That necklace meant everything to Lexi.
Losing it felt worse than losing face—it felt personal.
Lauren laughed lightly.
“Sebastian has seen the best of everything. And you think he’d care about your little trinket?”
Lexi ignored her.
The necklace wasn’t cheap or ordinary.
It had been carefully crafted, each crystal chosen with intention.
A coming-of-age gift from someone who mattered.
Sebastian stepped closer, his shadow falling over her.
“Are you questioning me?”
His voice was calm, but the warning in it was clear.
Lexi held his gaze.
“I’m just asking if you’ve seen it.”
The air tightened.
“Fine,” she said at last.
“If you haven’t, forget it.”
She turned to leave.
Staying any longer would only humiliate her further.
After filming wrapped, a black Maybach pulled up beside her.
The window slid down.
“Get in,” Sebastian ordered.
Lexi hesitated, then obeyed.
Inside, the tension was suffocating.
Sebastian held something in his hand.
Under the dim light, the crystals caught and reflected faint sparks.
“That’s mine. Give it back.”
She reached for it, but he leaned away.
She lost her balance and fell against him, heat rushing to her face.
He didn’t move.
“This was from him?” Sebastian asked quietly.
His fingers traced the crystals.
The craftsmanship was meticulous.
Whoever had given it to her had put care into every detail.
“It’s none of your business,” Lexi said.
“It can be returned,” he replied.
“But nothing is free.”
Before she could react, he rolled down the window and flicked his wrist.
The necklace disappeared into the dark lake beside the road.
Lexi froze.
“It’s down there,” Sebastian said coolly.
“If you want it, go get it.”
“I can’t swim,” she said, disbelief flooding her voice.
He didn’t respond.
For a second, she thought about walking away.
Then she opened the door.
She removed her shoes, rolled up her pants, and stepped into the lake.
The water reached her knees.
Still, the lake was wide, the bottom murky.
Sebastian watched, jaw tight.
She would really do this—for that man?
A horn sounded behind them.
A white Mercedes stopped abruptly.
A tall man stepped out, broad-shouldered and sharp-featured.
“Mr. Blackwood,” he greeted calmly.
Sebastian didn’t look pleased.
“Mr. Dominic. Following me again?”
Dominic smiled faintly.
“Just passing by.”
His gaze shifted to Lexi standing in the water.
“What’s happening?”
“Watching someone waste her time,” Sebastian replied.
Dominic didn’t argue.
He removed his jacket and shoes, then stepped into the lake.
Sebastian’s eyes darkened.
Lexi heard the water move and assumed Sebastian had changed his mind.
But when she turned, she froze.
“Big Brother…” she whispered.
Dominic looked at her carefully, concern flashing across his face.
She had grown thinner.
She forced a small smile.
“Help me find a necklace.”
She described it quickly, then bent down to search again.
The quiet joy of reunion barely had time to settle before both of them were focused on the dark water, searching for the crystal necklace sinking somewhere below.