Chapter 102 Success

• The sound of the crowd’s applause echoed in Zander’s ears as he stood backstage, the cool air of the venue a stark contrast to the heat of the spotlight. Tonight was different. Tonight, everything had changed. His album, a labor of love and pain, was finally being recognized. The years of dedication, of long nights in the studio, of pushing himself beyond his limits, had led to this one pivotal moment.
• He had always been proud of his music, but now, as the applause reached a crescendo, it felt like the world was finally recognizing him for who he truly was. Not just the son of a successful businessman, or a man defined by his past mistakes, but Zander—the musician, the artist.
• As he caught his breath, his manager, Jared, walked up to him, beaming. “You did it, man. They love it. This album—this is the one. You’ve made it.”