Fallen Actress' Comeback: Torn Between the Director and the Mafia Lord-Chapter 22: Raiden Ken

Chapter 22

~Xena’s POV~

Xade’s voice cut through the room, drawing all attention to him.

I froze on the spot.

Of course, he would not let this go. Without further ado, everyone continued walking.

As much as I wanted to go, I knew I could not pretend that I did not hear him.

Slowly, too slowly, I turned. The crowd parted around me as they continued toward the exit, and Crystal made sure I saw her smirk before she strutted past like she’d just won an award for Best Villain.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes so hard they’d fall out. I straightened my spine, keeping my face calm even though my stomach tightened.

I didn’t know what Xade wanted, but I knew that this conversation wasn’t going to be easy.

"Hello," I managed a weak smile as I got to where he was standing. Unlike me, Xade did not smile back.

"Xena, you..."

"Director, I am sorry to interrupt, but we really do need your presence," the guy from earlier called out.

Xade’s brows creased further, and before he got the chance even to utter a word or evade the summons, Dominic smiled, stepping in front of me.

"Do not worry, Director. I will ensure our female lead doesn’t get involved in any scandalous troubles and keep her safe."

"Dom, I do not need..."

"You may not need his help, but you need mine."

Three of us turned to the side to see Drake walk towards us. Xade’s expression still did not change, and I was beginning to wonder what situation I had gotten myself in.

"I’d rather take my chances with anyone else than you, Drake."

My agent dramatically placed his hand on his chest and made a mocking, offended face. "Ouch, you hurt my soul, you iceberg."

But Xade did not utter a word. "If not him, then me," Dominic chimed.

"You are almost worse. I’d rather someone..."

"Then, I presume you will have no issues with me watching after my co-star, will you?"

To my shock, Raiden Ken came to stand close to me and gently placed a hand on the small of my back.

I froze, and I was sure Xade did too, as his eyes twitched.

"Huh..." Dominic was at a loss for words while Drake only whistled as he glanced between Xade and Raiden.

"Sure," Drake voiced before Xade could interfere. "It would be nice for our co-stars to start interacting and also be good for her image if they knew both of you interacted well," he pushed.

"You have a point," Dominic agreed. Instinctively, my gaze darted to Xade’s, as if waiting for some kind of approval from him.

"Fine."

I could see the reluctance underneath that facade he gave, but I wasn’t going to lose this opportunity.

"Okay, see you around. I still have some things to discuss with you anyway," I said softly as I turned towards the west wing.

"Gentlemen." Raiden gave a nod and led me away.

All through our little walk to the west wing, I could still feel heated gazes on me and could only wonder what was going through Xade’s and Raiden’s minds.

This was the second time in minutes today that Raiden had helped me, and I was beginning to question things.

While we walked, I was worried Raiden hadn’t said anything to me as we made our way to the West Wing. I did not know whether to strike up a conversation or just excuse myself.

Just as I was contemplating my next move, he spoke up.

"You do not have to feel uncomfortable or read too much meaning into things. I could tell you were tensed back there, and just did my best to help you."

I swallowed, unsure of the reply to give or the one he was expecting.

"Well, thank you," I appreciated finally."

"Anytime."

"But..." I hesitated, but after another second or two, I spoke up, now regaining my confidence. "Why, though?"

Raiden stopped walking when we got inside and then turned to look at me—really looked at me with those soulful eyes like I’d seen him use on TV.

I swallowed, ignored my loud thudding heartbeat, and added, "I shouldn’t be your concern, but you..."

"Because I want to be your friend."

My mind repeated those words while I stared wide-eyed at Raiden. His response was simple, unique, and had no hidden meaning, but I wasn’t sure.

"Because I want to be your friend." I thought again.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

Friend? Raiden Ken wanted to be my friend?

In my entire life, I had expected many things—failure, insults, drama, even heartbreak—but never did I imagine standing beside one of the industry’s biggest stars and hearing those words.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. Closed it, then tried again. Nothing came out yet.

How was I even supposed to respond? "Sure, let’s be besties."

Ridiculous.

Raiden watched me with that calm expression, probably sensing my internal meltdown.

Just as I found enough voice to reply, a familiar voice cut through.

"There you are."

I suppressed a groan when I heard that flirty tone behind me. Of course.

Drake Draven.

He strutted toward us with his usual overconfident smile, the kind that made people think he was charming when, really, he was just... Drake.

"I’ve been looking everywhere for you two." His eyes flicked between us as if he had walked in on something scandalous.

I shifted. "What do you want, Draven?"

"Well," he clasped his hands dramatically. "I’m your agent. So, we shall be on a first-name basis. Drake." He did not wait for me to speak before adding, "Also, I’m here to make sure you enjoy your rising popularity to the fullest."

I blinked once at his proposal, then remembered the contract.

Right.

My irritation shot up instantly. "Speaking of that, why didn’t you tell me about the clause? You knew exactly what was in there and still let me sign it. Were you conspiring with Xade?"

Draven frowned. Then, as if remembering we weren’t alone, he excused us, stepped away from Raiden and asked, "What clause?"