Chapter 2

2

Xander winced but didn't dare talk back to Sienna.

In the entertainment world, everyone's background was a secret weapon.

He knew Sienna came from a family he couldn't afford to offend.

Mila, however, spoke up with a trembling lip. "Ms. Sterling, there's no need to be so aggressive."

"Xander and I are truly in love. In a relationship, the one who isn't loved is the real intruder."

"You can still be friends with him. Don't be so petty."

I laughed. It was a sharp, hysterical sound.

"You think you're in a position to negotiate with me?" I asked.

"This is my birthday party. You two come in here like animals in heat, flaunting your affair, and call me petty?"

"Since you claim we're broken up, then we are officially strangers."

"Security! Get these nobodies out of my sight!"

I've never had a good temper, and this was the breaking point.

Brenda, the manager, tried to grab my arm with a fake, pleading smile.

"Vivi, think about the business. You and Xander are still a great team."

"Mila is actually quite sweet once you get to know her. I really like her potential."

"Why don't we just call this a misunderstanding?"

"You can be like a big sister to Xander!"

She was trying to keep me tethered to him so I would keep paying the bills.

"Yeah, Vivi," Xander added, his tone softening. "We can still talk. We're still friends."

"I'm grateful for how you looked after me. You'll always be like family to me."

Mila stepped forward, looking smug despite her act.

"I know being with Xander for so long held back his career, but I'm willing to accept you as a friend."

The sheer audacity of these people was breathtaking.

They wanted me to stay in the wings and keep producing their show while they spat on me.

"Are you two actually brain-dead? Do you think I'm a charity?"

"You really thought you could play me like this and I'd just smile?"

"This isn't over. Not by a long shot."

I turned my gaze to Brenda, the manager I had hired and paid for.

I raised my hand and slapped her across the face even harder than Sienna had slapped Xander.

"You ungrateful leach! You live off my payroll and you have the nerve to lecture me?"

"Consider yourself fired. Effective immediately!"

"I'm coming for all of you. None of you will have a job in this town by next week."

I grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing tray and threw it over Xander and Mila.

Ignoring their gasps of horror, I turned on my heel and walked out.

Rotten people deserve to rot together. Just wait and see.