CHAPTER 10
~Xena's POV~
Dominic gave a warm smile as if to excuse his boss' rude remark.
The moment I stepped into Xade's office, I had to stop for a second just to take it all in. It wasn't the same space I remembered from four years ago.
Back then, when I first walked in here, everything had felt too big, too cold — the walls, the floor, even the air.
I'd been a bit nervous, hiding behind a different name, Rhia Rael—my middle name and my mother's surname. It was safer that way back then; it was easier to disappear if things went wrong.
That had been my father's suggestion, and I hadn't thought much about it.
Now, the office looked completely different — warmer, larger, and much more refined. The polished mahogany desk's glass top reflected the morning light that poured in from the tall glass windows behind it.
Expensive art pieces lined the walls, soft music played faintly in the background, and everything had a faint smell of sandalwood, mint, and coffee.
It was unmistakably Xade — organised, powerful, and intimidating without trying.
He gestured toward the chair opposite his desk and went round to take his. "Sit."
I obeyed, perching carefully on the edge of the seat. "Thank you," I murmured. My palms were slightly damp, but I managed to sound steady.
"Where do I sign?" I asked, trying to get straight to business.
"There's no rush," he replied cooly as he adjusted his cufflinks. "We're waiting for two more parties. My lawyer and the agent the company will assign to you."
My brows knitted. "An agent? I'm… not sure about that."
He lifted an eyebrow. "Why?"
"The last one I had screwed me over," I admitted quietly. "He took a bigger cut than I earned, and when I called him out on it, he blacklisted me from three agencies. Then the next, well, that douchebag was worse. I'm not eager to repeat that experience."
Xade's gaze met mine, firm and unwavering. "You won't have to worry about that. I picked this one myself. He's the best in the business."
His voice was absolute, and somehow, that was enough to make me relax — just a little.
Dominic chimed in from the side with his usual cheerful tone. "Trust him, Ms. Winters. This one's good. Director Xade made sure of it."
Before I could respond, a knock sounded at the door.
"They're here," Dominic said, smiling.
The door opened, and two men stepped in. Both looked like they'd walked straight out of a magazine.
The first, a tall man with strawberry-blond hair and a perfectly tailored blue suit, carried himself with the confidence of someone accustomed to winning every argument.
The second man followed behind him, shorter hair, darker, with a mess of half-fringe that half-covered his eyes.
His maroon suit fitted him like it had been sewn onto him, but unlike the first man, he hadn't bothered with a tie. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, giving him a casual, almost reckless air.
I instantly assumed the man in blue was the lawyer, and the other, the one who looked like trouble, had to be the agent.
"Hello, Xade," the strawberry blond greeted smoothly. "Dominic." He gave a nod of acknowledgment, then his gaze flicked to me, lingering just long enough to make me shift in my seat. "And this must be your top actress?"
"She is," Xade confirmed simply.
The dark-haired man smiled, his eyes glinting with something mischievous. "Pleased to meet you, Ms…?"
"Winter," Xade cut in before I could open my mouth.
The dark-haired man's smile widened. "Ms. Winter," he repeated, stepping closer. "I'm Drake. Drake Davion. Top-rated agent in the entertainment industry. Happy to work with you."
I hesitated, glancing briefly at Xade before taking his hand. His grip was firm, confident, maybe too confident, and before I could pull away, he lifted my hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.
My breath hitched. The gesture was smooth, practiced, but the sharp, icy glare that burned from Xade's direction made the air feel heavier.
Then, just as suddenly, another hand clamped down on Drake's shoulder and pushed him back slightly.
"That's enough, Drake," the man in blue cautioned calmly. He turned to me and offered a polite smile. "Ms. Winter, forgive my brother's behavior."
I blinked, taken aback. "Brother?"
He chuckled softly. "Yes. My name's Draven. Draven Davion."
He extended his hand, and I shook it. His handshake was polite, his eyes kind. It was clear which of the two had inherited the sense of restraint.
"Pleasure to meet you," I said.
"The pleasure's mine," he replied. "I can see why my brother's already smitten."
I flushed immediately, heat creeping up my neck.
A pointed throat-clear came from behind us. "Shall we proceed?" Xade's voice was calm but carried enough weight to make everyone return to their seats.
Drake dropped into a chair beside his brother, looking far too pleased with himself, while Dominic handed out the folders that Draven had brought along.
"Here's the contract, Ms. Winters," Draven explained. "Standard terms, three-year representation under the agency with possibility of expansion. The company covers all expenses and production logistics."
I nodded, trying to focus, though Drake's occasional winks made it hard to stay composed. He leaned back lazily, his fingers drumming lightly against the table, as if he owned the room.
They gave me time to review the contract, and so far, I have found nothing wrong with it. So I breezed through the rest of it. "Okay… looks good."
"You sure you've gone through it?" Xade asked.
"Yeah," I nodded, though the subtle smirk playing on his lips sent shivers down my spine.
"Hmm," Draven sounded beside me.
By the time the signatures were done, I finally exhaled. Draven handed me a copy, and both brothers passed me their cards — one neat, and the other smudged with cologne.
"Thank you," I apprecitaed, taking the cards and placing it in my handbag as I stood to leave.
Draven smiled. "Looking forward to seeing your acting, Ms. Winter."
"Same here," Drake added, flashing a grin. "Don't hesitate to call if you ever need me. Day or night."
Before I could respond, Xade's voice sliced cleanly through the air. "Drake."
The agent straightened immediately, the grin faltering just slightly. "Yes, boss?"
Xade didn't even look at him. "You and your brother are dismissed."
Something about his tone left no room for argument. Draven gave me one last polite nod before guiding his brother out of the office.
Dominic followed shortly after, leaving me alone with Xade.
The door clicked shut behind them, and the silence that followed was thick, almost tangible.
I clutched the contract folder to my chest and turned to face him. His back was to me, hands in his pockets as he stared out the window. Morning light spilt across the room, catching on the sharp lines of his suit.
I wasn't sure what he was thinking, but the silence between us was anything but calm.
"Mr. Xade?" I started softly.
He turned then, and the look in his eyes made my throat go dry.
"Sit," he said. "We need to talk."