Chapter 28
“Talking about outsiders? Mr. Blackwood is the real outsider here,” Dominic said calmly, sweeping the room with his gaze.
“Lexi and I grew up together—practically siblings. From what I know, Sebastian has known her for less than a month p>
The words ignited Sebastian Blackwood’s temper.
Months or years didn’t matter—they were bound in ways no outsider could touch.
“An actress doesn’t become a star just because of money. Director, do you really think Lexi is fit to play the lead?” Sebastian’s sharp gaze pinned the cowering director.
One wrong word and his career was finished.
Dominic’s calm presence contrasted with Sebastian’s fire.
Lexi stepped forward, voice gentle but firm.
“Sebastian, don’t make it harder for him. I’m not here to steal anyone’s role.” She grasped Dominic’s arm, ready to leave.
“Lexi… once you step out that door, there’s no coming back,” Sebastian said, steel in his voice.
She froze, remembering how he had thrust her into this production under Victor’s supervision.
Dominic called softly, snapping her out of her pause.
She straightened.
“If they’re trying to bury me, what’s wrong with walking away p>
Sebastian’s gaze flicked to the director.
He wouldn’t lower himself to keep Lexi there—that humiliation was someone else’s problem.
“Sebastian… just let her go. We’ll have peace if she leaves,” Lauren coaxed, nudging his shoulder.
Sebastian pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
“Sweetheart, if she leaves, where’s the fun in that p>
He intended to make Lexi’s life a torment.
Once Sebastian decided something, it was nearly impossible to sway him.
Lauren could only watch; Lexi might stay—for now—but he had countless ways to push her out later.
“Lexi, show up for filming tomorrow, as usual,” the director muttered, handing her the script.
“Sebastian’s loosened the leash for now. Cooperate, and you’ll stay safe p>
Despite her reluctance, Lexi had found a strange joy in performing.
She glanced at Dominic, a subtle smile sending her message.
He understood and smiled indulgently, ruffling her hair before his expression turned cold again.
“Next time I see anyone picking on Lexi… don’t expect to keep your lives,” he warned, icy and cutting.
Sebastian didn’t flinch.
Their confrontation wasn’t just about Lexi—it stretched into the silent battles of the underworld, the hidden machinations of their empire.
Even with Dominic backing her, the crew avoided Lexi.
Rumors swirled: she’d only risen through connections.
Lexi hardly cared—but the sting of isolation was familiar.
Friends had always been rare.
People whispered as she quietly reviewed scripts.
With month-end approaching, she planned to move out of Sebastian’s apartment, refusing to live in anyone’s shadow.
Then a message blinked on her screen:
“New real estate project launches—Reed family and Blackwoods part ways over unequal stakes p>
The news exploded across social media.
The Reeds and Blackwoods had long-standing ties—how could a single project cause a rift?
Could this affect Julian?
Lexi pulled up his number, ready to call, but Dominic’s phone rang first.
Recently back from overseas, he needed a major domestic deal.
With the Blackwoods and Reeds no longer cooperating, he secured the benefits.
Afterward, he invited Lexi to dinner.
Hesitant, she realized she might glean insight about Reed affairs from him.
At the restaurant, Dominic had prepared a lavish spread.
Lexi quietly chided him for the waste—at the orphanage, meals had been sparse.
Now, with his fortune, he could offer her anything.
On a restroom break, Lexi ran into Simone, who greeted her with a polite nod.
Seizing the moment, Lexi asked, “Ms. Simone, you’re a Star Beat reporter, right? Do you know why the Reeds and Blackwoods split p>
Simone glanced at her diamond ring, smiling wryly.
“Not Reed’s fault. All the Blackwoods p>
Lexi pondered her words, but Simone had vanished before she could question her further.
Searching the restaurant yielded nothing.
Lexi clenched her fists.
One day, she would uncover the truth behind this enigmatic woman.
After dinner, Dominic drove Lexi back to the set for a late-night shoot.
She asked again about the fallout, but he’d already sent people to investigate and promised to inform her as soon as he learned anything.
Finally at ease, Lexi considered calling Julian—but hesitated, worried recent events would make the conversation awkward.
She set her phone down.
The next day, she returned to set, distracted by thoughts of Julian.
Multiple takes were ruined.
Frustrated, the director sent her to study Stella’s character and return only once she understood the role.
Lexi returned to the dressing room and dialed Julian over ten times—busy signals each time.
Eventually, it went to voicemail.
A chill ran down her spine.
Disheartened, she left without changing clothes and went to his apartment.
No sign of him.
At his usual bar, the bartender said he hadn’t been there in weeks, taken away after a drunken brawl.
No one knew where he was.
Lexi sank onto the steps outside, hugging her knees.
“Hey, what do we have here? A little lady all alone? Looks like you need some comforting p>
A group of drunken men stumbled out, leering.
Lexi swatted at them, tried to leave—but they grabbed her, dragging her toward a dark alley.
Panic surged.
A cold, commanding voice cut through the night.
“Let her go p>
Ms. Simone appeared, flanked by bodyguards, radiating authority.
The men froze instantly.
One tried to resist, yanking at Lexi’s throat.
Simone smirked, signaling her bodyguards.
In moments, resistance shattered—the crack of a wrist echoing as one man fell, kneeling and trembling.
Simone pressed her stiletto to his hand.
“Mercy? You won’t dare again p>
The others fell in line, kneeling.
Lexi’s panic ebbed, replaced with awe.
Simone’s presence was like Sebastian’s—different, yet terrifyingly similar.
Softer, though.
“Get out. If I see you again, don’t expect mercy,” Simone warned, voice steel.