All Chapters of The Male Lead Goes Rogue: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

By the time reporters from every major news outlet swarmed Lewis Hale's doorstep, I was soaking in my enormous bathtub and watching a reality show.The scandal shot to the top of the trending charts. I gladly added fuel to the fire by posting the suggestive photo Lewis had sent me.Fiona Casey called nonstop, desperate to track me down. My phone practically rang itself to death.By then, I was at a nightclub, tipping the dancers onstage.Fiona didn't run a major corporation for nothing. Within an hour, her bodyguards had tracked me down and hauled me back to her villa.She glared at me, her face tight with anger. "Joel! What the hell do you think you're doing? Do you realize what you've done? You could ruin Lewis's career! Was getting my attention really worth making this much of a scene?"I shook my head and made myself comfortable on the couch. "Get your attention? That's quite an ego you've got. I just wanted to ruin you and Lewis. You both had it coming."I didn't have any

After all, the higher you climb, the harder you fall.Fiona showed up with Lewis, looking far too pleased with herself. Apparently, she expected to enjoy watching me admit defeat."Well, Joel? Have you learned your lesson? Give Lewis a public apology, and I'm willing to put this behind us. I might even let you stick around. You always did love following me everywhere."I stayed on the couch and rolled my eyes. "Do you actually believe the things you say, or are you just used to nobody calling you out?"When it became clear I wasn't giving in, Lewis put a hand on Fiona's arm. His shoulders sank, and he looked at me as though I was being thoroughly unreasonable."It's okay, Fiona. He's made up his mind. You want another apology, Joel? Fine. But your problem's with me. Leave her out of it."Lewis started to speak again, but Fiona took his arm and stopped him.She came here expecting me to beg for forgiveness. Instead, her precious Lewis was taking the blame while I sat there unimpr

I had the folder's contents displayed on the ballroom screen and aimed my phone at it. The livestream chat exploded.It contained detailed records of Fiona and Lewis checking into hotels together, along with records of his hotel visits with various directors, both men and women. Apparently, there wasn't much he wouldn't do to get ahead.There was an itemized list, too. Luxury brand deals, expensive watches, sports cars, and even the apartment he proudly claimed he bought with his own hard-earned money.As it turned out, a whole string of wealthy women financed his lifestyle.Bank statements and receipts backed up every transaction, all neatly arranged by date. The evidence left him very little room to explain.I aimed my phone at Fiona and Lewis and raised my voice."What a stand-up guy. No wonder Fiona's so taken with you. You care about her so much that you're sleeping with half the industry behind her back."Lewis went white. His knees buckled, and he hit the floor.He brace

Dad clapped me on the shoulder. "That's my boy. You did well."Mom smiled. "From now on, do what makes you happy. Your father and I will always be here for you."Speaking of which, Stella's here tonight. Would you like me to put in a good word?"And if you two don't hit it off, there are plenty of other lovely women here. Tell me who catches your eye, and I'll introduce you."I followed her gaze to a woman in an elegant black gown, custom-made to fit her perfectly. Her features were soft and lovely, and her eyes crinkled when she smiled.Stella Schmidt. Joel's childhood sweetheart.She noticed me looking, and her smile widened.Stella had an easy elegance about her. From her posture to the way she held her champagne, she looked entirely at home in a ballroom full of old money.After Fiona's performance a few minutes earlier, the difference was striking.Stella held out one of her two champagne glasses."Been a while, Joel." Her voice was warm. "Nicely done, by the way."I