Chapter 1

Right after my audition for a blockbuster directed by an A-list Hollywood filmmaker, leaked footage surfaced online showing my girlfriend—who also happened to be my talent agent—having dinner with the director and producers.

Everyone on the internet assumed my casting was a done deal.

Yet on the day of the official announcement, the leading man turned out to be Austin Reed, a rookie actor Rachel Hall had recently signed to her roster.

All I received was an offer for a minor guest appearance.

That evening, at the celebration dinner she threw for him, I invited every single client on her roster to our place.

Since she was so exceptional at locking down prime opportunities, it was only fair that everyone got an equal slice of the pie.

While she was running around like a headless chicken trying to put out fires, I pulled the trigger.

I broke up with her and formally filed a request with our agency.

As the top-tier earner in the firm—blessed with both striking looks and undeniable acting chops—I might not have had the final say over the movie's casting, but when it came to firing my manager, the choice was entirely mine.

To celebrate Austin landing the blockbuster’s male lead, Rachel went out of her way to invite him over to our penthouse, personally cooking an extravagant spread to toast his success.

Having been with her for so many years, I could see through her instantly. She had an ulterior motive.

Watching her hustle back and forth for another man, a fine sheen of sweat glistening on her forehead and the bridge of her nose, made my stomach turn.

Even with all the running around, a deeply contented smile never left her face.

My heart turned to ice on the spot.

Back in the day, she had learned to cook specifically for me, but I couldn't even remember the last time she had stepped into the kitchen.

And now, here she was, pouring all that effort into someone else.

Just as she reached to take off her apron, I spoke up out of nowhere.

"Where’s my Tomahawk ribeye? You know that's my favorite."

The smile on Rachel’s lips froze.

Before she could find her voice, Austin chimed in with practiced humility. "Leo, there are already so many dishes here. The three of us can’t possibly finish all this. Why don't we let Rachel take a break?"

I cast a cool glance his way, not bothering to waste a breath on him.

Instead, I fixed my gaze entirely on Rachel.

Leaning back in my chair, I offered a faint, mocking smirk. "Agent Hall, you're using my name to pave the way for your little rookie. Asking for one dish I actually like isn't crossing the line, is it?"

Since Rachel needed something from me, she swallowed her annoyance and forced a nod. "No, of course not."

Yesterday was the big reveal for Director Evans’s new feature film.

Like every other actor up for the role, I had been glued to social media, waiting for updates.

Out of nowhere, an entertainment insider account leaked a clip of Rachel sharing an intimate dinner with the director and the executive producer.

The moment that video blew up, everyone in the industry assumed the role was mine.

Even I had fallen into that trap.

Landing this audition would have been my official leap from prestige television to the silver screen.

I had bled for this role, pouring months of intense preparation into it.

I trusted my craft, but until the dotted line was signed, the industry was a crapshoot.

When hours passed without a word from Rachel, I couldn't hold back anymore and dialed her number.

Yet, when pressed for details, Rachel was evasive, talking in circles and refusing to give me a straight answer.

Even though I caught the faint sound of Austin’s voice on the other end of the line, I still hadn't connected the dots.

Not until the studio officially announced Austin Reed as the lead.

And what did I get? An email offering me a "special guest star" credit.

That was when the harsh reality hit me. Rachel hadn't just hijacked my hard-earned role and handed it to Austin; she was planning to use me as a stepping stone to elevate him.

I had never been too proud to take on supporting roles. But playing second fiddle to prop up Austin? Who the hell did she think he was?

I refused to believe Austin had out-acted me in the audition room.

Something dirty had gone down behind closed doors, completely behind my back.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I heard Austin address me again. "Leo, Rachel mentioned that you might give me some acting tips. Would you mind mentoring me?"

His tone was meek, his posture deferential.

On the surface, he looked entirely earnest.

I, however, had zero interest in playing the benevolent senior mentor in his little backstage drama.

The corner of my mouth twitched, and I let out four simple, razor-sharp words: "You haven't earned it."

Austin’s face drained of color, his words dying in his throat.

Rachel, who had been lingering in the kitchen while keeping her ears glued to the dining room, couldn't hold back anymore. She marched out, interjecting sharply:

"Leo, if you're upset, take it out on me! Don't make things difficult for Austin. He’s never had a decent break in his life."

"You're not in his shoes. If you lose this part, you still have ten other scripts waiting on your desk. For him, this was his only shot."

"We’ve been in this cutthroat business for years. Shouldn't we be lifting up the next generation? Show a little grace."

Just as the last syllable left her mouth, a sharp knock rattled the front door.