2
The next morning, I was jolted from a deep sleep by a frantic call from my assistant, Benny.
“Leo, what the hell happened last night?”
I was still half–asleep, mumbling, “Happened? With who?”
“Dude, just check your socials. You’re trending again.”
Trending?
The fog in my brain vanished. I immediately pulled up my phone’s browser.
My name was everywhere.
#FinnApologizesin Person,GetsVerballyAbusedByLeo
#LeoCuts Ties With Childhood FriendsAndBestieAfterScandal
#BellaAndZoeSpeakOutOnLeosBetrayal
The comments were a cesspool of vitriol.
[What a scumbag. Can’t control his own dick and now he’s attacking people. I always thought Leo seemed like a decent guy, but he’s disgusting behind the scenes.]
[Unfollowed him yesterday. Honestly heartbroken. Can’t believe the artist I supported is this kind of trash.]
[A man with no self–respect is worthless. If I were his friend, I’d cut him off too. Who needs a friend like that?]
This was… interesting.
Bella and Zoe had brought Finn over last night, and he’d left through their apartment. So how did this become about me attacking him, instead of a potential three-
way scandal?
It was obvious. Someone was buying bots and boosting these hashtags, using me as a stepping stone.
I clicked on Finn’s social media profile. Sure enough, for a brand–new artist, his follower count had skyrocketed past 300,000 in less than two days and was still climbing. The comments were filled with people praising his “purity” and “kindness,” vowing to protect him.
When I switched back to the call, Benny’s voice was hesitant. “Leo… Rex said they’re putting your new album on hold. He wants you to come into the office.”
“Do you need me to get the driver to pick you up?”
I stretched, sitting up in bed. “No need. I was planning on seeing Rex anyway.”
If I remembered correctly, my contract was up in a month. Given the current PR nightmare, the label would never re–sign me.
Perfect. I was tired of it all anyway. This was my chance to just walk away.
As soon as I arrived at the agency, Benny rushed to meet me, his expression a mixture of pity and anxiety. I waved a hand, letting him know he didn’t need to say
anything
When I entered my manager Rex’s office, Bella, Zoe, and Finn were already there.
Rex, his face grim, tossed a contract onto the desk in front of me.
“The variety shows you were booked for have all dropped you. No one wants to touch you right now. This opportunity… Bella fought to get it for you. Take a look. If it
seems okay, sign it.”
b the middle of this firestorm, some producer was brave enough to sign me? And Bella got me the gig? Since when did she have that kind of pull?
Chapter 1
Puzzled, I opened the contract. After a few glances, I flipped to the attached script.
And I laughed.
This wasn’t Bella fighting for me.
1335
This was a custom–made production designed for the four of us. The script had me deliberately antagonizing Finn on camera, turning our real–life drama into a pri-
metime spectacle to maximize the buzz.
They were going to squeeze every last drop of value out of me, letting Finn build his career on my ashes.
My laughter clearly unnerved Bella. “What’s so funny?” she snapped.
My smile vanished. “What are you so nervous about?” I retorted instinctively.
“You…”
Bella clenched her fists, about to step toward me, but Finn held her back.
“Leo, if you don’t want to be on the same show as me, I’ll just pull out. You really need this chance right now. Don’t let your pride get in the way.”
Before I could even respond, Bella and Zoe said in unison, “No.”
“Finn, you’re a rookie,” Zoe said. “Every moment of screen time is precious for you.”
Rex’s face was grim as he stared at me. “Leo, this is the company’s decision!”
I nodded slowly, then asked the question that had been burning in my mind. “Last night’s trending topics… that was the company’s doing too, wasn’t it?”
Rex’s lips thinned into a hard line. He didn’t answer.
That was answer enough.
A bitter wave of sorrow washed over me. I picked up the pen from Rex’s desk and signed my name on the contract with a flourish.
Everyone in the room visibly relaxed.
I stared Rex straight in the eye, handing him the contract. “For ten years of guidance and support,” I said, each word precise and cold, “our debt is paid. We’re even.”
Without a second glance at their stunned faces, I grabbed the script and walked out.
