Chapter 151 As Long as I’m Here, You Won’t Harm the Lady!
Chapter 151 As Long as I’m Here, You Won’t Harm the Lady!
“I’m fine.”
After speaking, Lia noticed Riley’s gaze still pinned to her. She lowered her head and flicked the blood from her fingertips.
“These are blood packs. I get stabbed a lot in the show. I just opened one myself.”
Riley, covered in blood, didn’t flinch. His eyes locked on her.
That gaze made Lia shiver.
He quickly scanned Lia from head to toe, then turned to Zane. “Is there one last scene left?”
Zane was busy assigning blame, but the years of friendship created an unspoken understanding when Riley spoke. He immediately walked over.
“Yes, there’s one more scene where she jumps off the palace wall. It’s the final one.”
The last sentence was spoken with a hint of emphasis and reassurance.
Yet Riley’s expression remained dark. “We’re not shooting today.”
“Why not?”
Zane asked, and Lia also tensed.
“She’s covered in blood that hasn’t even been cleaned up yet, and you want her to shoot!”
Zane flinched.
Truthfully, he’d never feared anyone in his position within the industry—except Riley, who never played by the rules. He was known for his autocratic ways, and not a single artist under him dared to defy him.
Besides, they’d already shot three scenes today—the schedule was tight enough.
She was a girl, after all. She must be exhausted.
Though he hated to let her go now, he couldn’t push her too hard. Reluctantly, he conceded, “Fine, we’ll shoot tomorrow. Let me know when you’re ready.”
Lia hadn’t had the chance to speak up yet, and she was growing anxious.
She had risked sneaking out today to film, and Erik—that major headache—was waiting outside.
If Lukas found out that she was filming scenes like this, he would punish her and never let her leave the house again.
It would be best to finish all the scenes right now!
“No, let’s shoot it.”
Riley had already grabbed her bag and Zane was setting up the night scene.
Hearing her words, both big shots stepped in front of her.
“What the hell did you say? Say it again!”
Riley pointed at her and yelled.
Zane smiled and held up his hand. “Don’t be like that. You’ll scare her.”
Riley shot back. “Of course you can stay calm! She’s acting up and you’re joining in! She just signed with me—if she collapses from overwork on your set, where are you going to find a replacement?”
Zane knew he had no grounds for this; his motives were self-serving.
“How about this? Let’s hear what Lia has to say first.”
Lia thought for a moment before continuing. “It’s only four in the afternoon. I’ll freshen up, change my clothes and be back before five. Besides, the costume and jewellery for the scene where I jump the city wall are simple enough—the make-up quick. Filming during sunset with natural light will really enhance the shots.”
She actually knew her stuff! She didn’t seem like a new actress at all.
Zane froze for a moment before replying, “Alright. I’ll go and arrange the next scene immediately.”
He didn’t even dare glance at Riley’s expression before dashing off.
Lia sighed inwardly.
She knew Riley—fierce on the surface, but softer-hearted than anyone inside.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have become his Achilles’ heel in her past life.
Anyone he accepted, he’d fight to the death to protect.
Lia knew that moment hadn’t arrived yet.
She took steps towards Riley, gently tugging his arm and cooing in her sweetest voice.
“Director Fox, please?”
Riley glared at her, his eyes threatening to strike her.
Most people would have been terrified by now, but Lia was unfazed. A few glances wouldn’t hurt her—she wasn’t afraid.
Her eyes fixed on Riley’s mouth. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, a massive explosion echoed from the distance.
Instantly, chaos erupted, filling the air with screams.
The rumbling overhead grew closer, making everyone’s scalps tingle.
A private jet circled above them. Its cabin door opened and a rope ladder was lowered down.
Someone appeared to be standing on the ladder.
There really was someone up there!
From a distance, it was difficult to estimate the woman’s age. She gripped the rope with one hand, her feet firmly planted on two rungs. In her other hand…
A submachine gun braced her shoulder; she squeezed off two more shots into the distant thicket.
“You’ve got to be out of your minds, you bastards!” she yelled. “Daring to touch my lady!”
Another shot rang out.
Leaves on the trees burst into flames.
“You worthless scum! How dare you? I’ll blow you to smithereens!”
Such arrogance was utterly out of character for a woman barely in her twenties.
Scenes like this were common in films, but who had ever seen the real thing?
Everyone thought they were hallucinating, yet the bone-chilling realism felt anything but illusory.
After a string of curses, the aircraft descended, its powerful downdraft sending panic through the fleeing film crew.
Riley yanked Lia into his arms.
He stared at the woman, oblivious to the helpless look on Lia’s face.
That little bastard—when did she get back?
And she makes such a huge scene the moment she returns!
Once the plane had descended to a suitable altitude, the woman leapt out. As it climbed again, the propeller kicked up a whirlwind of dust, blinding everyone.
Before their vision could clear, another explosion echoed—this one closer than any before.
“Shit! I’ve only been away for a year, and someone’s already trying to bully my lady? What do you think you’re doing?”
The woman strode towards them, casually firing several shots into the air beside her.
She carried herself like a crime boss.
“With me here, you won’t hurt her!”
As she approached, an oppressive tension grew.
All stunt doubles stepped forward.
The woman snorted. “You think you can stop me?”
With that, she shouldered her assault rifle. This time, it wasn’t aimed at trees or thin air; it was locked onto the two stunt doubles standing in front of Lia.
No!
She intended to blast them right out of the way!
This reckless stupidity was just like her instructor!
Did she think these people were mere targets for a mercenary’s bloodlust?
At that moment, Lia suddenly soared into the air.