ELECTRIC STORM ~ The MASTEROS

CHAPTER TWENTY: The Mysterious Figure

As MASTEROS basked in the glory of their successful secret show, the mysterious figure emerged from the shadows. It was none other than Julian Blackwood, the infamous music mogul.

Blackwood approached Tracy, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Well done, MASTEROS. You've still got it."

Tracy eyed him warily. "What do you want, Blackwood?"

"Oh, I just wanted to congratulate you on your reunion," Blackwood said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And to offer my services, of course."

Ethan stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "We don't need your help, Blackwood. We're doing just fine on our own."

Blackwood chuckled. "We'll see about that. You see, I have a proposal that could change everything for MASTEROS. Are you interested?"

The band exchanged skeptical glances, but Blackwood's words piqued their curiosity. What did he have up his sleeve this time?

"Let's hear it," Tracy said, her voice cautious.

Blackwood grinned, relishing the moment. "I'll make you a deal. Sign with my label, and I'll make you the biggest stars in the music industry."

MASTEROS hesitated, weighing their options. Could they trust Blackwood, or was this just another one of his tricks? The fate of their music, and their future, hung in the balance...

Tracy eyed Blackwood warily. "What's the catch?"

Blackwood shrugged. "No catch. Just a simple recording contract. You'll have creative control, and a guaranteed multi-platinum debut album."

Ethan frowned. "How can you promise that?"

Blackwood smiled. "Let's just say I have my ways. I've been in this industry a long time, and I know what it takes to succeed."

Kate spoke up, her voice laced with skepticism. "And what about the rumors? The ones about you sabotaging your artists' careers?"

Blackwood waved his hand dismissively. "Just rumors, my dear. I assure you, I have only the best interests of MASTEROS at heart."

The band exchanged uncertain glances. Could they trust Blackwood, or was this a recipe for disaster?

"I don't know, guys," Ken said, hesitantly. "This sounds too good to be true."

But Tracy was intrigued. "Let's hear him out. What's the worst that could happen?"

And with that, MASTEROS sealed their fate, signing the contract that would change their lives forever...

Little did they know, Blackwood's true intentions were far from pure. A sinister plot was unfolding, one that would threaten to destroy everything they had worked for...