Chapter 1

The day before my new movie was set to begin filming, my manager pulled me aside for a talk.

She claimed I was hogging all the resources and that the other actors were getting restless. According to her, it was hurting the company's growth.

She wanted me to mentor a newcomer by giving up the lead role and playing his father instead.

I smiled and suggested that maybe the newcomer should just take my spot as the company's top star altogether.

My manager actually agreed.

The next day, the lead investors pulled every cent. The opening ceremony became a ghost town and immediately started trending for all the wrong reasons.

My manager spent the night begging me to bring the investors back.

I simply told her: I've been carrying too many sponsorships alone. It's not healthy for the company's overall development.

The big kickoff for the new series was tomorrow morning. My manager, Tina, summoned me to the office at the crack of dawn.

"Xavier, honey," she began, her voice sweet as poison. "The CEO wants you to look out for the new guys. We've decided to let Zack take the lead role in this one."

I was stunned. I knew Zack was sleeping with the boss, Lucia, but this script was a massive IP.

I had spent months personally convincing the author to trust me with the adaptation. Now they wanted me to just hand it over?

"Tina, the cameras start rolling tomorrow," I said, keeping my voice level. "Switching the lead now is a disaster waiting to happen, don't you think?"

"Oh, Xavier," Tina gave me a tight, awkward smile.

"Over the last few years, every gold-tier resource has gone straight to you. The other talents are feeling neglected. Lucia is just thinking about the company's long-term health. You're a veteran here. Surely you understand her sacrifice?"

"Fine. Give him the lead," I replied calmly.

In this industry, getting replaced at the last minute wasn't unheard of. I just never thought it would happen to me.

Tina looked surprised. Her eyes lit up with relief and she started gushing.

"I knew you were a team player! However..."

She paused, feigning difficulty. "Zack is a rookie, you know? This is his first lead. He's going to struggle. He needs a mentor, a real pro like you, to guide him on set."

I cocked an eyebrow. "And?"

"So, how about you take on the role of the lead's father? It's a great character challenge!"

I burst out laughing. I was twenty-seven. Zack was twenty-four.

They didn't just want to steal my role; they wanted me to play his dad?

"Sure, why not?" I answered sharply.

"Maybe I should just hand over my title as the company's Top Star to him while I'm at it?"

"Really? Thanks, man! I appreciate the hand-off!"

Zack didn't even knock. He strutted in like he already owned the place.

"Xavier, you've worked hard all these years, but you're getting up there in age. It's time to take a back seat."

I looked past him. The crew I had worked with for five years were all standing in the hallway, avoiding my gaze and staring at their shoes.

I let out a cold laugh. "Fine. From now on, let the great Zack Zeller lead you all to glory."

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