The after-party glittered with celebration, but the tension between Liam and Jason was palpable. Liam stood at the edge of the room, watching Jason charm the producers, executives, and cast members like a seasoned pro. He couldn't help but grit his teeth. He always knows how to steal the spotlight.Ava sidled up beside him, noticing the look on his face. "What's going on in that head of yours?""Just tired of being second place," Liam muttered, his eyes locked on Jason, who was basking in the attention like a king among peasants.Ava glanced at Jason and then back at Liam, her brow furrowing. "You're not second place. You've got just as much talent, if not more."Liam appreciated her words, but they felt hollow. No matter what, Jason always seemed to come out on top. He knew the industry was competitive, but it stung when it was someone he once called a friend.As if on cue, Jason sauntered over, a self-satisfied grin plastered on his face. "Liam, you still here? I figured you'd have left by now. After all, not everyone can handle being the runner-up all the time."Liam felt his blood pressure spike. He'd had enough. "You think this is a joke, don't you? This isn't some game where you always win."Jason's smirk deepened. "I don't think it's a joke. I know it is. You just haven't realized you're the punchline."Liam's fists clenched. "You really believe your own hype, don't you?""Believe it? I live it. You can either play along, or you can keep trying—and failing—to be where I am," Jason said, his voice full of arrogance."You're so full of yourself," Liam shot back. "You think you've earned everything, but all you do is manipulate your way to the top."Jason's face darkened. "You want to talk about manipulation? How about we talk about how you've been riding on my coattails this whole time? Without me, you'd still be auditioning for toothpaste commercials."Liam's anger boiled over. "Maybe if you weren't so busy kissing up to everyone, you'd realize you're nothing but a fraud."The room fell silent as the tension between the two men hit its peak. The crowd could feel the imminent explosion, and all eyes were on them now.Jason stepped closer, his eyes flashing with fury. "If you think you can do better, go ahead. But let's be real—you'll never reach my level. Not even close."That was it. The final straw.Before Liam could stop himself, he swung at Jason, landing a hard punch across his jaw. Jason staggered back, stunned but quickly recovering, his own fists clenched."Oh, it's on now," Jason growled, launching himself at Liam.They collided in a flurry of punches, shoving and grappling as the crowd gasped and backed away. It wasn't just a fight—it was a declaration of war. Every punch was fueled by years of built-up resentment, jealousy, and rivalry. There was no going back now.Liam's knuckles cracked against Jason's ribs, but Jason retaliated with a brutal uppercut that sent Liam reeling. They stumbled into tables, knocking over drinks, sending the glittering party into chaos.Security rushed in, but the damage was done. By the time they were pulled apart, both men were bruised, bleeding, and breathing heavily, but neither was willing to back down."You're done, Liam," Jason spat, wiping the blood from his lip. "From this moment on, we're enemies. Don't even think about coming near me or my career again."Liam glared at him, wiping sweat and blood from his brow. "You think I'm afraid of you? I'll show you what I'm capable of without you dragging me down. We're done."The rift between them was now unbridgeable, and everyone in the room knew it. Jason stormed out, leaving Liam standing in the wreckage of their friendship, his hands still trembling from the fight.As the party resumed, quieter and more cautious now, Liam realized that his life in the industry had just gotten a lot more complicated. Jason wasn't just a rival anymore—he was an enemy, one that Liam would have to face if he ever wanted to truly succeed.And in a business where connections mattered more than anything, having Jason as an enemy was the last thing Liam needed.But this was war now, and Liam wasn't about to back down.