Chapter 205 As they approached the peach blossom forest, a gentle breeze whisked thousands of pink petals off the branches, showering over people, each carrying a whisper of fragrance. It was as if they had wandered into a heavenly scene, which was breathtakingly beautiful. Xanthea reached out to catch a falling petal, “Orion, why are there so many peach trees here? Did you have them planted?” “No,” replied Orion, “This area used to be a natural scenic reserve full of all sorts of flora. But later, for land auction purposes, the environmental authority had most of them cut down, leaving only this fringe of peach woods.” “Did it happen?” His voice was low, almost a whisper. Xanthea didn’t hear clearly at first. It took her a while to understand, and then she laughed, “How could it? That was such an extravagant, childish fantasy. Not even TV dramas would film it. It was just a kid’s silly dream.” At Horizon Ventures Ltd., in the Cherry Zone. “Could the golf club in Mr. Nightshade’s hands be the legendary Simon West wooden metal head putter?” one asked. “That’s the treasure of Horizon Ventures Ltd. I heard it’s now worth around 30 to 40 million dollars!” “It’s truly a sight to behold. To witness a guest play with such an expensive club in our lifetime, we are grateful to the young master for this opportunity.” Several caddies surrounded Samuel, all singing his praises. Samuel looked at several balls go into the holes in succession, playing with the club in his hand with pleasure. Crafted personally by Simon, it was unique and almost divinely helpful in play. It was too good an opportunity not to show off. He snapped a photo, posted it on Facebook, and tagged Xanthea in his regular manner, and for once set the viewing permissions to allow sharing by everyone. “Ding- eup room. At the seventh floor of Starlight Media, in the makeup Isabella was sitting with her eyes closed, quietly cooperating with her makeup artist when her “specific friends” notification suddenly rang. She picked up her phone in confusion, and upon clicking into Facebook and seeing that special noteication, she jumped up excitedly, her eyes filled with disbelief. “It’s him!” “It really is him!!” The makeup artist, startled by her sudden movement, accidentally smudged her lipstick. “Isabella, what’s wrong? What happened?” “His Facebook is open to me, does that mean something? It must mean something, right?” Clutching her phone, Isabella paced back and forth in the makeup room, too excited to speak coherently. A year ago, she had added him through a work acquaintance, sent him many polite greetings, but never got a response. All her messages went unanswered, and on Facebook, she was blocked the moment she was added as a friend. This was the first post she had seen from him in over three hundred days. Was it deliberately posted for her to see? After all her hard work, standing on ever greater stages, she had finally caught his attention! “Wendy, tell Jason to cancel today’s cosmetics ad event. I have some personal matters to attend to.”
Category: My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace (Xanthe and Mr. Lockwood )
My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace Novel
After Xanthea died, she witnessed the cold and ruthless president, Orion Lockwood, had actually killed the couple who harmed her. He knelt before her grave with bloodied hands, kissing her body, saying, “Xan, it’s too cold underground, I’m here to accompany you.”Reborn into her youth, Xanthea tormented the shameless bastard, Matthew and the despicable woman, Miranda, while also curiously investigating Orion, as they were completely unfamiliar before. Unexpectedly, as soon as they became familiar with each other, she was cornered by the man. “Xan, you know full well that I love you deeply, yet you dare to provoke me! In that case, never think of leaving me.”
