Chapter 1

The day before my new show was set to film, my manager pulled me aside. She claimed I was hoarding all the best resources, and that the other artists were restless. She said it was bad for the company’s big picture.

She demanded that I take a newcomer under my wing and surrender my lead role to her. Instead, I would play the lead character’s mother.

I looked at her calmly and said, Maybe I should just let her be the top star of the company, then.

My manager beamed and said, That sounds like a great idea.

The very next day, our main investors pulled their funding. The kick-off ceremony turned into a total disaster and blew up on social media.

My manager called me frantically that night, begging me to bring the investors back. I just smiled and replied, I’m carrying too much of the company’s burden on my own. It’s not good for our overall development.

1.

The kick-off ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow morning. My manager, Linda, summoned me to the office at the crack of dawn.

“Elara, the boss thinks it’s time you mentor a newcomer. Let Chloe take the lead in this new project.”

I was stunned. I knew Chloe had a cozy relationship with our CEO, Arthur, but this project was a massive IP. I had personally visited the author three separate times just to convince her to let me adapt it. After all that effort, they wanted me to just give it away?

“Linda, if I recall, the ceremony is tomorrow. A last-minute switch like this doesn't seem very professional, does it?”

“Oh, Elara, besides…”

Linda gave me a sheepish, awkward grin.

“The company has funneled all the best resources into your career for years. The other artists are bound to have some opinions. Arthur is just thinking about the company’s growth. You’ve been here since the start, Elara; surely you understand his position?”

“Fine, let her have the role,” I said, my voice ice-cold.

Last-minute casting changes happen in this industry, but I never imagined I’d be on the receiving end.

Linda looked genuinely surprised, her face lighting up with relief.

“I knew you were a team player! But, there is one more thing…”

Linda put on a fake, conflicted expression. “You know Chloe is still new. She’s never played a lead before. She might struggle, so she’ll need a seasoned pro like you to guide her.”

I raised an eyebrow. “So?”

“So, why don’t you take on the role of the lead’s mother instead?”

I let out a sharp, cynical laugh. I was twenty-seven, and Chloe was twenty-four. They were stealing my lead role, and now they wanted me to play her mother?

“Sure, why not?”

I answered with chilling efficiency.

“While we’re at it, should I just hand her my title as the company’s top talent, too?”

“Are you serious? Thanks, Elara!” Chloe didn’t even knock. She pushed the door open with the confidence of a homeowner. “You’ve worked hard all these years, Elara, but you’re getting a bit older. It’s time for you to take a break.”

I looked back. The staff I’d worked with for five years avoided my eyes, hanging their heads in guilt.

I smirked. “Great. From now on, let our superstar Chloe lead us to glory.”

I turned and walked out. Not a single person followed.

Standing at the entrance of the office building, I pulled out my phone and made a call.

“Liam, freeze the investment for my company’s new project. The boss thinks I’m hoarding resources, and it’s not good for the company’s health.”