<b>Chapter </b><b>373 </b>


    Under Vicky’s icy re, Jay’s hands trembled as he reached for the cellphone resting on <b>the </b>table. He opened Twitter, quickly navigating to his own damning tweet.


    The moment the recording yed, Jay felt like all the strength had been siphoned from his body. The phone slipped from his grasp, ttering onto the table. Only two words shed through his mind. “It’s over!”


    Vicky massaged his temples<b>, </b>exasperationcing his tone, “How could you be so naive? Haven’t you learned that there are some things you just don’t discuss over the phone?”


    Jay’splexion was ashen. “I… I didn’t think it through.”


    “And to think I’ve been backing you all this time. You’ve just torched your own future,” Vicky said gravely.


    Hearing this, Jay staggered, and then,ing to his senses, he seized Vicky’s arm in desperation. “I didn’t know it woulde to this. You have to help me figure out what to


    do…”


    Vicky withdrew his arm. “When you sted that tweet out, did you even think to <b>run </b>it by me? <b>Can’t </b>you differentiate right from wrong on your own<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    “It was Juztin’s sister. She led me astray. She promised it would be fine,” Jay murmured, trying to deflect the me.


    Vicky scoffed, “Promises? And what exactly did she guarantee for you? She was ying you like a fiddle to get at Leo. You were just a pawn in her game.”


    Jay wiped his face, his usually suave features now marred by confusion and panic. If he had known tonight’s disaster was brewing, he never would have risked releasing that


    track.


    Vicky sighed heavily. After all, Jay was his protégé. “Jay, you’re too impulsive. Didn’t I tell you that you’d eventually lead Neon Paradox? I advised you to be patient. Why couldn’t you wait?”


    Jay opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. Could he admit his envy and dread at watching Leo’s rising fame after the variety show appearance? Could he confess his eagerness to see his rival fall from grace?


    He couldn’t. Voicing such thoughts would only convince his manager of his pettiness.


    Vicky shook his head, rubbing his temples wearily. “Right now, you need to tweet an apology. me it all on Summer.


    He had listened to the recording carefully and seen thements on Twitter. While Jay was getting a severe bacsh from fans, the majority were pointing fingers at Summer. So, it was time to push all the me her way<b>. </b>


    A temporary smudge on his reputation didn’t matter. Time would heal, and the showbiz


    world was no stranger to scandals. This would be fuss died down and


    old news once <i>the </i>


    new gossip emerged. Despite Jay’s rashness, his talent was redeemable, though it was a shame with the groundwork Vicky hadid for him.


    Jay perked up when he realized his manager hadn’t given up on him. “I’ll post the apology right away.”


    “Remember,” Vicky instructed, “make it clear you were misled and that you’re a victim too.”


    Jay nced at Vicky, a cold resolve flickering in his eyes. “Understood.” If Summer nned to cross him, he would make sure she wouldn’t get off easily.