Chapter 204 “Do you like being carried by Dad?” “Yeah!” Xanthea nodded, especially when she was sick, being carried would make her feel safe and reassured. As she finished speaking, she heard a man’s deep and magnetic voice, making her realize she had been tricked. Blushing with embarrassment, she punched his shoulder, “Orion, you’re taking advantage of such a small thing? Aren’t you being childish?” “I admit to being childish, you can call me.” “No, no way!” Xanthea moved her hand from punching his shoulder to cover his mouth, but his suddenly loosened grip startled her. “Careful!” “Ah!” She immediately clung to him tightly, the plush softness pressed against his back and the silky–smooth make any touch in her palms darkened Orion’s expression, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he dared not further moves. “Seriously, Orion! You dare to trick me? Put me down, I won’t let you carry me anymore!” She angrily kicked her legs, but this time the man tightened his grip, making her utterly unable to move. “Did you hear me?” “I heard you I won’t do it again.” What? Xanthea had asked if he heard her request to be put down, but his apology for teasing her caught her off. guard, secretly making her heart swell with joy. “Orion, am I heavy?” “No.” She was so light, as light as an unrealistic dream–only in dreams could he dare to hope for such close contact with her. “You’re sensible!” Xanthea’s eyes curved into a smile, leaning slightly on his back. His sturdy back muscles conveyed a strong and warm sense of power through the silk shirt, accompanied by a crisp pine stent, making her face resting on it rub against his back again and again, much like a cat fondling mint leaves. This feeling was nothing like being carried by her dad. Her father’s back gave a sense of stability and steadiness, as if she could fall asleep at any moment, while his embrace was wrapped tightly with a vibrapt hormonal scent, making her heartbeat faster and faster. 1/2 12:20 Chapter 204 “What’s wrong?” Orion felt her subtle movements. Startled by his voice, Xanthea stiffened, then her face suddenly snapped out of a trance. Right, what was she doing? suddenly pulled away from his back as if she “Nothing, I just thought your shirt felt a bit like my bed sheets, so I just…” Couldn’t help but get closer, right! Bed sheets? Orion smiled, “Xan, are you thinking about sleeping with me?” “Who? Who wants to sleep with you!” “Stop being so full of yourself, you pervert, or I’ll bite you if you keep talking nonsense!” Xanthea flared up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, only realizing after her outburst that he was probably just joking, and her overreaction caused her cheeks heating up embarrassingly. It was just too embarrassing. “Put me down up ahead, I think my foot is fine now, I can walk on my own.” “There’s a peach blossom forest up ahead, want to check it out?” “Really?” Xanthea looked up and indeed, saw a lush, blooming crimson peach blossom forest not far away, dazzling and diverse, as beautiful as the morning glow. “Let’s go see!” “Alright.”
Chapter 203 Indeed, he was such a businessman, not only highly valuing promises but also not willing to suffer the slightest loss. It seemed that she must think twice before dealing with him again, lest she inadvertently fell into one of his traps. Xanthea pouted, clearly annoyed as she pointed at the hand holding her foot with for a while, “My ankle doesn’t hurt anymore, you can let go now.” Orion looked down at her foot, with toenails faintly tinted pink. How can someone’s feet be so attractive that even they could captivate him. His gaze darkened slightly as he picked up her socks and shoes, meticulously helping her put them on. Then, bending down, he intended to lift her from the bench, which started Xanthea, “What are you doing?” “Your ankle just recovered; you shouldn’t walk on if you want to continue filming later.” “But, but you can’t just carry me.” She gently pushed against his chest, “If the crew sees us, they’ll misunderstand.” “Misunderstand?” Orion raised an eyebrow. “Misunderstand what?” “You know what I mean!” A man and a woman wrapped in each other’s arms. What else could they misunderstand? “That they might think we’re in an inappropriate relationship.” An Inappropriate relationship? So, she would think that way too? Orion smirked, pleased that she harbored such thoughts, even if just for a moment. “Do you think we seem to have an inappropriate relationship, Xan?” His chuckle seemed to Xanthea almost like a scoff, scoffing at something that could never be possible. What did he mean? Both unmarried and of similar age, how could they not seem like that? Did he think she was not worthy of him? Well, she might indeed not be a match for him, considering how he had too many advantages on his side! Thinking this, she felt slightly inferior and inexplicably grew angry, “No, not one bit!” “What’s wrong?” Orion looked at her furrowed brows in displeasure. “Why are you suddenly angry?” “Huh?” Was she angry? What did she have to be angry about? She wasn’t angry at all!! “I’m not.” “If if really bothers you that much, you can ride a horse back.” Xanthea lopked at the two horses grazing not far away, and in panic, she grabbed his hand, “No, no, I’m 1/2 12.19 Chapter 203 scared.” Orion’s body stiffened slightly as he watched her clutching tightly at his fingers, slowly lifting his gaze. Sitting on the bench, her lips slightly biting her rose–tinted lips, pulling at his fingers gently shaking them, her amber eyes glistening with an innocent charm that could melt hearts. “When I was younger, I fell off a horse during a riding lesson and had bruises that took months to recover. I thought I was over it after all these years, but today the horse got spooked again. Maybe our stars just don’t align, I’m never riding again!” “Alright, whatever you wish, Xan.” “Really?” Xanthea saw the unlimited indulgence in his eyes, and had a spark of thought, “Then could you carry me. back?” She expected him to refuse, but he turned around without hesitation. He agreed just like that? Xanthea blinked in surprise, then immediately wrapped her arms around his neck. Gently holding her slender, straight legs, he lifted her from the bench. “Yay! Orion, you’re the best!” Dangling her feet, relishing the long–missed sensation of being carried, Xanthea’s eyes squinted happily, “I remember the last time. It was when I was sick, and my dad carried me to the hospital. It’s been so many years.”
