Chapter 38
Adrian, Nolan’s trusted aide, sighed as he watched Lexi soaked through in the courtyard.
Their eyes met, and he hesitated.
He wanted to plead on her behalf, but Nolan’s decision was clear: “Tell her I won’t see her. She should leave p>
Lexi shook her head, refusing his umbrella.
“I’m not leaving until I speak to him. You go inside—don’t get wet p>
Adrian looked at her determination and felt a pang of admiration.
He had seen many actresses in his life, but none with such grit.
Perhaps he could convince Nolan to give her another chance.
Then, as if testing his patience, Lexi collapsed into the rain.
Adrian didn’t hesitate—he scooped her up, ignoring the downpour, and carried her upstairs to a guest room.
Low blood sugar and exhaustion had taken their toll.
When she finally stirred, Adrian was smiling gently.
“Want something to eat?
I can have the kitchen prepare it p>
Lexi shook her head and rasped, “Where’s Director Nolan p>
Though he had brought her inside without Nolan’s permission, the director remained unspoken for, but Lexi sensed there was still a chance.
Moments later,Nolan appeared, his expression cold.
“Lexi, I can give you another chance.
Not as the lead, but the second female role.
If that’s acceptable, we’ll draft a contract immediately p>
Grateful, Lexi nodded, “Of course.
Thank you p>
The contract was signed swiftly, and Adrian escorted her back.
But even before she reached her apartment building, Sebastian was there, leaning against her car, his dark eyes icy.
“Smiling earlier, huh? Now, not so much?” His voice was low, mocking.
The memory of her earlier laugh—so carefree with another man—stirred a fire in him.
He had never seen her like that.
And yet, all he felt was anger.
This woman had never given him an easy moment.
“Do you need something?” Lexi asked coolly, her body tense.
She suspected he might have been involved in the ruse that made her late, and the thought made her skin crawl.
Sebastian’s gaze sharpened.
“Who was that man p>
“None of your business.” She brushed past him, but he swiftly blocked her path, tripping her.
Pain shot through her body as she fell.
“You need to feel it,” he said, towering over her.
“Only then will you understand the price of angering me p>
Lexi grit her teeth.
“I’ll remember this.” Her resolve burned hotter than ever.
She would make him see she was not someone to be toyed with.
And the moment her paycheck cleared, she would put as much distance between herself and this volatile, unpredictable man as possible.
The first day of filming was all about costume fittings.
Director Nolan’s enforced strict rules: no phones, no leaks.
Anyone caught would be sued.
The film Moonlight and shadows traced the bond between two girls, one a reflective, daring child, the other ambitious and fiercely independent.
Lauren had landed the lead role as Naomi, the adventurous moonlit spirit, while Lexi would portray Miki, the ambitious, estranged childhood friend.
Everything was proceeding smoothly—until Lauren arrived.
“Well, look who managed to crawl here after all,” Lauren sneered, her tone laced with mockery.
Lexi’s gaze was icy.
“That pregnant woman—was that your setup? Deliberately making me late p>
Lauren tilted her head, feigning innocence.
“Lost the lead? That’s on you, Lexi. Don’t throw dirt where it doesn’t belong p>
Lexi’s jaw tightened.
She had remembered the woman’s face clearly.
One day, she would find her.
And when she did, Lauren would pay.
Using such vile tactics to steal the lead—it was unforgivable.
A sweet, chirping voice interrupted.
“Sister! Lexi! I didn’t expect to see you here!” Isabella, wearing her costume, approached, reaching to grab Lexi’s wrist.
Lexi subtly dodged.
“Oh, Lexi! Here for the fittings too? Funny coincidence, huh? And all thanks to Sebastian! If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t even have a minor role!” Isabella smiled brightly.
Lexi’s patience snapped.
The set, which should have been professional, was now mired in chaos thanks to Sebastian’s interference.
Even dinner with Adrian failed to lift her spirits.
“Excuse me, are you Miki, Lexi Starling?” a young fan approached, phone in hand.
“I saw your costume photo—so pretty! Can I take a picture p>
Lexi smiled politely, but the fan revealed something troubling: the photos had leaked.
Lexi’s heart sank.
Nolan would never forgive her now.
“Adrian, I need to see Nolan. Eat without me,” Lexi muttered to Adrian, grabbing her bag and rushing out.
Sure enough, Director Nolan was furious when she arrived, berating her for unprofessional conduct and breach of confidentiality.
“Director, I swear, I did not leak the photos. Someone is setting me up!” Lexi pleaded, nearly in tears.
Being distrusted was a terrifying ordeal.
“And who would want to set you up? You’re still a newcomer. Who would hold a grudge against you p>
To Nolan Montgomery, Lexi had always seemed like a naturally spirited, gifted woman.
Bright, quick-witted, with a spark in her eyes.
But now… she was late.
She’d leaked the photos from the costume fitting.
And on top of it, she insisted someone had framed her.
He felt a deep, simmering disappointment.
“Director,” Lexi’s voice was earnest, almost desperate, “please trust me. I’ll find the person behind this. Just… give me a little time p>
Adrian, his right-hand man, spoke up at just the right moment.
“Director, just give Ms. Lexi one more chance. We can’t punish an innocent woman… but we also can’t let the guilty walk free p>
Nolan studied Lexi for a long, quiet moment before speaking.
“This is your last chance. Three days. If you can’t bring me proof in three days, I have no choice but to press charges against you p>
Adrian escorted Lexi out of the Montgomery estate.
After a pause, he asked gently, “Do you want me to help p>
Lexi shook her head.
He’d already done enough.
She couldn’t always rely on favors.
“Do you… have anyone in mind?” Nolan pressed, noticing the worry etched across her face.
Lexi did.
She had someone in mind—but no proof.
Even if she did, Sebastian would protect her target.
With her small influence, she could never shake Lauren’s hold.
The three days were all she had.
Time was the only weapon she could use wisely.