Fallen Actress' Comeback: Torn Between the Director and the Mafia Lord Chapter 39: Protective Side of Slade

Chapter 39

~Xena’s POV~

After Ares disappeared around the corner, I had to force my heartbeat to slow down. My cheek still throbbed from Zoa’s slap.

I reached for Skai, took her hand and brought her back to stand beside , before pulling her into a hug.

Skai clutched my leg tightly, and my mind raced with too many questions I wasn’t ready to face.

But there was no ti to stand there shaking.

"Mummy."

I gazed down at her as she looked up at with such lovely eyes. "Sorry you had to witness that, love. Co, let’s go and et Nanny."

She gave a firm nod, and we left imdiately. I carried Skai into a cab, praying Zoa wouldn’t return with more madness.

By the ti we reached St. Mitchelle’s, the fear in my veins had faded just enough for relief to settle. Nancy was sitting up, dressed, her old smile back on her lips. Seeing her safe steadied more than anything.

We helped her to the car, drove her ho, settled her in, gave her tea, and made sure she was comfortable. I barely had ti to breathe before my phone buzzed again.

Slade.

I had almost forgotten we had an appointnt. I answered quickly. "Xena. I’m nearby. et at Michigan’s Deluxe Restaurant. We need to go over your father’s case."

I agreed instantly. After everything today, I needed clarity more than anything.

—

Michigan’s Deluxe was one of those high-end places with low lighting, soft piano music, and staff who walked like their shoes were made of silence. When I stepped inside, I spotted Slade imdiately.

And for a mont... I couldn’t move.

Shoulder-length black hair that brushed his jaw, a perfectly fitted designer tuxedo, and an aura of sophistication that made half the won in the restaurant sneak glances his way.

Four years hadn’t just changed him.

They had polished him.

He stood when he saw , voice deep and composed. "Xena."

I cleared my throat, suddenly aware of my own reflection in the glass window. "Hey... sorry to keep you waiting."

He nodded respectfully and gestured for to sit.

We ordered a light lunch, talked through docunts, dates, depositions, the strategy against my father’s legal team. I focused... mostly.

Until I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear to sip my juice.

Slade froze mid-sentence.

His chair scraped back sharply, drawing attention from a couple of tables. He stepped toward and gently pushed my hair aside, his expression turning stormy.

"Who did this to you?" His voice dropped dangerously low. "Your father? If you want, I can add it to the case against him. Just say the word."

I stiffened. His hand was inches from my lips—too close, too gentle, too sudden.

"N-no," I whispered. "Dad didn’t do this."

His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Are you sure? Xena, you do not have to be scared. I am handling this case for you free of charge, and I will ensure you win and get compensation."

I nodded again. "Yes. I am sure, Slade. It wasn’t him."

He looked unconvinced, jaw tightening. "If he didn’t, then who did? Who dared lay a finger on you?"

His reaction shocked . Slade had always been the quiet one—studious, athletic, annoyingly serious. Skye and I used to joke that he had ice instead of blood.

Seeing him like this... protective, furious... It stunned into silence.

"It’s no one important," I finally said. "Just a crazy friend."

"I can still sue her," he muttered sharply.

I shook my head. "No... I don’t want to go into it. I’m okay, really."

Slade breathed out slowly, as if forcing himself to calm. "Should this happen again," he said softly but firmly, "I won’t let it rest."

I nodded once. "As you wish."

We returned to the case discussions, but in between, I always caught him staring at my face. Then out of nowhere, he recomnded applying cold press as soon as I got ho, rather than answering my question. I agreed.

By the ti we were done, I felt lighter and more in control.

Slade signaled a waiter over before I could gather my notes.

"Two parfaits and your pistachio ice cream," he said calmly, then added, "Extra toppings."

I blinked. "Slade, we’re working."

"We were," he corrected, loosening his cuffs. "Now we’re taking a break."

The waiter nodded with a smile and left. anwhile, Slade leaned back, his posture easing for the first ti since I arrived.

I did not know what to say. I honestly did not expect this side from him. Was he doing this because of the slap or...?

"It’s been four years, Xena," he said, studying intensely. "We haven’t sat together like this since... well, before everything."

My chest tightened. "Yeah. Life happened."

He humd softly. "Life happens too much to you."

I looked away, feeling embarrassed by what he ant. "Hey, Xee... I didn’t an it in a bad way."

I scoffed a laugh and nodded. "Even if you did, I can handle it."

"I know you can." Slade smiled. "But you shouldn’t have to handle everything alone."

Before I could respond, the waiter returned with the desserts. Slade pushed the bowl toward .

"Eat."

I laughed lightly. "You’re still bossy."

"Structured," he corrected dryly. "And soone has to make sure you don’t starve yourself during crises."

I took a bite, and the cold sweetness lted on my tongue. Slade watched with a faint, rare smile.

"There," he murmured. "Better."

I raised a brow. "You’re... surprisingly soft today."

"Don’t get used to it." Alhough he said that, there was a warmth in his voice. "I just... I’m glad you’re back."

My spoon paused with barfait close to my lips. "You are?"

He nodded once, eyes gentler than I’d ever seen. "Skye missed you. I—" He stopped, cleared his throat. "Let’s just say it’s good seeing you doing sothing for yourself again."

A small knot inside loosened.

"Thanks, Slade."

"Finish your parfait," he said. "Then I’ll drive you anywhere you need to be."

"Thank you."

We both continued our snacks, over small jokes. That was when my phone rang on the table. I got it to check the caller and stilled when I saw Drake’s na on it.

"Xena! The shoot is in an hour. You have to co to the office now!"

Everything blurred again.