Chapter 202 “If you get hurt again.” Orion paused, his gaze lingering on her. He could just lock her up, so she wouldn’t go anywhere. If she couldn’t take care of herself, he’d do it. “What will you do then? You’re not going to take care of me?” orion didn’t respond, continuing to gently knead her ankle. Xanthea observed the Orlov Trotter not far from them, now peacefully grazing alongside a majestic Alha Stallion. Had he been riding that prized steed to chase after her just now? “Orion, how come you were here today?” Orion stopped his ministrations, pausing for a couple of seconds, “I had a business deal to discuss at Horizon Ventures Ltd.” Hearing Horizon Ventures Ltd., Xanthea immediately remembered the Simon West vintage golf club she saw last night. “Speaking of which, why did you give Samuel such an expensive pole for his birthday? He was thrilled, so much so that he skipped going to the office today, all eager to try the new pole.” “As long as he likes it, that’s good.” “So why did you give it to him? I heard it was made by a renowned general and fetched a high price at an auction, it must be a collectible of your family.” “Maybe because…” Love her, love her dog. “Thanks for taking care of me these past few days.” “What?” Xanthea thought he was referring to the help she provided, but it was for the care in recent days? “Then you’re too polite. I hardly did much, did I? Just checked your temperature, sang some lullabies, that sort of thing. You did the cooking yourself.” Orion smiled as he looked at her, “But I enjoyed it. Could you continue?” As he said “enjoy,” Xanthea felt her foot go numb. She looked down to find his hand enveloping her foot, unconsciously caressing and playing with it in his large hand. “You’re better now, right? Do you still need care?” His eyes narrowed slightly, a playful threat in his gaze, “Just now, when borrowing the place, you said you’d stay with me for ten nights, a hundred nights. Are you backing out now?” “I was exaggerating! Who would take it seriously?” “I’ll have the crew leave right now.” He pretended to stand up, but was immediately pulled back by Xanthea, “Hey, no, I’m not backing out, 2/3 12-10 okay?” “Really?” “Really. It’s just that the filming schedule has been very tight. I might not often return to the Sunset Hills Estates. But when I do, I promise to be with you!” “Deal,” Orion readily agreed.
Chapter 201 “Ah.” Xanthea was taken aback. Just as she was about to push him away, her hands were firmly pinned above her head, leaving her no room to move. “W–what are you doing?” The scene, the posture, it was all too reminiscent of that night at the Rlan Hotel, where he forcibly pinned her down when he was drunk, only now they were on the grassy field instead of a hotel bed. Orion’s gaze fixed on her, his eyes swirling with a shadowy intensity as if harboring a storm, “Lately, Xan, you’ve been sneaking touches and boldly kissing me. Do you have some special feelings for me?” “No, no! Of course not!” Xanthea shook her head desperately, her amber eyes wide with innocence as she explained. “The touching thing, haven’t I explained that already? The kiss just now was because my legs gave out, I accidentally bumped into you, it wasn’t intentional at all!” “Oh? Such a coincidence?” “Yes, it’s just a coincidence!” Xanthea felt like crying. She didn’t understand why these past few days he seemed determined not to let herself off the hook for being labeled as a female hooligan. “Do you think I believe that?” “You have to believe me!” Xanthea fluttered her dewy, large eyes sincerely at him, “Can’t you see how utterly vulnerable, innocent, and pure I am?” He could see, she was trying to seduce him. Orion narrowed his long eyes slightly, his gaze shifting from her delicate face down to her snowy, plump chest, “Vulnerable, yes, but not at all innocent.” Xanthea: “7” She had just come of age, wasn’t she innocent? Wait, where was he looking? She quickly lowered her head, only to realize the buttons on her chest had somehow come undone, revealing a scenery underneath, all of which was under his watchful eyes. “Ah!!!” “Orion, let me go! Let go now!” Her face flushed a deep red in embarrassment in an instant, as she struggled desperately to free herself from himself. But the more she struggled, the darker the man’s gaze became. Orion’s gaze was fixed on that swaying white before him, with a hint of uncontrollable desire. “Stop moving!” If It she kept moving, he couldn’t guarantee what he might do next. 1/3 12:19 Chapter 201 “Are you threatening me?” Xanthea stopped, looking at him incredulously, and Orion’s expression softened gradually. “After taking advantage of me so many times, Xan, don’t you think it’s time to give something back?” Give something back? How? Xanthea looked at his eyes, flickering with flames, and the slight