The simmering frustration boiled over. It mixed with anger and pain. Because part of me knew she was right. I wasn’t that kid anymore. I didn’t need the reminder. I’d done a lot of bad things, highly regrettable choices I’d be paying for, for the rest of my life. But I’d never dealt drugs. And more important than that, I would never put Emily in a position that might jeopardize her safety in any way. And I’d never lie and let someone else take the blame for my actions.

For a few minutes there at her apartment, I’d thought we connected. I’d thought she looked at me the way she had once because she remembered our friendship. She remembered me. The important parts. But I was wrong. It didn’t matter. In the end, it didn’t matter at all.

“You’ve given me no choice but to fire you,” Emily said, pulling herself straight. “I can’t have a drug dealer on my security team. When we land, I’ll arrange a flight back to LA for you and a driver will take you to the hotel where you’ll gather your things.”

My gaze landed on Charlie once more, and I saw the minute twitch of his lips. He was really going to stand by as I paid the price for this. A part of him was enjoying it. If I tried to fight it, to plead my case, it would be my word against his. I didn’t stand a chance against Hollywood’s golden boy. It wouldn’t only get back to my probation officer, it’d be all over the tabloids. I’d be connected to this forever. If I thought I’d been ruined before…

Charlie wrapped his arm around Emily’s shoulders and pulled her to him. A united front. A red haze filled my vision.

“You wanna know who you are?” I said to Charlie. “A lying phony with zero honor. And you,” I said, my gaze moving to Emily. “You’re nothing but a caricature of what you used to be. A cheap knockoff.”

Her face blanched, and she gasped, a sound that sent satisfaction shooting through my veins, bolstering me. “There’s not one thing about you that’s true or authentic. No wonder that piece of shit likes you so much. You deserve each other.”

“How dare—”

“How dare I? I’ve been wanting to say this since the moment I walked into your apartment and saw you. You’re a sellout. They could have picked up any pretty girl off the street and created Nova. Your producers didn’t need talent. They needed compliance. And you bought into it, hook, line and sinker. And you’ll think about what I’m saying long after I’m gone, because deep inside, you know it’s true.”

“That’s enough,” Charlie said. “Don’t say another word to her.”