“If you have a problem,” Lexi said, lifting her chin, “come after me. Don’t touch him.”
Sebastian Blackwood snapped.
He smashed the wineglass in his hand; shards scattered across the marble as he closed the distance in two strides and seized her chin, fingers digging in.
“So you’ve even gotten involved with the Reed heir,” he snarled.
“Lexi, I underestimated you.”
Pain shot through her jaw.
She tried to speak—nothing came out.
His fury burned, but her stubborn, indifferent stare held.
He released her abruptly.
Lexi collapsed, her palm landing on broken glass.
Blood bloomed instantly.
She bit down, refusing to scream.
Sebastian’s expression shifted.
“Call the doctor.”
The private physician arrived quickly, bandaging her hand with efficient precision.
“Keep it dry. Change the dressing on schedule.”
Lexi’s back was soaked in sweat.
She forced a thanks through clenched teeth.
After the doctor left, Sebastian’s impatience returned.
“You’re staying here for the next few days. Connor will arrange someone to look after you.”
“I’m leaving,” Lexi said, pushing herself off the bed.
“Leaving?” he laughed darkly.
“To where? Back to Julian Reed?”
“Where I go is none of your business. Stop playing chess with my life.” Her icy tone made him pause.
“Lexi,” he said softly, dangerously, “you’ll regret what you said today.” A cruel smile tugged at his lips.
With her hand injured, Lexi was barred from filming.
Without his family’s protection, Sebastian could crush him with ease.
Three days later, Lexi returned to the set.
Her role had changed—just as she’d asked.
She was now the antagonist, the character built solely to destroy Lauren.
Satisfaction flickered for the first time in days.
Lauren’s scenes were finished; the next phase belonged entirely to Lexi.
She searched the wardrobe instinctively—but Julian wasn’t there.
Lauren noticed immediately.
“Stop looking. Your precious Julian didn’t come today.”
Her words made Lexi uneasy.
She turned to leave, but Lauren grabbed her arm.
“I know a little about Julian Reed. Do you really think you’re worthy of him?”
The words cut deep.
Buried memories surged.
“What else do you know?” Lexi asked quietly.
Few knew the truth of her past with Julian—if Lauren knew, someone had told her.
“I don’t care about your history,” Lauren said dismissively.
“I’m warning you—stay away from Sebastian Blackwood.”
“You don’t need to worry,” Lexi replied flatly.
“On that, we agree.”
Lauren scoffed and walked away.
Lexi entered the changing room—her crystal necklace from Julian was gone.
Her heart dropped. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
She searched everywhere, then realized the only place it could be was Sebastian’s hotel.
Distracted all day, her performance suffered.
The director berated her, but she barely heard.
Once filming wrapped, she hailed a cab.
Sebastian’s hotel loomed like a fortress.
Connor stepped aside silently, letting her through.
Lexi entered cautiously, heart pounding, hand throbbing.
The penthouse was vast, suffocating.
She searched room after room—nothing.
Then she heard voices.
Lauren’s.
Panic surged.
She opened a door—and froze.
Two women jumped to their feet.
“Are you insane?!” Lauren demanded, shock and fury in her eyes.
“Tell the one behind you to come forward. I have questions,” Lexi said coldly, locking onto the woman behind Lauren.
Pink-and-white dress.
Long wavy hair.
Doll-like skin.
“I’m her sister,” Lauren said arrogantly, pushing her back.
“Whatever you want to say, say it to me.”
Lexi smiled faintly—this time, there was nothing but menace.