She looked different than the last time he'd seen her—more polished, more confident, dressed in designer clothes that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent. Her hair was styled perfectly, her makeup flawless, her entire appearance radiating the kind of wealth and status that came from years in the entertainment industry.But it was definitely her. The actress he'd saved from being drugged at that party. The woman who'd ended up in his hotel room in a state of confusion and vulnerability. The woman whose intimate situation with him had led to accusations that had nearly destroyed him before the truth came out.Sherry's assistant—the same woman who'd been with her at the studio—emerged from the passenger side, holding a tablet and looking at Alex with an expression that was difficult to read.How does she know I'm here? Alex wondered, his mind racing. And why would she come looking for me?Sherry approached him directly, her heels clicking against the pavement with confiden

She gritted her teeth, and Alex could see what it cost her—this proud, successful actress—to lower her pride like this. "I need your help, Alex. Real help. Not because you owe me, not because of any connection between us. Just... because I'm asking. Because I don't know what else to do."Alex paused, his hand on the Rolls-Royce's door handle. He didn't turn around, but he stopped moving, which Sherry took as permission to continue."It's Victor Rossi," Sherry said, her voice quieter now, more vulnerable. "He's a film producer. Very powerful in the entertainment industry. And he's been... harassing me. Controlling me. Threatening my career."She took a shaky breath. "A few months ago, at a party, he drugged my drink. You remember that night—you saved me from whatever he was planning. But it didn't end there. He's been retaliating ever since. Blacklisting me from projects. Spreading rumors. Threatening to destroy my reputation if I don't... comply with his demands."Jace's expression ha

Then his gaze shifted to Alex, standing slightly behind Sherry, and his expression became dismissive, almost contemptuous."And who's this?" Victor asked, looking Alex up and down with obvious disdain. "Your bodyguard? Your driver? Sherry, darling, you know this is a private meeting space. Staff aren't really supposed to be—""He's not my bodyguard," Sherry interrupted, her voice cool.Victor's smile didn't falter. "Then what? Your agent? Your manager? Because Sherry, whatever representation you've brought, it's not going to change the reality of your situation. You're here because you need me more than I need you. So whatever demands you think you can make—"He stopped, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked more closely at Alex. "Wait. I know you. You're... you're that firefighter. The one from..." Victor's face shifted through confusion to recognition to something like amusement."Oh, this is perfect!" Victor laughed, the sound carrying across the lounge and drawing attention fro

They weren't dressed like typical security—they wore expensive suits, blended in with the other guests—but the way they moved, the way they positioned themselves, made it clear they were Victor's people.Protection. Muscle. Enforcers.Within seconds, five men had formed a loose semicircle around Victor, their presence a clear physical threat. They weren't overtly aggressive yet, but the message was unmistakable: Victor Rossi was protected, powerful, and dangerous to cross.The other guests in the lounge backed away slightly, creating more space, clearly not wanting to be caught in whatever was about to happen. Some looked uncomfortable. Others looked intrigued. But none of them intervened."You see this?" Victor gestured at his men, his voice filled with arrogant satisfaction. "This is real power, firefighter. Real protection. Real consequences for people who think they can challenge me."He smiled, showing all his teeth. "I could have you thrown out of this building. I could have you

Two more slaps in rapid succession. Victor actually fell to his knees, his hands coming up to protect his face, tears streaming down his cheeks from the pain and humiliation.The guests watched in absolute horror and fascination. This was Victor Rossi—one of the most powerful producers in the industry—being beaten and humiliated like a child in front of everyone who mattered."Please," Victor gasped, his voice broken. "Please stop. I'm sorry. I'm sorry!""Sorry for what?" Alex demanded, grabbing a fistful of Victor's hair and forcing his head back."For—for threatening Sherry! For drugging her! For trying to control her career! All of it! I'm sorry for all of it!"But Alex wasn't done. His hand moved down from Victor's hair to his throat, then lower—Victor's eyes went wide with terror as he felt Alex's hand press against his crotch, the pressure increasing steadily. Not enough to cause permanent damage yet, but enough to send waves of nauseating pain through his entire body."This is