2025-09-21 23:19:25Jason stared at his phone screen, refreshing the streaming numbers for the fifth time in ten minutes. The numbers kept climbing.
"Fifteen million streams in three days," he said out loud to his empty living room. "What the hell?"His phone buzzed with another text from Nina. "Stop checking the numbers and get ready for tonight. I'm bringing cake."Jason smiled and put the phone down. Two days ago, Nina had kissed him outside her building. Yesterday, they'd had their first real coffee date, no envelopes or blackmail involved. And today was his birthday.The music video had exploded across social media. Music blogs were calling it his "comeback story." the numbers implied that even his old fans who'd turned on him after the scandal were coming back.Jason walked to his bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. For the first time in months, he didn't see the broken man who'd spent several months in jail. He saw someone who might actually
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
Chapter 40: What Comes Next.
"We should probably go," Abigail said, studying her husband's face with concern. "Let you two enjoy the rest of your evening."They hugged Jason goodbye and congratulated him again on the song's success."See you at rehearsal tomorrow," Calvin said, but his voice sounded strained.After they left, Jason and Nina cleaned up the dishes together."That went well," Nina said."Better than I expected. I'm glad we cleared the air.""Me too. Calvin and Abigail seem really nice. And they obviously care about you.""Yeah," Jason agreed. "For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have people in my corner."Nina dried her hands and turned to face him. "You do. Including me."Jason pulled her close. "Especially you."They kissed again, softer this time. When they pulled apart, Nina smiled."Happy birthday, Jason.""Best one I've had in years."They went back to the couch a
Chapter 39: Brewing Trouble.
They all moved to Jason's small dining table. Calvin and Abigail had brought fried chicken, sides, and wine. Nina helped serve while Jason got plates and glasses."So," Calvin said, opening the wine, "fifteen million streams in three days. That's crazy.""The Aurora Music Festival is in two days," Abigail added, surprised by how well her husband was holding up without candy in his mouth. "The buzz around your performance is huge.""I can't believe it," Jason said. "A month ago, I was basically done. Now this.""You were never done," Nina said. "You just needed the right opportunity."Calvin poured wine for everyone, but Jason noticed he kept glancing at his phone."Everything okay?" Jason asked.Calvin put his phone away. "Yeah, just business stuff. Nothing that can't wait.""Speaking of business," Calvin continued, "Jason, did you ever read the letter I sent you? The envelope Nina had?"Jason took a de
Chapter 38: Jason's Birthday.
Jason stared at his phone screen, refreshing the streaming numbers for the fifth time in ten minutes. The numbers kept climbing."Fifteen million streams in three days," he said out loud to his empty living room. "What the hell?"His phone buzzed with another text from Nina. "Stop checking the numbers and get ready for tonight. I'm bringing cake."Jason smiled and put the phone down. Two days ago, Nina had kissed him outside her building. Yesterday, they'd had their first real coffee date, no envelopes or blackmail involved. And today was his birthday.The music video had exploded across social media. Music blogs were calling it his "comeback story." the numbers implied that even his old fans who'd turned on him after the scandal were coming back.Jason walked to his bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. For the first time in months, he didn't see the broken man who'd spent several months in jail. He saw someone who might actually
Chapter 37: The Council's Message.
"Three more investors left your company today. Your stock dropped eight percent. Your artists are asking questions." "It's only temporary," Nathan said through his teeth. "We've discussed this already, haven't we?" Jonah took a long drag from the cigarette and blew smoke up. "While that might sound like an impressive excuse to you, the council doesn't think so. They think you're losing control, Nathan Harrington. They think... it's time for new leadership." "I built all this from nothing," Nathan said, gesturing at the building they were in and the Neo sign on their shirts. "I've made Neo more money than anyone in ten years. And you come here to talk to me about new leadership? Have you gone mad?" "Ten years, Nathan. Don't make a big deal out of it," Jonah said like he was intentionally trying to be offensive. "But what have you done this week?" One of the men stepped forward, cr
Chapter 36: Unwelcome Visitors.
Nathan loosened his tie with one hand, phone pressed against his ear with the other as he walked down the hallway. "Mr. Peterson, I understand your concerns, but I promise you this is only temporary. Calvin Constantine's little stunt was nothing more than a social media charade. Rest assured, my team is handling it." He stopped at his bedroom door, listening to the investor's worried voice. "No sir, there is no need to worry. Your investment is safe. In fact, I think we'll see better returns once all this dies down. We both know the music industry loves a comeback story. That's the only reason Calvin Constantine is everywhere on the news right now." Nathan pushed open his bedroom door. Stephanie was already asleep. "Don't worry, sir. I assure you that by next quarter, all investors in my company see why Harrington Music Group has been the most profitable label for ten years. Trust me, Mr. Peterson. Have I eve
Chapter 35: Midnight Confessions.
"Where do you live?" he asked. "I live in Brentwood," she said. "But Jason..." "Yes?" he said. "I meant what I said back then. When we talked on set, I thought you were just another angry celebrity having a bone to pick with the world. But the way you handled tonight was beyond me." Jason shook his head. "Stop making a big deal out of it. Anyone with a level head would have done the same thing, if not better." Nina gently bit her lower lip, still staring at Jason's face. Jason glanced at her for a while before keeping his eyes back on the road. Without her quick wits, intellect and charm, Nina Gilbert was just a young woman who just experienced a difficult night. "If you are still thinking about that envelope, then stop. It doesn't matter." "Well, thank goodness one of the paramedics brought it along. It is an apology letter from Calvin, along with some lega
You may also like
The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection
Dreamy Fire253.1K viewsI Made $900 Trillion In 24 Hours
Jericho Chase71.3K viewsRise Of The Sole Heir
Estypen77.9K viewsSon-in-law: The Billionaire's Reign
Deliaha Shine107.4K viewsFrom Prison to Greatness
BOSSSESamaaaa752 viewsThe Return of Ares The God of War
Freddies894 viewsThe Return of the God level Son in Law
Maemae442 viewsGet Ready For Allvar Falck's Ruthless Return
Magical Inspirations17.4K views