Chapter 4

But what really made my skin crawl was that some gossip blogs had already started spinning wild stories.

[Word is, Winnie has a horrible reputation in the business. She's always using her agent status to crush newbies. Henry endured her for five years before finally escaping.]

[Apparently, Winnie secretly blocked Nancy from landing any roles, all out of pure jealousy. Henry tried over and over to talk her out of it, but she wouldn't budge.]

Not a single word of it was true, but not a soul doubted it. Everyone was piling on like it was the hottest gossip in town.

In three days, I lost 200,000 followers. Brands I'd worked with were dropping me like hot potatoes, and two of the rookies I'd managed came out with statements, cutting ties with me.

Their statements were almost identical. [Due to personal issues with Winnie, which have affected my development, we've mutually agreed to terminate our cooperation effective immediately.]

I called them up, and after a lot of stammering, they finally admitted, "Winnie, it's not that we want to leave. Henry made it clear. If anyone works with you, he won't share the stage with them."

When a top star like Henry threw his weight around, it was enough to wipe out an agent's whole livelihood.

On the fourth day, I got a call I didn't expect. It was Nancy.

"Winnie, how are you holding up?" Nancy's voice was as sweet as ever. "Don't let all that stuff online get to you. The fans are stirring things up. Henry's been having a hard time with it too."

I didn't say anything.

She went on, "Winnie, I'm actually calling because I want to talk to you about something.

"Henry's new variety show is filming next week, and the production team wants you to be a guest, like, a segment where the former agent shares some behind-the-scenes stories.

"Henry thinks this could help you win back some of your reputation, so people can see you two are still on good terms."

"You really think I'd say yes?" I shot back.

"Winnie, this really is a good thing for you." Her voice turned serious. "You can't get any gigs in the industry right now, right? Henry's offering you this chance because of the five years you two had together.

"If you go on the show and say some good things about him, the fans will start seeing you differently."

Suddenly, it all made sense. They wanted me to go on TV, take all the blame, and sing Henry's praises like he was some hero. In this way, he could clear his name and crush whatever dignity I had left.

"No," I said.

"Winnie, think it over." Nancy's voice dropped, a hint of threat creeping in. "Henry said if you don't play along, he's got some dirt from your days as his agent. If that stuff gets out, it could destroy you."

My grip on the phone tightened. I knew exactly what she meant.

Back then, to help Henry land that breakout role, I did some shady things. I pulled strings, paid off some people, and squeezed out the original actor.

Everyone in the industry did it, but if it ever got out, it would destroy my reputation.

"Winnie?" Nancy's voice turned sickly sweet again. "Think it over, and let me know by tomorrow."

Then the call ended.

I sat on the couch, staring at the ceiling for what felt like forever.

Then I picked up my phone, found the number labeled "Josef Sherman's Assistant," and sent a message. [Are you free to meet tomorrow?]

The reply came almost instantly. [Mr. Sherman said you can come anytime. Tomorrow at 10 AM, same place as before.]

I set my phone down and went to take a shower.

Five years ago, I gave up my acting career, all because Henry said he needed me.

He said at that time, "Winnie, quit acting and be my agent. I don't trust anyone else, only you. You're more than capable, and together, we'll take over the industry."

Back then, I'd scored a major role. The director wanted me and only me. But Henry said he needed me.

I really thought that was love. So, I turned down that role, turned down every script that landed on my desk, and traded being an actress for being his agent.

Five years later, I finally saw it for what it was. He never needed me.

What he wanted was someone who'd give him every resource, never ask for anything back, and could be tossed aside like a disposable pawn whenever he felt like it.