Chapter 69
“There are still things in this world worth trusting. Once you see them, you’ll understand p>
Lexi lightly patted his shoulder, then slipped past him, moving forward.
The place was small, but the variety of dogs was overwhelming.
Lexi slowed her steps, examining every cage with painstaking care, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sebastian’s loyal companion, Juffer.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted ahead.
A burly man, shirtless, was shouting at the top of his lungs.
“Purebred Tibetan Mastiff! Step right up! Highest bid takes it p>
At the words Tibetan Mastiff, Lexi’s heart jumped into her throat.
She pushed through the crowd, forcing her way to the front.
The man, seeing most of the onlookers had gathered, yanked a black cloth off a cage.
Inside, a massive, brown-and-black Tibetan Mastiff stood, muscles taut, fur bristling like a living armor.
It let out a deafening roar and slammed its massive body against the bars of its cage.
The buyers froze, awe-struck by its sheer size and presence.
Some even started bidding immediately.
Lexi blinked, almost disbelieving, and whispered, “Juffer p>
At her voice, the enraged mastiff whined and, as if recognizing her, instantly calmed.
Its eyes and mouth bore fresh blood from its struggle, and its skin was raw in places.
Lexi’s chest tightened, and tears threatened to spill.
She reached out through the cage, desperate to touch him—but the man shoved her roughly.
“If you’re not buying, get back! Break him, and you’ll pay for it p>
Lexi stumbled back several steps, regaining her balance.
She removed her mask and sunglasses, letting her icy gaze cut through the man.
“You brought my Juffer here, didn’t you p>
The man sneered, spitting on the ground.
“Juffer?
I’m the owner here!
This is my dog.
Move, or I won’t be polite p>
“I’d like to see how impolite you can be p>
The voice came from the crowd, calm and lethal.
Lexi felt a rush of relief.
He’s here—Juffer would be safe now.
Sebastian Blackwood stepped forward, and the room went silent under the weight of his presence.
Even the burly man felt his chest tighten, a chill running down his spine.
“Daring to sell my dog? You’ve got a death wish p>
A cold, razor-sharp glint passed through Sebastian’s eyes.
His face was stern, his aura suffocating.
With a wave of his hand, two black-clad men seized the man.
The moment a knife flashed at his throat, the thug collapsed to his knees, trembling uncontrollably.
Connor, Sebastian’s right-hand man, carefully freed Juffer from the cage.
Lexi knelt, embracing the injured mastiff.
Relief washed over her—he was alive.
“Please, I didn’t know this was your dog! I swear, I wouldn’t have sold it if I knew!” The man begged, sweat pouring down his face, terror in his eyes.
These were not ordinary dogs.
Many were worth thousands, sometimes even rare breeds.
Most people wouldn’t care if a dog was lost—they’d just buy another—but no one had ever approached them with this kind of deadly authority.
“Sebastian…” Lexi whispered, fear tightening her chest.
She didn’t want him to handle the man as ruthlessly as he would a rival.
“Today, I’ll let you off. Next time, it won’t be this simple.” Sebastian’s tone was icily calm as he released the man, dragging Lexi out.
Outside, police sirens blared.
“You called the cops?” Lexi asked, surprised.
Sebastian nodded slowly.
“This place should have been cleaned up long ago. I’d rather let the law handle them than soil my hands p>
Lexi looked back at the scene, impressed despite herself.
Sebastian’s mind always had a backup plan—he was never to be underestimated.
“Juffer’s injuries are serious. He needs immediate medical attention,” Connor warned, glancing at the mastiff.
Sebastian’s face remained icy as he glanced at Lexi.
“I’ll go with him,” Lexi said quickly.
“I’ll care for Juffer while he’s in the hospital.
It’s the least I can do to make up for losing him p>
“To admit your mistakes… you might just be redeemable,” Sebastian said, coldly amused.
If not for her carelessness, Juffer would never have suffered this.
Juffer underwent surgery and, mercifully, slept peacefully afterward.
Exhausted, Lexi sank into a chair outside, falling into a shallow sleep.
Someone draped a thin blanket over her.
She reached out, but her hand met nothing.
Yawning, she rubbed her eyes and picked up her phone—dozens of missed calls, including the director of her shoot.
She called back.
After three rings, the director’s sharp, piercing voice cut through the line.
“Lexi! Where are you? Get back here now! You’ve become a hero for saving that dog. Reporters want to interview you, but the gossip about you and Logan is out of control p>
The call cut off before she could respond.
Lexi scrolled through the trending headlines—someone had photographed her and Logan at the dog market.
The police praised them for rescuing the dog.
The media hailed them as a model couple: “Together for the dogs, together in life!” Comments ranged from amusing to absurd, giving her a headache.
Closing her phone, Lexi went to wash her face.
When she returned, she found Lauren approaching.
Lauren wore a cream trench coat, her figure flawless, her makeup delicate yet noticeable.
Oversized sunglasses hid her expressions, but she moved with the poise of a swan.
“Well, well… hero of the day,” Lauren said, removing her sunglasses, her red lips curling in a mocking smile.
“What do you want?” Lexi asked coolly, her voice flat.
Lauren scoffed.
“Sebastian sent me to take care of Juffer. You should leave. Oh, and congratulations on your little fling with Logan. Though with you and that boy together, you look more like his mother p>
Lexi rolled her eyes.
Thanks for the compliment… I guess.
“And hurry up. Don’t linger here,” Lauren added, clearly annoyed.
Lexi always seemed to interfere with her plans for Sebastian.
Lexi drew a deep breath, grabbing her things.
She left the veterinary hospital without another word.
Since Sebastian had assigned Lauren to care for his dog, there was no reason to press the issue.
At the street corner, she hailed a cab—but a silver sedan blocked her way.
A poised woman in black stepped out.
“Miss Lexi, please get in,” the woman said.
Lexi frowned.
“Who are you p>
“I’m Logan’s manager, Summer. We need to talk p>