“Miss Lexi.”
A soft, melodic voice drew her attention.
Lexi looked up to see a woman in an elegant ivory dress—tall, graceful, porcelain skin, coral-red earrings catching the light.
She radiated calm authority, a presence both refined and dangerous.
“Who… are you?” Lexi asked, curiosity mixed with caution.
The woman smiled warmly.
“You’ve just come out, and already forgotten your savior?”
Lexi’s eyes widened.
“You… saved me?”
The woman nodded.
“This isn’t the place to talk. There’s a café downstairs—let’s go.”
Lexi hesitated, then followed, needing to know who this mysterious savior was.
At the café, the woman added sugar and cream to her coffee with practiced ease.
“I used to prefer it bitter, but now I like it sweet.”
Lexi noticed a massive diamond ring on her right hand.
The woman touched it gently.
“Just got engaged,” she said softly.
“Engagement rings are worn with care… I take it you love your fiancé dearly. By the way, you’re my savior, but I don’t even know your name.”
“I’m Simone Vaughn,” the woman said, serene yet tinged with sadness.
“I work in entertainment media. I heard you’re filming Fallen Empire. Maybe I’ll interview you someday.”
Lexi blinked.
Simone’s name and poise felt familiar, yet something didn’t add up—her presence, her high-end bodyguards.
“Thank you for saving me,” Lexi said cautiously.
“But how did you know? And why intervene?”
“I’ve been watching over you.”
Lexi choked back surprise.
“Watching me?!”
“Not as you think. I didn’t want anyone else worrying,” Simone explained, pointing to the window.
Lexi saw Connor leaving the hospital.
“I heard the young master of the Blackwood family broke his arm saving you. He’s very concerned. Perhaps bring him some fruit or flowers,” Simone added, her voice laced with subtle charm.
Lexi froze.
Simone knew everything—her tension with Sebastian, all the chaos.
“There’s nothing between me and Sebastian,” Lexi said firmly.
“He has a girlfriend. I have no place in any scheme. Don’t waste your effort.”
Simone tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips.
“I’m afraid that’s not yours to decide.”
Before Lexi could respond, Simone left, slipping into a waiting car.
Truly, a mysterious woman.
Back on set, the director summoned Lexi.
Today’s scene required her to dance for a warlord—a performance meant to win his trust.
“You can’t even dance?” the director snapped, frustration simmering.
Growing up poor, she had no time for lessons in music or dance.
“If she can’t do it, I’ll teach her,” Isabella said, stepping forward.
“Lexi’s smart—she’ll pick it up quickly, right?”
Lexi nodded.
Though she didn’t want to owe Isabella, this was a chance she couldn’t miss.
“I’ll try my best,” Lexi said firmly, eyes blazing with determination.
Hours of practice left her exhausted.
Finally, Isabella let her rest.
“Thank you. I really don’t know what I would’ve done without you,” Lexi said sincerely.
“Don’t mention it. Just don’t forget me when you become a top star,” Isabella replied, smiling faintly.
Lexi waved goodbye, stepping into a taxi.
Isabella’s smile lingered, unreadable, as she watched her leave.
At her apartment, something felt off.
The lights snapped on.
Sebastian Blackwood sat on the sofa, legs crossed, eyes cold as ice.
“You really are heartless,” he said low and dangerous.
“After all those days in the hospital, not once did you come see me. I regret saving a reckless little woman like you.”