Chapter 222


    It’s not just this one sentence.


    All her previous conversations with Maximus should be lies.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Phoenix’s heart should have been in great struggle and pain when she turned against Maximus and


    fought against him, yet she misinterpreted it as hatred and finality.


    No wonder Director Smith pointed out her emotions were off. Without personal experience or acting


    skills, it was indeed hard for her to grasp and portray suchplex emotions.


    “I get it! I finally get it, Orion!” Xanthea eximed with a sudden spark of joy in her eyes. “I know how to


    y this romantic scene now! Thank you, Orion!”


    But Orion seemed lost in his role, his fiery gaze still fixed intently on her, “Would you kill me for


    Matthew?”


    “Of course not!” Xanthea chuckled, “Cut! That’s enough, Orion, I’ve grasped the psychology aspect of


    this scene. You don’t need to


    continue.”


    His acting was impressive, but perhaps his empathy and immersion were too intense? Even shouting


    “cut” couldn’t snap him out of character. If he became an actor, might he not lose himself in his roles?


    “What if Matthew and I both fell into the river? Who would you save?”


    “Huh?”


    Xanthea hesitated, her lips twitching.


    That line wasn’t part of the script, was it? An improv? Shouldn’t he listen to what he said himself?


    This was like the absurd “if your mom and I fell into the river” ssic dilemma. Could a world–ss


    assassin really ask such a question? It sounded more like a jealous and irrational boyfriend, totally out


    of character!


    “Speak!”


    Orion’s demanding tone made Xanthea’s cheeks puff out as he gripped her face tightly, “You both can


    swim, right?”


    It was her who wasn’t a strong swimmer; if she went into the water, she’d likely be the first to drown.


    “You’d save him?”


    Orion’s eyes narrowed menacingly, his hand moving threateningly close to her chest, which made


    Xanthea’s eyes widen in fear.


    When did she say she’d save Matthew?


    “I’d save you! Of course, I’ll save you!”


    Forget saving Matthew; she’d be merciful not to kick him!


    As she spoke, the intense fire in Orion’s eyes slowly faded, reced by a clear, pleased look, as if he


    was quite satisfied with her


    answer.


    Xanthea noticed his expression change, had he switched from Maximus to Orion?


    “Orion, are you out of character now?”


    “Yeah.”


    “Phew. You scared me! You get so deep into character!”


    Orion lifted his hand, loosening the tie that was tightly bound to the bed post, and gently rubbed her


    wrists. “Did I hurt you?”


    “It’s okay with the handkerchief there, but did you study acting? Howe your acting skills are so


    good? You got me into the scene all of a sudden and even helped me understand how to y this


    scene!”


    “No.”


    Orion looked down slightly.


    He just happened to have the same mindset that perfectly matched the character.


    “So, it’s just natural talent, huh?”


    How could someone be so perfect? Handsome, capable, knowledgeable in everything, and still have


    such a gentle personality.


    Xanthea stared at him, not even realizing how bright her own eyes were at that moment.


    “Do you like that, Xannie?”


    Orion raised an eyebrow, and Xanthea stuttered, “Li–like it.”


    Chapter 22Z


    It’s strange. She was just trying topliment his acting. Why did the words so difficult to say?


    “Then you can’t let Benjamine over anymore.”


    Orion held her delicate wrist, his grip tightening as if he was craving something, his voice low and


    seductive, “Xannie, it can only be me teaching you.”


    “O–okay.”


    “Good.”


    He gently stroked her hair, his gaze lingering on her, burning yet tender, making Xanthea instinctively


    want to retreat. She looked down only to realize, at that moment, she waspletely pinned under him


    on therge bed, one hand tightly holding her wrist, the other stroking her hair, his gaze freely roaming


    over her slightly exposed neckline due to the torn dress.


    In the dead of night, alone with a man in such a position.


    Xanthea’s head buzzed, and she pushed him away with one hand on her chest, “It’s gettingte. I have


    to go back!”


    “Xannie.”


    Seeing her about to leave, the man, immersed in infatuation and passion, reached out his long arm and


    pulled her slender waist, holding her tightly in his arms, “One more time?”


    “No, no need. I’ve already got it now. Thank you!”


    Xanthea shook her head frantically, struggling to break free from his grasp and ran out without looking


    back.


    C