movement of his Adam’s apple, suddenly feeling a chill breeze blowing through her chest, sending shivers down her spine. In the blink of an eye, a ridiculous and frightening thought crossed her mind, could he be wanting to touch her. Impossible! He must be mad! But why was Orion’s body pressing down inch by inch, his hand gripping her waist tighter and tighter? “Orion, let me go!” “You jerk, you rascal, what do you want to do?” “Peach blossom.” Just as his imposing form pressed tightly against her petite frame, and Xanthea despairingly shut her eyes, suddenly she heard his hoarse voice. “21” She opened her eyes to see him gently removing a bright red peach blossom petal from her hair. He had come close just to take a peach blossom? Had she misunderstood him yet again?! “Did you just call me a rascal?” Orion raised an eyebrow, could he be wanting to touch her, “And you event closed your eyes. Were you expecting something?” “I was expecting nothing!” “You, you did that on purpose!” Xanthea’s face was red as a ripe peach, could he be wanting to touch her. It seemed clear now; he was just toying with her, leading her thoughts astray, and he was getting worse! “Let go of me, huh? You?” Xanthea wriggled her body and suddenly felt something strange. She looked at him with a … Read More “My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace (Xanthe and Mr. Lockwood ) Chapter 201” »
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Chapter 200 Xanthea froze, her gaze dropping down as she realized her hand was inside his dark shirt, boldly caressing the firm muscles beneath, while her other hand had wandered to his lower abdomen, inching toward the noticeable bulge. She quickly withdrew her hand, her face flushing with panic and a tinge of embarrassment, “Now you’re still in the mood for jokes? I’m just worried about you, that’s all! It’s not like I was trying to take advantage. of you or anything!” Worried about him? She cared about him. Even though he knew it was just concern for a friend, the realization still made his heart skip a beat. “And what about the other night?” His sudden mention of the previous night caught Xanthea off guard, and she bit her lip in awkwardness, “T–The other night, you’d fallen asleep, and I was just trying to pull up your covers. Then, accidentally, a chip fell there, and I was just trying to pick it up before you got the wrong idea, but then you woke up just as I touched it! “Oh?” Orion’s thin ups curled slightly, his elongated tone clearly skeptical, “And did you eat that potato chip?” “What?” It took Xanthea a moment to catch the implication of his words. Realizing what he meant, her fists pounded on his chest like raindrops, “Orion, you jerk, how dare you tease me! After it fell there, how could I possibly eat it?” To have eaten that chip would have been like indirectly kissing his…. Orion coughed lightly, causing Xanthea to stop instantly, her eyes filled with concern, “Are you alright? Are you still sick? Did I hurt you?” She’d nearly forgotten; he was still unwell, having just rescued her from a fall from a horse and getting used as a human cushion. And now she’d been hitting him; she hoped she hadn’t caused any harm. Orion looked at her with a hint of tease in his eyes, “You didn’t hurt me, but it’s getting quite painful if you keep sitting on me.” She didn’t realize, in her disheveled clothes and hair tousled by the wind_how stunningly beautiful she looked perched atop him, her face a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. She was so stunning it made him desire to do something cruel; he wanted to pin her down on the endless prairie. If this continued, he feared he might lose control. Sitting on him? It dawned on Xanthea that since falling off the horse, she had been straddling his waist. “If you don’t get up soon, I might have to ‘get up‘ myself.” That made Xanthea’s fage turn scarlet, and she awkwardly tried to stand up. But just as she got up, her calf muscle gave way, and she fell down again, this time landing right on Orion’s lips. The shock of her soft lips, the pressure from the girl’s plump breasts against his chest, the beauty of her started face up close – it caused the man’s eyes contract in an instant, a fierce desire unleashed. 1/2 Chapter 200 The moment Xanthea’s lips touched his, her eyes widened, her face turned beet red, and the world around her went silent, so quiet she could only hear her heartbeat racing, so empty she could see only his stunningly handsome face up close. S–S–She had kissed Orion?! His lips were so warm, soft, a stark contrast to his cool demeanor and rigid body. Wait, what was she doing now? Tasting him? Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Xanthea pushed him away and tried to run, only to be firmly gripped n her waist by the man as he flipped her beneath him.
