Fallen Actress' Comeback: Torn Between the Director and the Mafia Lord-Chapter 23: Meeting the Stars

Chapter 23

~Xena’s POV~

"The restrictions. The conditions. The entire—ugh—trap of it."

He lifted a brow like I was suddenly having three heads, and I had just voiced the most outrageous thing.

"Xena, I’m your agent, not the lawyer who drafted your contract. If you have issues, talk to my brother or, better still, talk to Xade. Preferably both."

Unbelievable.

I felt heat rise to my face, not embarrassment this time, pure frustration.

"And by the way," Drake added with an annoying smirk, "I recall you going through the contract that day. So how come ’you’," he paused, to make quotes with his fingers, "didn’t notice anything wrong with it?"

I facepalmed myself hard, ignoring the attention I was drawing, even though now wasn’t the right time or place to confront such issues.

From the corners of my eyes, I noticed Raiden throwing concerned glances my way.

But I was too frustrated to do anything about it.

"Never mind. It was a mistake asking you anything. Bye."

I stepped past him, but Drake grabbed at my arm, barely missing as I dodged him.

"Ouch, mi amore, don’t be cold." He pretended to touch his chest as if he was hurt.

I didn’t even bother looking back. "Enjoy the party, Mr. Draven. I’m sure you have plenty of company waiting to feed your ego."

Raiden tried not to laugh as Draven dramatically clutched his chest tighter.

I shook my head, heading back toward Raiden.

Before I could say anything, a small envelope slipped into my hand from someone passing by. I turned, but the person disappeared into the crowd.

I opened it and read the message internally. "Meet me in my office. Fifteen minutes.

—Xade."

My gaze flickered around to find him, but he wasn’t even in the hall yet. This was just excellent, perfect in fact.

Exactly what my nerves needed.

I tucked the note into my pocket and scanned the hall. People were mingling, drinking, laughing. The music was soft, the lighting warm, and yet I felt as if I was walking through a hall full of ghosts.

Ghosts of people who knew me before.

I kept to the edges, avoiding too much eye contact. If even one person recognised Rhia Rael... or me as her...That was a disaster waiting to happen.

Then my gaze landed on someone who made my stomach sink.

Josephine Leo.

Of all people.

Even from a distance, she was breathtaking—silky black hair, glowing skin, an aura that screamed money and talent. Once mentored by Rhia Rael—my old identity.

And since after my scandal, she took over the spotlight, waiting to be grabbed, and now, she was a global phenomenon. Fans fought each other online just for a glimpse of her. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Producers ached to have her star in their films. She being here could only mean she was starring in Xade’s movie.

So... so, what was she doing here?

Why didn’t Xade cast her as the female lead instead of me?

I moved closer, curiosity pushing me forward. Among everyone present, she was the only one I wanted to speak with.

Something in me ached just at the thought of her innocent, lovely face.

Before I knew what was happening, my palm began to sweat while holding my purse, my heartbeat skipped several times, and my breathing became uneven.

I wanted to ask her questions.

Wanted to know how she could have easily thrown her mentor under the bus and not speak in my favour. After the scandal, she went radio silent until three months later when her new movie took off.

It was my role for Director Xade’s movie. I balled my fingers into a fist.

I wasn’t going to see her as Rhia Rael, her mentor, but Xena Winter, if she could even recognise my face again, or just simply forgot me.

I glanced at my side to see that Raiden was busy greeting another group of celebrities; I took the chance to slip away quietly.

I was just a few steps from Josephine when the door on the side opened.

Xade walked in.

Instantly, the entire room shifted. Voices lowering, eyes following him. Xade glanced around the hall once, then mounted the small platform near the front.

"Everyone, settle," he said.

And they did. Immediately.

He motioned for the microphone but didn’t use it. He didn’t need amplification; his voice alone commanded the space.

"As we begin production, I want each of you to be familiar with the team," he said. "This project is not light work. It will require coordination and discipline."

He gestured to Raiden, in the audience, who stepped forward.

"The male lead for my movie Over the Stars is Raiden Ken."

At once, several applause filled the room.

Then he pointed to Crystal at another corner, who looked like she’d swallowed something sour.

"Second female lead is Crystal Voss."

Several polite claps followed, but compared to Raiden, she was nothing. I watched her glance in Raiden’s direction and bite her lower lip. My gaze drifted down to see her clench her fists.

She lost, and she hated it.

In all her years of acting, she had never co-starred with Raiden. Now was her chance, but I stole that spotlight.

"And second male lead," Xade continued, "Malakai Azriel."

Kai, as he was fondly called by his fans, stepped forward, looking relaxed, hands in pockets.

People cheered louder for him.

"And the female lead..." someone shouted from the crowd.

Everyone murmured in anticipation. Crystal flipped her hair smugly.

Josephine looked mildly interested, and Raiden simply smiled, tucking his hands in his pocket.

He knew who I was, so he did not bother glancing at me to avoid people tracing his line of sight.

Crystal, on the other hand, seemed to seek me out amongst the crowd while Xade smirked.

"It will be revealed soon," he said simply. "For now, enjoy the evening."

The room erupted with murmurings. Some still wanted to know. Many guessed, but I had taken this chance to slip into the shadows while the chatter continued.

"I thought I heard Cece mention her name today," someone voiced in the audience, and every sound seemed to stop.

My heart jumped to my throat.

I took that as my cue to leave, blending more into the darkness at the wall, aiming for the exit before anyone asked...

"Ms. Winter," Crystal’s voice slid through the noise like a blade.

Again. I stopped mid–step, back stiffening.

Slowly, I turned to find Xade’s eyes glaring at Crystal before darting towards where I stood.

At this point, Raiden couldn’t hide me anymore. His eyes were already on me.

Waiting.

And there was no Crystal smirk this time. The chaos erupted as several heads turned, but I was already sneaking out of the hall.

"Did you see her?"

"I thought I saw a shadow moving."

"Jeez, we missed her."

"So she was here."

"I bet Crystal is correct. We all saw her stir up trouble earlier."

"Really? I didn’t take note."

From outside the door, I heard their whispers and murmurings, but rather than calm the situation, I heard Xade’s deep voice announce. "Please enjoy your time. And do not worry, she will be revealed soon."

More chatter and claps erupted, but I didn’t mind as I made my way to his office as fast as my feet could take me.

As soon as I got there, I met Dominic, who spotted me and grinned. "Ah, our elusive leading lady. I thought you had bolted."

"I considered it," I whispered. "But when your Director asks for you... Who am I to refuse?" My smile dropped. "Is he angry?"

Dominic leaned in conspiratorially. "Xade? Angry? No... murderously focused, maybe."

My stomach dropped. "That’s worse."

"Exactly," he asserted as he moved to open the door. "You can go in and wait for him," he said. "Enjoy your meeting, and try not to die. Director Xade would be with you soon."

I nodded and entered the office. But as soon as I shut the door behind me, I heard that same familiar deep voice that replayed in my ears on my way here, and immediately my heartbeat spiked.

"So, my anonymous famous female lead... Tell me, Xena, why were you running from me... or was it because Raiden suddenly felt more appealing to stand beside?"

His gaze darkened, dipping to my mouth before meeting my eyes again as I gulped.

"Do I need to remind you that you fall under my supervision... not Raiden’s?"