Chapter 41
Lexi shook her head.
“I’ll handle my injury. Get me a few reputable journalists—I’ll set the record straight p>
Adrian relented, trusting her resolve.
Lexi’s fight was only beginning.
She’d protect herself—and ensure that Lauren, and anyone else targeting her, would pay the price.
Lexi’s eyelids fluttered shut, drowsiness pulling her into a haze.
A sudden brush of icy fingers traced along her injured arm, sending a shiver up her spine.
She moved instinctively—but the hand pressed her down, bone-deep cold searing her.
Her eyes snapped open.
Sebastian Blackwood sat at the edge of the bed, his dark gaze sharp and unyielding.
“What are you doing here?” Lexi asked, a trace of fear in her voice.
Her body ached, raw from every wound, leaving her powerless to bargain.
“Checking if you’re still alive,” he said, his voice low and dangerous, sparked by her defiance.
Lexi let out a bitter laugh.
“You already know who struck me. You have your suspicions, I’m sure. I’m alive. Quite alive. Disappointed p>
Sebastian’s jaw tightened.
“Lexi… do you forget what I told you p>
He had warned her not to confront Lauren—but did he ever consider that even if Lexi wanted peace, Lauren would never let her be?
His eyes pierced the stubborn woman before him, fury rising like a tide he forced down.
Couldn’t she understand that when he saw her burned and read all the slander online, he had worried for her?
He had canceled meetings, refused work, just to be at her side—not to argue.
“I’m tired, Mr. Blackwood. If there’s nothing you need, please leave p>
Lexi’s words were a command.
She curled under the covers, wincing as her wounds flared.
Cold air cut her lungs as she stifled a cry.
Sebastian’s lips curved in a faint, chilling smile.
“Fine. But Lexi… let’s see how long you can last p>
His words clung to her like a curse.
If Sebastian involved himself, Lexi knew even jumping into a river wouldn’t cleanse her name.
Once he left, another presence entered: Nolan Montgomery, bringing a basket of fruit and fresh flowers.
The gesture carried an edge, and Lexi felt a premonition of trouble.
“Miss Lexi, I assume you’ve seen the headlines. I know you poured your heart into this film… but some things are out of our control. Tomorrow, I hope you announce your withdrawal from the project. Don’t worry—you won’t have worked in vain p>
He slipped a credit card into the basket.
Lexi’s jaw tightened.
“Director, are you saying this is all my fault p>
She had believed Nolan was a man of integrity, yet the moment trouble struck, he sought to sever ties.
“I appreciate you coming to see me, but keep the money. I won’t accept it.” She turned her face away, refusing to meet his gaze.
Nolan’s expression darkened.
He had poured his soul into Moonlight & Shadows, and he couldn’t bear the thought of anyone tarnishing it.
“Miss Lexi,” a cold voice cut through the tension.
Lexi turned to see Simone dressed in a sleek black lace dress, elegant yet razor-sharp, standing in the doorway.
Nolan opened his mouth to protest, but Simone stopped him.
“Keep the card. As for the rest… it’s none of your concern. I promise, Moonlight & Shadows will thrive despite this scandal p>
Nolan sighed, handing the card back, and left.
Simone snorted softly.
“I thought he had dignity… turns out he’s just like this. Truly disappointing p>
She had been away only a few days for work, yet Lexi had already drawn so much trouble.
It was time she found someone to watch over her.
Lexi looked at the carefully arranged fruits and the fragrant flowers, understanding Nolan must have summoned every ounce of courage to come today.
She bore some responsibility for what happened—but it was clear he feared tarnishing the project.
“You’re always thinking of others,” Simone said, gently tapping Lexi’s brow.
“When will you think of yourself p>
Lexi had been far too kind, and it had brought her nothing but injustice.
Fortunately, with Simone and Dominic’s support, the storm had finally calmed.
The minor troublemakers couldn’t stir much now.
Meanwhile, Nolan announced the auditions for the film’s female second lead.
“Are you sure you won’t audition?” Simone asked softly, noticing Lexi’s hesitation.
Lexi shook her head.
Nolan’s actions had chilled her heart.
Simone studied her, realizing it was time to tell her the truth.
“Did you notice the three auditions Nolan arranged weren’t just tests of skill? They were to see how well you could connect with children p>
Lexi looked up, concerned only with solving the problem, not its origin.
“See, Lexi, you don’t understand Nolan Montgomery. He came from a distinguished family, had wealth, culture, and pride. He married a beautiful wife, and they had a daughter… but she passed away at four. Moonlight & Shadows is inspired by his daughter’s life. If Naomi had lived, this is the life she would have had p>
Simone sipped her coffee, bitterness giving way to sweetness—a reflection of memory and loss.
Lexi finally understood why he was so protective: the film held every ounce of a father’s love.
“I want to audition,” Lexi said, her gaze catching the sunlight dancing on daisies nearby, hope blooming within her.
Watching Lexi regain her vitality, Simone’s heart swelled.
She had never doubted her instincts—Lexi would not be so easily defeated.
Days passed.
Auditions came and went, but no actress fit the part.
Nolan grew anxious.
“Next!” a calm voice called.
Lexi entered, dressed in her costume, radiant and lively.
Nolan and Adrian looked up, surprised.
“Director Nolan, if you intend to reject me, could you at least hear me out first?” Lexi asked, full of determination.
Adrian’s lips curved.
This Lexi was not to be underestimated.
Nolan nodded silently, curious to hear her plea.
“Director, I know Moonlight & Shadows is your tribute to your daughter. I understand why you won’t allow a tarnished star. But everything happening to me—was a setup. I am innocent p>
Her eyes met his, brimming with unshakable truth.
Few knew the director’s story, not even his longtime friend Adrian.
The room grew still.
Even a breath was cautious.
Lexi’s heart pounded.
The storm of anger had not come; instead, a tense calm settled like a trap.