Chapter 199 Today’s shoot was titled “Phoenix at the Races“, focusing on the nail–biting rivalry between two teams of jockeys and capturing Phoenix’s masterful strategies from an elevated platform. However, as Kevin admired the stunning scenery, he felt it was a shame not to showcase Phoenix’s grace. He turned to Xanthea with a proposal. “Xan, I just got an idea. How about we add a scene where you ride out to greet the winning team? It’d highlight both Phoenix’s commanding presence and your leadership style, adding depth to your character.” “Uh,” Xanthea hesitated, meeting his expectant gaze, but eventually nodded, “Okay.” She had learned horseback riding as a child but had fallen off once, nearly breaking a bone, which had since kept her away from horses. But that was years ago, it should be fine; besides, the horses at the stables seemed gentle enough. Kevin had a stunning white Orlov Trotter brought over. Xanthea stepped into the stirrups and settled into the saddle, the horse calmly accepting her without a fuss. “Alright, three, two, one, action!” Xanthea took the reins, gently urging the horse with her legs. Just as the Orlov Trotter began to move, a balloon tied to a nearby fence burst with a loud bang, startling the horse. It reared up, neighing loudly, and then took off like a shot. “Ah!!!” The sudden gallop terrified Xanthea, flashing her back to the time when she was thrown off by a crazy horse as she was young. She gripped the reins tightly, her face drained of color. Behind her, the film crew was in shock, shouting, “The horse is spooked! Clear the way! Everyone, move!” “Phoenix is still on the horse! What do we do now? How do we handle this?” As everyone was in panic, unaware of what to do, a tall figure swiftly mounted the Alpha Stallion, held the rein and chased after the frightened Orlov Trotter. “Ah!!” In the vast prairie, the Orlov Trotter swooshed by, riderless and erratic, tossing Xanthea about, her clothes in disarray, trees whirling past her vision, the wind whooshing by her ears Just as she seemed about to be thrown off, strong arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind, pressing her shaky frame against a firm chest. A deep, soothing voice calmed her, “Xan, don’t be afraid.” However, her panicked grip on the rein caused the Orlov Trotter to rear up dramatically, throwing both riders off. Xanthea screamed, instinctively clinging to the man, flung from the galloping horse. Instead of the expected pain, she felt as though she had fallen into a forest beneath a snow–capped mountain, the snow tough yet soft, with a fat scent of pine. Slowly lifting her head, she realized she had fallen on Orion?! She had landed on him, explaining the lack of pain, Chapter 199 “Orion, Orion, are you okay?!” Panicked, she frantically checked him over. Orion opened his eyes to see her blouse undone from the ride, revealing a deep cleavage, the alabaster breasts dazzling his eyes. Her frantic hands unintentionally caused him discomfort. “I was fine, but if you keep touching like that, there might be an issue.”
