Chapter 3
Lexi followed Sebastian out of the club.
At the exit, Victor froze when he saw who escorted her.
“Mr. Blackwood—please, take care.” Victor bowed deeply, his men not daring to look up.
Lexi noticed the shift instantly. Victor, a powerful figure in Lorinville’s jewelry and entertainment industries, was practically kneeling.
Sebastian didn’t spare him another glance.
Once they were a safe distance away, Lexi stopped. “Thank you. I’ll head out from here.”
Sebastian paused beside his black sedan. “The danger’s over, so gratitude is optional now?”
She glanced back. Victor and his men were still bowing—but Victor’s eyes burned with resentment.
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t repay you,” she said quietly, then slipped into the car.
The vehicle stopped in front of an illuminated skyscraper.
Lexi stared. “This is Blackwood Group headquarters?”
He didn’t answer. He simply walked inside.
The lobby was expansive, polished marble reflecting golden light. A massive chandelier glittered overhead.
“Why are we here?” she asked.
Sebastian settled into a leather chair. A director hurried over with wine.
“The supporting actress had an accident,” Sebastian said calmly. “You’re filling in.”
Lexi blinked. “You want me to act?”
“I’ll handle your current projects. Your salary will be ten times what you make now.”
It wasn’t a suggestion.
Before she could respond, a woman entered.
Long glossy waves, a fitted red dress, calculated charm. She moved like she owned the room.
Lexi’s gaze lingered for a fraction too long before recognition hit.
Lauren.
Not just anyone. Lauren Mitchell. A face that dominated billboards, premieres, and every major screen for years. Lexi had seen her countless times—on-screen, in interviews, in headlines that never seemed to fade. Seeing her now, in person, was different. Sharper. More real. And somehow… more intimidating.
“Seb, who’s this?” she asked sweetly, resting a hand on his shoulder.
His expression softened. “She’s managing a project under Blackwood. You’ll play rivals.”
Lauren’s gaze slid to Lexi, assessing. “You manage projects?”
“Yes.”
She stepped closer, towering slightly. “No presence. No aura. How are you supposed to act?”
“I didn’t volunteer,” Lexi replied evenly. “I didn’t even know this was filming.”
Sebastian glanced at the folder in her hand. Fallen Empire.
“That’s your project,” he said.
Lexi stiffened. He’d inserted her into her own production.
“Consider yourself lucky,” Lauren said lightly. “A supporting role suits you.”
Lexi didn’t react.
Her calm seemed to irritate Lauren.
“You might actually be perfect for a minor role,” she added sweetly. “Don’t you think, Seb?”
Sebastian kissed her cheek without hesitation. His voice lost its edge around her.
Lexi noticed.
The chill returned when his gaze passed over her again.
Filming began.
Lexi’s character was meant to receive a light slap.
The first take—too hard.
“Again,” Lauren suggested.
The second—harder.
By the fourth, Lexi’s cheek burned.
“Cut. I’m done.” Lexi stepped back, holding her face.
Lauren circled her. “Can’t handle it?”
“You’re doing this on purpose.”
“Of course.” Her smile sharpened. “I want to ruin you.”
“For him?” Lexi shot back. “He doesn’t care about me.”
“You’re pathetic,” Lauren whispered. “You can’t act. But seduction? That seems natural to you.”
“Men like him?” she continued. “Rich. Powerful. Attractive. Every woman wants a piece of that.” A faint smile touched her lips. “So of course you’d try your luck.”
She slapped Lexi again—hard.
Pain exploded across her face.
Lexi reacted on instinct.
She struck back.
The room froze.
“You hit me?” Lauren gasped, immediately covering her cheek as tears welled.
Lexi frowned. The reaction was exaggerated.
Then she felt it.
A presence behind her.
She turned slowly.
Sebastian stood there, expression glacial.
Lauren rushed into his arms. “Seb, she hit me!”
His gaze locked onto Lexi.
“I didn’t mean to—” she began.
Staff exchanged looks. To them, she was the outsider.
“She sabotaged me first,” Lexi said firmly. “I endured every slap. She took one.”
Silence stretched.
Sebastian’s eyes remained cold.
