Yes. Luckily, my room was next to his, and I was still awake, so I heard the commotion."

James recounted the incident from two years ago. One of Slater’s stalkers had posed as hotel staff and stolen a key to Slater’s room. Fortunately, Slater woke up before anything could happen.

"What did you do to him?" Penny asked, her displeasure evident.

"I pressed charges, of course!" James replied, though his voice was drowned out by the speakers and crowd. "That person was locked up, and I even sued the hotel for negligence."

"Who else knows about this?" Her frown deepened.

James sighed. "Your oldest brother found out and helped me keep it out of the media by releasing a cover story. Slater doesn’t know, though. He thinks I handled it all."

"Atlas never mentioned any of this to me," she whispered, lowering her gaze.

"He probably didn’t want to worry you," James offered, watching her look back at him. "I’m an only child, but if I were a big brother, I wouldn’t tell my younger siblings everything I do for them. Atlas helped—it’s all settled now. Slater’s fine, and fortunately, he hasn’t developed any trauma from it. Everything’s settled."

"Are you sure about that?"

James smiled reassuringly. "I’ve worked with him for years. His security is tight, both in public and when we stay out. But I’m still reaching out to another security firm for extra protection. Slater’s safety is always a concern, though he hates being watched every minute."

"Whatever nonsense security firm you’re talking to, forget it. I’ll send you my proposal by the end of the day."

"Penny, I know you run a small business, but I can’t do that." James frowned. "With all due respect, this is about Slater’s security. Even if you’re his sister, I can’t compromise because of our relationship. He’s our company’s top asset... and my friend."

James sighed deeply, slightly fearful she might lash out at him right then and there. After all, the Penny he knew didn’t care about the setting—she’d give anyone a beating if necessary.

’Even so, I can’t compromise Slater’s safety. How could I just drop the Prime Group when they finally approved my application after months of waiting?’he thought, noticing Penny was distracted. "Penny?"

Penny was looking past him, squinting.

"Penny?" James glanced back, but all he saw were people. Not surprising, given how packed the event was. His attention snapped back when she called his name again.

"James," Penny said, meeting his gaze sternly. "Slater has been stalked for months."

"Huh?"

"I just saw his stalker again," she said, stepping closer. "Tell your men to tighten security. I don’t like this stalker. I’ll stay close to him..."

Penny trailed off as she spotted something from the corner of her eye. Her breath hitched, and her eyes widened. She turned her head toward the stage, scanning the crowd. With so many people packed into the event space, the figure jumping over the barricade went unnoticed by most.

It wasn’t until the person crossed the barrier that a nearby bouncer noticed. "Hey, you can’t—"

The person turned toward the bouncer, who was approaching with large strides. This prompted him to sprint, heading straight for the stage.

"Slater!" Penny screamed, but her voice was drowned out by the cheers and loudspeakers. Her breath caught again as she saw a glint of metal from the person’s jacket — a knife.

"Slater! Slater! Slater—ahhh!!!"