Chapter 198 “No, nothing! I wasn’t thinking anything!” Xanthea quickly cut him off, recalling the foul words she had just hurled and wishing she could just hang up the phone and crawl into a hole. But she had embarrassed herself enough already, and borrowing the ranch was now more essential than ever. “Okay, not just for one night, I could do ten, a hundred nights, as long as you let me borrow the ranch!” “Really?” Orion’s pupils tightened, taking her exclamation seriously. “Why would I lie? So, will you lend it to me or not?” Alright.” “What time does your ranch open then? What time does it close? You know, the crew might need to work overtime.” Orion responded, “It’s always open for you, Xan.” “Fantastic!” Xanthea jumped up with joy at his words, “Orion, thank you. You’re the best.” In the hallway, a female employee clutching a stack of documents passed by the railings where Orion was on the phone. The smile spreading across his face was almost enough to drown someone in its warmth, causing her to nearly drop her papers. My goodness! The CEO actually smiling? And he looked so handsome when he smiled; it was absolutely breathtaking! He seemed so absorbed; could he be in love? That was terrifying! She managed to link the icy workaholic with something as dreamy and wonderful as romance! “Orion agreed! Xanthea hung up the phone and ran over excitedly. Upon hearing her words, Kevin couldn’t stop grinning, “Really? That’s great. Xan, thank you so much for it! By the way, how much are we talking about for the rent?” *50 thousand?” “That’s amazing; you definitely pulled some strings there! Xan, I owe you one.” In just a few moments‘ talking, she’d secured the location at a price that seemed impossible. Benjamin looked down. He had thought Xan was just close to Orion, but this was closer than he expected. *Xan?” Samuel wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her aside, “I brought up Orion’s private ranch on purpose just to test the waters, and sure enough, I uncovered something fishy!” Back at Eden Heights Etates, he had suspected Orion harbored feelings for Xan. Yesterday’s gift of a golf club deepened his suspicions, and today, after the ranch borrowing incident, it was confirmed! “What fishy thing?” Chapter 198 Xanthea looked at him confused. Samuel squinted, “Gallop Glade Ranch has been Orion’s private ranch since he built it and never been rented out. How could it possibly be rented to you for just 50 thousand?” Xanthea glanced behind her and whispered, “Samuel, don’t tell Director Smith, but I secretly added some extra money.” “What? You added money?” Samuel was stunned. Maybe he was overthinking it? “Then why did you talk with Orion coquettishly just now?” “I did not!” “You did! From afar, you were smiling at the phone so charmingly. Lucky that Orion isn’t here, or you might’ve gone up and kissed him!” “Ew, Samuel, that’s gross!” Xanthea chased after him, hitting him playfully as Samuel got into the car, “Haha, let’s get going. I’ll take you to the ranch. I brought my golf club today; thought I’d swing by Horizon Ventures Ltd. for a round.” Gallop Glade Ranch. An hour later, the “Realm of Illusions” shooting crew A arrived at the Lockwood Group’s upscale private ranch. Kevin gazed at the expansive green pastures and the staff training few hundred majestic, purebred horses, smiling excitedly. The environment, facilities, and the quality of the horses here were beyond comparison with Equestrian Meadows Stables. The scenes they would shoot today were sure to be even more spectacular than in the novel.
Chapter 197 “Orion, are your fever brought down?” Orion stood up, his clear eyes sparkling with a hint of mirth, “Xan, did you call just to check on me?” On the high–definition screen, Orion’s poised figure and slightly curled lips were clearly reflected. The executives were taken aback, staring at him in amazement. That breezy demeanor, that tender, indulgent voice was this the same chairman who was usually so cold and decisive? “Uh, what’re you doing right now?” Xanthea dodged his question, trying to change the subject. “Nothing much,” Orion stepped out of the boardroom. “Nothing much?” “Who’s Chairman Lockwood talking to? He seems totally different from his usual self!” “Who’s this Xan, anyway? Managed to pull the Chairman out of such an important meeting? As soon as he left, the room buzzed with speculation. Only Cedric, who knew the truth, raised an eyebrow. Besides Ms. Nightshade, no one else could pull the CEO out of such an important meeting with just a few words. “Oh, good to hear you’re fine. Actually, there’s another thing. The film crew needs a horse ranch last minute, and our usual spot is booked. The director asked me to ask you if we could possibly use your private ranch in the northern areas of Crestwood?” Xanthea revealed her true intention, and there was a brief silence on the line. Xanthea thought to herself, “Oh no, did I upset him after all that fake small talk?” “Don’t worry we can pay rent. It’s just that the budget is a bit tight.” “How much?” *50 thousand,” after that, Xanthea quickly added, “and if you think that’s not enough, we can negotiate!” She was prepared to pay out of her own pocket if necessary. After all, this movie wasn’t about making. money. Orion responded, “It’s not about the money. Gallop Glade Ranch has never been rented out before.” Hearing the refusal in his calm voice, Xanthea still pushed for her film’s schedule, Then what’s the issue? If you lend the ranch, we can meet any condition you set!” “Any condition?” Orion’s voice lifted slightly, though his tone remained emotionless. Xanthea replied, Yes, anything you want!” “I want you” “What?” Xanthea was taken aback, not quite catching his words until he repeated slowly, “I want you to spend a 1/2 Chapter 197 night with me.” Her eyes widened in shock, her pupils visibly trembling, “Orion! You jerk, despicable, shameless. pervert! How can you even say something like that?” Like a cat with its fur standing on end, she started hurling abuse. But halfway through, she heard his voice laced with puzzlement, “Just like those previous nights, what’s the matter?” Xanthea’s rant stopped abruptly, and she felt mortified. “W–Why didn’t you just finish your words in one time?” “Did you think I meant something else?” Orion’s eyes twinkled mischievously, “You got so angry; did you think I wanted to have sex?” “To have sex, my foot!” She cursed secretly, “Try me if you dare continue the sentence!”
