His Jealousy Was a Mask, He Gave Her the Ring

Chapter 4

I walked into the company with swollen, red eyes.

Everyone else here was avoiding eye contact with me. I pretended not to notice and walked straight to my boss's office.

The door was not fully closed, and laughter drifted out from inside.

I heard Leo Perry, my boss, say, "Steve was really ruthless this time, pushing Amber out to take the heat for his mistress."

Another voice chimed in, "How else would he have gotten famous if he wasn't ruthless?"

I took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

The laughter cut off abruptly.

The smile hadn't even fully left Leo's face. John Scott, his secretary, nodded awkwardly at me and quickly stepped out.

"You're here," Leo said, leaning back in his chair, his tone as casual as if he were greeting any ordinary employee. "Sit down."

I did not sit.

"Leo, rumors are saying I used my position to get involved with Steven. I want to clear that up. And those videos..."

"Enough." Leo raised a hand to cut me off. "You don't need to worry about this."

"But I'm currently working on my first album, I..."

Leo picked up his coffee and took a sip.

"Amber, let's put your album on hold for now."

These words felt like a slap in the face from a stranger. I stood frozen in place, completely at a loss.

"Why..."

He set down his cup and sighed.

"Look, Amber, in this company, it's our top moneymaker who calls the shots, not me, the boss. Steven is the backbone of our company right now. You're also an employee here. If you two fall out, who do you think will lose out?"

The implication couldn't have been clearer.

Before I could figure out how to fight for myself, Leo pulled a document out of his drawer and pushed it across the desk to me.

"That variety show you locked down earlier? Steven decided the new girl is more suitable, so it's being passed to her. Don't overthink it—this is all for the good of the company."

I looked down at the document. It was the variety show deal I'd landed after three brutal drinking sessions, barely escaping with a stomach hemorrhage.

I clenched my fist so tight my nails dug into my palm.

I said, "I don't agree. The director signed the deal with me. If you switch the person without my permission, I will sue you."

Leo sat up straight immediately and raised his voice. "Have you forgotten that your contract is still with this company?"

I spoke even louder than him, "I switched to a creator contract eight years ago. You have no right to interfere with what shows I appear on."

Leo, the middle-aged man across from me, stared at me in shock.

I wasn't surprised. Even I never imagined that someone as meek and accommodating as me would one day stand in an office and shout down the boss.

Leo was absolutely furious. "Get out, and don't come back tomorrow!"