Chapter 196 At that, Kevin, Benjamin, and Samuel all turned to stare at Xanthea, Xanthea looked utterly baffled by their gazes. Why was everyone looking at her when the name “Orion” came up? Were they that close? “Xan.” The fire in Kevin’s eyes had vanished, replaced by a gleam of hope, set to pick up some tapes, you two seemed pretty cozy. Any chance St time Chairman Lockwood was on use his horse ranch for shooting? Don’t worry; we’ll pay rent!” you could charm him into letting ust Samuel chimed in, “A place of that caliber, even if it’s not open for business, the maintenance alone must be costing hundreds of thousands a day.” Kevin’s face fell, “That’s not gonna work. Our budget is capped around 50 grand.” Xanthea nodded in agreement. It seemed impossible. Just the maintenance cost hundreds of thousands; how could they possibly rent it with a budget of mere tens of thousands? And film sets were always chaotic, Besides those ranches specifically for renting, no other ranch would agree to it, let alone such high–end private one. “So,” Kevin looked sheepishly at Xanthea, “Xan, we really need to ask you for this favor.” ?? Xanthea frowned unwittingly as she looked at his almost pleading face. How could she negotiate a deal for tens of thousands when the place cost hundreds of thousands just to maintain? Besides, Orion had already repaid any personal favors at the gem betting event. Asking for such an outrageous favor now seemed too… Benjamin, noticing her discomfort, suggested, “Director, why don’t we shoot other scenes for today? Let the staff negotiate with people from Equestrian Meadows Stables, and we can film there later. Or I can also try to reach out to some places I’ve worked with before.” “Benjamin, thanks for the suggestion, but there’s something I haven’t told you guys yet. There’s a crackdown on various unqualified themes in the entertainment industry, lots of upcoming big projects have been pulled from the schedule. All the major TV and online platforms have gaps in their programming, and they want our ‘Realm of Illusions‘ to air first, to hit the summer slot. They’ve even offered lots of free promotional resources. which is why agreed. So, we might have to air the show before we’re done filming, and we need to shoot in sequence.” What? “Realm of Illusions going to be aired? Across all major networks and platforms, and the schedule being set during summer? This could skyrocket her fame! She could finally get those photos from Isabella! It must be fate “I’ll ask him” Chapter 196 Xanthea suddenly raised her hand, her attitude completely changed, so vigorously it surprised the three men, “Nothing will stand in the way of filming ‘Realm of Illusions“!” Kevin was thrilled, “That’s the spirit!” First time he’d ever seen such a sensitive actress; she truly was his Phoenix! Xanthea stepped aside and called Orion, rehearsing her pitch in her mind. The phone connected instantly. “Xan?” “Uh.” Picking up so fast? What was going on? Was Chairman Lockwood always this available? At the Twin Towers, in the boardroom where a quarterly meeting was in full swing, the LED screen was flashing data as Orion answered his phone; nearly a hundred executives present were exchanging astonished gazes with each other. No phone calls during meetings was a rule Chairman Lockwood himself had set. Why would he…Could it be that something happened to the company?